What is continental knitting?
Continental knitting is a technique that originated in countries such as Germany and Scandinavia, and it differs from the traditional knitting method. In continental knitting, you hold the yarn in your left hand and use short, efficient movements to form stitches. The result? Faster knitting and a decrease in strain on your hands and wrists. Unlike the traditional knitting method, where the yarn is held in the right hand, continental knitting offers several unique advantages and is often considered a more efficient way to knit.
What do you need to knit using the continental method?
To get started with continental knitting, you'll need a few basic supplies:
- Knitting Needles: Choose a pair of Knitting Needles that feel comfortable in your hand. These can be straight Knitting Needles, Circular Knitting Needles, or double-pointed needles, depending on the project you want to knit. View our entire selection of Knitting Needles here.
- Yarn: Choose a yarn that's suitable for your project. Make sure the yarn glides smoothly over your Knitting Needles so you can work comfortably. Browse all our yarns here and choose your favorite.
The Advantages of Continental Knitting
Continental knitting offers several advantages over other knitting techniques:
First of all, it’s faster: Because the yarn is held in the left hand and fed directly to the needle, continental knitting is generally faster than other methods. You need to decrease the number of movements required to form the stitches. It also puts less strain on your hands: The continental knitting technique can help reduce strain on your hands and wrists, because the movements are smoother and less force is required to form the stitches.
Finally, it’s an easy transition between knitting and purling: With continental knitting, it’s easy to switch quickly between knit and purl stitches, making complex patterns easier to knit.
Continental knitting: how do you knit it?
Now that we know exactly what continental knitting is and what its benefits are, we can imagine that you’ll want to give it a try, too. We’re going to explain, step by step, how to knit a knit stitch using the continental method, and how to purl a stitch the same way.
How do you knit a continental stockinette stitch?
Follow these steps to knit a continental stockinette stitch:
- Step 1: Hold the Knitting Needle with the stitches on it in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
- Step 2: Hold the working yarn with your left hand, with the yarn draped over your index finger. Make sure the working yarn is at the back of your left Knitting Needle.
- Step 3: Insert the right needle from front to back through the first stitch on the left needle.
- Step 4: Wrap the yarn from front to back around the right needle
- Step 5: Pull the right needle, with the thread, through the stitch on the left needle
- Step 6: Gently slide the knitted stitch from the left needle to the right needle.
Repeat these steps for the remaining stitches.
How do you knit a continental purl stitch?
Follow these steps to knit a continental purl stitch:
- Step 1: Hold the Knitting Needle with the stitches on it in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
- Step 2: Hold the working yarn with your left hand, with the yarn draped over your index finger. Make sure the working yarn is at the front of your left Knitting Needle.
-Step 3: Insert the right needle from back to front through the first stitch on the left needle.
- Step 4: Wrap the yarn from front to back around the right needle.
- Step 5: Pull the right needle, with the thread through it, back through the stitch on the left needle.
- Step 6: Gently slide the knitted stitch from the left needle to the right needle.
Repeat these steps for the remaining stitches.
Can you knit all patterns and types of stitches using the continental method?
In general, you can knit almost any Knitting Pattern using the continental method. This technique is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of stitches and patterns. Whether you want to knit garter stitch, cables, or lace patterns, the continental method can be used.
Are you already inspired and ready to get started with continental knitting? Be sure to check out our Knitting Kits—that way, you can get started right away as soon as you receive your kit. Have fun knitting!
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