Continental VS English Knitting (A Beginner's Guide)

This blog post will see Continental vs English knitting (a beginner’s guide).

This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between Continental and English knitting styles, providing insights into the techniques, benefits, and considerations for beginners.

Whether you’re just starting your knitting journey or looking to expand your skills, understanding these two popular methods will help you make an informed choice and enhance your knitting experience.

What Is A Knitting Style?

A knitting style refers to the specific technique or method a knitter uses to manipulate the yarn and needles to create stitches.

It encompasses how the yarn is held, how the stitches are formed, and the movements involved in the knitting process.

Knitting styles can vary based on cultural traditions, personal preferences, and ergonomic needs.

The style a knitter chooses can affect the speed, comfort, and efficiency of their knitting, as well as how easily they can maintain tension and achieve the desired fabric texture.

What Is Continental Style Knitting?

Continental knitting is a style of knitting where the yarn is held in the left hand and is “picked” by the right needle to create stitches.

This method is sometimes called “German knitting” or ‘’European knitting’’ and is popular in many parts of Europe.

In continental knitting, the left hand controls the tension of the yarn, and the right hand moves the needle to catch the yarn and pull it through the stitch.

This style is known for its efficiency and speed, as the movements are smaller and more streamlined compared to other knitting styles.

What Is English Style Knitting?

English style knitting, also known as American knitting, is a technique where the yarn is held in the right hand and “thrown” or wrapped around the needle to create stitches.

This method is particularly popular in English-speaking (UK, USA) countries and is often the first style taught to beginners due to its intuitive movements and ease of learning.

The “throwing” motion gives knitters greater control over the yarn, which can be beneficial when working with complex patterns or heavier yarns.

You can see an example of English knitting in the video tutorial below.

Continental Knitting Style VS English Knitting Style

What is the main difference between the continental and English methods?

The primary difference between knitting the Continental way and the English way lies in how the yarn is held and manipulated.

In Continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand and is “picked” by the right needle, allowing for faster, smaller movements.

In contrast, English-style knitting involves holding the yarn in the right hand and “throwing” it around the needle, which typically results in slower, larger movements.

Is Continental or English knitting easier?

Whether Continental or English knitting is easier depends on the individual’s background and personal preference.

English knitting is often considered easier for a beginner knitter because the “throwing” motion of the right hand can feel more intuitive, especially for those new to yarn crafts.

It offers greater control over the yarn, which can be beneficial when learning.

On the other hand, Continental knitting can be more challenging to learn initially, particularly for those unfamiliar with holding the yarn in the left hand, but it tends to be faster and more efficient once mastered.

Ultimately, the ease of either method is a matter of personal preference.

What is the most efficient knitting style?

The most efficient knitting style is generally considered to be Continental knitting.

This technique involves smaller, more streamlined movements compared to other styles, allowing knitters to work more quickly and with less effort.

Continental knitting is particularly advantageous for those who knit large projects or need to maintain a steady rhythm, as it reduces hand and arm fatigue.

Its efficiency makes it a popular choice among experienced knitters and those who prioritize speed and ease of motion in their knitting.

What is the best knitting style for arthritis?

The best knitting style for arthritis is generally the Continental method because it requires smaller, more efficient movements that can reduce strain on the hands, wrists, and fingers.

In this style, the yarn is held in the left hand and “picked” by the right needle, minimizing the need for large, repetitive motions that can exacerbate wrist pain and arthritis symptoms.

This method is often more ergonomic, allowing knitters to work for longer periods with less discomfort.

Additionally, using ergonomic knitting needles with larger, cushioned grips can further help reduce strain and make knitting more comfortable for those with arthritis.

What is the most popular method?

The most popular knitting method globally is English knitting, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

However, Continental knitting is also highly popular, particularly in European countries like Germany and Scandinavia, where it is favored for its speed and efficiency.

While English knitting remains the most widely practiced overall, Continental knitting has gained popularity among experienced knitters and those looking to increase their knitting speed.

Which type of knitting is best for left-hand knitting?

For left-handed people, Continental knitting is often the best choice.

In Continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand, so the dominant hand plays a more active role in controlling the yarn and tension, making it more intuitive for left-handed individuals.

Since the left hand is already accustomed to finer motor control, left-handed knitters may find Continental knitting easier to learn and more comfortable to practice.

Additionally, left-handed knitters may appreciate the efficiency and speed of Continental knitting once they become proficient, as it minimizes the amount of hand movements required compared to English knitting, where the right hand does most of the work.

While some left-handed knitters also adapt to English knitting or even mirror traditional knitting methods to suit their handedness, Continental knitting is generally seen as the most naturally suited to left-handed individuals.

Are There Other Types Of Knitting?

There are several other styles of knitting beyond English and Continental, each with its own unique techniques and regional popularity:

Portuguese knitting (or Andean or Incan knitting)

The yarn is carried around the neck or through a knitting pin attached to the shoulder, with the tension controlled by the yarn passing through the left-hand fingers.

The knitter uses the thumb to flick the yarn over the needle.

This style is popular in Portugal, parts of South America (like Peru and Brazil), and regions with strong Portuguese cultural influence.

Portuguese knitting is ergonomic, reducing strain on the hands, making it a good choice for those with hand or wrist issues.

Combination knitting (or Eastern uncrossed knitting)

This method combines elements of both Continental and Eastern knitting styles.

The yarn is wrapped in the “wrong” direction, creating stitches that are mounted differently on the needle. This requires adjustments in how the stitches are knit and purled.

It’s not region-specific but is used by knitters who prefer a more efficient or tension-consistent method, often in Eastern Europe.

This method can create more even tension and is efficient for both knitting and purling.

Eastern (Russian) knitting

The yarn is held in the left hand, similar to Continental, but stitches are formed differently, often leading to “twisted” stitch mounts.

Stitches are typically knit or purled through the back loop, creating a different texture and structure.

This style is common in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe.

It offers a unique texture and can be more efficient for certain types of projects.

Lever knitting (or Irish cottage knitting)

The right needle is often anchored under the arm or held like a pencil, with the yarn quickly flicked around the needle using a “lever” action.

The right hand flicks the yarn with minimal movement, making it very fast.

This style is popular among production knitters in the UK and Ireland, particularly those who knit quickly for commercial purposes.

Lever knitting is one of the fastest methods and is favored by professional knitters who need to work quickly.

Flicking

Similar to English knitting, but instead of a full throw, the knitter uses a quick flicking motion with the right hand to wrap the yarn.

The yarn is wrapped around the needle with minimal hand movement.

Flicking is popular in North America among knitters who prefer English knitting but want to speed up their process.

It can be faster than traditional English knitting and reduces strain on the wrist.

How Do I Knit Faster?

Knitting faster comes with practice, but there are several tips and techniques that can help you improve your knitting speed over time.

Here’s how you can knit faster:

1. Choose the Right Needles

Material: Different needle materials can affect your speed. Metal needles, like aluminum or stainless steel, are often smoother, allowing the yarn to glide more easily, which can speed up your knitting. Bamboo or wooden needles have more grip, which can slow you down slightly but are great for slippery yarns.
Size: Larger needles and chunkier yarns generally mean fewer stitches per inch, so you can finish projects faster. If you’re looking for quick projects, opt for larger yarn and needle sizes.

2. Use the Continental Knitting Method

There are different knitting styles, and some are naturally faster than others. Continental knitting is often faster than English (or “throwing”) knitting because, in Continental, you hold the yarn in your left hand and “pick” it with the needle, instead of “throwing” it around the needle with your right hand.

How Continental Knitting Works:

Hold the yarn in your left hand, similarly to how you would for crocheting.
Insert the right-hand needle into the stitch and use it to “pick” the yarn rather than wrapping it around the needle.
This method requires less movement of the hands, leading to faster knitting.

3. Practice the Flicking Technique (for English Knitters)

If you prefer the English style of knitting, you can try flicking to speed up.

In flicking, you minimize the movement of your right hand by “flicking” the yarn over the needle rather than dropping the needle and wrapping the yarn fully around it.

4. Master the Yarn Tension

Efficient yarn tension is key to knitting faster. If you struggle with tension, you may spend extra time adjusting the yarn after each stitch.

Aim to keep a consistent tension throughout by holding the yarn comfortably in your hand.

You might need to experiment with different ways of wrapping the yarn around your fingers to find the best method for you.

5. Use Circular Needles for Flat Knitting

When knitting flat (for scarves, blankets, etc.), using circular needles instead of straight needles can speed up your work.

The weight of your project rests on the cord instead of your hands, reducing strain and allowing you to move faster.

6. Knit Without Looking

As you gain more experience, try knitting without looking at every stitch.

Your hands will develop muscle memory, and you’ll be able to feel your way through the stitches, allowing you to knit while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or engaging in conversation.

7. Minimize Movements

Pay attention to how much your hands move while knitting.

Try to keep your movements small and controlled:

Avoid lifting your needles too high off the work; aim for smooth and efficient motions.
Keep your yarn hand close to the needles to reduce unnecessary motion. Every small movement counts when you’re working on a large project.

8. Use Efficient Stitches

Some stitch patterns are quicker to knit than others:

Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) is fast because it’s repetitive.
Garter stitch (knit every row) is also quick because you don’t need to switch between knit and purl stitches.
Ribbing and seed stitch may slow you down due to the frequent switching between knits and purls, so save these for areas where they are essential, like borders or cuffs.

9. Knit in Bulk

If you have multiple items to knit (like scarves, dishcloths, or socks), consider knitting them in bulk.

Once you get into a rhythm, it’s easier to knit faster when you’re doing the same type of item over and over.

10. Take Care of Your Hands

Knitting for long periods can lead to hand fatigue, which will slow you down:

Take breaks: Give your hands a break to avoid stiffness and strain.
Stretch your hands: Regularly stretch your fingers and wrists to maintain flexibility and comfort.
Relax your grip: Tension in your hands or gripping the needles too tightly can slow you down and cause discomfort. Keep your grip light but firm enough to control the yarn and needles.

11. Set Small Goals

Setting small goals, like finishing a certain number of rows or stitches in a sitting, can help you build speed over time.

As you practice and work on projects regularly, you’ll naturally improve your speed.

12. Try Knitting Aids

If you’re working with repetitive stitch patterns, use row counters or stitch markers to help track progress without constantly having to count or check your work.

This keeps you focused and prevents time spent re-counting stitches or rows.

13. Practice, Practice, Practice

Ultimately, the best way to knit faster is to practice regularly. Over time, your hands will develop the muscle memory and dexterity needed for speed.

Don’t rush yourself—start by aiming for consistent knitting, and speed will come naturally as you become more confident.

By combining these techniques, you’ll improve your knitting speed, making larger or more complex projects feel easier to complete in a timely manner!

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.

How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over(yo), knit the slip stitch, use the magic loop technique, how to decrease knitting, how to change yarn colors and more.

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.

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