SIMPLE TIPS for continental knitting (and PURLING!)

Let's see what the continental fuss is about and if this is the right knitting technique for you!

0:00 Intro and why I knit continental
2:09 Tips for the KNIT stitch
7:49 Tips for the PURL stich
13:57 Outro

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[PaulineLong-udmt]

I’m 86 and after a lifetime of English knitting decided to really try continental knitting, I’m making beanies and by the fourth one it’s getting quite natural, just proves you are never too old to learn something new.

[cindyyeager]

I was encouraged by a young lady to pick up knitting again. After many years I took it up again but started continental knitting after she gave me a quick tutorial. I am so glad I did.

[dhurd]

I’ve been amazed (or maybe not) at how difficult it is to retrain oneself after knitting the same way for 60+ years. The inevitable but temporary slowdown is not welcome. 😂

[cindyfrye]

I chose Continental knitting style because I first learned to crochet and I am used to holding the yarn in my left hand, and I wanted smallest amount of joint movement as possible because of having arthritis.

[anigozan]

I knit English style and am very comfortable doing it so haven't had much of a motivation to learn Continental, but having watched this I might give it a go 🙂 - thank you.

[zengrl]

I’m doing a (super simple) color work piece for the first time (dress for a 7” bunny doll) and this video may be the one to get me through it! After this, I want to try a full project to get comfortable with continental. It’s seems so much better once you get it. Looked through your channel and it looks like some great things here so I’ve subscribed and will be back!

[Staticjokes]

This video helped me so much with my tension! Ive recently been trying to learn to knit continental but my stitches were so tight, turns out I was wrapping the yarn the wrong way! oopsy. Much better now. Also love the tip about holding the yarn close to the stitches instead of pointing your finger up, as a crocheter that took a lot of getting used to.

[evelynwald]

I did the reverse of what you did, I’m a continental knitter and found that learning the English style allowed me to get the right tension in colorwork. Also by using both hands to hold different yarn colors, my yarns didn’t get twisted and I was consistent with using one color in the right hand and the other in the left. For me that solved the issue of color dominance in color work. Once I got it down, I also found it a lot easier to catch floats, so it became more fun and there is a different approach for left handed floats vs. right-handed. The biggest challenge I have with English is that the yarn tends to pop off my finger so I haven’t found the best way for me to hold the yarn in my right hand. Thanks for your great video.❤

[stephaniewilliams]

I definitely want to learn continental knitting. I love color work and I am learning how to knit a cowl in color work. I’ve been knitting a few years English style. I don’t like the extra movements. When I have practice knitting continental with my fingers “closed” on the needle. It feels more comfortable. This is a very helpful video for me to use while practicing. Thanks!😊🧶

[wendykelcey]

Thanks Clo. You’ve given us have great “ how-to” videos! Grew up with English but can now do continental knitting smoothly! Purling is a work in progress. lol from your Ontario neighbour.

[mandylavida]

I knit English style, and I never let go of the rhn, and 'throw' the yarn with my forefinger. But I really want to learn Continental for colourwork, which is the bane of my knitting life!

[joanngirard-friot]

I am a crocheter & desperately want to learn continental knit. Your technique for purling seems so much easier. I am determined to learn & really enjoy your videos

[kathybrigger]

I taught myself to knit and it was continental. I didn't know there was a name for it, but that's what I taught myself to do because I thought that's what you were supposed to do. When I saw someone doing it the other way, I tried it. I didn't like it. My stitches weren't nearly as nice. When I knit continental, the stitches are even shaped and beautiful. I also go in the front of the stitch, not in the back of the stitch. I do knit my pearl stitches the same as you are doing them. Way faster and easier. I think I will continue to knit the way I have my whole life. I am 75. Don't care to change now.

[bethpartridge]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on continental knitting. I think I will give it another try.

[stevenstewart]

Thank you! I have been trying hard to learn continental but with little success.
Your video is so clear and comprehensive that I am anxious to try again while watching this video as I work..
Thank you so much!

[karyncharmley]

I've tried to learn knitting quite a few times over my life, and I was always shown the English method of throwing the yarn with the right hand. I simply couldn't learn it. As a crocheter, I'm used to holding the yarn in my left hand, and when I tried knitting again this year, the Continental method just happened, and I realized I could knit! I wish I had known this years ago!

[adameden]

Nice video! I am just learning continental after around 10 years of non-continental(?) knitting. My mom taught me traditional knit/purl but I have a Norwegian friend who knits beautifully and also quite quickly so I decided I'd give continental a try. Not only did I learn that she might be Norwegian knitting, but that I can purl continental which heretofore seemed unobtainable. Thank you for the nice demonstrations and descriptions.

[donnabursey]

I like Continental knitting but I like the simplicity of Eastern purls so I go back and forth, depending on the pattern. Norwegian and Portuguese purls are also nice. I do the same with my pointer finger close, I don't understand the distance thing. I also love how fast and easy it is to change the needles at the end of the row. Basically, I believe in a full toolbox of skills...the only way I've never tried is flickinf!

[jtuttah]

Thank you so much for this!!! So many videos just show the motion itself but you really broke the whole thing down with so much detailed explanation to every step. Hand and wrist movements are super helpful. Can't wait to get continental knitting down!

[fredricalado]

I like your tutorial. I have been knitting like this my whole life, but as you mentioned - a lot of videos show continental knitting with the finger up in the air. I have tried that but don't like it. So thank you for making a video that shows knitting the way I am used to! My purling is a little bit different, but as you say - there are many ways to do it.