How to knit for beginners - the continental way (+ slow motion)

A step-by-step tutorial showing you how to knit the continental way for beginners, including tons of slow-motion repeats of all the basic techniques you need to start knitting.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:47 How to start knitting - the cast on
7:10 How to knit the knit stitch
10:56 Different ways to tension the yarn
14:14 Continental picking
19:20 Knitting Neater edges
20:22 How to add a new ball/change colors
21:55 How to purl
27:44 How to keep knitting from curling
29:33 How to finish knitting - binding off
33:13 How to weave in the tails
36:36 How to fix mistakes

With this video, I wanted to create the ultimate resource for learning how to knit for beginners - step by step and going slowly. A resource, I wish I had when I was a beginner. I tried to pour in everything I know about the best way to start knitting with all those little details that make all the difference. You will learn how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, how to purl, and how to finish your knitting - all in one big tutorial. I also included slow-motion sections for all these basic techniques so you can really knit along + alternative ways or improved ways to knit.

[NimbleNeedles]

And don't hesitate to ask your questions here in the comment section either!

[AT-sxjp]

The continental method is a game changer for those of us who started with crochet! I’ve tried and failed to learn to knit several times because I found it slow and tedious but I stumbled on this video and decided to give this method a go and it’s SO much easier. Thank you!!

[l.a.w.]

As a crocheter this makes so much sense to me!!! I don’t have time to take a hand off the needle to swing it around a needle. This is so much more efficient. I’ll be purling soon!!!

[amf.]

I've been crocheting for 10 years and always thought knitting was too hard. Now I'm knitting for EVERYONE this Christmas!! I love the positivity you share on your channel. :)

[susannemund]

I'm 77 years young and grew up knitting using the English method. Your video has given me the confidence to try this new method of knitting which may be easier on arthritic joints. Thank you.

[briannavoyles]

Honestly, the MOST helpful knitting videos I've ever found!

[BeatlesFanSonia]

Norman, I wish I had a video like this when I first learned over 40 years ago! I learned throwing from books and about ten years ago, I taught myself continental and I find my stitches are neater and I knit faster! A few years ago I learned magic loop and I’ve never looked back! New knitters don’t know how lucky they are with teachers like you on video!

[nicolerince]

Hello all. I had knitted a little in my twenties when my daughter was born. Than nothing for 50 years. My husband of 56 years, his health was declining. I was nervous and seemed to need to do something with my hands. I started knitting scarfs for the homeless, and I was on my way. Learning and doing helps with the loss.

[petarmarjanovic]

Bro, thank you so much. I've started knitting 2 days ago. I've found your tutorial among the first but didn't stick with it as continental felt way too rigid and hard as opposed to the English method that I found more natural. I've wasted about a day trying all the different ways and techniques but they all lead to the same nonsense. Now, I came back here. I took time and patiently watched your every move, following along. Let me tell you, if I had known this method was this easy once you get the motions right, I would have never searched for other tutorials. Now your videos are all I need to knit whatever I want. Thank you again, this is so high quality I can't even believe we just have it here for everyone to knit along to. Bless you my guy and keep the good work going!

[norelleholgate]

A born teacher. That wonderful precise German manner of explaining a procedure.

[marshastrand]

This is the best knitting video I've watched, and I've watched a lot! If you're a beginner, or if you just want to learn the continental stitch as I did, this is definitely the video from which you should learn. Don't be daunted by the 40 minutes. He is engaging, and truly goes over what he's teaching several times - not twice as is usually the case with other videos. He'll teach you about how to hold your hands and your arms so you avoid hurting yourself. It's the most comprehensive knitting tutorial out there. What a great teacher!!!

[rshaw]

This has been the BEST tutorial I have come across. The way you slowed down and also explained it helped me so much. You also pointed out around the 14-minute mark, to be patient. That the muscles and brain need to learn the motions and such, that really helped me. I was thinking I was too "dumb" to do knitting and was getting disappointed. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

[beverlycaptions]

Newer to knitting. I crochet. Casting on over two needles total game changer!
Excellent tutorial. Lots of details!!
Thank you!
Beverly - USA
Southern California.

[fktcoed]

norman, i have knitted for over 50 years but I'm about to teach a beginner. Your videos are perfect and you're a continental knitter. I love your step by step directions and your slow motion. examples; these are the best continental teaching tools around. And your patterns are beautiful. Thank you for making these available, its a wonderful resource.

[diane]

This is the best beginner knitting video of all time. All my questions were answered in one place instead of trying to figure things out all over youtube. It's a clear path forward. Thank you for all the thought and patience you put in!

[linelladevlin]

Really excellent tutorial. The slow motion every now and then is a great addition. I have spent more than 60 yrs knitting the English way. After becoming obsessed with Fair Isle knitting I decided to make the switch, at least for those projects. Your video is excellent and I am so happy that I “found” you! As I work through your lessons and great tips I know my knitting will improve with respect to the finer details. Thank you. 😊

[euniceh]

I have found a great technique teacher who does not presume I have prior knowledge ... Norman you are Terrific💕

[margaretcameron]

Hallo Norman. Thank you so much for your clear and informative video. I am 74 years old, live in Scotland, and have been knitting since I was 7. I was taught Scottish knitting where the knitting needle is tucked under the right arm allowing the right hand to work the yarn without actually having to hold the needle (there are one or two videos on YouTube showing how it’s done). It’s a faster method than English knitting.

I’ve been trying to teach myself to knit on shorter needles (I can knit in the round on 4 needles, but 2 needles is a different story), but after so many years of Scottish knitting, I am finding it very difficult to hold the needles and develop a comfortable rhythm! I have already tried Continental knitting and feel comfortable with the knit stitch, but not so much with the purl stitch. Your video has now explained it very well and I’m looking forward to practicing it. Thanks again and I look forward to watching your other videos.

[legalizemarinara]

i’m a brand new knitter and i’ve been watching a ton of videos. i have small hands so i have trouble with continental but you’re the first person i’ve seen to show how to pick the thread through the stitch while knitting! what a game changer! this is a great video, thank you so much 😊

[angelicaivelisse]

The best tutorial on Continental Knitting!