How to Hold Knitting Needles?
The first step in learning to knit is to know how to hold knitting needles and yarn in your hand. The video below demonstrates 3 different ways for you to get started, there are lots of other ways of holding needles, over the years, you’ll develop your own unique style.
Differences Between English and Continental Style
You’re about to learn how to tension yarn in your hands. Basically, there are two knitting styles, the English Style (or throwing) and the Continental Style (or picking). The former is thought to be originated from the UK, while the latter is from Germany. In English style, you use your right hand to wrap the yarn around needle and keep tension. In Continental style, you use your left hand to tension the yarn.
Watch to Learn
Watch the video below to find out the differences between these two styles.
Left-Handed!
Left-handers, if you’re into left-hand knitting, please watch this video to learn both English and Continental styles.
English vs. Continental Style, Which One is Better?
Continental style is thought to be more efficient because it has the least amount of hand movement, however, in my personal experience, I find each style has its own pros and cons, and here is the thing: Continental style excels in knit stitch, good for purl stitch, but fails in cable stitch. Usually, I knit faster when working in English style, because this is my very first knitting style and I am familiar with it since the first time I start to knit. I’ve watched a video on YouTube showing the fastest knitter in the US, the insteresting thing is, that lady is a thrower instead of a picker.
Is continental style better than English style? I think that depends on lots of factors, so the most important thing is to develop your own style of knitting. After some practicing, you’ll become a fast and confident knitter no matter which knitting style you choose.
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