How to Knit FASTER with Continental Knitting | Yay For Yarn

Have you ever wanted to knit faster? Continental Knitting just might be the solution!

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00:00 Introduction
00:56 Why English Style Knitting may not work for you
03:45 The Motions Required for English Style Purling
05:51 Why Other Knitting Styles are not ideal for all projects (Portuguese / Peruvian Knitting)
07:53 Why Continental Knitting is more efficient
08:58 How to Hold the Yarn for Continental Knitting
10:55 How to Continental Purl for Beginners
14:52 How to Continental Knit for Beginners
20:00 Download my FREE Continental Knitting Cheat Sheet

[gregcrabb]

I'm a crocheter but have just started trying my hand at knitting. I think the continental style fits a crocheter better.

[louisrialland]

Timestamps for when I come back:
intro: 0:01 - 4:00
English style purling: 4:01 - 4:40
Portuguese/Peruvian style: 5:50 - 7:50
Continental knitting: 7:55 - 9:00
Tensioning: 9:00 - 10:30
Purling: 10:40 - 14:50
Knitting: 14:55 - 17:25


That's pretty much it. These are very approximate times but theyre good enough if you want to use them too.

[pamelapak]

My first grade teacher taught us to knit continental style and she would read stories to us while we knit. One of my favorite memories.

[MizzRosenrot]

You are very respectful, I like that a lot. Before YouTube I didn't even know there was an English style, but the discussion of which style is easier has come up a lot lately, especially online. I feel like many English style knitters get offended when called out on efficiency. You managed to find the right words. Even if less efficient, people should use the technique they enjoy most.
Greetings from Denmark!

[juliannericksecker]

I taught myself to knit this way years ago, and when I had a very heavy project that I didn't want to turn over, I started to knit back (meaning left to right, not turning the work but carrying the yarn with the right hand and using the left hand to insert the needle into the work on the right needles), on the theory that we learn to do many things that require dexterity of both hands. So I have to "translate" patterns, since I never look at the back side of the work, but the advantages are tremendous. As I get older, the alternating of the repetitive motion from one hand to the other on every other row is very helpful. I am always viewing the right side of the work, so I learn the pattern quickly, and can see what needs to happen vs. needing to count stitches once past the set up row(s). Highly recommend pushing through the awkward initial trial to learn this way of knitting.

[r.i.p.]

My primária taught me to knit when I was a young girl and I always wondered why other people never wrapped their yarn around their necks like I was taught, just knowing it's connected to my culture and not from a crazy look makes it feel like home even more

[ellyess]

I love this! I am English and I do not take my right hand - or the yarn feeding hand - off the needles to thread it round. I just loop it out with my fore finger.. Much quicker. Actually it makes me feel uncomfortable when people take their hand off the needles. I taught myself when I was 8, I'm 70 now. Oh wow! I love Continental knitting! I can't wait to start! Thank you so much!

[NicoleDeBurton-qqtw]

omg, I'm so glad I learned to knit continental from the beginning, so much smoother and quicker...

[chloesbakingcorner]

My mom taught me continental style from the beginning, and I'm so thankful that she did.

[kathymilkowski]

This is making the beginner knitter such ease to learn and not having a problem understanding what to do

[jenibylsma]

This is a very thorough coverage of the different techniques. I have taught many classes on knitting using many different styles. One thing I have seen all too often is knitters suffering as a result of poor technique in whatever style they use. I have personally researched this problem in depth, having picked the brains of many physiotherapists on the subject. I have been advised that in all cases and in all styles of knitting, the hand should be relaxed and in the "resting position" as much as possible in order for the hand not to be strained - that is, with the hand gently curved with the fingers hanging naturally. Of course some movement to make the stitches is necessary, but as knitters we absolutely must listen to our hands as we work - if they hurt, we are doing something wrong. Ask a friend to video your technique and then analyse the footage carefully. You will like see where the problem lies - if any of your fingers look stiff and rigid as you form your stitches, this will be putting strain on ligaments and tendons and cannot be sustained without eventual injury. However, I have often found that knitters who gave up knitting because of injury were able to continue by using alternate methods. It is also vital to take frequent breaks whatever style you use. Thanks for a great video. :)

[LindaIBrown]

I was self taught (at age 11) and painstakingly used the American style wrapping each stitch for years until I met an Irish woman I worked with. At 26 I relearned how to knit efficiently using the continental style. I’m now 60 something and enjoy knitting.

[BeatlesFanSonia]

I taught myself English style and knitted like that for over 20 years. I didn’t do much knitting because it took forever. I finally taught myself the continental style and now I knit so much faster and find knitting so much more fun!

[jeanettegadelman]

I have just discovered your videos. I have tried to knit in the past and just couldn't get it together. I tried your method and have fallen in love with knitting! Thanks so much for your videos. I just finished my first ever knitting project. It was just a winter scarf, but I actually enjoyed doing it! Thanks again.

[kmcg]

To avoid repetitive motion injuries, it's good to know many ways to get there!

[MS-hcei]

I went to a workshop in Scotland once. I wanted to learn to read patterns in English, since I am Swedish. It was a great crash course to learn how to read patterns in another language. I still used my continental knitting style. The other knitters were amazed at my speed, although I struggled with the language 🙂 I managed to knit more than they did in those few hours. So we are quick, but I believe many feel it in our joints since we keep our hands very static. But it will be easier and much quicker, since we don't need to let go of one needle for every stitch, to catch the yarn.

[norwAySMR]

I can tell you've been doing the English style! I've only learned continental, but instead of throwing the yarn on the right needle with the left hand like you're doing, I kind of just swing the right needle around the yarn - so not moving the left finger with the yarn on it at all. It's like you've combined the two styles, which is kind of interesting :)

[Ella-pdfn]

Wowzers! I'm a Continental knitter by nature, but I've always found my purl awkward and annoying. I found these tips for both knit and purl to be mind-blowing. The purl and knit already feel better after just a couple of minutes trying these on a swatch. I stopped knitting 10 years ago partly because my wrists were hurting, and I'm hoping this will help with that as well (I'll try to remember to check back in a couple of weeks after trying these modified styles). I've just started knitting again because a friend wants me to teach her to knit, and now we have 11 others at work who want to join us! I am teaching them Continental and I will also show them these techniques. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

[marynoreen]

I was thrilled to see your video! I’ve been knitting continental style since I started knitting in my teens. I’m now 76. I could never get the hang of purling continental style because it felt so awkward. I thought I had invented the thumb purl and people who saw me purl couldn’t figure out what I was doing with my thumb action. I felt it was a more efficient and natural way to purl, and yes, going from knitting to purling is a breeze but also slower so I thought I should work hard at learning a different purl style. Your video validated me to stick with my purl style. Your smooth, clear, and calm voice make your teaching style easy to understand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[heikeknorz]

I learned continental style knitting and was very confused when I moved to the US and saw people knit. it seemed so complicated and it certainly never motivated me to learn that style. thank you for showing the difference.