I just discovered your video, so my comment is a bit late. I was taught this knitting style by my grandma when I was about 5 or 6, in the 60s, in the North of Spain (Asturias) and I have been knitting like this since. She was taught by her grandma and way back like this for several generations. They did not have any contact with English language or culture. Everyone I met over there who knitted, knitted in the same way as me. In my ignorance I did not know that there were other ways to knit until very recently. When I first learnt about continental knitting, I immediately assumed that what I did was then English knitting because of the yarn held in the right hand. However, since then I’ve seen videos and learnt about the lever style and carefully looking at the movements, that is what I do. The right needle does not move and is firmly tucked under my right axila, the left needle does all the work of picking and letting go of the stitches and the right hand does the throwing. The left index finger does quite a lot of work too, controlling the flow of stitches on the left needle, “welcoming” a new one to the front to be worked and seeing it off when it moves to the right. Live and learn! I do not do English knitting after all, I do lever or Irish Cottage knitting. I find all this information fascinating.
It's so nice to hear someone say they knitting for their mental health, been struggling with anxiety and depression for many years , knitting has helped me more than seeing a psychiatrist.
Most likely those of us who are avid "crafters" do it for our "mental health", whether or not we even realize it. We have so much inner energy and creativity that we need to express... and feel that sense of accomplishment upon seeing what beauty we are able to create... just by "myself"...
I just watched a video about shetland lace makers from the bbc in the 60s, and these two women were just hammering away on these beautiful shawls but I couldn't see what their hands were doing. This is it! and it's amazing that with this technique, they were able to make gorgeous, delicate, giant shawls in only 6 weeks! thanks for such an informative video
hi I’m an old time learn by doing self knitter. First thing I would like to share I also have been a massage therapist, combining two skills can be fun! I use magnetic therapy to enjoy both skills- I’m 77 my hands n fingers are very strong and flexible! I want to keep my mental health also, therapy is active or passive either one allows one to knit til you fall asleep, no aches no pain! I use Nikkei magnets any questions tx me I’m so willing to help anyone also I knit the old German way.
My goodness! I learned to knit this way when I was 4 years old and I had no idea that it was called Irish Cottage style. I’m Scottish and everyone in my family would have knit this way. Kind of makes me want to try it out again. I still have all my mothers needles, and I am now 71! I was still knitting this way until I discovered cable needles about 10 years ago, and it took me ages to master purling on them because I had been so used to purling fast and not having to hold the needle. I flick the same way you do. I think of the “pen grip” as being more English style and seems to work better on shorter straight needles, but I never could manage this. If you see Miss Marple knitting, that is how she knits. You do have to sit up straight, and anyone sitting near you gets poked with needles. Not suitable for public transport knitting, but you have reminded me that there is still a place for it, for knitting pieced garments or scarves/wraps. Your wrap is absolutely gorgeous, I noticed the lovely Old Shale stitch in the middle. Well done for having the patience to knit it all in a new style.
I am from the North East of England and this is my way of knitting, I also had no idea it was called Irish Cottage and always thought it was a northern way of doing it.
@@margaretmetcalfe9380 Yes, maybe more northern style. I have since read somewhere that the pen grip (miss Marple) was taught to upper class young ladies, because it looked more “ladylike”. 😊
I learned this way when living in Spain years ago. I still knit like that, except I hold the yarn with my index and middle fingers, not like she's doing in the video. And I learned to cast on the right needle while it's under my arm, totally different than she did. I'd rather knit this way than any other way.
@@annwithaplan9766 I also hold my yarn differently to how she does and yes this is also my preferred method, I think it is easier on my hands, you do not really take the weight of your knitting.
IMy mother taught me to knit over 60 years ago always with the right needle under my arm . I find you can go really fast with this method. I am now 74and knit every day. I have just been teaching my 8 year old grand daughter and she is,picking it up so fast.! Also I am Scottish where they are fabulous knitters in that country. I now live in Canada.😊
Oh my goodness I'm 74 and just now found out I've been Irish knitting most of my life. My dear grandmother taught me before I started school. I always wondered why no one else did the same. The only time I had problems was when I used circular needles for all the afghans I made. Anyway you are a joy to watch thank you for the memories. God Bless
Exactly the same thing myself! I tried to get my children into knitting, but they weren't interested. Now my Daughter is a Mum herself, she's wishing she had learnt to knit. I'm 57 and learnt at she 5 with needle under arm pit. Trying to learn crochet now but can't get tension right with left hand lol!
My grandma (who was Italian) would knit with a scrap of fabric tied around her waist (like an apron long cord) and would wrap the needle twice around the cord instead of holding it under her arm. Having it a bit lower like that is way more comfortable.
I was born on the English coast of the Irish Sea. And until i started watching Utube just before the Covid lockdown I didn't know any other style than Irish cottage except than 4 needles for socks. I now knit blankets on long circular needles and love that you can have hundreds of stitches in each row. Tried circulars for socks but eventually went back to four DPNs. I love having choices for different projects. Now have just started Tunisian crochet. Something else new. So many methods so little time and so many WIPS. The straight posture is good for your spine. So win win. Carry on crafting, whatever project or style. Lynne in the UK😊
My mother had an English friend who knitted this way. She knitted super-fast, making all the winter sweaters and socks for her husband and three boys. I've always knitted continental style and was glad I did when I lost the top joint of my right index finger. I think I could manage this style without the finger.
Thank you for this video! I’m 63 years old and have arthritis in my thumb joints and wrists keeping me from crocheting any longer. Im a continental knitter, but still have to limit my time due to the (stupid) arthritis. I’ve been exploring videos on Irish cottage knitting hoping it will help in a number of different ways , ie, physically, mentally, etc. All that being said, you’ve given me courage to try this one. Thanks again 😃
Such a shame to suffer with your hands!!!! Watch Dr. Berg UA-cam channel - you'll learn how to clean up your joints and gradually restore comfort. It's never too late ❤️
Hi Cora. I’m 64yo and I understand what you mean with having trouble with joints. I, too, am primarily a continental knitter, and when purling I often find my fingers cramping or even going numb! I just recently discovered Portuguese knitting, and it’s truly been a revelation! Purling especially it’s SOOO easy and painless! I am still mastering the knit stitch using this method, but I am hooked on purling the Portuguese way!! There are many UA-cam channels that demonstrate Portuguese knitting. I highly recommend giving it a try.
@@mikkiwachtel2870 Mikki! Thank you so much for the heads up. I’ll have a look at that method. I’m sorry to hear that you are a fellow sufferer though😕. I’ve recently gone back to crocheting because of my frustrations with pain even in knitting, but I will DEFINITELY look at the Portuguese method. Hang in there, girlfriend, and don’t let that arthritis get you down!😃
I know this is a fairly old video now but I just wanted to say thanks for making it so clear and sharing your experiences. I am a novice knitter - I learnt english style when I was younger and now trying to develop my skills so I can use my own hand spun wool. From the little I know this style of knitting is indeed a cottager industry style. Traditionally fisherman's wives would knit while they walked along , with the wool tucked into a belt or pouch knitting mainly by feel, so having the long needle banging into your leg wouldnt have been an issue and would have been very economical. I've mainly heard of this type of knitting coming from Scotland (but I'm sure there would have been other versions in other areas) - the jumpers were a specific type called a Gansey. It's so tightly-woven that along with the lanolin from the wool it would be fairly water and wind resistant. I believe there is a museum entirely concentrated on Gansey's up in Scotland
I find it comforting to know there are so many other people out there who knit, crochet, tunisian crochet and nalbind for mental health. I find it really helps control my anxiety more than the other myriad things I've tried. This is the one thing I keep returning to daily because I enjoy it and it comforts me so much... side bonus is the project makes something beautiful & useful for our household or to give as gifts. I'm really intrigued to learn more about other styles of knitting! Thank you so much for covering information on styles and showing us Irish Cottage Style Knitting! :D Edited to add, I used to knit like this when my children were very small. I wonder if this is a reason the style developed? I didn't know it was a style so much as something I did out of necessity lol pretty cool though!
I use knitting and crocheting as a way to relax. When l do a simple pattern like a scarf in garter stitch, l use it as a sort of meditation or as one might use prayer beads. I say little blessings for the recipient of the scarf. It's really a beautiful experience.
My aunt, a knitting fiend, taught me to knit with the needle under my arm. I could go to town knitting. I can’t do it any other way! I tried. All my knitting group does it the other way. They teased me.
Same but I tried knitting recently and it didn't go very well ended duo.tight and I found it so difficult compared to crotchet..to be fair I hasn't done it since I was about 9 or so years old I probably learned at 4 or 5 from my granny. Always held the ends under the elbow. Cos irish people would also knit on the bus when I was a kid or even at mass I've seen one woman! Lol!
I am intrigued by this being called Irish Cottage knitting. I am from Yorkshire, 74 years old and have been knitting this way (with the right needle anchored under the right arm). I have the yarn around my first finger from my thumb and this is the only movement that is required, I do not even move the hand, only this finger. Very quick and my tension is perfect.
My Granny from Cumbria taught me this way, over 50 years ago. She had knit this way her whole life, born in 1903, being taught by her Grandmother. I remember as a child that both she and her sister were pattern testers for Wendys and they could both knit so fast. I think it is fair to say that this style has been prevalent in the British Isles for hundreds of years and is not just called Irish Cottage knitting. 🙂
Keep in mind that there are a LOT of Irish people in these areas that may have brought the style with them when they emigrated so that could also be a factor in it 😊
I was taught this way too, by my mother who had Yorkshire antecedents. I had dreadful trouble though when I first tried to use circular needles as I kept trying to put one end under my arm! 🤣
I live in Ireland , just called this knitting. Heard Americans call it English style. Its very interesting that people came up with different ways to use the tools isn't it xx
My Granny taught me to knit this way over 50 years ago. I have always been called out by my English thrower friends knitting this way, I used to say they were the knitting Police. There are so many styles of knitting, I have only just started Norwegian knitting, which I must say is also fast.
This is how my mother taught me how to knit but I never encountered anyone else knitting in this fashion. I just recently found out what this knitting style is called and was pleased to come across this video. Over the years I have fine tuned the procedure to the point where essentially my left hand needle does most of the motions. Thanks for this posting.
How interesting! My boyfriend and I learnt how to knit about a month ago. We naturally anchored the right needle on our lap (like when wearing a knitting belt). Only a few days ago we learnt that it's actually an older technique that fell out of fashion.
Great video. This is the way I was taught to knit 50+ years ago. In fact I only recently learned there were any other ways thanks to the internet. Anyhoo, let me assure you, you can slouch and knit this way, long needles can be great, I knit whole blankets on them, but you can end up sort of whipping your left leg with the end of the needle. Easily solved though, you just slouch a little differently and get comfy. Great to have a range of styles to be comfortable with. Really enjoyed sharing your experiences.
Hi Mel I was shown this stile at 15 when I was catching the old rattler trains. I was dropping stitches and some older ladies showed me this way. The difference is use I put my thumb under the needle with my middle finger doing the throwing over the needle to form the stitch. And I'm a super fast knitter. So I'm 64 now and still knit all sorts of things. Yet always learning ❤
I saw a lady on the train knitting in this style 20 years ago and, impressed by her speed, decided to modify my style to attempt to match her speed. Thanks for letting me know the name of the style!
This might be perfect for me. I've got fibromyalgia so fatigue really quickly plus the larger motion of English knitting and I can only manage an hour of knitting at most. I'll definitely be giving this a try 😍🤞🏻
@@OddlyElly Specially the purl stitch, you basically just flick your thumb... It's how it's done in Portugal, Greece and other countries around the Mediterranean and in Brazil (I think also other latin American countries).. I hope it helps you! Good luck!
First let me say what a beautiful piece of work!! I discovered this style of knitting about two years ago and I've never looked back. I'm not a fast knitter and although it's more about enjoying the process, sometimes you just want to get on with something, especially in stockinette stitch. I can't get on board with continental even though I try and try. This Cottage Style Knitting changed everything for me. I've never dropped the right needle to wrap the yarn, as so many videos demonstrate in English style, I've always rested the right needle between my thumb and index finger but of course as the work grows it sits over the thumb and does become a little awkward, however it was the only style I knew (until I discovered UA-cam) and I just dealt with it. I found the Yarn Harlot's video and fell in love with this Cottage Style. My speed has increased but not so much that it feels like a race. I still tension the yarn as I always have using my index finger to throw the yarn and it works great but I will keep trying the way you do it. I love this style for SS and ribbing and I have also managed some lacy patterns as well. I keep trying continental style but I always come back to this one. I hope you grow to love it as much as I do. Thank you for a lovely video :)
I'd just call this old timey knitting, as my dutch grandmother was all about telling me about how she knit with her needle under her arm or in her belt. This to say, it's not just an Irish style. I've heard it from some other older European traditions as well. So I'm sure there is a whole bunch of cross pollination around Europe with knitting styles. Very interesting!
Thanks for the video, Dutchie here, this is the way my mum taught me to knit when I was five years old. I love the stability of keeping one needle under my armpit and Irish Cottage Style Knitting is a lovely cosy name for it. I do hold my right hand differently though, my thumb goes on one side and the rest of my hand stays on the other side. Makes it really easy to move the stitches up the needle.
I picked back up my needles and have been happily knitting in the evenings. I find the repeating my pattern in my mind to be a mantra like experience. I enjoy it. I’m an English knitter (from England).
My Mom taught me knitting basics 50+ years ago. I picked it up again in my 20s, but for some reason I put the right needle between my legs. I have the yarn in my right hand. It works very well for me!
This looks a great knitting style for left handed people. I have a few in my life & am looking forward to sharing it with them to see if they want to try knitting.
This is how my grandma knits! Me and my grandma both knit but I knit in a different style, I've never seen someone knit the same way she does. I'm so glad to know what it's called!
I used to use Susan Bates 14 inch needles, to do all my projects. When I started knitting in the round with circular needles, I gave up the long needles. I found they put a strain on my wrist and upper arms. Circular needles are better for me. I also had to wedge the right needle in the easy chair, or it would move around to much. I’m with you about mental health. Knitting helps to deal with a lot of stress I’m dealing with
My Danish grandmother taught t me to knit Continental Combination. planting the left needle in place and only moving my right needle. After nearly 2 decades of doing it that way, it was so hard to switch to regular Continental and to learn to use both hands. I was adamant about being able to use circulars, so persisted, though. Now I'm trying to learn to do double-knitting holding one color in each hand. Kudos to you for learning new ways to knit - it's very hard to overcome old habits
I do all kinds of fiber-crafting: knitting, crochet, Tunisian, nälbinding, pattern sewing, quilting, embroidery, and even cross stitch and I love finding out about new techniques 😊
Learned to crochet first as a 10-year-old. Learned to knit from an Italian co-worker in my early 20’s. She taught me continental which I think I picked up easily since I was a crocheter first. This style came more easily to me since I was used to holding the yarn in my left and knitting off my finger crochet-style.
@@janofpa7772 I started crocheting and knitting around 10, and tbh I have no idea what my style of knitting is since it’s a weird left-handed translation of how my mom knits… but it gets the job done, lol That said, I’m probably going to be switching to this style once I get a good handle on how it works because this seems far easier and faster than my goblin knitting style 😅
I learned this style as at about age 8, but rather than keep the needle under my armpit I learned to hold it in with my elbow. That keeps the knitting away from the face ( one of the issues you identified with this style Mel) and makes knitting in summer no problem. Perhaps this was really my family's way of knitting but I'd be curious: Did others learn this way with a modification? I love to knit this way and can knit super fast as a result. GREAT video btw! Thank you!!
Hi, My parents were Dutch and my mother taught me how to knit in what you call the Irish way? The big advantage of knitting in this way is that neither hand carries the weight of the knitting, which is especially important with larger pieces and does not overwhelm your wrists. I have had arthritis for years now and I have very little trouble with my knitting thank goodness. it is also super fast to knit in this manner. If you watch how the Scottish Islanders knit ( old videos exist) I think they knitted in 'Irish' style also. As their livlihood depended on their knitting at that time you can bet your bottom dollar that they used a method that used the least stress on their ligaments and muscles.
I loved seeing this. My Grandfather Cox from N. Charolina and his family knitted in tjhis style. My mother said they used a leather holder attached to a belt. I never met him and never saw it. Thank you
This is great! I actually have some hand dyed yarn from Ireland and I think it will be perfect to knit up with the Irish cottage style! You’re awesome! Thank you for taking the time to make this and share.
i believe the 2togs. can be pinched off the left needle to make it easier to knit them. those people back in the day did some amazing things!!! i love the history of knitting. lovely video!
This was such a fun video. Ive been looking at getting a knitting belt to try this style but I'll probably try holding it under the armpit first before investing in a belt. I wonder if this technique would help "force" me to keep a better posture which is an issue for me which now causes back pain. Same with the way you described it putting less stress on your right hand, maybe that would help with people experiencing hand pain while knitting. I think trying this technique but keeping other styles for different projects could help so your hands arent doing the same motions and reducing hand stress. Also omg the finished wrap is GORGEOUS. The color combination you chose wouldnt have been my first choice but I love the contrast between the the colors you choice and with all the different stitches it looks so cozy and beautiful. Almost like a sample blanket or something where you do a different stitch in each section.
I’ve knitted this way my whole life, just didn’t know it was called Irish Cottage Style Knitting although I had Irish mother and grandmother. When you are knitting wide pieces and your needle is full don’t put it below your armpit and touching it, you can put it a little bit lower and you’ll still be able to hold it with your arm.
I'm so glad I stumble into your video my sister have always knit with the needle under her armpit But no knowing it is called Irish cottage knitting. . hanks for sharing. Perhaps you can make a video of Flicking style I always wanted o learn bu can' find help since you have learn it on your own .I believe you will know all he United ricks and tips.
Thanks, I always wondered if I should try the throwing, always did European style. But the title of this intrigued me. Just started tunesian crochet and am faszinated.
Just wanted to say that your video has given me some hope. I also use knitting for relaxation because my ADHD and (undiagnosed but apparent) autism makes me unable to relax unless I'm doing something. I was on a med up until last week that ended up giving me carpal tunnel syndrom and neuropathy, making my feet and hands numb, prickly, and at times painful. Hoping it's not permanent, but who knows? For some it is and for some it isn't. I need to do to relax; thus, I am stressed. Seeing an option to mitigate wear and tear may allow me to continue knitting after I wait a bit to see if stopping the med (which is still in my system messing things up) makes at least some of the symptoms less daunting to work around. I have two knitting projects on the go and one so close to being done and I'm afraid to do more damage or any damage to my nerves but I also just am not able to relax right now because I have to avoid falling too, which makes walking around in winter in Canada complicated and frustratingly worrying. (Thin bones, also from the same med, a cruel joke to give breakability AND extra clumsiness! Was I cursed by the god of irony or something?) I'm probably going to try and finish the one that's so close (just need to sew the panels together), then take some time to try different ways of knitting to see which ones work best for these newly benumbed hands and fingers. Benumbed fingers crossed this is temporary. But it's gonna be fun to learn new things, even if it takes longer to do so. So thank you. I never considered looking beyond what my coworker taught me (American style, I think?). Nice to have some hope.
Hi I learned continental knitting but I didn't like the purl, so looking on utube I found combination style.... have a look at Bunelladunella she shows a easier way. x
Neat video, I learned to knit with Irish cottage style by my grandmother, which evolved into English style and I'm trying to learn Continental now and I find holding the needle in my right hand awkward properly now.
I learned to knit English style, because. As projects became bigger or more of them, I now discover that what I did back then, totally unprompted or taught in order to just safely hold the work to keep it from landing on the floor, is called Irish Cottage Style knitting. I have tried Continental style knitting, more so because it seemed quicker than English style, but my fingers/brain refused to adapt, and what work I did was awkward, to say the least. As I grow older, hands now with bothersome arthritis, I think I will just stick with what they seem to be comfortable with. Thanks for the demonstration.
I'm 26 now but when I was 11 and first teaching myself how to knit, I ended up going with flicking style just intuitively, as continental was too complex for my baby hands, but english style was too slow and I wanted to go faster - I had no idea until watching this video that it had a name - Flicking!!! I thought I was just a freak all these years.
Wow, you are one talented person! Love your gorgeous scarf. I never thought about knitting the way you do. . Bravo!! Loved just sitting here being mesmerized by your stitching.
Thanks for filming your process! I’m trying to learn Irish cottage knitting, but left-handed, so I can reverse knit big projects like afghans. This was exceedingly helpful.
Thanks for sharing I'm researching how to knit and I'm trying to check out all the different ways as well as all of the ways to fix things that may go wrong and tips and tricks and hacks to make things better when I actually begin
Wow love what you did with the wrap! Can’t really do a sock in the round but I guess just flat knitting. Have you tried the knitting using the pin info your chest? That looks really interesting and not expense to buy one and someone said you can use a stitch marker that hooks closed if you don’t have the pin. It’s away easier to just buy it. Andrea Wong teaches it on here and sells the pins on her website a basic and fancy ones.
Wow, I'm so impressed with your channel. I ran across you accidentally and was hooked. Your style is entertaining, you subject matter is quite interesting and you speak very softly and calmly. I've subscribed because I want to see more!!!!
I am looking into this style because I love knitting and crochet. I’m having problems with my fingers in and my arm area. I’m hoping this style will give them the rest they need, but I can still keep doing what I love.
Enjoyed this experiment (watching in June 2021). As you so well pointed out, there are so many knitting styles and why not try them out? I recently learned how to Portuguese knit which I take full advantage of when purling. In fact, it is such a hit that I knit fair isle FLAT and prefer the purled rows. Go figure. I purchased a knitting belt but haven’t given it a whirl as of yet (thanks Marie Wallin!). Have you tried a knitting belt. Finally, thank you for your thoughtful and sometimes provocative podcasts. It’s wonderful to meet an adventurous and curious knitter.
Is the Portuguese style where the yarn goes around the back of your neck? I'd love to try this out if you are finding that you like it for fair isle flat, I've been experimenting with that lately. I do have a knitting belt but haven't tried it yet either - but hopefully soon!
@@melmakesstuff Yes, It’s the yarn around the neck. I took a video of me knitting like this and will share. Can I put a link here in the comment section?
I'm a brand new knitter. The first month I was learning I tried so many styles including lever knitting (the pencil grip version). It took me much longer to learn because of this but well worth it. I realized English stylesbwasbsuper easy a more palatable for the new knitter, but I also crochet and hold the yarn in my left normally. I thought it would be better for me to try continental. This made knitting frustrating! I find my hands feeling so strained and couldn't get good tension. So I tried lever knitting as there is a bit more of a flicking motion. I was learning on strait needles and found it super comfortable. I liked the way the flow felt but was struggling with my finger flicking since I was so used to my left anchoring the yarn. I ultimately went back to continental and have been thriving ever since aside from my pesky pregnancy carpal tunnel that hasn't gone away just yet (now 3 months postpartum) I find my hands get a bit more fatigued with knitting than crochet. With that said, I love the idea of knitting on straits and told myself if I ever had to knit on straits I would try to lever knit the project. Sure enough I recently bought a beginner knitting sweater pattern that I didn't realize was knit flat. I'm actually really excited to get started next week while I wait for my needles. There's a nostalgia to knitting on straits that I just love. Just recently started my own knitting podcast so I will be sharing my thoughts. :) loved your thoughts and the history lesson 🥰
@@melmakesstuff just started my jumper in this style. I bought 14inch. I'm using 8mm needles. I am a continental knitter and hate ribbing English style but this style made rubbing super easy. I also had no carpal tunnel fatigue. But I did feel I was bending my wrist a bit more than usual. I'm wondering if the 16" would be more comfortable. 🤔
It might, I think it’s really a matter of personal preference and also individual body proportions. With the 14” needles, I put the ball on the end of the needle right in the center of my side (so there’s no needle sticking out from the back of my arm), and I found that works for me. A lot of other lever knitters I’ve seen do prefer to use the 16” length though.
@@melmakesstuff thank you. I'm short so I figure 14 is prob just find. I think my wrist was moving a lot because I was not resting my wrist/palm on the needle. It feels slightly unstable that way. So I'd slightly grab the needle with my fingers. So I'm practicing resting my wrist but now my stitchesvare really tight haha. Gotta love tension...it's been the most challenging part of learning to knot so far.
I am from Sicily and this is the way my grandmother taugth me to knit when I was 8 years .... many years ago 😅 and the way everyone used to knit. My grandmother was very very fast
I have actually caused a stress injury to my right hand and wrist from my work combined with various crafts. I'm gonna give this a try with a continental twist and see if I can't give it a proper rest 😊
hi ive watched your video again ..beautiful scarf at the end at ive noticed smth else. The needle with the stitched shl be held in the left hand and we knit from left to right needle that is under the right arm,also the right hand moves the yarn around. At thevend al stitches are on the right needle, you then switch the needles, Stitches in the left,empty needle in the right and so on.
I am left handed and instinctively tucked my right needle under my arm when learning to knit as a child. My left needle was the action needle, stabbing the stitch onto the stationary right needle. Many yeats later I discovered that my intuitive technique actually had a name: cottage knitting.
I was today years old when I learned that the way I knit is called Irish cottage style 🤭 that's how a learned knitting many, many years ago as a child. Only, I hold or tension the yarn differently, similar to how you flick; that way I can control the right needle with my thumb and middle finger (like you were doing with the side of your hand) so is easier to transfer the stitches specially in cases like ssp or k2tog. Also, the right needle doesn't need to go all the way up to your armpit, it can go lower between your arm and body. I recently started using circular needles (they are a novelty to me, I discovered them through the magic of internet) so english style or flicking was really natural for me, I learned continental too but I'm slow and I don't particularly like it but I sometimes switch between them to give my hands a rest. (I thought I should add that I'm from Argentina)
You are beautiful plus well spoken and clever too. I love how like myself you choose to look into a variety of ways to go about things in this our fascinating world. We are very alike. 🥰 I am your new very happy subscriber!💞💓
I just learned how to knit. I was a crocheter so naturally continental was nicer. I also discovered I was doing combination (eastern and western stitch mount) knitting and managing not to twist my stitches. Probably because I knew what a twisted stitch wasn't right so I did it to make the stitch sit right. Come to find out I was doing it right on instinct! My hand was hurting pushing the yarn with my finger. So I fudged it and am so proud to say I was doing it right. Anyways, when you do combination knitting there is almost no hand movement. Purling is just as easy. Try it out. Theres good videos on here. Watch several.
Spent today learning how to flick after watching another video. It was really hard to get the tension even at first. It was way too tight. My first swatch is narrow at the bottom, lol. I did figure out the tension once I got used to the motion. I grew up as a thrower and taught myself continental in college. I think I like the flicking a lot more but I’m going to need a lot of practice to get the tension even.
very interesting! i started a year ago, in the english style (throwing), but unable to hold the right needle , so i was "squeezing" it between ly crossed legs, NOT so comfy after a while, back was aching ... and so i was working arount the right needle quiet fast, only the position was really bad! so i learned the continental methode, but with russian purle, and now i knit only that way! the only thing is i struggle withe decreasses like SSK, K2tog, so i'd like to learn how to knit the english style again, without having to hold the right needle! seems i'm in the right place, so thank you!
It looks so comfortable1 The elderly lady that has a tutorial on the way to knot shows just how efficient this way of knitting is! When you think that knitters in the Isles have to make as many yokes and sweaters and shawls in order to keep the money coming in. and with the knitting belt they can walk and visit while knitting. No knitting, Romney, no food for them.
I learned Continental stitching very easily by just watching someone do it I don't know why but I picked her I picked it right up on that side it now. My problem now is I'm trying to knit socks on a magic loop and I'm having much the problem that you were trying to figure out the yarn going where and which part of the loop comes up and which goes back and which needle does this which does that. There's no way, absolutely no way in this universe that I am never going to try and knit with a needle in my armpit.. it was fun watching you try though thank you
I've looked at ur Irish knitting. This might b a field for u to teach. Ergonomics is def an issue in current society for whatever reason. I've not seen all ur vids but u mentioned diff proj r expanding ur diff needle use. Please explain in further vids about why diff knit techniques r to b used for diff projects. I admire ur fortitude in learning. I'm disabled and learning knit as I've crocheted all my life. My right arm and both hands have pain issues so... Please continue to explore diff stitch styles. Thanks for ur excellent AV site.
I crochet and I'm slowly trying to learn knitting and I use the long needles bamboo I can do the knit stich but can't figure out how to hold the needles away from my body and hold the working yarn in my left hand hoping in time I can get the needles away from my body I have never seen anyone knit like this thank you for sharing and your wrap is gorgeous
I love your willingness to learn new things. Very admirable. I think I will try this myself. I would have to go out and buy some straights. All I have are circulars and dpn’s. I remember buying straights decades ago when I started knitting, and I naturally propped the right needle into my hip crease. I taught myself to knit continental, to make it easier to do color work, but I still prefer English style. I don’t flick, b/c my hands and small and fingers are short, but I do a pseudo flick which minimizes the movement of my right hand. I learn different techniques b/c what if the government outlaws circular needles, or outlaws knitting English style, or I’m stranded on a desert island with just one long circular and no dpn’s.
I'm a fast continental knitter, but I learned how to do the English method when I had carpel tunnel issues (not related to knitting). So I use both methods as well. I find I enjoy the English style even though it's not quite as fast for me because it feels more comfortable or relaxing, it seems. I would love to try the lever knitting too, as that would be great if you're able to build up speed with it. It also looks like it could be both fast and a relaxing way to knit once you have it mastered. Thanks for this video and your comments on it.
Hmmm I'd probably like Irish cottage knitting, as I really prefer English throwing over continental which I probably just haven't figured out yet. For binding off I really love using a crochet hook, hands down favourite
Wow! How brave you are! All these different knitting styles ! I would get a frozen shoulder eventually ! Love knitting ... BUT it is a nightmare if I drop a stitch and have to recover it ! So I prefer crochet because it's easy-peasy and grows quickly !!! N
Well, I'm from Yorkshire so definitely not Irish, but this is exactly how I knit. Like everyone else I learned from my mum c. 68 years ago. Small difference I've just noticed is how your right hand is facing upward. I rest my thumb on the needle and keep my hand at 90 degrees, but that may have evolved!
Hello, this is how I learned to knit in Holland. I have tried other styles, but for me this is the most relaxed and fastest. I will usually sit on a firm flat cushion on the couch and in yoga style, like you did. I also use a wobble cushion at times. I do the book excercise to help with any shoulder pangs. Just an after thought. Thank you 😊
Flicking is a term I’d not heard, but that’s what I do, except I hold the r needle like a pencil, resting the needle across the web between my thumb and hand, and just flex my index finger to wrap the yarn. The hand rocks forward and back somewhat. It’s v fast.
This was a fun vido to watch. Would you ever think about portuguese/ andean knitting. I love this method because tension for me is even and make fair isle easy, even, stretchy....anyway this was a great video to see if you like cottage knitting and seeing how you can possibly knit projects by combining them. I wonder if some knitting techniques would be easier or faster if you add combination knitting to cottage knitting. 🤔. ...👍👍☺️
I just discovered your video, so my comment is a bit late. I was taught this knitting style by my grandma when I was about 5 or 6, in the 60s, in the North of Spain (Asturias) and I have been knitting like this since. She was taught by her grandma and way back like this for several generations. They did not have any contact with English language or culture. Everyone I met over there who knitted, knitted in the same way as me.
In my ignorance I did not know that there were other ways to knit until very recently. When I first learnt about continental knitting, I immediately assumed that what I did was then English knitting because of the yarn held in the right hand. However, since then I’ve seen videos and learnt about the lever style and carefully looking at the movements, that is what I do. The right needle does not move and is firmly tucked under my right axila, the left needle does all the work of picking and letting go of the stitches and the right hand does the throwing. The left index finger does quite a lot of work too, controlling the flow of stitches on the left needle, “welcoming” a new one to the front to be worked and seeing it off when it moves to the right. Live and learn! I do not do English knitting after all, I do lever or Irish Cottage knitting. I find all this information fascinating.
It's so nice to hear someone say they knitting for their mental health, been struggling with anxiety and depression for many years , knitting has helped me more than seeing a psychiatrist.
Most likely those of us who are avid "crafters" do it for our "mental health", whether or not we even realize it.
We have so much inner energy and creativity that we need to express... and feel that sense of accomplishment upon seeing what beauty we are able to create...
just by "myself"...
Love that knitting helps you. It has gotten me through a lot of alone time.
@@contactjoy4140 true! Great stress reliever
The combination of knitting and therapy is great for my mental health 🥰
I'm knitting to help me recover from my stroke. I do it in my free time at the rehabilitation center.
I just watched a video about shetland lace makers from the bbc in the 60s, and these two women were just hammering away on these beautiful shawls but I couldn't see what their hands were doing. This is it! and it's amazing that with this technique, they were able to make gorgeous, delicate, giant shawls in only 6 weeks! thanks for such an informative video
I just watched that same video!!
@@gailots me too
hi I’m an old time learn by doing self knitter. First thing I would like to share I also have been a massage therapist, combining two skills can be fun! I use magnetic therapy to enjoy both skills- I’m 77 my hands n fingers are very strong and flexible! I want to keep my mental health also, therapy is active or passive either one allows one to knit til you fall asleep, no aches no pain! I use Nikkei magnets any questions tx me I’m so willing to help anyone also I knit the old German way.
I'm a mental health rehab worker. We have knitting classes and a knitting group as a support to good mental health, it's been a life saver for me!
My goodness! I learned to knit this way when I was 4 years old and I had no idea that it was called Irish Cottage style. I’m Scottish and everyone in my family would have knit this way. Kind of makes me want to try it out again. I still have all my mothers needles, and I am now 71! I was still knitting this way until I discovered cable needles about 10 years ago, and it took me ages to master purling on them because I had been so used to purling fast and not having to hold the needle. I flick the same way you do. I think of the “pen grip” as being more English style and seems to work better on shorter straight needles, but I never could manage this. If you see Miss Marple knitting, that is how she knits. You do have to sit up straight, and anyone sitting near you gets poked with needles. Not suitable for public transport knitting, but you have reminded me that there is still a place for it, for knitting pieced garments or scarves/wraps. Your wrap is absolutely gorgeous, I noticed the lovely Old Shale stitch in the middle. Well done for having the patience to knit it all in a new style.
How lovely to still have your mother's needles.
I am from the North East of England and this is my way of knitting, I also had no idea it was called Irish Cottage and always thought it was a northern way of doing it.
@@margaretmetcalfe9380 Yes, maybe more northern style. I have since read somewhere that the pen grip (miss Marple) was taught to upper class young ladies, because it looked more “ladylike”. 😊
I learned this way when living in Spain years ago. I still knit like that, except I hold the yarn with my index and middle fingers, not like she's doing in the video. And I learned to cast on the right needle while it's under my arm, totally different than she did. I'd rather knit this way than any other way.
@@annwithaplan9766 I also hold my yarn differently to how she does and yes this is also my preferred method, I think it is easier on my hands, you do not really take the weight of your knitting.
IMy mother taught me to knit over 60 years ago always with the right needle under my arm . I find you can go really fast with this method. I am now 74and knit every day. I have just been teaching my 8 year old grand daughter and she is,picking it up so fast.! Also I am Scottish where they are fabulous knitters in that country. I now live in Canada.😊
Same. I'm originally from Dundee but now live in Tasmania, and have been knitting this way since I was 8. I'm now 71.
Oh my goodness I'm 74 and just now found out I've been Irish knitting most of my life. My dear grandmother taught me before I started school. I always wondered why no one else did the same. The only time I had problems was when I used circular needles for all the afghans I made. Anyway you are a joy to watch thank you for the memories. God Bless
Exactly the same thing myself! I tried to get my children into knitting, but they weren't interested. Now my Daughter is a Mum herself, she's wishing she had learnt to knit. I'm 57 and learnt at she 5 with needle under arm pit. Trying to learn crochet now but can't get tension right with left hand lol!
My grandma (who was Italian) would knit with a scrap of fabric tied around her waist (like an apron long cord) and would wrap the needle twice around the cord instead of holding it under her arm. Having it a bit lower like that is way more comfortable.
I would like to try this.
That's a lot like the Shetland "makkin" belts! Very cool.
I read this 5 times before I finally read it as “waist” instead of “wrist” and the technique makes so much more sense now, lol
I was born on the English coast of the Irish Sea. And until i started watching Utube just before the Covid lockdown I didn't know any other style than Irish cottage except than 4 needles for socks. I now knit blankets on long circular needles and love that you can have hundreds of stitches in each row.
Tried circulars for socks but eventually went back to four DPNs.
I love having choices for different projects.
Now have just started Tunisian crochet. Something else new.
So many methods so little time and so many WIPS.
The straight posture is good for your spine. So win win.
Carry on crafting, whatever project or style.
Lynne in the UK😊
My mother had an English friend who knitted this way. She knitted super-fast, making all the winter sweaters and socks for her husband and three boys.
I've always knitted continental style and was glad I did when I lost the top joint of my right index finger. I think I could manage this style without the finger.
Knitting while listening to audio books is the ultimate therapy, especially on a rainy day.
My mum & I used to do that when audio books were on cassette! Nice memories.
Thank you for this video! I’m 63 years old and have arthritis in my thumb joints and wrists keeping me from crocheting any longer. Im a continental knitter, but still have to limit my time due to the (stupid) arthritis. I’ve been exploring videos on Irish cottage knitting hoping it will help in a number of different ways , ie, physically, mentally, etc. All that being said, you’ve given me courage to try this one. Thanks again 😃
Such a shame to suffer with your hands!!!! Watch Dr. Berg UA-cam channel - you'll learn how to clean up your joints and gradually restore comfort. It's never too late ❤️
Taking powdered collagen supplement will really help!
Hi Cora. I’m 64yo and I understand what you mean with having trouble with joints. I, too, am primarily a continental knitter, and when purling I often find my fingers cramping or even going numb! I just recently discovered Portuguese knitting, and it’s truly been a revelation! Purling especially it’s SOOO easy and painless! I am still mastering the knit stitch using this method, but I am hooked on purling the Portuguese way!! There are many UA-cam channels that demonstrate Portuguese knitting. I highly recommend giving it a try.
@@mikkiwachtel2870 Mikki! Thank you so much for the heads up. I’ll have a look at that method. I’m sorry to hear that you are a fellow sufferer though😕. I’ve recently gone back to crocheting because of my frustrations with pain even in knitting, but I will DEFINITELY look at the Portuguese method. Hang in there, girlfriend, and don’t let that arthritis get you down!😃
How did it go? I think it is quite an arthritis friendly style of knitting. Portuguese style might help too.
I know this is a fairly old video now but I just wanted to say thanks for making it so clear and sharing your experiences. I am a novice knitter - I learnt english style when I was younger and now trying to develop my skills so I can use my own hand spun wool. From the little I know this style of knitting is indeed a cottager industry style. Traditionally fisherman's wives would knit while they walked along , with the wool tucked into a belt or pouch knitting mainly by feel, so having the long needle banging into your leg wouldnt have been an issue and would have been very economical. I've mainly heard of this type of knitting coming from Scotland (but I'm sure there would have been other versions in other areas) - the jumpers were a specific type called a Gansey. It's so tightly-woven that along with the lanolin from the wool it would be fairly water and wind resistant. I believe there is a museum entirely concentrated on Gansey's up in Scotland
I find it comforting to know there are so many other people out there who knit, crochet, tunisian crochet and nalbind for mental health. I find it really helps control my anxiety more than the other myriad things I've tried. This is the one thing I keep returning to daily because I enjoy it and it comforts me so much... side bonus is the project makes something beautiful & useful for our household or to give as gifts. I'm really intrigued to learn more about other styles of knitting! Thank you so much for covering information on styles and showing us Irish Cottage Style Knitting! :D Edited to add, I used to knit like this when my children were very small. I wonder if this is a reason the style developed? I didn't know it was a style so much as something I did out of necessity lol pretty cool though!
I use knitting and crocheting as a way to relax. When l do a simple pattern like a scarf in garter stitch, l use it as a sort of meditation or as one might use prayer beads. I say little blessings for the recipient of the scarf. It's really a beautiful experience.
My aunt, a knitting fiend, taught me to knit with the needle under my arm. I could go to town knitting. I can’t do it any other way! I tried. All my knitting group does it the other way. They teased me.
same for me , this way i knit the fastest.
Hey if it works for you, that is all that counts!
Same but I tried knitting recently and it didn't go very well ended duo.tight and I found it so difficult compared to crotchet..to be fair I hasn't done it since I was about 9 or so years old I probably learned at 4 or 5 from my granny. Always held the ends under the elbow. Cos irish people would also knit on the bus when I was a kid or even at mass I've seen one woman! Lol!
I am intrigued by this being called Irish Cottage knitting. I am from Yorkshire, 74 years old and have been knitting this way (with the right needle anchored under the right arm). I have the yarn around my first finger from my thumb and this is the only movement that is required, I do not even move the hand, only this finger. Very quick and my tension is perfect.
My Granny from Cumbria taught me this way, over 50 years ago. She had knit this way her whole life, born in 1903, being taught by her Grandmother. I remember as a child that both she and her sister were pattern testers for Wendys and they could both knit so fast. I think it is fair to say that this style has been prevalent in the British Isles for hundreds of years and is not just called Irish Cottage knitting. 🙂
Keep in mind that there are a LOT of Irish people in these areas that may have brought the style with them when they emigrated so that could also be a factor in it 😊
I was taught this way too, by my mother who had Yorkshire antecedents. I had dreadful trouble though when I first tried to use circular needles as I kept trying to put one end under my arm! 🤣
I live in Ireland , just called this knitting. Heard Americans call it English style. Its very interesting that people came up with different ways to use the tools isn't it xx
My Granny taught me to knit this way over 50 years ago. I have always been called out by my English thrower friends knitting this way, I used to say they were the knitting Police. There are so many styles of knitting, I have only just started Norwegian knitting, which I must say is also fast.
I'm a Portuguese knitter. It's VERY fast, great tension, easy on the hands.
This is how my mother taught me how to knit but I never encountered anyone else knitting in this fashion. I just recently found out what this knitting style is called and was pleased to come across this video. Over the years I have fine tuned the procedure to the point where essentially my left hand needle does most of the motions. Thanks for this posting.
I have knitted that way all my 67 years and never knew it was called this. I learnt from my mother. Thanks for an informative video.
How interesting! My boyfriend and I learnt how to knit about a month ago. We naturally anchored the right needle on our lap (like when wearing a knitting belt). Only a few days ago we learnt that it's actually an older technique that fell out of fashion.
Great video. This is the way I was taught to knit 50+ years ago. In fact I only recently learned there were any other ways thanks to the internet. Anyhoo, let me assure you, you can slouch and knit this way, long needles can be great, I knit whole blankets on them, but you can end up sort of whipping your left leg with the end of the needle. Easily solved though, you just slouch a little differently and get comfy. Great to have a range of styles to be comfortable with. Really enjoyed sharing your experiences.
Hi Mel
I was shown this stile at 15 when I was catching the old rattler trains. I was dropping stitches and some older ladies showed me this way.
The difference is use I put my thumb under the needle with my middle finger doing the throwing over the needle to form the stitch. And I'm a super fast knitter. So I'm 64 now and still knit all sorts of things. Yet always learning ❤
I saw a lady on the train knitting in this style 20 years ago and, impressed by her speed, decided to modify my style to attempt to match her speed. Thanks for letting me know the name of the style!
This might be perfect for me. I've got fibromyalgia so fatigue really quickly plus the larger motion of English knitting and I can only manage an hour of knitting at most. I'll definitely be giving this a try 😍🤞🏻
Try Portuguese style as well!
@@Sarinhajd I'll definitely have a look at that!
@@OddlyElly Specially the purl stitch, you basically just flick your thumb... It's how it's done in Portugal, Greece and other countries around the Mediterranean and in Brazil (I think also other latin American countries).. I hope it helps you! Good luck!
I also have fibromyalgia and flicking works best for my arm and hand muscles!
I knit portugese due to a shoulder injury..@@Sarinhajd
First let me say what a beautiful piece of work!! I discovered this style of knitting about two years ago and I've never looked back. I'm not a fast knitter and although it's more about enjoying the process, sometimes you just want to get on with something, especially in stockinette stitch. I can't get on board with continental even though I try and try. This Cottage Style Knitting changed everything for me. I've never dropped the right needle to wrap the yarn, as so many videos demonstrate in English style, I've always rested the right needle between my thumb and index finger but of course as the work grows it sits over the thumb and does become a little awkward, however it was the only style I knew (until I discovered UA-cam) and I just dealt with it. I found the Yarn Harlot's video and fell in love with this Cottage Style. My speed has increased but not so much that it feels like a race. I still tension the yarn as I always have using my index finger to throw the yarn and it works great but I will keep trying the way you do it. I love this style for SS and ribbing and I have also managed some lacy patterns as well. I keep trying continental style but I always come back to this one. I hope you grow to love it as much as I do. Thank you for a lovely video :)
Hi have a look on utube at combination style knitting with a lady called bunelladunella, I found this style better and I know only knit this way x
I'd just call this old timey knitting, as my dutch grandmother was all about telling me about how she knit with her needle under her arm or in her belt. This to say, it's not just an Irish style. I've heard it from some other older European traditions as well. So I'm sure there is a whole bunch of cross pollination around Europe with knitting styles.
Very interesting!
Thanks for the video, Dutchie here, this is the way my mum taught me to knit when I was five years old. I love the stability of keeping one needle under my armpit and Irish Cottage Style Knitting is a lovely cosy name for it. I do hold my right hand differently though, my thumb goes on one side and the rest of my hand stays on the other side. Makes it really easy to move the stitches up the needle.
I picked back up my needles and have been happily knitting in the evenings. I find the repeating my pattern in my mind to be a mantra like experience. I enjoy it. I’m an English knitter (from England).
My Mom taught me knitting basics 50+ years ago. I picked it up again in my 20s, but for some reason I put the right needle between my legs. I have the yarn in my right hand. It works very well for me!
This looks a great knitting style for left handed people. I have a few in my life & am looking forward to sharing it with them to see if they want to try knitting.
True, lefthander here, I knit like this. For a long time.
This is how my grandma knits! Me and my grandma both knit but I knit in a different style, I've never seen someone knit the same way she does. I'm so glad to know what it's called!
I used to use Susan Bates 14 inch needles, to do all my projects. When I started knitting in the round with circular needles, I gave up the long needles. I found they put a strain on my wrist and upper arms. Circular needles are better for me. I also had to wedge the right needle in the easy chair, or it would move around to much. I’m with you about mental health. Knitting helps to deal with a lot of stress I’m dealing with
This is so interesting! I've never seen anyone flicking the yarn with their other fingers before, wow! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!💕
what a wonderful video! I don't want to do it, but watching it and understanding it from a historical perspective was great.
My Danish grandmother taught t me to knit Continental Combination. planting the left needle in place and only moving my right needle. After nearly 2 decades of doing it that way, it was so hard to switch to regular Continental and to learn to use both hands. I was adamant about being able to use circulars, so persisted, though. Now I'm trying to learn to do double-knitting holding one color in each hand. Kudos to you for learning new ways to knit - it's very hard to overcome old habits
I do all kinds of fiber-crafting: knitting, crochet, Tunisian, nälbinding, pattern sewing, quilting, embroidery, and even cross stitch and I love finding out about new techniques 😊
Learned to crochet first as a 10-year-old. Learned to knit from an Italian co-worker in my early 20’s. She taught me continental which I think I picked up easily since I was a crocheter first. This style came more easily to me since I was used to holding the yarn in my left and knitting off my finger crochet-style.
@@janofpa7772 I started crocheting and knitting around 10, and tbh I have no idea what my style of knitting is since it’s a weird left-handed translation of how my mom knits… but it gets the job done, lol
That said, I’m probably going to be switching to this style once I get a good handle on how it works because this seems far easier and faster than my goblin knitting style 😅
I learned this style as at about age 8, but rather than keep the needle under my armpit I learned to hold it in with my elbow. That keeps the knitting away from the face ( one of the issues you identified with this style Mel) and makes knitting in summer no problem. Perhaps this was really my family's way of knitting but I'd be curious: Did others learn this way with a modification? I love to knit this way and can knit super fast as a result. GREAT video btw! Thank you!!
Hi, My parents were Dutch and my mother taught me how to knit in what you call the Irish way? The big advantage of knitting in this way is that neither hand carries the weight of the knitting, which is especially important with larger pieces and does not overwhelm your wrists. I have had arthritis for years now and I have very little trouble with my knitting thank goodness. it is also super fast to knit in this manner. If you watch how the Scottish Islanders knit ( old videos exist) I think they knitted in 'Irish' style also. As their livlihood depended on their knitting at that time you can bet your bottom dollar that they used a method that used the least stress on their ligaments and muscles.
I loved seeing this. My Grandfather Cox from N. Charolina and his family knitted in tjhis style. My mother said they used a leather holder attached to a belt. I never met him and never saw it. Thank you
I used to knit this way when I started knitting. Later, when a friend taught me continental style, I forgot how to do this. Fun to watch.
This is great! I actually have some hand dyed yarn from Ireland and I think it will be perfect to knit up with the Irish cottage style! You’re awesome! Thank you for taking the time to make this and share.
i believe the 2togs. can be pinched off the left needle to make it easier to knit them.
those people back in the day did some amazing things!!! i love the history of knitting.
lovely video!
This was such a fun video. Ive been looking at getting a knitting belt to try this style but I'll probably try holding it under the armpit first before investing in a belt.
I wonder if this technique would help "force" me to keep a better posture which is an issue for me which now causes back pain. Same with the way you described it putting less stress on your right hand, maybe that would help with people experiencing hand pain while knitting.
I think trying this technique but keeping other styles for different projects could help so your hands arent doing the same motions and reducing hand stress.
Also omg the finished wrap is GORGEOUS. The color combination you chose wouldnt have been my first choice but I love the contrast between the the colors you choice and with all the different stitches it looks so cozy and beautiful. Almost like a sample blanket or something where you do a different stitch in each section.
Thank you so much. I've wanted to learn this for so long. I learned to knit when I was 8. I also use a knitting machine.
I’ve knitted this way my whole life, just didn’t know it was called Irish Cottage Style Knitting although I had Irish mother and grandmother. When you are knitting wide pieces and your needle is full don’t put it below your armpit and touching it, you can put it a little bit lower and you’ll still be able to hold it with your arm.
I'm so glad I stumble into your video my sister have always knit with the needle under her armpit But no knowing it is called Irish cottage knitting. . hanks for sharing. Perhaps you can make a video of Flicking style I always wanted o learn bu can' find help since you have learn it on your own .I believe you will know all he United ricks and tips.
Thanks, I always wondered if I should try the throwing, always did European style. But the title of this intrigued me. Just started tunesian crochet and am faszinated.
Just wanted to say that your video has given me some hope.
I also use knitting for relaxation because my ADHD and (undiagnosed but apparent) autism makes me unable to relax unless I'm doing something. I was on a med up until last week that ended up giving me carpal tunnel syndrom and neuropathy, making my feet and hands numb, prickly, and at times painful. Hoping it's not permanent, but who knows? For some it is and for some it isn't. I need to do to relax; thus, I am stressed.
Seeing an option to mitigate wear and tear may allow me to continue knitting after I wait a bit to see if stopping the med (which is still in my system messing things up) makes at least some of the symptoms less daunting to work around. I have two knitting projects on the go and one so close to being done and I'm afraid to do more damage or any damage to my nerves but I also just am not able to relax right now because I have to avoid falling too, which makes walking around in winter in Canada complicated and frustratingly worrying. (Thin bones, also from the same med, a cruel joke to give breakability AND extra clumsiness! Was I cursed by the god of irony or something?)
I'm probably going to try and finish the one that's so close (just need to sew the panels together), then take some time to try different ways of knitting to see which ones work best for these newly benumbed hands and fingers. Benumbed fingers crossed this is temporary. But it's gonna be fun to learn new things, even if it takes longer to do so.
So thank you. I never considered looking beyond what my coworker taught me (American style, I think?). Nice to have some hope.
I was so interested when I saw your title! Then as time went on I realised that's how my Mum used to knit!
I literally just learned continental knitting, this was fascinating to watch. Can't believe there are other styles
Hi I learned continental knitting but I didn't like the purl, so looking on utube I found combination style.... have a look at Bunelladunella she shows a easier way. x
I lo e learning new ways to knit so I enjoyed this video very much ! I look forward to trying this technique very soon !
Neat video, I learned to knit with Irish cottage style by my grandmother, which evolved into English style and I'm trying to learn Continental now and I find holding the needle in my right hand awkward properly now.
I learned to knit English style, because. As projects became bigger or more of them, I now discover that what I did back then, totally unprompted or taught in order to just safely hold the work to keep it from landing on the floor, is called Irish Cottage Style knitting. I have tried Continental style knitting, more so because it seemed quicker than English style, but my fingers/brain refused to adapt, and what work I did was awkward, to say the least. As I grow older, hands now with bothersome arthritis, I think I will just stick with what they seem to be comfortable with. Thanks for the demonstration.
This was a really good video. You kinda voiced every question I was thinking as you went along. Thank you for explaining everything.
That’s how I learned to knit! So nice to know the name of that style. You are an amazing & inspirational knitter!
I'm 26 now but when I was 11 and first teaching myself how to knit, I ended up going with flicking style just intuitively, as continental was too complex for my baby hands, but english style was too slow and I wanted to go faster - I had no idea until watching this video that it had a name - Flicking!!! I thought I was just a freak all these years.
Funny how that happens sometimes! I had the same experience with intarsia 😊
Wow, you are one talented person! Love your gorgeous scarf. I never thought about knitting the way you do.
. Bravo!! Loved just sitting here being mesmerized by your stitching.
ahh!! I take this as my sign to finally learn this. I've been wanting to for years, it looks *So smooth*. I love how the wrap turned out, too!
This was now so interesting!! The Wrap is gorgeous!! 🥰🧶🌻
Thanks for filming your process! I’m trying to learn Irish cottage knitting, but left-handed, so I can reverse knit big projects like afghans. This was exceedingly helpful.
This is so cool! The scarf turned out beautiful too!
You are giving me hope while in much pain in my hands. Thank you!
It’s so great that you shared this, I’ve seen videos on this style. Still a thrower over here but you inspire me to want to give it a try! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing I'm researching how to knit and I'm trying to check out all the different ways as well as all of the ways to fix things that may go wrong and tips and tricks and hacks to make things better when I actually begin
Wow love what you did with the wrap! Can’t really do a sock in the round but I guess just flat knitting. Have you tried the knitting using the pin info your chest? That looks really interesting and not expense to buy one and someone said you can use a stitch marker that hooks closed if you don’t have the pin. It’s away easier to just buy it. Andrea Wong teaches it on here and sells the pins on her website a basic and fancy ones.
Wow, I'm so impressed with your channel. I ran across you accidentally and was hooked. Your style is entertaining, you subject matter is quite interesting and you speak very softly and calmly. I've subscribed because I want to see more!!!!
I am looking into this style because I love knitting and crochet. I’m having problems with my fingers in and my arm area. I’m hoping this style will give them the rest they need, but I can still keep doing what I love.
Enjoyed this experiment (watching in June 2021). As you so well pointed out, there are so many knitting styles and why not try them out? I recently learned how to Portuguese knit which I take full advantage of when purling. In fact, it is such a hit that I knit fair isle FLAT and prefer the purled rows. Go figure.
I purchased a knitting belt but haven’t given it a whirl as of yet (thanks Marie Wallin!). Have you tried a knitting belt.
Finally, thank you for your thoughtful and sometimes provocative podcasts. It’s wonderful to meet an adventurous and curious knitter.
Is the Portuguese style where the yarn goes around the back of your neck? I'd love to try this out if you are finding that you like it for fair isle flat, I've been experimenting with that lately. I do have a knitting belt but haven't tried it yet either - but hopefully soon!
@@melmakesstuff Yes, It’s the yarn around the neck. I took a video of me knitting like this and will share. Can I put a link here in the comment section?
This is so interesting and inspiring. Anything to improve knitting techniques is great!
❤️So happy I found you. I use a smaller knitting needle with the cast on and change to a larger size for the rest of the knitting project❤️
I'm a brand new knitter. The first month I was learning I tried so many styles including lever knitting (the pencil grip version). It took me much longer to learn because of this but well worth it. I realized English stylesbwasbsuper easy a more palatable for the new knitter, but I also crochet and hold the yarn in my left normally. I thought it would be better for me to try continental. This made knitting frustrating! I find my hands feeling so strained and couldn't get good tension. So I tried lever knitting as there is a bit more of a flicking motion. I was learning on strait needles and found it super comfortable. I liked the way the flow felt but was struggling with my finger flicking since I was so used to my left anchoring the yarn. I ultimately went back to continental and have been thriving ever since aside from my pesky pregnancy carpal tunnel that hasn't gone away just yet (now 3 months postpartum) I find my hands get a bit more fatigued with knitting than crochet. With that said, I love the idea of knitting on straits and told myself if I ever had to knit on straits I would try to lever knit the project. Sure enough I recently bought a beginner knitting sweater pattern that I didn't realize was knit flat. I'm actually really excited to get started next week while I wait for my needles. There's a nostalgia to knitting on straits that I just love. Just recently started my own knitting podcast so I will be sharing my thoughts. :) loved your thoughts and the history lesson 🥰
So sorry to hear about your carpal tunnel, I hope the knitting on straight needles helps. Best of luck with your new podcast, that’s exciting!!
@@melmakesstuff just started my jumper in this style. I bought 14inch. I'm using 8mm needles. I am a continental knitter and hate ribbing English style but this style made rubbing super easy. I also had no carpal tunnel fatigue. But I did feel I was bending my wrist a bit more than usual. I'm wondering if the 16" would be more comfortable. 🤔
It might, I think it’s really a matter of personal preference and also individual body proportions. With the 14” needles, I put the ball on the end of the needle right in the center of my side (so there’s no needle sticking out from the back of my arm), and I found that works for me. A lot of other lever knitters I’ve seen do prefer to use the 16” length though.
@@melmakesstuff thank you. I'm short so I figure 14 is prob just find. I think my wrist was moving a lot because I was not resting my wrist/palm on the needle. It feels slightly unstable that way. So I'd slightly grab the needle with my fingers. So I'm practicing resting my wrist but now my stitchesvare really tight haha. Gotta love tension...it's been the most challenging part of learning to knot so far.
I am from Sicily and this is the way my grandmother taugth me to knit when I was 8 years .... many years ago 😅 and the way everyone used to knit. My grandmother was very very fast
I have actually caused a stress injury to my right hand and wrist from my work combined with various crafts. I'm gonna give this a try with a continental twist and see if I can't give it a proper rest 😊
Just wanted to say that I love the muted earthy palette of the yarns behind you!
hi ive watched your video again ..beautiful scarf at the end at ive noticed smth else. The needle with the stitched shl be held in the left hand and we knit from left to right needle that is under the right arm,also the right hand moves the yarn around. At thevend al stitches are on the right needle, you then switch the needles, Stitches in the left,empty needle in the right and so on.
I am left handed and instinctively tucked my right needle under my arm when learning to knit as a child. My left needle was the action needle, stabbing the stitch onto the stationary right needle. Many yeats later I discovered that my intuitive technique actually had a name: cottage knitting.
I was today years old when I learned that the way I knit is called Irish cottage style 🤭 that's how a learned knitting many, many years ago as a child. Only, I hold or tension the yarn differently, similar to how you flick; that way I can control the right needle with my thumb and middle finger (like you were doing with the side of your hand) so is easier to transfer the stitches specially in cases like ssp or k2tog. Also, the right needle doesn't need to go all the way up to your armpit, it can go lower between your arm and body. I recently started using circular needles (they are a novelty to me, I discovered them through the magic of internet) so english style or flicking was really natural for me, I learned continental too but I'm slow and I don't particularly like it but I sometimes switch between them to give my hands a rest.
(I thought I should add that I'm from Argentina)
You are beautiful plus well spoken and clever too. I love how like myself you choose to look into a variety of ways to go about things in this our fascinating world. We are very alike. 🥰 I am your new very happy subscriber!💞💓
That is so sweet, thank you!
I just learned how to knit. I was a crocheter so naturally continental was nicer. I also discovered I was doing combination (eastern and western stitch mount) knitting and managing not to twist my stitches. Probably because I knew what a twisted stitch wasn't right so I did it to make the stitch sit right. Come to find out I was doing it right on instinct! My hand was hurting pushing the yarn with my finger. So I fudged it and am so proud to say I was doing it right.
Anyways, when you do combination knitting there is almost no hand movement. Purling is just as easy. Try it out. Theres good videos on here. Watch several.
Spent today learning how to flick after watching another video. It was really hard to get the tension even at first. It was way too tight. My first swatch is narrow at the bottom, lol. I did figure out the tension once I got used to the motion. I grew up as a thrower and taught myself continental in college. I think I like the flicking a lot more but I’m going to need a lot of practice to get the tension even.
This was fascinating! Im interested to try this style.
I've always knitted this way and it's a common method in Northern England.
very interesting!
i started a year ago, in the english style (throwing), but unable to hold the right needle , so i was "squeezing" it between ly crossed legs, NOT so comfy after a while, back was aching ... and so i was working arount the right needle quiet fast, only the position was really bad!
so i learned the continental methode, but with russian purle, and now i knit only that way! the only thing is i struggle withe decreasses like SSK, K2tog, so i'd like to learn how to knit the english style again, without having to hold the right needle!
seems i'm in the right place, so thank you!
It looks so comfortable1 The elderly lady that has a tutorial on the way to knot shows just how efficient this way of knitting is! When you think that knitters in the Isles have to make as many yokes and sweaters and shawls in order to keep the money coming in. and with the knitting belt they can walk and visit while knitting. No knitting, Romney, no food for them.
I learned Continental stitching very easily by just watching someone do it I don't know why but I picked her I picked it right up on that side it now. My problem now is I'm trying to knit socks on a magic loop and I'm having much the problem that you were trying to figure out the yarn going where and which part of the loop comes up and which goes back and which needle does this which does that. There's no way, absolutely no way in this universe that I am never going to try and knit with a needle in my armpit.. it was fun watching you try though thank you
How fascinating! I’d never heard of this style before.
Always loved knitting find it keeps my fingers nimble an brain active 88 yrs old .
I've looked at ur Irish knitting. This might b a field for u to teach. Ergonomics is def an issue in current society for whatever reason. I've not seen all ur vids but u mentioned diff proj r expanding ur diff needle use. Please explain in further vids about why diff knit techniques r to b used for diff projects. I admire ur fortitude in learning. I'm disabled and learning knit as I've crocheted all my life. My right arm and both hands have pain issues so... Please continue to explore diff stitch styles. Thanks for ur excellent AV site.
Who knew, I’ve been doing Irish Cottage style knitting all along. It makes sense as my mother who taught me is Irish.
I crochet and I'm slowly trying to learn knitting and I use the long needles bamboo I can do the knit stich but can't figure out how to hold the needles away from my body and hold the working yarn in my left hand hoping in time I can get the needles away from my body I have never seen anyone knit like this thank you for sharing and your wrap is gorgeous
I love your willingness to learn new things. Very admirable. I think I will try this myself. I would have to go out and buy some straights. All I have are circulars and dpn’s. I remember buying straights decades ago when I started knitting, and I naturally propped the right needle into my hip crease. I taught myself to knit continental, to make it easier to do color work, but I still prefer English style. I don’t flick, b/c my hands and small and fingers are short, but I do a pseudo flick which minimizes the movement of my right hand.
I learn different techniques b/c what if the government outlaws circular needles, or outlaws knitting English style, or I’m stranded on a desert island with just one long circular and no dpn’s.
I'm a fast continental knitter, but I learned how to do the English method when I had carpel tunnel issues (not related to knitting). So I use both methods as well. I find I enjoy the English style even though it's not quite as fast for me because it feels more comfortable or relaxing, it seems. I would love to try the lever knitting too, as that would be great if you're able to build up speed with it. It also looks like it could be both fast and a relaxing way to knit once you have it mastered. Thanks for this video and your comments on it.
Hmmm I'd probably like Irish cottage knitting, as I really prefer English throwing over continental which I probably just haven't figured out yet.
For binding off I really love using a crochet hook, hands down favourite
I wonder if you can do this style very well while reclined. I have chronic fatigue so I knit and crochet lying down 95% of the time
Wow! How brave you are! All these different knitting styles ! I would get a frozen shoulder eventually ! Love knitting ... BUT it is a nightmare if I drop a stitch and have to recover it ! So I prefer crochet because it's easy-peasy and grows quickly !!!
N
Well, I'm from Yorkshire so definitely not Irish, but this is exactly how I knit. Like everyone else I learned from my mum c. 68 years ago. Small difference I've just noticed is how your right hand is facing upward. I rest my thumb on the needle and keep my hand at 90 degrees, but that may have evolved!
Hello, this is how I learned to knit in Holland. I have tried other styles, but for me this is the most relaxed and fastest.
I will usually sit on a firm flat cushion on the couch and in yoga style, like you did. I also use a wobble cushion at times.
I do the book excercise to help with any shoulder pangs. Just an after thought.
Thank you 😊
I don’t think I know the book exercise, but I’ll have to look it up - thank you for the suggestion!
@@melmakesstuff ua-cam.com/video/KsNImpCEd34/v-deo.html
@@melmakesstuff ua-cam.com/video/5nbiroAor8c/v-deo.html
Flicking is a term I’d not heard, but that’s what I do, except I hold the r needle like a pencil, resting the needle across the web between my thumb and hand, and just flex my index finger to wrap the yarn. The hand rocks forward and back somewhat. It’s v fast.
This was a fun vido to watch. Would you ever think about portuguese/ andean knitting. I love this method because tension for me is even and make fair isle easy, even, stretchy....anyway this was a great video to see if you like cottage knitting and seeing how you can possibly knit projects by combining them. I wonder if some knitting techniques would be easier or faster if you add combination knitting to cottage knitting. 🤔. ...👍👍☺️
Love your top! Great video! Thank you!