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English vs. Continental Style

Comparing the Two Basic Knit Techniques

Dec 28, 2007 Renee Blixt

There are essentially two methods of knitting. The one a knitter chooses will affect how the yarn and needles are held and manipulated while knitting.

There are two basic ways to knit—the Continental method and the English method. The method chosen will affect the way the yarn and needles are held and manipulated while knitting. It will also determine how quickly the knitter knits.

English Method

English knitters are sometimes called “throwers” because when the yarn is wrapped around the needle in the middle of the stitch, a throwing motion is used. The English method of knitting requires that the working yarn be held with the right hand. This method is considered best for beginners because it’s so easy to see, but of course there are exceptions.

Figure 1 illustrates the English Method. In the photo, a knit stitch is being executed. The tip of the right needle has been inserted from left to right into the back of the stitch, and it will end up behind the left needle. Once the needles and yarn have been set up for the “throw,” the next step is to follow through with it. Take the yarn with the right hand, and wind it counterclockwise around the tip of the right needle. Follow through with the rest of the stitch.

Continental Method

Continental knitters are sometimes called “pickers” because when the yarn is wrapped around the needles in the middle of the stitch, a picking motion is used. The Continental method of knitting necessitates that the working yarn be held with the left hand. This method is in most cases faster than English because the right hand never has to leave its needle.

Figure 2 illustrates the Continental Method. In the photo, a knit stitch is being executed. The tip of the right needle has been inserted from left to right into the back of the stitch, and again, it will end up behind the left needle. Once the needles and yarn have been set up for the “pick,” the next step is to follow through with it. Feed the yarn with the left hand, and pick it up with the right needle so that the yarn is wrapped in a counterclockwise fashion as pictured in Figure 2.

Find a Favorite

Experiment with the various ways and choose the most comfortable one. Generally, English knitting is considered a bit easier to learn, as it is the most popular choice among beginning knitters. Exact directions on making a knit stitch are available.

Once comfortable with it however, a knitter can increase her speed by switching to Continental. Give it a try, and see how fast the needles can fly.

The copyright of the article English vs. Continental Style in Knitting & Crochet is owned by Renee Blixt. Permission to republish English vs. Continental Style in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.