Continental Style knitting

The videos are misleading. I don't make such large movements with my right hand, it barely leaves the needle. And the fastest knitter knits English style.

Check youtube for different ways `throwers' knit; you'll find that many of them don't throw. Here's a few to get you started, the first one is similar to how I knit, and also read the comments -

?v=0xSRqavicgc

Not necessarily!

I knit very much faster in English style, but then, that's how I was taught as a little girl in England. What is not shown, and what contributes a lot to my speed, is the fact that I use 14" straight needles, with the right needle held firmly in my right armpit, leaving the fingers of my right hand free to manipulate the yarn. So, with that needle stable, I can use a sort of combination of the "i'm a thrower" and "I'm a flicker" styles.

When I discovered circular needles, I had to switch to Continental stitch, but as I am holding both needles then, I am not nearly so fast. However, if I am knitting on a plane where I don't want to jab my seatmate with the needles, Continental style is necessary! Also, it is amazing how many stitches you can cram onto a 14" straight - I once knit a triangular shawl on them - but for some very wide projects, long circs are just more convenient.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

I knit very fast using Continental and English style slows me down to a crawl. I think it's all in the way you learned as a kid.

Lisa,

I have knitted for 28 years. I have been knitting continental for about

15 years. I found that eventually it became a lot faster than the English method. It did take a while.

Dennis

I have knitted for 28 years. I have been knitting continental for about

15 years. I found that eventually it became a lot faster than the English method. It did take a while.

Dennis

I figure that as long as what you're doing results in a knitted piece, that whatever works for you is right! I taught myself riding on the train when stationed in London while in the US Navy. matter of fact, I still have some wool that I bought when I was there over 25 years ago.

Donna in S. Indiana

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Not everyone learned as a kid, though. Some people switch and find out the other style may suit them better, therefore they're 'faster' with it. It's all in what the individual is more comfortable with.

sue

Why did you feel the need to switch to the Continental Style of knitting when you work with circular needles?

99% of the time I use circular needles and always knit English Style. I'm just not sure why you would need to switch styles.

take care, Linda D. in B.C., Canada

As I mentioned, when I knit English syle I do it with the right hand needle tucked firmly under my arm. It is not possible to do this with circs, so I found it easier just to switch to Continental style than to try to retrain my fingers to hold the needle as well as manipulating the yarn. After all, in crochet I hold the yarn in my left hand. Note, I have not yet tried to do two-color work in circs, that would be a major challenge, as I, too, keep a yarn in each hand in two-color work on straights.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

Hi! I use Continental style only...and I must admit...I just could not handle the English method, even I have seen it. It seems to be so complicated. As you said, it is in the way you learned as a kid. The Continental way is...my way..so I can relate to your situation. Best: Pirjo