Speed Knitting: How To Speed Knit and Speed Purl

Learning to speed knit can make knitting even more of a thrill. I'll be covering how to both speed knit and speed purl, and show you how to effortlessly switch between the two.

Chapter shortcuts:
Speed knitting - 0:42
Speed purling - 4:23
Combining speed knitting and purling - 6:48

This form of speed knitting would technically be called Continental knitting because the yarn is in your left hand, and you could call the speed purling method I use the Norwegian purl, but vocabulary's just vocabulary.

Get in touch:

[marciejoyboroughs]

Hi, Ryan. . .  I've been a knitter for several years -- I'm an old lady now -- but I watch lots of knitting videos -- yours included -- because there's much more to learn!   I learned to do the knit stitch the way you do, but the way I was taught to purl was making my arthritic hands ache too much.  I went online and watched a lot of purling videos, and finally decided that the method you're using -- which they called Norwegian purl -- was the least aggravating for my hands.  So, essentially, I knit and purl the way you do, except that I work much closer to the ends of the needles.    That is, the loops to be knitted from the left needle are held much closer to the left tip, so the stitches slip off more easily, and the riight needle doesn't need to "dig" so deeply to get into the left-needle loop.        

If yiou'd like to try a really speedy way to do ribbing, use that purl method but knit through the back loop on knit stitches.    Astonishes me at how fast I can go!  Not that speed is my actual goal, but since I knit a lot for charity, speedy helps me to get more projects out to those who need them, right?      

Thanks for your nice videos.        Marcie

[ladyblackheart]

Some of the  hateful comments on this. Wow. Who cares what he calls it. He didn't act like he invented it.  Can't you appreciate someone so young doing this and trying to teach others who might have trouble?  Holy hell.

[mcoc]

This video is 7 years old, but I have to give my deepest gratitude for your videos. I’ve been knitting for about 6 months now, and I’ve always tried to hide myself from purling. Your technique has made me more welcoming to the idea of stockinette stiches when I’m not knitting in the round. You are a gift to the knitting community. Thank you

[LunaGoth]

I've been knitting since last summer and its amazing! its cheap to start, easy to start, lots to learn, creative, relaxing, mobile. It's very good for mental health too as it keeps the neurons regenerating in the same way crosswords or chess does. I also get a wonderful sense of pride making things for people, and a sense of achievement when projects come together! every one should knit 😊

[joshuahart]

Dude, seriously, you are phenomenal at teaching! I've tried for years to learn off YouTube, watching you one time, I got it. Thank you!!

[ashleighashcraft]

Being a crocheter, this method is much easier for me to grasp. Thanks for the video!!

[mahreeortiz]

I am an extremely fast crocheter and I just started knitting. Because I am used to holding my hook in my right hand and yarn in my left, it feels extremely awkward to knit the regular way. Your video has helped me tremendously because I can leave the yarn in my left hand. Sorry about all the unpleasant comments. People truly have no filter on the Internet. Again, thank you hon.

[Mriietube]

I just want to thank you so much. I have been knitting over 4 or 5 years now and I am very stubborn, once I learn a method, I stick to it, because I can't be bothered to learn a new one which is going to slow me down at first. But this method, honestly I have watched a few videos (maybe not enough ?) but I haven't seen it yet. I was hurrying my way down when I was scrolling to leave you a BIG thank you, until I saw how many people have left unpleasant comments. It saddens me to see how many people have this desire to "put you back into your place" although they could've said "it's okay, I already know this method, I will find another one".

You have helped me today and actually made me change my method, I hope it counts
--- A very stubborn knitter.

[mebcalif]

I don't care what it's called but this was a great, clear and simple tutorial. Who knew yarn crafts, the most benign hobby, could bring out such animosity.

[sarapapamarcos]

honestly searched youtube for something just like this for 3 hrs and finally found this. you’re amazing and thank you for making this video.

[deannamccloud]

Ryan! You are an amazing teacher. I've only been knitting for a few months and because of you I can fast knit and pearl, make socks, and hats! Thank you for your videos.

[ginp]

I think the purling is rather nifty, and it just clicked with me. I looked around and found more videos and learned it is Norwegian purling. If you are trying to learn to purl Continental and are having problems with the stitch jumping off the left needle too soon, give this a try. I got the hang of it very quickly and actually it's not that many movements, he just breaks it down to the bare bone basics. There are other videos on Norwegian purling and they do go quite fast. Thanks for this video.

[matthewshirtliffe]

Thanks for this video! After watching it 30 plus times I can now speed knit and purl!

[OoMASEoO]

Once speed knitting was discovered they should've just stopped teaching the other way-- it's so much easier to speed knit!

[slinman]

I have struggled with purling-and how to hold the yarn comfortably. I'd be embarrassed for other knitters to see how I hold everything. This method works for me and my tight stitches! I'm sure it will speed up my normally slow and cumbersome purling method!

[rxbristol]

Thank you, Ryan. You've created a great channel and have been a tremendous help to me. My stepmother taught me to knit when I was nine years old, but I grew out of that hobby very quickly. Now that I'm over 60 I can't find the items in the colors or yarn that I want so I decided to take up knitting to create my own. I've pursued several beginning knitting YouTube channels and yours is the best!

[allisonhodge]

I cannot express my gratitude more foe this terrific video!!! I love the look of knitted garments but could not figure out how to do it without throwing the yarn.... so of course that takes forever! I am so excited to say that I have masters your version of knitting and purling and am thrilled to start my sweater soon!!! Thank you so very much, love from MN ❤️

[carolynwhitehorne]

Hi Ryan - haven't knitted for years and years! Lockdown has forced me to rediscover my former crafty self and I love your snappy, easy-to-follow and informative vlogs!

[sarahchaddick]

I have been fumbling over continental style purling so much and this not only has this help but kinda just blew my mind. Thanks for making a fun and super useful video! And also totally changing my knitting style! ❤️

[elharaaddison]

An extremely helpful demonstration. Whatever anyone wants to call it, it’s a much faster method than the English way I had been taught. You slowed it down to a perfect speed showing what goes where and when. I’m going to give it a go.
Thanks so much!!
Cheers
Susan🐾