I once heard of a mother, who was right handed, and a daughter, who was left handed, who never purled any stitches. They just swapped between themselves at each new row and always knitted their stitches. Ingenius - providing their tensions were the same.
For most of my life, I've been told that I 'knit weird' and that I'm 'doing it wrong'. What you showed at 5:30 is exactly how I figured out how to knit on my own, when I was little. I had learned by watching my grandmother, but I manipulated the yarn with my left hand, so I had an easier time sitting at her feet and mirroring her motions. Then looking at pictures in books and figuring out how to make my stitches look like the pictures, but the books were always written for English style, and I struggled trying to do it right handed. I would just try stuff until I could make the end result look right, even if it wasn't done properly. It was almost 30 years before I learned how to read a knitting pattern. I avoided knitting in public because of all the "You're doing it wrong" comments I'd hear all the time. A few years ago, I got comfortable enough with a local crafting group to bring knitting along, instead of embroidery, and a friend offered to try to teach me to read patterns, and translate them to left handed. It didn't take long for her to see what I had stumbled across, and coach me on the 'basic' stuff I was never taught, and couldn't figure out. When covid came along, I didn't have easy access to her coaching. When I'd come across an unfamiliar stitch, I'd end up searching UA-cam for 'how to' videos, but I'd end up watching several videos to try to figure out how to make it work for me. Your videos are the ones that seem to click the best with the way I knit.
Nice to meet you, Christine, I learned English style from my Mom when I was a teenager. I gave it up for many, many years, because it did not come naturally. When I returned to knitting, I could not get comfortable with English style, so I "invented" my own way. Come to find out once UA-cam came along, it was called Continental! I was also the brunt of quite a lot of "you knit weird" comments. I am very happy to have found Norman. His videos are well made, edited, and straightforward. My knitting has improved immensely. Dee
This is a great channel for tutorials and for general knowledge about knitting. Thanks. I like that you are not a yarn snob suggesting only the best yarns and that you are not a one way is the correct way type of teacher. You point out the why you do it that way and the pluses and minuses of that yarn or that technique. Because of your you tube channel and other sources of information, I make hats now instead of only blankets and scarfs and my hats fit heads really well and have a shaping to the hats. I use up lots of rejected by others' yarn and give away things which I could not do as a yarn snob on a very limited budget. However I like to look at the more intricate and more expensive projects. My grandmother said before she died that the finer nicer things get used less and sometimes live and die mostly unseen in cedar chests and backs of shelves and that she said is why she made scap quilts out of woven fabrics and made many cheaper items rather than only fine nicer things. So she made quilts of woven fabrics that will never win prizes at shows and she made us blankets for our couches with acrylic yarns that survive moths and washing the couch blanket 'wrong'. I know she could do fine nicer work, but which items have survived? You guessed it --- the cheaper ones and less fancy ones made of the 4 ply acrylic yarn labeled as worsted weight in the USA.
I couldn’t have explained it in better word’s, how much he is an awesome teacher and also down to earth and nonjudgmental about anyone or any other methods of knitting practices!! He’s been my total go to for ALL my knitting how to’s ever sense I found him on UA-cam!! Yay for Norman and good day to you:)
So purling for long rows is destroying my hand and making it so I have to take a break after each purl row (will be 238 stitches when I am done with my repeats so far) and I am now doing this and not having a problem anymore. Thank you so much for helping!
thank you soo much for your clear tutorials, you have great camera settings and show exactly what and how you do every technique. No more purling, this is so much easier for me. you're a great teacher
Hm. Didn’t know this was a thing. When I first learned in school, the teacher showed the knit stitch (continental). I continued to play he end of the row and then did not understand what to do (the teacher being busy with another student). So I figured it should be mirrored and started doing knit stitch from left to right - but moved the yarn so I fed the yarn from the right hand (not from left like in this video). I got a good number of rows that way before the teacher caught my ‘faulty’ knitting and taught me how to purl. I have never done the mirrored knitting again, but this video brought back the memory.
Hi Norman. When I knit backwards continental, I mirror how I do it forwards continental, I.e., I hold the yarn in my right hand exactly the same way I hold it in the left (mirrored). My tension is very good this way, but I've also been doing it for years. When I purl, my tension is less perfect (because basically i only purl for ribbing, so i dont get enough practice). Cheers
yes, that certainly is possible but then this wouldn't be continental but rather English knitting. Still a viable option of course. However, it kind of destroys the purpose of knitting ease for many use cases such as bobbles, entrelac, etc where you only need to knit 2-10 stitches.
I have never done bobbles (just not my style). But my reverse direction knitting definitely *is* continental, not English, I don't throw my yarn ever. Im basically knitting continental for lefties when i reverse knit. Here is a link to how I knit in the reverse direction (hopefully youtube allows links): ua-cam.com/video/TXCrFh4fIgc/v-deo.htmlsi=MvPYRT4nx826U7N_
Thank you! 😂 Grabbing the yarn and wrapping it around the needle definitely doesn't feel like continental knitting. So much easier to just hold it in the other hand! 👌🏻👍🏻
I bookmarked this video quite a while ago and just finally decided that I needed to learn to knit backward. I am making a summer sweater that has a total of about 600 rows of stockinette. I am working with a bamboo yarn and having trouble with my tension on the purl rows. Knitting backward is a game changer for me. My tension is perfect now. THANK YOU!!!
I have to say that I am so so so impressed with the entire nature of your approach and techniques, your down to earth choices for communication and skill for knitting and all of your videos I’ve learned SOMETHING at least one thing I thought I already knew. Thank you so much for your assistance and all the time you you take to be sure all can learn the right way, the first time lololol!! Touché Please keep doing what you are doing for the knitting world, seriously we need more people like you on the UA-cam tutorials how to videos!! Ok enough for now lol, I Hope you have a blessedly awesome day today, stay safe and ty again for all you do and continue to do
This is a fabulous tutorial, thank you Norman. I like reverse knitting for bobbles and Bulgarian motif knitting, eg small motifs on a solid background like a flower. Petals and stems have very few stitches and the different colour distracts from a little unevenness. I prefer it to duplicate stitch. This is the best tutorial I have ever seen. The slow motion is great.
Hi Norman. I agree 100% with your advice! I’ve seen instances where this technique is really helpful and can save lots of time. It’s great to have in my knitting arsenal but I wouldn’t stop my regular purling to switch over to backwards knitting. That being said, it definitely has its uses and you demonstrate it so clearly! Thanks for another great tutorial!😊
I watched a lecture about sweaters and she frequently mentioned a man named Norman and noted that Shetland lace was made without any purling, casting on, etc. Since I'm teaching myself, I had to look for "never purling knitting" and found this video. Thank you, Norman! I've learned a lot recently and after a number of questionable starts, I've got a 36 loop stockinette thing on my needles with a garter border. Can't wait to try this technique out. ❤😊
Thank you!! I shared your video in three online knitting groups, crediting you. Everyone seemed very excited! I hope you get some new followers. Your videos are so well done and explained so well!!
I want to do it to flex my brain personally! I love learning new things even if I always revert back to how I originally did it. Anything to strengthen your mind’s muscles is a plus for me ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Norman
Oh, my goodness, Norman! I have tried knitting backwards so many times to no avail. With your help, I finally got it!!!! On the first try. Thank you so much for all of your videos. I have learned a lot from you. I can put one more notch on my belt!!! :D
One of the best things I ever learned. Use it on heels, entrelac, etc. Sometimes even just when knitting flat because I'm more even than if I purl back.
Hi Norman, I have to add another thing for you. I used to dread doing swatches (I mean to the point of not knitting a project if I had to) ever since I’ve been watching your videos, I have learned that I actually really want to start doing them for a learning experience with all stitch’s for practice before I go to a pattern that WOULD frustrate me lol lol!! Then I can start my projects with way more confidence and I can enjoy my project with grace and understanding and put more love into what I create, true!!?? God bless
I love your channel and the way you teach. You are amazing. I learned this technique several years ago from watching someone. I had a real problem with my purl tension matching my knit. This actually fixed my problem. Now I rarely ever purl. All I do is change my tension hand. When I knit I tension with my left hand when I reverse knit I tension with my right. You might want to give that a try.
yes...ofc you can do that. since this is a channel about continental knitting and this video about continental backward knitting, i specifically didn't do it. Besides, if youa re knitting things like bobbles or entrelac, changing yarn from one hand to another takes more time than turning around, so I don't think it would be feasible. still thank you for adding your feedback/input. it is much appreciated!
Norman, I chuckled when you mentioned that the left to right knitting may feel a bit strange. Being a lefty always trying to adapt to a right handed world, I have experienced that my whole life. Love all your tutorials! Thank you!
I love this!! Thanks Norman. As a combination knitter I LOVE LOVE this as I dislike purling in the continental way. I usually purl English style. However, this gives a unique tension, and I've found knitting backwards gives a better representation of my actual tension for knitting fake ITR swatches. I love how you teach multiple ways, so quirky knitters like me find little ways to improve their craft!! 🧶🤍
Thank you so much! I am working on a pattern on a buttoned vest and i couldn't purl the pattern in stockinette stitch. I watched your video and my mind is blown. Thank you again!
I've loved backwards knitting for a while now, but I find it easiest and quicker to actually move my working yarn to my right hand (I'm a picker) and mirror the entire process that way.
That’s so interesting. I can’t do picking but I’d love to watch flicking video. This looks a bit hard with the left hand continental style. I love this way as I don’t like purling!
Thanks for this and all your great instructional and informative videos. When I complained about gauge swatching in the round, someone said that I should do backwards knitting instead. Looping around hurts my soul (to cut that yarn - yiyiyi! such a waste). As I tried backwards knitting, I found that it is like torture for me and would take FOR-EEEE-VER to knit a big enough swatch. I know I'm new at this but I can tell that it is always going to be a loosey-goosey fabric that would not be accurate to get gauge. I saw your video and knew I'd get the straight talk from you! And you took away my guilt and validated my own judgement. And I know that if even Norman says he couldn't get an even tension then I know I've got no chance at all!. So thanks, Norman - You Rock!
I love your blogs/vlogs. I taught myself this method two years ago when I was knitting a Russian colorful shawl. It saved me a great deal of time. I do not do it often because the stitches do not come out as neat. I still come to you to continue learning many techniques as your concentration is on the end result. You are the master of teaching knitting techniques. Thank you.
Mind blown!! I've watched a few of your videos, and found them extremely helpful. So, i have now subscribed. I have grown in confidence as a crocheter learning to knit, thanks to your videos ❤
I learned how to do this when I started knitting entrelac and realized that the constant back and forth of the short rows was going to drive me nuts. It's such a simple technique and the benefits in speed and ease of knitting are tremendous. I find that I can take my right index finger and push the left needle up a bit so that the left index finger (with the yarn on it) can easily loop around the left needle without having to grab the yarn. Thanks for a great video.
Lifesaver! I'm knitting a shawl right now with loads of tiny bobbles across whole rows and was getting sick of constantly flipping my work every 3 stitches. You've saved me a lot of time and irritation!
Thanks Norman, I tried to learn to knit when I was small but the tension was a problem and needles broke so I never tried again and stuck to crocheting. I am a 'mollyduke' having learnt to use my right hand when my natural prefernce would have been using the left hand. I wan tot try your technique. It looks like I will be able to give it a go again without the fear of the needles breaking or the tension being too tight. I love the slow motion reinforcement on the videos and also thank for adding the subtitles as it makes your video accesible to more people. I really liek the idea of trying to learn the baubles too but will practice flat first. Walk before run.
well said, walk before run. And feel free to check out my other videos here cuz i got some nice tutorials for absolute beginners who want to start (all over again).
Good explanation and easy to follow video. It is always good to make a hot pad or a little doll blanket of something else small using a new stitch to see how it works for you.
I’m guessing I’m finding out that because even though I’ve always knitted continental, because I hold my working yarn on my index finger since day one, 30 yrs in practice… all of these different techniques, come real easy!
This is great to know bc I just can’t continental purl unless I use my index finger. I can’t figure how to use my L ring finger. So am going to def do this knit backwards method. You reminded me I used to know how to do it. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
OMG ! I am only half way through this video and am already screaming and can’t breathe. Knitting has not been easy for me to learn after 30 years of crochet. But since I am bored stupid with all things crochet, it was time for me to pick up the needles. Your teaching is impeccable, I learn each time I view your videos. I love that. But as smooth and wonderful this presentation is, I still feel a shriek trying to escape my lips. I will watch the remainder of this and will consider trying this method when time comes to try entrelac. Thank you for all that you do to reinforce and enlighten us! 😳😖😆♥️🧶🥢🙋🏼♀️I will pull myself together and watch this again after the weekend. Thank you again, and complain as I may, I really do appreciate all that you share on your channel. 🍎👱🏼♀️🎁
I got told off for doing this when I was about seven! I was left handed and the nuns were trying to drum it out of me. Nice to see it's a real thing. They put me off knitting for decades.
oh me oh my...i can't imagine a single reason to ever tell someone to stop knitting in any particular fashion (other than unhealthy habits). So, please do what brings you joy!
FABULOUS!!! I always wondered whether it was possible to knit or purl backwards. It always made sense to me, but how to do it? You demonstrated and explained how very clearly. Thank you so much!
Thank you Norman for this very interesting and intriguing video. I only recently became aware of the tension difference in my knit stitches and my purl stitches. I have been working to pay attention to what is the cause of my tension issue. I have been experimenting with adjusting my form of knitting and purling to more of a Norwegian style where I am picking the yarn rather than wrapping with my finger. I am also paying more attention to working closer to the tips of my needles. I think I will put the backwards technique off for now and concentrate on more even stitches. I appreciate your videos. I am intrigued be the entrelac pattern!
Thank YOU! The fifth or so video I used to get through this technique!!! Doing the 10 stitch blanket by Frankie Brow. Such short rows, it seemed so silly to keep turning at the corners, for 9, 8, 7, etc stitches.. Thanks for all the extra information. That's truly where I gained the understanding I needed. You rock!
Backwards knitting almost had me giving up on knitting back in high school. One woman I knew noticed that I built up considerable speed once I switched over to Continental, and she said (I'll never forget this) "Now all you have to do is figure out how to knit backwards, and you'll really be fast." I understand now that she was trying to be encouraging, but because I couldn't figure it out, I "knew" I was really bad at this, so I put the needles down for over a year. Fast forward to this morning. As I'm watching this video, my thought when it came to purling backwards is "Can this work for the Norwegian purl?" I'll be spending some time today figuring that out. Because I'm a closed-hand knitter, I may be able to do this without using the right hand any more than I am now; I'll let you know. Thank you for the video, and for the trip down Memory Lane.
Lovely reflection! I don’t really mind purling the wrong sides of my projects, but I am currently working on a project with baubles and there I think it would be beneficial for me to work on knitting backwards.
yes, for bobbles, this is my preferred technique! so much easier and it doesn't really matter a lot if your stitch definition is a tiny tack less precise :)
Wow my mind is blown. I love stockinette look for garments but if they are not knitted in round I always dread the purl cause it is not my favourite 🙂 I have to try this!! Love your channels!
Definitely do. I mean, it will take some practice and you will definitely develop your own unique technique over time but it's definitely worth more than just a try 😊😊🧶
I like how you told us tension is very difficult to keep even backwards knitting,! And you always say " I personally...."instead of "this works best ..." 😅
Nice video! I like having different options. For me, I don't like letting go of the needles, so the way I do backwards knitting is I slip the stitch to the left needle, and then I knit it, and twist the new stitch as I put it back (like in a cable cast on. Or at least how I do them. 😄) Not sure if that explanation makes sense without a video, but it works for me, and no need to wrap the yarn around the needle.
Heh. Yeah, there are many versions to do this..just as there are so many ways to do a regular knit stitch. And all are valid as long as you feel comfortable doing it 😊😊
As I said on other videos, I knit miniature garments for my dolls & figures, & there sometimes it takes longer to turn the work than to knot or purl a row!!! This is when backwards knitting would make it faster, making it useful there
It sure can be done and some say it's even easier. Problem is, that u will have to switch yarn and that might be a bit cumbersome for small rows such as bobbles or entrelac 😊
Hi Norman, if you hold the yarn in your right hand instead of the left you can still pick like a continental knitter instead of needing to throw like an English knitter.
yeah, but that would defeat the whole point. This technique shines for knitting bobbles/entrelac/etc. And if I have to switch the yarn, then I might as well turn around because it takes just as much time/effort.
Please explain how to knit backwards in the round (so I can knit my intarsia project in the round) and deal with the HOLE where you go from knitting forward to knitting backwards.
@@NimbleNeedles -Norman - YAHOO!! Finally figured it out. I am knitting intarsia in the round, using backwards knitting and the "loop" method. It took me a while to wrap my head around it, but now my sweater, with the giant heart on the back, is 3/4 done, and looks fantastic. Your tutorials are the best. Thank you.
I knit Russian style and have a terrible time purling -- it ruins my gauge, my purls are often 2 sizes bigger than my knits. I just tried knitting backwards (adjusted for my stitch mount) -- hallelujah!!! No more big fat loose purl stitches! No more clumsily splitting the yarn on size 0-1 needles on the heel flap and only the heel flap.
@NimbleNeedles I was knitting a piece with a small stranded design and used rows and seaming over in the rnd so I could pickup the color on the way back. I would have preferred to knit it in the rnd.
I initially looked this up (after decades of knitting) bc I noticed how in a very loose knit, my purl rows are always much tighter than my knit rows. Using this technique, they still are, but I'm now also questioning everything I ever did because I've never wrapped anything counter clockwise in my life and when I tried this, it didn't look right to me 😂
Okay wow, I'm currently knitting a throw using the seed stitch and thought I'd give this a try because as the throw gets longer, turning it gets a little cumbersome (see how much of a princess I am) so I thought I'd give this a try. Of course, my knitting style is not any type that is typical and I'm a lefty so I have to reverse instructions. I so appreciate the information because it always gives us another tool to use but dang, this one completely stumped me. Oh well, onward through the fog and I hope your vacation is amazing and you are enjoying yourself. Happy knitting!!!
Learning this skill, which means not purling, makes some things that were too difficult to do achievable. This skill is just below learning to join new threads and learning to deal with more than one source of yarn will change your knitting. Purling stitches can have a different tension and guage, one can practice for months and years to get past this or sidestep the purling stitches done purlwise that might cause problems.
Norman I hate doing color work on the purl side (when not knitting in the round). Can I use this to solve that issue and how do I follow the pattern repeat while reverse knitting? Thx
Well, yes, you can use that technique...however i personally haven't done it and it might be a bit more cumbersome. Probably best if you hold each color in a different yarn and use this method for the left hand and a variation of english throwing for the right hand. Sadly, I don't have a tutorial for you.
I have my own way of not purling stockinette using dpns like how you change colors it's really weird .can you tell me what knitting needles to get in millimeters i mostly use sock and sport weight yarn i want to get 4 or 5 new circular needles. can you make a tutorial on how to do magic loop
@@NimbleNeedles sorry for my bad grammar I was in a rush, can you tell me what needles to buy, I basically just use sock and sport weight yarns. want like 4 or 5 needles. also can you list the sizes in millimeters . i want circulars
Hi Norman. I am currently working on a swatch for a sweater worked in the round. Can I use this technique instead of having long threads at the back from omitting the purl row. It would be less messy.
Could the size difference between knit and purl be contributing to the ‘untidiness’ of a larger patch of reverse knitting? Oh, you said you might do a video on fair isle ; could you cover fair isle in the flat? That and the fear if steeking is keeping me from lovely cardigans.
knit and purl stitches don't have a different size tho. So no, I would definitely say no. But I guess you are actually trying to say something different...so maybe elaborate a bit?
@@NimbleNeedles “There are many ways to knit, but whichever style you work in one thing remains constant: knits and purls are never worked in exactly the same way. Consequently it’s very common for knit and purl stitches to be slightly different sizes. This can cause a range of visible tension inconsistencies” This is from ysolda teague’s website. It is what I learned when I started knitting in the round. Fruity knitting did a section on it as well in one of her videos. It might not be the same for everyone, as we all have different styles and tensions though. It was just a thought….. I have way fewer actual knitting years than you :)
@@shayannah yes, I know, there's a lot of wrong or misleading information on knitting around. sadly. If knit and purl stitches were different, then knitting the way we know it wouldn't work. They are the exact mirror-inverted copies and that's why knitting stockinette stitch works. What you mean is that you may be working stitches with different tension and the slack between stitches may be different as a consequence of your knitting style. And this definitely has the major reason why your stitch definition may not be as even.
@@NimbleNeedles aah! Ok. Thank you for clarifying. So that means I can swatch flat for my fair isle (if I could purl in fair isle). Nifty. No more long strings and loose edge stitches to my swatch!
@@shayannah yes and no...my next video will be all about getting gauge. But it all depends on how well you can knit backwards. So these long strings might still be preferable. I actually prefer doing my swatches in the round and then steek things. that way you can also practice steeking, heh. (even if it's not required in the pattern).
I would love to learn this technique I just learned that I love continental pearl. I’m just getting confused on this concept for some reason. My brain goes wonky when I try to go backwards
i don't think you should stress about it. It's a very obscure skill with very limited real usecases. Out of 100 days knitting i maybe use it on one day :) So, maybe come back later.
If I do this and get a twisted stitch, can I turn the stitch around on my other needle and pass it back to the first needle untwisted? I know it sounds time consuming, but anything to avoid purling, lol. If it's simply time consuming and not problematic (causing a new tension problem or something) I may opt to do that. Awesome video! There's a baby blanket I really want to make for a family member that requires purling, and I just... simply cannot get the hang of it. While my purling looks... okay now, it feels so tight and uncomfortable to do, while knit stitches are so easy. Purling causes me physical pain in my hands! I've tried a different sized needle on one hand to try to account for tension issues, but it still feels so awkward and wrong. I'm really trying to get past it, but it's not working.
No, you can just knit the knit stitch through the back loop in the next row to untwist it! it's quite simple! And you might look into combination knitting or portugese knitting where purling is a bit easier.
![How to knit magic loop - tutorial for beginners [+ tips and tricks for neater results]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rf1OU7sTDQk/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to knit magic loop - tutorial for beginners [+ tips and tricks for neater results]](/img/tr.png)
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![10 easy ways to improve purling [slow-motion masterclass]](/img/n.gif)
I love the almost mathematical techniques on this blog. I can tell that Norman has a deep technical knowledge of knitting.
Thank you...I always feel I'm still a beginner. Still so much to learn
I once heard of a mother, who was right handed, and a daughter, who was left handed, who never purled any stitches. They just swapped between themselves at each new row and always knitted their stitches. Ingenius - providing their tensions were the same.
Oh really? That's a wonderful solution, lol!
For most of my life, I've been told that I 'knit weird' and that I'm 'doing it wrong'. What you showed at 5:30 is exactly how I figured out how to knit on my own, when I was little. I had learned by watching my grandmother, but I manipulated the yarn with my left hand, so I had an easier time sitting at her feet and mirroring her motions. Then looking at pictures in books and figuring out how to make my stitches look like the pictures, but the books were always written for English style, and I struggled trying to do it right handed. I would just try stuff until I could make the end result look right, even if it wasn't done properly.
It was almost 30 years before I learned how to read a knitting pattern. I avoided knitting in public because of all the "You're doing it wrong" comments I'd hear all the time. A few years ago, I got comfortable enough with a local crafting group to bring knitting along, instead of embroidery, and a friend offered to try to teach me to read patterns, and translate them to left handed. It didn't take long for her to see what I had stumbled across, and coach me on the 'basic' stuff I was never taught, and couldn't figure out. When covid came along, I didn't have easy access to her coaching. When I'd come across an unfamiliar stitch, I'd end up searching UA-cam for 'how to' videos, but I'd end up watching several videos to try to figure out how to make it work for me. Your videos are the ones that seem to click the best with the way I knit.
Awesome...you might be interested to know that I am mostly self-taught as well and had to figure out my own way as well. Especially How I purl.
Nice to meet you, Christine,
I learned English style from my Mom when I was a teenager. I gave it up for many, many years, because it did not come naturally. When I returned to knitting, I could not get comfortable with English style, so I "invented" my own way. Come to find out once UA-cam came along, it was called Continental! I was also the brunt of quite a lot of "you knit weird" comments.
I am very happy to have found Norman. His videos are well made, edited, and straightforward. My knitting has improved immensely. Dee
This is a great channel for tutorials and for general knowledge about knitting. Thanks. I like that you are not a yarn snob suggesting only the best yarns and that you are not a one way is the correct way type of teacher. You point out the why you do it that way and the pluses and minuses of that yarn or that technique. Because of your you tube channel and other sources of information, I make hats now instead of only blankets and scarfs and my hats fit heads really well and have a shaping to the hats. I use up lots of rejected by others' yarn and give away things which I could not do as a yarn snob on a very limited budget. However I like to look at the more intricate and more expensive projects. My grandmother said before she died that the finer nicer things get used less and sometimes live and die mostly unseen in cedar chests and backs of shelves and that she said is why she made scap quilts out of woven fabrics and made many cheaper items rather than only fine nicer things. So she made quilts of woven fabrics that will never win prizes at shows and she made us blankets for our couches with acrylic yarns that survive moths and washing the couch blanket 'wrong'. I know she could do fine nicer work, but which items have survived? You guessed it --- the cheaper ones and less fancy ones made of the 4 ply acrylic yarn labeled as worsted weight in the USA.
I couldn’t have explained it in better word’s, how much he is an awesome teacher and also down to earth and nonjudgmental about anyone or any other methods of knitting practices!! He’s been my total go to for ALL my knitting how to’s ever sense I found him on UA-cam!! Yay for Norman and good day to you:)
So purling for long rows is destroying my hand and making it so I have to take a break after each purl row (will be 238 stitches when I am done with my repeats so far) and I am now doing this and not having a problem anymore.
Thank you so much for helping!
thank you soo much for your clear tutorials, you have great camera settings and show exactly what and how you do every technique. No more purling, this is so much easier for me. you're a great teacher
Hm. Didn’t know this was a thing. When I first learned in school, the teacher showed the knit stitch (continental). I continued to play he end of the row and then did not understand what to do (the teacher being busy with another student). So I figured it should be mirrored and started doing knit stitch from left to right - but moved the yarn so I fed the yarn from the right hand (not from left like in this video). I got a good number of rows that way before the teacher caught my ‘faulty’ knitting and taught me how to purl. I have never done the mirrored knitting again, but this video brought back the memory.
Ah..those over zealous teachers 🙈 sure, do give it a try again
Hi Norman. When I knit backwards continental, I mirror how I do it forwards continental, I.e., I hold the yarn in my right hand exactly the same way I hold it in the left (mirrored). My tension is very good this way, but I've also been doing it for years. When I purl, my tension is less perfect (because basically i only purl for ribbing, so i dont get enough practice). Cheers
yes, that certainly is possible but then this wouldn't be continental but rather English knitting. Still a viable option of course.
However, it kind of destroys the purpose of knitting ease for many use cases such as bobbles, entrelac, etc where you only need to knit 2-10 stitches.
I have never done bobbles (just not my style). But my reverse direction knitting definitely *is* continental, not English, I don't throw my yarn ever. Im basically knitting continental for lefties when i reverse knit. Here is a link to how I knit in the reverse direction (hopefully youtube allows links): ua-cam.com/video/TXCrFh4fIgc/v-deo.htmlsi=MvPYRT4nx826U7N_
Thank you! 😂 Grabbing the yarn and wrapping it around the needle definitely doesn't feel like continental knitting. So much easier to just hold it in the other hand! 👌🏻👍🏻
I bookmarked this video quite a while ago and just finally decided that I needed to learn to knit backward. I am making a summer sweater that has a total of about 600 rows of stockinette. I am working with a bamboo yarn and having trouble with my tension on the purl rows. Knitting backward is a game changer for me. My tension is perfect now. THANK YOU!!!
I have to say that I am so so so impressed with the entire nature of your approach and techniques, your down to earth choices for communication and skill for knitting and all of your videos I’ve learned SOMETHING at least one thing I thought I already knew. Thank you so much for your assistance and all the time you you take to be sure all can learn the right way, the first time lololol!! Touché Please keep doing what you are doing for the knitting world, seriously we need more people like you on the UA-cam tutorials how to videos!!
Ok enough for now lol, I Hope you have a blessedly awesome day today, stay safe and ty again for all you do and continue to do
Aww..tami. thank you for your lovely feedback. ❤❤❤
This channel was an utter game changer for me! I not only found out what my weak spots in knitting are, but also am able to tackle them.
how wonderful! Glad my wee video was able to help along with that!
This is a fabulous tutorial, thank you Norman. I like reverse knitting for bobbles and Bulgarian motif knitting, eg small motifs on a solid background like a flower. Petals and stems have very few stitches and the different colour distracts from a little unevenness. I prefer it to duplicate stitch. This is the best tutorial I have ever seen. The slow motion is great.
Been knitting for 15 years and I just learned this technique after struggling with a ruffle scarf. Thank you Norman!!
Hi Norman. I agree 100% with your advice! I’ve seen instances where this technique is really helpful and can save lots of time. It’s great to have in my knitting arsenal but I wouldn’t stop my regular purling to switch over to backwards knitting. That being said, it definitely has its uses and you demonstrate it so clearly! Thanks for another great tutorial!😊
Me neither. But for bobbles it's my number one technique 😊
I’ll have to remember that when I do bobbles!!😄
Thanks for the slo mo. it really is valuable to learn. I was able to ENTRELAC backwards purl and knit, made the project go quickly. Thank you
I find your tutorials so very educational. Thank you Norman for creating these and helping beginner knitters like myself learn this lovely art!
it's my pleasure to help, nena!
I watched a lecture about sweaters and she frequently mentioned a man named Norman and noted that Shetland lace was made without any purling, casting on, etc. Since I'm teaching myself, I had to look for "never purling knitting" and found this video.
Thank you, Norman! I've learned a lot recently and after a number of questionable starts, I've got a 36 loop stockinette thing on my needles with a garter border. Can't wait to try this technique out. ❤😊
Thank you!! I shared your video in three online knitting groups, crediting you. Everyone seemed very excited! I hope you get some new followers. Your videos are so well done and explained so well!!
Thanks a lot nonnie! Sharing is always much appreciated ❤
I want to do it to flex my brain personally! I love learning new things even if I always revert back to how I originally did it. Anything to strengthen your mind’s muscles is a plus for me ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Norman
Heh. Well said. I feel like that as well. A day is a good day when I learn something new 🙏
Hit the like button before I even got to the five second mark cuz I KNOW I’m going to love this!!! And I NEED this right now!!! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for your support. It really helps me produce more content and beat he UA-cam algorithm 🙏❤
This is SO helpful. I've been practicing all afternoon, because I'm planning an entrelac project. Thank you!
Can be a very useful technique and I'm sure you saw my most recent entrelac tutorial 😅😊
This is another very informative lesson. I am enjoying your channel and the wealth of techniques you are showing us. Thanks.
You are very welcome Wanda 😊
Oh, my goodness, Norman! I have tried knitting backwards so many times to no avail. With your help, I finally got it!!!! On the first try. Thank you so much for all of your videos. I have learned a lot from you. I can put one more notch on my belt!!! :D
One of the best things I ever learned. Use it on heels, entrelac, etc. Sometimes even just when knitting flat because I'm more even than if I purl back.
Hi Norman, I have to add another thing for you. I used to dread doing swatches (I mean to the point of not knitting a project if I had to) ever since I’ve been watching your videos, I have learned that I actually really want to start doing them for a learning experience with all stitch’s for practice before I go to a pattern that WOULD frustrate me lol lol!! Then I can start my projects with way more confidence and I can enjoy my project with grace and understanding and put more love into what I create, true!!?? God bless
Yes, absolutely. That's how I see swatches..they also can tell u if u really made the right yarn choice!
I love your channel and the way you teach. You are amazing. I learned this technique several years ago from watching someone. I had a real problem with my purl tension matching my knit. This actually fixed my problem. Now I rarely ever purl. All I do is change my tension hand. When I knit I tension with my left hand when I reverse knit I tension with my right. You might want to give that a try.
yes...ofc you can do that. since this is a channel about continental knitting and this video about continental backward knitting, i specifically didn't do it. Besides, if youa re knitting things like bobbles or entrelac, changing yarn from one hand to another takes more time than turning around, so I don't think it would be feasible.
still thank you for adding your feedback/input. it is much appreciated!
Very well explained. You are fantastic.
Thank you. Glad you like it 😊❤
Norman,
I chuckled when you mentioned that the left to right knitting may feel a bit strange. Being a lefty always trying to adapt to a right handed world, I have experienced that my whole life.
Love all your tutorials!
Thank you!
My pleasure 😊🧶
I love this!! Thanks Norman. As a combination knitter I LOVE LOVE this as I dislike purling in the continental way. I usually purl English style. However, this gives a unique tension, and I've found knitting backwards gives a better representation of my actual tension for knitting fake ITR swatches. I love how you teach multiple ways, so quirky knitters like me find little ways to improve their craft!! 🧶🤍
Your explanations are easy to understand..and I am a 'thrower!' Thanks to your step-by-step demonstration I will try backwards knitting...Thank you...
Glad it was helpful, Lee - even to a thrower!
Hi Norman , you're great teacher very informative tutorials .
Thank you for sharing with us ,
Greatly appreciated 👌👌👌
Thank you for watching, christine! 😎
Thank you so much! I am working on a pattern on a buttoned vest and i couldn't purl the pattern in stockinette stitch. I watched your video and my mind is blown. Thank you again!
I've loved backwards knitting for a while now, but I find it easiest and quicker to actually move my working yarn to my right hand (I'm a picker) and mirror the entire process that way.
Yeah..that's true. But I wanted to stick to normal continental knitting as the rest of my channel 😅
That’s so interesting. I can’t do picking but I’d love to watch flicking video. This looks a bit hard with the left hand continental style. I love this way as I don’t like purling!
I learn so much from you, thank you.
Heh. Happy to hear that 😊😊🥰
Can’t wait to try this on a heel turn.
I found this demo at exactly the right moment to spare me ripping back to the heel turn.Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for a great demonstration Norman, I’ve bookmarked this one especially for future knitting projects.
Thanks for this and all your great instructional and informative videos. When I complained about gauge swatching in the round, someone said that I should do backwards knitting instead. Looping around hurts my soul (to cut that yarn - yiyiyi! such a waste). As I tried backwards knitting, I found that it is like torture for me and would take FOR-EEEE-VER to knit a big enough swatch. I know I'm new at this but I can tell that it is always going to be a loosey-goosey fabric that would not be accurate to get gauge. I saw your video and knew I'd get the straight talk from you! And you took away my guilt and validated my own judgement. And I know that if even Norman says he couldn't get an even tension then I know I've got no chance at all!. So thanks, Norman - You Rock!
I love your blogs/vlogs. I taught myself this method two years ago when I was knitting a Russian colorful shawl. It saved me a great deal of time. I do not do it often because the stitches do not come out as neat. I still come to you to continue learning many techniques as your concentration is on the end result. You are the master of teaching knitting techniques. Thank you.
This is brilliant! Norman, you have an encyclopaedic knowledge of knitting. Thank you for your teachings.
I call it knitting back and forth and I'm already doing this i saw it once on UA-cam=i searched for it and yes i 💘 it
Mind blown!!
I've watched a few of your videos, and found them extremely helpful. So, i have now subscribed. I have grown in confidence as a crocheter learning to knit, thanks to your videos ❤
welcome to my channel, Katie!
I learned how to do this when I started knitting entrelac and realized that the constant back and forth of the short rows was going to drive me nuts. It's such a simple technique and the benefits in speed and ease of knitting are tremendous. I find that I can take my right index finger and push the left needle up a bit so that the left index finger (with the yarn on it) can easily loop around the left needle without having to grab the yarn. Thanks for a great video.
Oh definitely. There's not only one way to do that
Lifesaver! I'm knitting a shawl right now with loads of tiny bobbles across whole rows and was getting sick of constantly flipping my work every 3 stitches. You've saved me a lot of time and irritation!
yes, I don't really like the idea of backward knitting to do full rows of stockinette stitch but for bobbles it's perfection!
I cannot resist admiring your fancy collection of scissors! 🙂
Eccellent tutorial, as usual. Thanks Norman
I really love how you explained everything clearly, it's like you answer all my question in my head😌❤️
Heh. But do know that you can always ask any questions that still might be on your mind 😅🥰
Thank you for your videos! They are the most helpful. Your instruction and presentation is very clear.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Norman, I tried to learn to knit when I was small but the tension was a problem and needles broke so I never tried again and stuck to crocheting. I am a 'mollyduke' having learnt to use my right hand when my natural prefernce would have been using the left hand. I wan tot try your technique. It looks like I will be able to give it a go again without the fear of the needles breaking or the tension being too tight. I love the slow motion reinforcement on the videos and also thank for adding the subtitles as it makes your video accesible to more people. I really liek the idea of trying to learn the baubles too but will practice flat first. Walk before run.
well said, walk before run. And feel free to check out my other videos here cuz i got some nice tutorials for absolute beginners who want to start (all over again).
Good explanation and easy to follow video.
It is always good to make a hot pad or a little doll blanket of something else small using a new stitch to see how it works for you.
Thank you for your knitting videos Norman So helpful
I’m guessing I’m finding out that because even though I’ve always knitted continental, because I hold my working yarn on my index finger since day one, 30 yrs in practice… all of these different techniques, come real easy!
Wow this is such an ingenious trick !!! THANKS ! It sure looks perfect for bubble knitting.
It's the only way to knit a bubble sweater or shawl where you end up with hundreds of them. Otherwise you end up in the asylum. Haha
Another GREAT tutorial. 👏. Thanks, Norman
A pleasure 😊😊
This is great to know bc I just can’t continental purl unless I use my index finger. I can’t figure how to use my L ring finger. So am going to def do this knit backwards method. You reminded me I used to know how to do it. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Do try it..
That being said, nothing wrong with using your index finger 🥰
OMG ! I am only half way through this video and am already screaming and can’t breathe. Knitting has not been easy for me to learn after 30 years of crochet. But since I am bored stupid with all things crochet, it was time for me to pick up the needles.
Your teaching is impeccable, I learn each time I view your videos. I love that. But as smooth and wonderful this presentation is, I still feel a shriek trying to escape my lips.
I will watch the remainder of this and will consider trying this method when time comes to try entrelac. Thank you for all that you do to reinforce and enlighten us!
😳😖😆♥️🧶🥢🙋🏼♀️I will pull myself together and watch this again after the weekend. Thank you again, and complain as I may, I really do appreciate all that you share on your channel. 🍎👱🏼♀️🎁
heh..patience and practice...that's the knitting mantra :P
I got told off for doing this when I was about seven! I was left handed and the nuns were trying to drum it out of me. Nice to see it's a real thing. They put me off knitting for decades.
oh me oh my...i can't imagine a single reason to ever tell someone to stop knitting in any particular fashion (other than unhealthy habits). So, please do what brings you joy!
@@NimbleNeedles Well, I am definitely getting the joy back now. Loving your videos, they are very helpful and encouraging.
FABULOUS!!! I always wondered whether it was possible to knit or purl backwards. It always made sense to me, but how to do it? You demonstrated and explained how very clearly. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Norman for this very interesting and intriguing video. I only recently became aware of the tension difference in my knit stitches and my purl stitches. I have been working to pay attention to what is the cause of my tension issue. I have been experimenting with adjusting my form of knitting and purling to more of a Norwegian style where I am picking the yarn rather than wrapping with my finger. I am also paying more attention to working closer to the tips of my needles. I think I will put the backwards technique off for now and concentrate on more even stitches. I appreciate your videos. I am intrigued be the entrelac pattern!
Thanks for another ingenious lesson.❤️
You are very welcome 😊😊
Thank YOU! The fifth or so video I used to get through this technique!!! Doing the 10 stitch blanket by Frankie Brow. Such short rows, it seemed so silly to keep turning at the corners, for 9, 8, 7, etc stitches.. Thanks for all the extra information. That's truly where I gained the understanding I needed. You rock!
Awesome, ashley. Happy to hear my video made the difference ❤
Thank you so much. I’ve tried for a couple of years with much frustration until your slow motion.
Glad it helped!
Backwards knitting almost had me giving up on knitting back in high school. One woman I knew noticed that I built up considerable speed once I switched over to Continental, and she said (I'll never forget this) "Now all you have to do is figure out how to knit backwards, and you'll really be fast." I understand now that she was trying to be encouraging, but because I couldn't figure it out, I "knew" I was really bad at this, so I put the needles down for over a year.
Fast forward to this morning. As I'm watching this video, my thought when it came to purling backwards is "Can this work for the Norwegian purl?" I'll be spending some time today figuring that out. Because I'm a closed-hand knitter, I may be able to do this without using the right hand any more than I am now; I'll let you know. Thank you for the video, and for the trip down Memory Lane.
Well, theoretically speaking it sure could work. Might actually be easier 🤷♂️
Lovely reflection! I don’t really mind purling the wrong sides of my projects, but I am currently working on a project with baubles and there I think it would be beneficial for me to work on knitting backwards.
yes, for bobbles, this is my preferred technique! so much easier and it doesn't really matter a lot if your stitch definition is a tiny tack less precise :)
So much fun. So glad I found you.
Happy to have you here 😊
Thanks!
No problem!
Brilliant!
Danke!
klar, gerne! danke für die Unterstützung :)
Thank you Norman. ❤.
I shared your video with my fellow testers for a coatigan pattern.
Thank you for spreading the word 🙏🥰
Wow my mind is blown. I love stockinette look for garments but if they are not knitted in round I always dread the purl cause it is not my favourite 🙂 I have to try this!! Love your channels!
Definitely do. I mean, it will take some practice and you will definitely develop your own unique technique over time but it's definitely worth more than just a try 😊😊🧶
I like how you told us tension is very difficult to keep even backwards knitting,! And you always say " I personally...."instead of "this works best ..." 😅
Brilliant, I find it easier to purl backwards. I flick the yarn over with my left thumb
Will certainly give this a try!
I didnt know this had a name. I personally don't like purling and I'm ambitious, and this came up Naturally as a solution
Nice video! I like having different options. For me, I don't like letting go of the needles, so the way I do backwards knitting is I slip the stitch to the left needle, and then I knit it, and twist the new stitch as I put it back (like in a cable cast on. Or at least how I do them. 😄) Not sure if that explanation makes sense without a video, but it works for me, and no need to wrap the yarn around the needle.
Heh. Yeah, there are many versions to do this..just as there are so many ways to do a regular knit stitch. And all are valid as long as you feel comfortable doing it 😊😊
As I said on other videos, I knit miniature garments for my dolls & figures, & there sometimes it takes longer to turn the work than to knot or purl a row!!! This is when backwards knitting would make it faster, making it useful there
heh. Ja, ich sag immer, wenn ich ein was neues dazu lerne, dann war es das Video wert.
Love your videos. I wonder if this could be done holding the yarn in the right hand.
It sure can be done and some say it's even easier. Problem is, that u will have to switch yarn and that might be a bit cumbersome for small rows such as bobbles or entrelac 😊
Hi Norman, if you hold the yarn in your right hand instead of the left you can still pick like a continental knitter instead of needing to throw like an English knitter.
yeah, but that would defeat the whole point. This technique shines for knitting bobbles/entrelac/etc. And if I have to switch the yarn, then I might as well turn around because it takes just as much time/effort.
Ohh, I like the bubble example...can you show us, please❤🧡
As I'm currently on my way to vacations...a bit difficult 😅
@@NimbleNeedles ok, soon🙏
Please explain how to knit backwards in the round (so I can knit my intarsia project in the round) and deal with the HOLE where you go from knitting forward to knitting backwards.
I don't think I can help you if you can't work it out with this tutorial.
@@NimbleNeedles -Norman - YAHOO!! Finally figured it out. I am knitting intarsia in the round, using backwards knitting and the "loop" method. It took me a while to wrap my head around it, but now my sweater, with the giant heart on the back, is 3/4 done, and looks fantastic. Your tutorials are the best. Thank you.
Hi there thanks for showing us this wonderful technique it is kool. My question can u use this for cable knitting
Well, cables are knits and pulls (typically) so it willbe quite a bit harder. But you possibly could
I knit Russian style and have a terrible time purling -- it ruins my gauge, my purls are often 2 sizes bigger than my knits. I just tried knitting backwards (adjusted for my stitch mount) -- hallelujah!!! No more big fat loose purl stitches! No more clumsily splitting the yarn on size 0-1 needles on the heel flap and only the heel flap.
Great. What about backwards knitting in the round?
not sure why you would think there is a difference?
@NimbleNeedles I was knitting a piece with a small stranded design and used rows and seaming over in the rnd so I could pickup the color on the way back. I would have preferred to knit it in the rnd.
I initially looked this up (after decades of knitting) bc I noticed how in a very loose knit, my purl rows are always much tighter than my knit rows. Using this technique, they still are, but I'm now also questioning everything I ever did because I've never wrapped anything counter clockwise in my life and when I tried this, it didn't look right to me 😂
Okay wow, I'm currently knitting a throw using the seed stitch and thought I'd give this a try because as the throw gets longer, turning it gets a little cumbersome (see how much of a princess I am) so I thought I'd give this a try. Of course, my knitting style is not any type that is typical and I'm a lefty so I have to reverse instructions. I so appreciate the information because it always gives us another tool to use but dang, this one completely stumped me. Oh well, onward through the fog and I hope your vacation is amazing and you are enjoying yourself. Happy knitting!!!
It takes quite a lot of practice. So better practice with a dish cloth 😅
Learning this skill, which means not purling, makes some things that were too difficult to do achievable. This skill is just below learning to join new threads and learning to deal with more than one source of yarn will change your knitting. Purling stitches can have a different tension and guage, one can practice for months and years to get past this or sidestep the purling stitches done purlwise that might cause problems.
Well, I would say, it's a beautiful alternative for those who struggle 😊😊🥰
Thanks for the video! I usually use the Norwegian purl, so I’m wondering: how do you knit the Norwegian purl backwards?
uh..great question. I must confess I never tried that
Norman I hate doing color work on the purl side (when not knitting in the round). Can I use this to solve that issue and how do I follow the pattern repeat while reverse knitting? Thx
Well, yes, you can use that technique...however i personally haven't done it and it might be a bit more cumbersome. Probably best if you hold each color in a different yarn and use this method for the left hand and a variation of english throwing for the right hand. Sadly, I don't have a tutorial for you.
Love this!!
❤️ My thumb is happy 😅
This is an interesting technique. Do people actually do this more laborious process just to avoid purling?
Some, yes. Not that I recommend it but for some it works
Thank you.
I have my own way of not purling stockinette using dpns like how you change colors it's really weird .can you tell me what knitting needles to get in millimeters i mostly use sock and sport weight yarn i want to get 4 or 5 new circular needles. can you make a tutorial on how to do magic loop
I definitely plan to do a video on magic loop. Didn't fully understand your question about needles, tho
@@NimbleNeedles sorry for my bad grammar I was in a rush, can you tell me what needles to buy, I basically just use sock and sport weight yarns. want like 4 or 5 needles. also can you list the sizes in millimeters . i want circulars
@@veenak4781 I can't. But I have a video that compares different double pointed needles here on yt
Hi Norman. I am currently working on a swatch for a sweater worked in the round. Can I use this technique instead of having long threads at the back from omitting the purl row. It would be less messy.
I would say no, as ur backwards tension will probably be different as well. 🤷♂️
@@NimbleNeedles thank you too bad. I think I will still be able to use it for testing colour combinations. I like the technique.
Could the size difference between knit and purl be contributing to the ‘untidiness’ of a larger patch of reverse knitting?
Oh, you said you might do a video on fair isle ; could you cover fair isle in the flat? That and the fear if steeking is keeping me from lovely cardigans.
knit and purl stitches don't have a different size tho. So no, I would definitely say no. But I guess you are actually trying to say something different...so maybe elaborate a bit?
@@NimbleNeedles “There are many ways to knit, but whichever style you work in one thing remains constant: knits and purls are never worked in exactly the same way. Consequently it’s very common for knit and purl stitches to be slightly different sizes. This can cause a range of visible tension inconsistencies”
This is from ysolda teague’s website. It is what I learned when I started knitting in the round. Fruity knitting did a section on it as well in one of her videos. It might not be the same for everyone, as we all have different styles and tensions though. It was just a thought….. I have way fewer actual knitting years than you :)
@@shayannah yes, I know, there's a lot of wrong or misleading information on knitting around. sadly.
If knit and purl stitches were different, then knitting the way we know it wouldn't work. They are the exact mirror-inverted copies and that's why knitting stockinette stitch works.
What you mean is that you may be working stitches with different tension and the slack between stitches may be different as a consequence of your knitting style. And this definitely has the major reason why your stitch definition may not be as even.
@@NimbleNeedles aah! Ok. Thank you for clarifying. So that means I can swatch flat for my fair isle (if I could purl in fair isle). Nifty. No more long strings and loose edge stitches to my swatch!
@@shayannah yes and no...my next video will be all about getting gauge. But it all depends on how well you can knit backwards. So these long strings might still be preferable.
I actually prefer doing my swatches in the round and then steek things. that way you can also practice steeking, heh. (even if it's not required in the pattern).
Thank you!
Fantastic! Thankyou
I would love to learn this technique I just learned that I love continental pearl. I’m just getting confused on this concept for some reason. My brain goes wonky when I try to go backwards
i don't think you should stress about it. It's a very obscure skill with very limited real usecases. Out of 100 days knitting i maybe use it on one day :) So, maybe come back later.
If I do this and get a twisted stitch, can I turn the stitch around on my other needle and pass it back to the first needle untwisted? I know it sounds time consuming, but anything to avoid purling, lol. If it's simply time consuming and not problematic (causing a new tension problem or something) I may opt to do that.
Awesome video! There's a baby blanket I really want to make for a family member that requires purling, and I just... simply cannot get the hang of it. While my purling looks... okay now, it feels so tight and uncomfortable to do, while knit stitches are so easy. Purling causes me physical pain in my hands! I've tried a different sized needle on one hand to try to account for tension issues, but it still feels so awkward and wrong. I'm really trying to get past it, but it's not working.
No, you can just knit the knit stitch through the back loop in the next row to untwist it! it's quite simple!
And you might look into combination knitting or portugese knitting where purling is a bit easier.