How to control the tension when you knit Continental (Scandinavian) style. ARNE & CARLOS

In this short video, we answer an great question that we asked a while back. How to control the tension when you knit Continental (Scandinavian) style? Get the answer here, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

- ARNE & CARLOS

How to control the tension when you knit Continental (Scandinavian) style. ARNE & CARLOS

[margaretmojica]

I grew up in Mexico and my girlfriend's mama taught us how to knit when I was eleven. We knit with the yard over the left index finger. Everybody in Jiquilpan knit with the yarn over the left index finger. I was horribly shocked when I moved to the U.S. and saw the complicated way Americans knit, releasing the knitting needle in their right hand to then throw the yarn around the needle, pick up the needle and pull the yarn through, and repeating this motion for every stitch.

[SparkleKnits]

This is great. I recently taught myself to knit Norwegian-style after knitting English for 10 years. I was able to knit fast, but I would get terrible cramping in my right hand due to the way I was holding the yarn to tension. Since switching to the Norwegian way of holding the yarn I can knit for longer periods with no pain at all. I love it!

[susanneschlesinger]

I'm an experienced knitter and don't really need the advice, but it is just a pleasure to watch you and I always have the feeling I'm sitting there with you and we knit together. You are lovely guys and I think for beginners its highly educational to watch your videos. Thank you and all the best, Susanne

[genevievep]

Just made my mom watch this because she always tells me to stop fighting my tension and just go a needle size down (I'm a looser-ish knitter) and not think about it. A mother is always right.

[lesliedemars]

Takk!

I tried all sorts of contortions to control my yarn while knitting left handed but they all felt so clumsy. I hated having my index finger sticking up in the air and couldn't seem to keep even tension with the yarn wrapped around or woven through my fingers. This method feels natural and comfortable and my tension is much more consistent. The Norwegian purl is amazing too. Not having to flip the yarn back and forth is much, much easier for me. Thank you Scandinavian knitters for your great methods!

[johnftwa]

I took up knitting after I had Open heart surgery in 2012, as therapy. I have learned so much from you guys. Please, keep the great work. !

[NoGrinchHere]

Thank you for this close up video on Norwegian style knitting! I learned to knit American style but now knit continental style. I want to try to learn to knit as you do; it looks even more efficient!

[nathanjeriwalker]

I have to thank you guys for these tutorial videos! I struggled for a year trying to find a way of knitting that worked for me. I have very short fingers and struggled keeping the working yarn on my finger and holding even tension. I also have carpal tunnel and tendonitis in both hands and elbows. Before learning your style of knitting I could only knit for about 15 minutes before the pain set in, now I can knit for about 2 hours! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This has changed my life!

[liquidlites]

I have to thank y’all for finally showing me a method of knitting holding the working yarn in my left hand I can actually do. I am an English style knitter and have desperately been trying to knit Continental for some time. The issue has always been a comfortable way to hold the yarn. Y’all are knitting wizards! Thank you again from Kentucky

[belenina]

Thank you! I'm a continental knitting and actually knit English when I want to knit tighter. I guess I never thought about just changing my needle since my patterns asks for a specific size. Duh! Sending lots of peace and love from north Texas! You two are such great guys, and so kind!

[jj-themorethemerrier]

Thanks so much gentlemen! Lots of tutorials show quite a complicated "hold" for their yarn when using Continental style, so this was really helpful to see how you guys actually do it! I second all the comments re: a slow purl on big needles too ;-)

[tammibolender]

I am so glad I came across this video, I have been struggling with how to hold my yarn as a beginner knitter.

[mytrueserenity]

This demonstration is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! Yes! I would love to see how you purl as well.
i will watch that next.

[gramdeb]

I have always been a thrower, but I am determined to learn this way. You explained and showed this techniques so well. Thank You

[Sangouiche]

I have to say, I'm pretty young (30) and have a lot of issues with my right hand. I learned english way for knitting but it was impossible for me to do more than 1 or 2 rows because of the pain. I'm slower with the norwegian way but it feels so much more comfy. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks !! you saved my end of year !!!

[shirleybeard]

Norwegian knitting AND purling has made my knitting faster (I know it is not a competition 🙈) and with such improved even tension. I am forever encouraging my students to try it. And they are usually much happier as well.
Can't wait for the two color tutorial.
Happy knitting!

[MrsRsBooksandThings]

Thank you. I was knitting this way, but saw so many others doing something else that I got frustrated. After watching this video, I feel free in my knitting

[Taegirlke]

You would be so proud of me, Arne ;) I learned to knit the Norwegian way after years of throwing... Thanks so much!!

[Mindfulnessification]

I love all of your videos! Thank ❤️🐑❤️

[lisarichards]

I've seen people knitting like this online but never a tutorial. I'm a beginner, but that looks so much easier than the way I do it. Thanks! :)