When I was a kid my mom used to get together with 2 other moms and the neighbor hood and they would knit in the morning while drinking coffee. I would watch them and was fascinated that each of them did it differently. I now know the different styles. Lee was left handed and knit that way, Cindy knit English and my mom knit continental. I noticed they laughed a lot so I thought knitting must be fun. I asked my mom to teach me and she did. I am now a 66 yo old man who knits all the time. My mom has been gone for 20+ years but I know she is beside me whenever I use her vintage knitting needles from her knitting bag. It is a connection I cannot explain. I am holding needles she touched and used to knit me sweaters with. Every time I knit I think of the three of them knitting like they invented it and all of the laughter that ensued. Perhaps in the next life I will be able to knit with all of them and hear that laughter once again...
That was quite lovely to hear. I was taught by my mom too and at 52 I still use some of my mom’s needles and bits and bobs. It’s a meaningful connection 😊
@@bunkyman8097 I read your post again and a memory of my mum popped into my head. She knitted a lot and I sure she taught me but to be honest I can’t remember it was so long ago. Anyway when she used to knit she would often have the radio on listening to music. The funny thing was she didn’t realise she was knitting to the speed of the music. The faster the music the faster mum knitted, I remember once she was going like the clappers, that was a blue something. 😀 Thanks for your memories as they reminded me of this.
I'm from Bulgaria and here we knit with the thread around the neck for tension and do the flicking. My grandmother used to knit super fast without even looking at what she was doing.
Hi Hannah, I knit sort of the English way, but I never wind the yarn round my fingers: I hold it between forefinger and thumb and wind it around the needle. I realise it's likely more inefficient, but I've been doing it so long that it feels very awkward to change. Also, as I've been knitting like this for so long I have no problems with my tension and I'm reasonably fast. I wasn't aware I was doing it wrong until a stranger commented on my method. However I now feel such a freak- I must be knitting like a child! Do you know of any other experienced knitters who knit like this?
I’ve seen them knitting in Bulgaria, my Bulgaria friend had her own little stall and, yes, she and all her friends wrapped the yarn round their neck. They were amused at my method, throwing without letting go of the needle. I’ve seen Bulgarian women knitting in the street and have sat and chatted to an Armenian woman via a three translators (that was fun). Knitters around the world all have something in common, mostly friendly people who love to knit, chat and make stuff. 😅
I just began knitting after teaching myself to crochet around half a year ago and it's been torture. I'm so bad at it! watching this made me realize -- I didn't even think holding my needle like a pencil was an option! so far, holding the yarn in my left hand feels the most natural to me because of crochet, but I also usually hold my crochet hook like a pencil and holding the knitting needle like a knife has been challenging for me. I just tried it out pencil method and it feels better. I'll continue to play around with what feels best, but I wanted to thank you for showing me there are more possibilities than I first thought!
I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and am a beginner knitter. Seeing the different styles is helpful for me to see which might be the most comfortable and has the least amount of movement and stress on the joints in my hands. Thank you
I am sure that 3 years later you have become a proficient knitter. I too have RA but luckily mine is controlled most of the time. What I have found is that I can only use wooden needles and nothing larger than a 3.75mm. How have you got on with different needles?
that was such a great demonstration! I learned continental and i taught myself english knitting (but the type where you let go of the needle) and honeslty, I had never considered that you could hold the needle like a pencil. Absolutely fascinating! Its so great how many ways there are to knit. Its such a beautiful tradition :)
Yes, there are un-countable knitting styles, with small variations that knitters don’t realise are even there. What works for you is all you need to find! Happy knitting 🧶
This is the first tutorial for English style knitting I've found that actually makes any sense! The way you explain things seems very coherent to me. I already know continental style knitting, and took to it like a duck to water, but have been struggling to learn English style. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful
I’m English and I knit exactly like you Hannah - even your favourite cast-on method is my go-to. I was taught to knit by my Gran and Mum when I was little and I still love it ❤
I have fallen in love with the Norwegian style of knitting. It seems to be less strenuous on my hands. I figured it out from Arne and Carlos. Your video is cool. Thanks for showing us how you do it.
I’ve had a few people mention the Norwegian method - great that there are so many teachers sharing the different methods. I’ve tried it and just can’t get my fingers in that position! 😆 Happy knitting! 🧶
I knit the same exact way you do. Funny about the flicking, I can't do it either, and I too lack that big joint on my thumbs. I never would have thought that was the culprit though! Interesting!
I started out knitting in the English way, but throwing by letting go of the needle. Super awkward for me, I hated it (I learned from a book). I actually stopped knitting for years because of it. Then I tried continental, Portuguese and finally Norwegian. I think I’ve settled on portuguese, it is ergonomically the best way for my hands. I have a joint disorder so I have to be careful my fingers don’t dislocate, and Portuguese allows another part of my body to provide the tension! Thank you for showing us all these ways, it was very informative to see them in action.
Dutchie here. Thanks for the video! I'm a lefty but my righthanded mum couldn't figure out how to teach me lefthanded knitting. I was okay with her teaching me the way she did it because you need both hands for knitting anyway. The way she taught me when I was 5 years old looks most like the third way you showed. But I was taught to put the right needle under my armpit, stabilising that needle and it makes for very relaxed and fast knitting. My knitting needles are longer than the ones you use in the video. I hold and tension the yarn with my right hand, except for when I'm using a circular needle, then I hold it in my left hand.
It’s definitely a two-handed job! So doesn’t feel quite so left-handed or right-handed. The style with needle under your arm is sometimes called Yorkshire knitting, also Irish cottage and lever knitting, it’s a great option if you need a hand free for something else and you can hold the yarn in your left hand! Happy knitting 🧶
I believe I am most comfortable with the flick method. I didn’t realize that was it’s own style. I started with the English method and changed it over the years to make it most comfortable for me.
So interesting how we all find different methods better for ourselves. I first learned with English throw style knitting, and taught myself Continental, and find it way easier. I hold my needles knife style, and do the "pick method" which makes it so nice and smooth. It's such a cool skill and I love it's versatility for each person.
Thank you for this video! I learned to knit from my granny and my mother. We knit in what I believe is the most common style in Italy: it is basically the English style (throwing), and we keep the right need tucked under the armpit, so it stays put and hardly ever moves. This can be done only with traditional long needles. When I need to use short circular needles I feel akward: I should really need to learn your way of holding the right needle. I tried, without success, the continental style: it looks really neat in theory, but in practice, muscle memory brings me back to the style that I learned as a little girl.
Brilliant! in the UK we call that the Yorkshire knitting method - I suppose circular needles really don't fit the bill for that technique though! I do use the same holding style for circular needles, and it can be just as comfortable. Happy knitting 🧶
I've only been knitting a few weeks and I never really thought about how I was holding the needles until I watched Hannah's video above. I noticed that I do what you've mentioned in that I tuck the right needle under my armpit. It just happened naturally that way for me. It's very interesting to know that it's a common style in Italy :)
Thank you for this video!! It helped me switch from hand above (knife grip) to hand below (English traditional/pencil grip) and it is so much more comfortable and smooth for me. It was so helpful to see options!
I believe that we in Denmark then have af fourth. Here we hold both needels from above, keep the yarn at the left side having the thread over the pointing finger under your middlefinger, above the ringfinger and under your little finger. We do not flik at all, but stik the right needle through the mask and "catch " the yarn with a twist and a movement by the pointing finger. With this methods you dont have to squeeze any thing and you have your hands on all the time and can see your work.
My grandma taught me to knit 30 years ago, but I've always been more of a crocheter, so I'm not very practiced. I'm trying to get more into knitting now, and watching videos I hear people saying continental, english, flick etc and I had no clue what they meant lol. I guess the way I knit is the flicking method, except that I hold the yarn between my thumb and pointer and let go of the needle to move it. It's not very efficient, so I'm going to practice some of the other ways you showed to see what is comfortable, before this habit is even more ingrained. Thank you so much for the clear explanations!
You are the first person I have seen who knits exacty as I do ! At 82, I am still knitting every day , and have taught myself Continental style using the middle finger as you do. It's not a style I use much because it affects my tension but as you say, it's handy for colour work.My mother knitted all the time and I presume she taught me but I can't remember not being able to do it. I have a theory that it is why we knit as we do ,that circular needles are less comfortable . I am using them more nowadays for times when there are lots of stitches but if I am knitting in the round and there are too many stitches for DPNs, which I love, I use 2 circulars of the same size , 1 for each side of the garment. I am a fairly fast knitter but cannot compete with some of the Continental knitters, particularly young women from Scandinavia. I f anyone has ever watched Finnish Knitting Stories ,you will know what I mean! Thank you for an interesting, informative video Hannah.
My Grandma, Nana, Aunties and Mum all knitted like this too. So lovely to find fellows. I remember watching Joan Hickson, playing Miss Marple on the BBC, knitting like this as well. It always seemed so natural. Yes, so true about the straight over circular needles - the larger the circle the better in my experience! I've always been someone who's happy to seam as I've been a sewer all my life as well, so don't use them that often. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah If I try to describe my style of knitting, I always refer to the Joan Hickson, Miss Marple. Just lately, I have become tired of watching videos which show a picture of a beautiful jumper or cardigan, and then there are the dreaded words- worked from the top down on circular needles-I am beginning to turn them off and even un subscribe. I too have always been a sewer and enjoy the finishing with neat seams.
I'm from Morocco and watched my late mom knit with my her friends and family during the afternoons while drinkinng mint tea and house baked cookies or cake... I never new there was any other rechnique for knitting other than the English style... I don't even remember being taught how to knit.... I've always knitted the English way , but holding the needles like you did the second time; only I do it in a more relaxed way. I prefer learning new stiches from those who use the English technique....
I only knew this style too when I was learning. The lack of 'English' style knitters on UA-cam was a big draw to beginning this channel - so happy you're finding it helpful! happy knitting 🧶
Thank you so much for this video. I learnt knitting from my Grandma when I was very young and have picked it up a few times over the years. I've got back into it more seriously recently. I've always held the right needle with my hand over the top and help the yarn weirdly. I had to let go and move my whole hand for each stitch. I've tried to learn properly from books and other youtubers but they all hold it above and I couldn't get along with the way they hold the yarn. Seeing the way you hold it helped it click for me, it's exactly how my Grandma held hers as well. Been using it for the last few days and it's so much better.
Yes, I've seen a lot of UA-camrs knit from above. My fingers just don't want to knit like that. I probably would have given up if I'd been taught that from a young age. Fate sent me on this path! happy knitting 🧶
Same, but here in italy grannies taught me to hold the needles under the armpits, so i am doing half of those movements, and it doesn't hurt at all (i'm 34yo, been knitting for 29 years 😊)
Yes, we learned to knit all over the globe, so different styles and habits have grown with us. There are so many more, I just couldn't fit them in this video!
I was born in the USA but both my parents were French. My mother and aunt taught me from about age 6, and I learned what you call flicking. My aunt married a Ukrainian, and in my teens he showed me the left- hand yarn hold. I sometimes use it just for variety, but I still hold my right needle from above, and I like how all the work falls below, especially if it gets bulky. My left hand third finger helps hold the right needle for a quarter second while my right hand rises to wrap the yarn around the needle, and at the same time the knitted part gets pushed along a little so the new stitches never bunch up on the right needle. Thanks so much for your video!
Thank you for this! Canadian here, and I have literally never seen anyone else on UA-cam who knits the way I do (the English way, holding needle like a pencil). My mum and grandmother knitted this way - my grandmother was English which may explain it 😊. I find it the fastest and most natural method for me, and like you, I knit continental style in my left hand and English in my right when doing colourwork. Everyone tells me continental is faster but I can whip through pretty quickly in this English style 😊.
Hey Canadian twinses! This does give a fast knit, I was always surprisingly fast to my fellow knitters in our local knit and natter meets. Happy knitting 🧶
I have been knitting for a couple of weeks now, and I have never seen anyone who knits the way I do. I knit differently and I croquet differently. I am English and I also hold the needle the way I hold my pencil, (I don't hold my pencil properly.) People tell me that I knit weirdly, but in my opinion, the way I do it is faster than other people think:)
Thank you. I have been knitting Traditional English and hold the needles and yarn exactly like you do. I taught myself, from a book 50 years ago. I've tried other ways but always come back to this way because, for me, it's faster, more comfortable for my hands and my stitches are quite uniform. I tried Continental but I find it very uncomfortable, and speed is not my first priority in knitting. I do like to finish projects in a reasonable time, but I also knit to slow down and enjoy the process, not to beat others to the finish line.
I knit exactly like this! I learned it from a book when I was first learning to knit. It's very very fast and keeps the wrists straight so there's no carpal tunnel risk.
You make it look so easy! I’m having trouble holding the yarn in my hand. I’ve crocheted all my life. It’s so natural but I’m really trying to knit. Thanks for the video.
So interesting to see all these different knitting styles as well as their pros and cons! I'm relatively new at knitting (about 4 weeks now) and started learning with your UA-cam tutorials. I tried the throwing method, but somehow along the lines my hands just naturally fell into the 'flicking' style without even knowing about it. My hands are rather small, but I have quite flexible fingers so perhaps that's why it's comfortable for me? Learning the regional variants of a craft is just so wonderful to me, the comments as well have been such a delight! Thanks for the video, Hannah! ✨
Yes, the joint make such a difference as well as the size, so it could be that small thing that makes one thing more comfortable for you than someone else. Happy knitting 🧶
I learned to knit about 60 years ago in a Home Economics class in high school. My teacher loved knitting so instead of sewing she taught us to knit. I am left handed so was taught to hold my hand differently to accommodate that. Over the years I have tried different things and now hold my yarn and knit between continental and English combined. It works for me although it looks kind of funny and enables me to knit faster. Holding my yarn in continental style also helps because I can hold it similar to the way I do when I crochet.
oh, wow! I remember Home Ec! we did cooking and not much more than using a washing machine! LOL thankfully I had my Mum to teach me sewing and knitting. It's amazing how we find ways to accommodate what we know along with what's comfortable - I use the continental hold for crocheting too, but just can't keep it up for knitting.
Since, you are the person I learned from, I knit English traditional. I was born, in the U.K.(as a military dependent), my Father did 2 tours there. I spent a total of 8 years, in the U.K. My playmate"s Mum in our village (Clifton, near Deddington), taught me to crochet. I recently wanted to learn about knitting. My sister, is extremely accomplished at knitting. (i.e.-infant sweaters, baby booties, etc.,) I don't desire that degree of knowledge. I simply, would like to be able to knit, purl and look as if I know what I'm doing. I find the knit stitch, like crochet half-treble stitch, incredibly rhythmic and soothing! Thanks!
I have been looking for the way of knitting that Joan Hickson uses in the Miss Marple movies - which is the first one you demonstrated. Other videos I've seen call holding the right needle from above "English"... Whatever is good enough for Joan Hickson is good enough for me!
Oh, Wow! Joan Hickson in Miss Marple is a big star of my knitting world. I'd watch her and be absolutely in love with her knitting style. I was thrilled to see that she knitted as my Mum and Aunties did, so wanted to emulate that too. I'm so glad you found the answer, Yes, if it's good enough for Joan, can't go wrong! Happy knitting 🧶
OK, I'm never going to knit in public 😆 the only way I've managed to create stitches in knitting is by lifting my hand from the needle and wrapping the yarn, but that might be because I found a left handed video that helped me understand how to do the stitches that way. I have really small hands and thought continental would work for me, but it doesn't feel comfortable. I think I'll have to practice the English traditional method as it's most similar to how I started learning, but looks smoother and more ergonomic 🙂
Lots of knitters knit like that - you're not alone at all. But knitting without lifting your hands from the needles will make each stitch slightly faster as you'll have fewer movements. Certainly give it a try, let me know how you get on. Happy knitting 🧶
Hi Hannah, There is nothing on the internet (that I could find) demonstrating Fair Isle using both hands, compatible with English style and throwing the stitches. This is video is fantastic and has solved my left-handed purl issue of how to hold the yarn. Just what I was looking for. Would you be kind enough to put out a video demonstrating Fair Isle (or intarsia), using two hands, knit and purl rows? Thank you so much, Jane (Canada)
Hi Jane, for now that kind of video will more likely be in the kit playlists when I release more colour knitting projects. Do keep a look out though. So glad this video was helpful for you. Happy knitting! :D
Thank you , you knit exactly the same as me on the first example . Been trying to find a video for a friend who still knits as if she just learned , will be passing this along to her .
I saw a video that i find very interesting! It's your video! Amazing! I am Japanese and I have never seen anyone in Japan knitting the way you do. Flick (right hand holds the needles from above) knitting may not be as good as continental, but there are people who knit that way. But I had no idea that you knit holding the needles in your right hand like a pencil! I think I'm going to give this knitting technique a try. I have been knitting on continental for decades. I can knit reasonably well. But I thought it was interesting and I want to give it a try. I will be using your videos as my teacher from now on. I am very excited!!! Thanks for sharing your video!!!
I know some people want to be done with a project fast . Me ..i think knitting should be a leisurely stroll through the park on a warm sunny lazy day. So i like to take my time . I still make mistakes and drop stitches but i can usually catch it before I've got all the way to the end . I am self taught so I'm still learning. Loved your video thank you for sharing it helps .
I knit with the right hand needle under my arm, I was taught by my mother,we come from Sheffield and I think this method is common in the north of England
Hi Anne, from my experience that’s known as Yorkshire Knitting style. Similar to Shetland style it started so there was one hand free for tending sheep. I would imagine my favourite short needles wouldn’t really be suitable in your case. 😃 happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah You're right, you do really need long needles although it is just possible with shorter ones. I understand that in days of yore both men and women knitted in a similar way, but with the right hand needle held in a notched stick somehow tucked in or fastened to their belts, to leave one hand free as you say. Thanks for your reply
I do this too! My Nan throws (the awkward way) and when I tried the English I just didn’t feel in control of the yarn. I’m a crocheter by heart but have to have the needle under my arm to knit... I do find knitting makes my wrists hurt but then again so does crochet. Thanks for the video. At least I know other people do the same :)
You are awesome! Every time that I try continental, my hand cramps up, so perhaps a joint or two is missing... in my brain. I prefer your style because I was brought up on throwing, but not as efficiently as you do it.
I enjoyed your video. Thankyou. I don't knit in any of those ways. I am left handed but was taught right. My Grandma showed me. I hold my hands over the needles. The wool is held downwards in my right hand. I throw the wool with my middle finger and thumb, from my right hand. As I throw, I pinch the stitch being completed, with my pointer and thumb, from my left hand and let go of the right needle at the same time. My left needle is horizontal. My right needle is vertical. I tension the wool as I throw.
Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a really unique way of knitting, would love to see photos - I'm on Instagram if you want to share. Happy knitting!
Yes, I also hold my needles like you do.... English traditional.... LOL. I did not know that there was any other way of knitting other than what I was taught by my mother.... but was interesting to see the other methods. Never to old to learn something new hey..... but will definitely stick to the English traditional way.
Thank you for this video! I can't knit in the contonental way, I tried several times, but never succeeded... I was convinced it was my fault, now I know it's only because it doesn't suit me. Thank you so much!
I found that really interesting. I learnt to knit as a child and then stopped probably about 32 years ago. I just picked it back up because I want to learn for a special project. So I've been watching some starter vids to get myself back into it. I never once noticed that people hold the needles or yarn differently lol. I hold my needles in the way that you struggled with, and interestingly I do have that noticeable & extra flexible thumb joint along with longer fingers. I never once thought to hold it like a pen, probably because holding a pen is uncomfortable to me in the same way the method I use cause you pain, for the same reason the other method works for me, this one doesn't, my other thumb joint is too bendy the wrong way and holding a pen (or something else like a pen causes it to bend backwards & hurt. How very interesting. I can knit fairly quickly the way I hold it, but purling can sometimes be difficult (other times it runs super smooth and others the needles won't co-operat lol ). The continental method just looks confusing to my brain because the yarn is in the wrong place to me.
yes! it makes sense that you find comfortable what I find uncomfortable and vice versa. Good that knitting is flexible like that. -playing football or tennis is basically playing football or tennis! Happy knitting 🧶
Such a wonderful video! I love the soothing quality of your voice. Did find a bit odd the way you hold your right hand needle, only because I had never seen someone hold it from beneath, I've only ever seen people knit holding it from above (in continental, English AND Portuguese styles!). I tried doing it along with you to see if any different style felt more natural, but I still find continental the best. Now I'll keep searching and paying attention to how other people knit continental to find a more comfortable way to tension my yarn - my pointer finger tends to feel quite stiff after a few hours of knitting, even when I'm constantly stretching! I have subscribed and will also enjoy the archive of videos you have!!
So glad you enjoyed this video. Most knitters around me as I was learning held the needle from underneath. This ‘traditional English’ way seems to be used less now, it really does depend on your fingers and making sure there’s comfort. Happy knitting 🧶
The more videos I watched the more I've come to realise that when I started knitting, i wasn't looking at the person's hands, I was looking at the yarn. That would explain why I have such a bastardisation of multiple knitting styles lol. I'm trying to unlearn my style and pick up a faster knitting style but its hard.
Yes, knitting is about finding what feels right for you. it won't have to look exactly like any other knitter as long as the stitches and rows work comfortably. I don't think my knitting technique looks exactly like many other knitters, but for my fingers, hands and wrists, it works well.
Oh! My grandmas taught me continental style and it always has been so uncomfortable to me. I learned crochet first and the points in continental knitting where always slipping and i was so slow. I use an uncommon technique for crochet that works for me but I haven't found one for knitting so far. Although for both type of knits I hold the needles from the top, never like a pencil. This was so incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much!
Hi Virginia, I’m so happy this video found you and you’ll have a go at shifting to some more comfortable positions. Having an experiment and seeing what works over time could help immensely. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah i was thinking that continental style is more like crochet in the way you hold the thread on the left but without the hook needle it's very challenging and confusing for my motor skills 🤣 I will try to do it English style and see if that helps to hold the thread and don't loose the loops.
Excellent video! I am a beginner knitter. My right hand, unfortunately, leaves the right needle when knitting English Style. I am going to try your method. Thanks.
Wonderful! So glad you found this helpful. It's all about finding what's comfortable, so play around a bit and see what works for you. Happy knitting 🧶
Have a look at Arne and Carlos Norwegian knitting. I am moving from English because of problems with my right wrist. Their knit is a modified continental and is much easier. There is no winding round to keep tension. The yarn comes from the knitting over the index finger then held gently under all the rest against the knitting body/ needle - no tight grip. The index finger is used to hold the left needle, so the yarn over is really close to the first stitch, so no awkward stain on that first finger. The movement to pick up the yarn is very small and fast and the little circle of the yarn round the tip can be done either with the left hand or the right or a bit of both. I am still going back to English knitting for the purl row (Obviously no good for rib) but at least I am reducing the strain on my right wrist by 50% on stocking stitch and also works well on double knitting, the knit colour in left hand purl in right. They have a method for purling but it is a bit involved and has more movement. I need to practice on some waste yarn and see how much it affects my wrist. Their you tube videos are a delight to watch
Hi Helen, there are so many options. I love that you've found a way of reducing strain like that. I found the Norwegian has too much of a twisting motion in my left wrist. Even though it's very slight it's something that my wrist can't take. It's really interesting to see how the different methods suit different knitters. Happy knitting!
I recently converted to Norwegian with excellent results. I watched whatever videos I could find - over and over again. I could never get the tensioning with regular continental style. I don’t know if it’s because I’m left - handed, but I find the results and experience to be quite good. I’m even embracing Norwegian purl. More complicated but effective too.
I’m an English flicker and I actually hold onto my right needle between the pad of my middle finger and the top of my fourth finger. It’s almost like a chopstick where the two fingers can have intense or loose grip very easily. I don’t even need to have the thumb on the needle. The right needle becomes perpendicular, with the tip moving toward the right hand, when the yarn is thrown/flicked. What causes that movement is a small extension of the third and fourth fingers 😊
@@KnitWithHannah Funnily enough, I got an elbow injury after posting this yesterday and need to rest those under-side tendons on my right arm-but now I know your knitting method that really only utilized my upper-side tendons, and I can still knit while my elbow heals! What a treat! 😊 I’m also glad to learn your way because I think your two-handed colorwork options are the best I’ve seen for purling colorwork.
I have a weird hybrid style of knitting where I’m doing that flicking style you showed at the end, but I don’t hold on to the dominant hand needle. I just skim my hand upward while pinching both needles with my thumb to hold them in place, but my hand stays touching the work. I also wrap the string around my index while holding tension with my other three fingers. I tend to keep my stitches back a little bit on my needles, so this was my way of adapting to the extra length.
This is so interesting to me! I like the flicking technique best so far, and I do have longer fingers and a prominent thumb joint! I wish I could do continental knitting. I started with crochet, but I'm left handed so I'm already used to holding the working yarn in my right hand. I suppose if I learned to crochet right handed, I'd be better at continental knitting.
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I just started knitting recently and I was doing the "manual set down needles and loop with entire hand" method and that just was not working. I was getting so frustrated but this gave me hope! I'm enjoying the English method a lot! I'll have to keep experimenting :)
It’s good to see that we were taught the same way which is the English way. My mother taught me exactly the same as your mother. I have tried other ways but the way my mum taught me is the fastest way I knit. The crochet way of holding the yarn and needles is too slow and it only works fast for me WHEN I’m crocheting makes sense right?? I really like the English way for the simple fact that the right needle is resting in the cradle between your thumb and forefinger which I find also acts as a guide and your needle is not moving in another direction. Also you’re the only other person I’ve seen that holds your yarn while crocheting with your middle finger as your guide instead of your forefinger, also taught by my mother. Well done.
Isn't that funny that we knit and crochet the same way! I know very few people who crochet with the third finger directing the yarn. I taught myself that way, from a Ladybird book. 😀 happy knitting!
Excellent demonstration. I am try sooooo hard to knit a ribbed hat for my first granddaughter due any day now. Very challenging I think for me because I have been crocheting my whole life! But there is nothing better than a knit hat! I will keep trying. The English style where I hold the yarn in my right appeals to me. Because it is different than crochet? I also need something that will be easiest on my hands since I have rheumatoid arthritis and that can affect my hands and wrists. What do recommend for that?
Hi teresa, I found the needles clicking against each other can be a problem for my wrists, if the material isn't gentle enough. So instead of metal or plastic, I now knit with bamboo. And yes, I find the fact that knitting as I do is opposite to the crochet style is a lot easier. You'll move the wrists a lot less. Unfortunately ribbing will be asking for more action in the fingers and wrists, as you're moving the yarn backwards and forwards for the knit and purl stitches. So if you can adapt to k2,p2 or k3,p3 you'll find it easier. Or find a pattern which is knit one row, purl one row. If you'd like a pattern do let me know, I've a few which fit newborns and young babies. All the best, happy knitting 🧶
I hold the right hand needle from above . And I wrap the yarn once around my middle finger. (I do think I have longer fingers) but I completely let go of the right needle while I wrap the yarn around the left needle. I learned to knit when I was about 7 years old, so I probably don’t do it the most efficient quickest way but it works well for me because I’ve been doing it for 18 years lol
Hi, u may know this all ready, but a tip, the stitches that are twisted, no need to takes off n replace back on needle in correct orientation, simply just knit through the back loops n it orients the stitche in the right manner. Help u in future.
Yes, it’s easier when teaching to have them all in the right place so it doesn’t confuse. 😂 I think I’d been unraveling from a previous tutorial before filming this one and had just put it all back on the needles. Happy knitting 🧶
Method #3 is my type, it's not how my Grams taught me but it's the kind I use because my fingers are very, very long. I find it's easy and nearly painless. It's not for everyone but I love it.
That's so great to know - I don't have the best continental technique, but so glad you were able to try it from this video and found it a better style for you. Happy knitting! 😍
Thank you, very interesting. I knit with the right hand above the needle and the yarn in the left hand. You didn’t show that, but I think it is very common in Germany to knit this way 😅
Yes, I’ve seen that called Shetland (when the needle is anchored in a belt) and Yorkshire when it’s under the arm. Not found it comfortable myself, so great that you’ve found a style that works for you. Happy knitting 🧶
Hello everyone, I’m new to knitting, and I am loving it. Important question: Does it make a difference in the look/appearance of stitches in the project? Or Are the different methods just about what feels most comfortable to the individual when holding the needles? Thank you in advance for your answers 😊😊😊
Hi Laj, what’s comfortable to you is what’s most important. You’ll not knit if it’s causing aches or discomfort. Changing between methods when you’re not familiar with them can change the tension of the fabric - the distance between stitches etc, and this will be especially noticeable if you switch while knitting a single project. The stitches won’t look different, but the tension will change. Simply, Find what’s comfortable and you’ll naturally create the even tension over time. Happy knitting 🧶
I learned to knit, I forgot the actual name of it, the Wayback you found most awkward and painful. I learned to knit that way, but I find that the heavier the yarn, the more hi start to get pain in my hand, as well as having difficulty controlling both weight of the knitted Fabric, and the weight of the needles combined. For example, I was trying to do a swatch with US size 15/10 mm needles. I kept having to shift everything to my left hand, and it felt awkward and clunky. I will try the way k n i t, and see how that works for me. The Portuguese way seems very intuitive to me, so I'm going to try that as well. We'll see. Thanks for the overview. I looked at it because I really am looking for a new way to knit.
I was just curious about how people could knit somewhere else... I've seen so many ways! I don't use any of yours, maybe it's more similar to the continental style but a lot softer and faster. I'd love to know how some people knit holding one needle with their armpits, it must be soooo tiring. Loved your video and sweet way of teaching
Hi Francisca, there are so many options! The yorkshire, Greek and Shetland knitting styles are the ones where one needle is held in place. I think I’d find them uncomfortable too. I’m so used to holding them both at the tips with my fingers. Happy knitting 🧶
I found your video because a wanted to learn a faster way to knit. I do a lot of cable knitting and switch between knot and perl a lot. I learned to knit when I was working in a nursing home. I learned the 3rd way and can knit fast but switching from knit to perl is slower. Thank you for your video.
Definitely, cabling can be a complicated trick, or an easier smooth knit, depending on your hold. Everything slows down to a certain point for me too, with the different stitch patterns, but you may want to experiment with a different style and see if anything helps. Happy knitting!
@@daniellesunley4807 That's a good alternative for sure. As for tight knitting, have you seen this video: ua-cam.com/video/Y2E2xxVZaOw/v-deo.html I give tips on how to loosen your knitting if it's tight.
@@KnitWithHannah I will have a look thank you. Tight knitting can make cable harder. I am currently making some gloves with fingering wt wool. The tight stitches are a lot more noticeable.
Hannah what do you use so we can see your hands equipment wise? During Covid, we are wanting to set up a ministry safe distancing at our church. Do you have a stand? A gooseneck? Thanks for your help!
Hi Nina, I have a mixture of gear that I use, depending on how I'm being filmed. For 'talking head' I use a camera tripod and camcorder or iPhone, for overhead I use a tripod with a goose neck attached, so it's higher than if it was attached to the table.
Hi Hannah, I have been try to improve my tension over the years . i have tried continental but seem to drop stitches. I came across this video and I really do like the technic. I have been trying to slow it down a little so I can watch how you use your left hand. Do you have a video that is a little slower so I can watch the left hand closely. it may sound silly but I found watch varios videos both hands really do play an important part . Thank You
I don't have another video that specifically shows what the left hand does. But I agree it's equally important. I'm going to add it to my list for filming - thanks for suggestion. Happy knitting 🧶
I've knitted almost 30 years in continental style, now I wanted to challenge myself and try something new. In English traditional I find it hardest to reach my right forefinger far enough to throw yhe yarn, even if I've got quite long fingers. Than you for the video.
I knit using the English throwing method as I find this the easiest for me. If I am doing all Stocking stitch I like using Continental on the knit rows, as I find continental purling harder to do. I think the tension is neater but a bit tighter the continental way. I hold my yarn in my Left hand on my index finger close to the needle, like the lady in the comment below. I only knit small items like hats or baby cardigans for Charity. I am a Pensioner and sadly can't knit as much as I would like to, due to Arthritis. I would love to be able to knit Fairisle better. Knitting is the best thing to relax you. Thank you.
Hi, thanks for exemplifying these different styles. I might have to do English knitting because of a wrist problem, so let the needle rest between thumb and index, instead of grabbing it from above. I have to wonder though, if you have lots of stitches, how does the needle keep sliding on top of your joint (thumb-index)?Won't the stitches be in the way? (around min. 2:20)
I hope the needle and the stitches once there are more stitches so they don’t bunch up at the tip of the needle. If you watch more of my videos you’ll see the demos where I knit show me holding it with more stitches. Happy knitting 🧶
Thanks Hannah. Really interesting video. I was taught by my Mum nearly 70 years ago the English method but I do let go of the right hand needle - I'll try your method. When I was nursing we had a patient who knitted very differently and she didn't turn the work around between rows and did both rows from the front side. Have you come across this method? I tried it but it felt so alien I've never used it.
Yes, it’s as if you’re doing ‘left handed’ knitted and ‘right handed’ knitting on alternative rows. I’ve tried it occasionally, but it’s something that needs a lot of thought and focus if it’s not the usual knitting style. Happy knitting 🧶
I had no idea that there was a variation on the methods of knitting until i started to pick it up, my mom is self taught and she and i do a similar variarion of the second one but we use out nails on our thumb or index fingers to not lose a stitch. I presume she picked up that method because she is also super into crochet. My first garmet looks kind of funky, according to my mom u knit too tight and should losen the tension lol. i may dabble with the english method in the future!
LOL, that's funny - tell your mum not to worry, the tension is loose as I make the stitch, even if it looks tight around my fingers. and I'm on tension with gauges pretty much every time. Good luck with your first garment, hope it's going well! happy knitting.
@@KnitWithHannah i meant i knit too tight, it was a typo! Well that's embatrassing! You knit very beautifully,it's super uniform! Something i lack, that's why i think the garmet is kinda off but i'm sure i just need more practice, hopefully i'll be making cool pieces and garmets in the future!
LOL , OK. I think we can fix that too.... I have a 'tight knitting and how to fix it' video here: ua-cam.com/video/Y2E2xxVZaOw/v-deo.html A few changes, one at a time, and I bet you'll find it becoming more uniform. Happy knitting!
I feel that you are holding your needles and yarn in a very strenuous way when you show off the continental way. We do not hold the yarn on our middle finger away from the work. We slip the yarn over our index finger on our left hand and keep it close to the work. I can do three colours at one time without a problem never needing to let go of the work. Please look into the Norwegian way of knitting and you will see what I mean.
Yes, it's very uncomfortable for me to hold my fingers in that position, so it's never something I've been able to demonstrate and have to use the middle finger for the yarn in my left hand. I do love that we can all find methods that work for us. Happy knitting!
Some people do knit continental holding the yarn away like she does with her index finger I’ve seen people do it it’s not strenuous or tight like she does but it is a thing
I'm learning how to knit atm & I realised the easiest thing for me is to do continential style while holding the left needle from above 😅 I'll blame it on crochet :P
I find the continental style easier and less stressful than the English style. I can't also hold the needle like a pencil like you do and neither use my finger to throw, because my fingers are a little bit stiff, so I move my arms more. That's why I prefer the continental. However, the way I hold the thread is different as well, due to my fingers, so I move the needle more. I hate purling. Whichever style I use, purl stitch is uncomfortable.
Knitting in the round might be an option for you… you’ll have less need for purling as you’ll always be knitting from the ‘right’ side which more often has the knit stitch prominent. 🧶
I had learned to knit by the usual style of "kicking" the knit stitch over but have never liked the fact that your right hand basically drops the needle to do this. I had knitted for years in this way but about 4 years ago I tried the continental style of knitting and really enjoy using this style. BUT, I have always wondered if this changes the way the yarn twists each stitch differently from the "kick/American" style of stitch? Could you explain to me if it makes any difference to the stitch to use continental instead of American? Thank you Hannah.
I'm pretty sure there's not any difference between the stitches - not heard a method called the 'kick' style before. Most times the needle sits on the needle, as you look at it from the front at the left, to the back at the right. Happy knitting 🧶 I show that more in the demos with slipping stitches: ua-cam.com/video/V-SACj4yUjs/v-deo.html
I knit in a different way holding my right needle under my arm and moving the left needle to do the stitches. I hold my yarn with my right hand like with the flicking method you showed at the end. Don't know where I got it, I can't recall a UA-cam video doing it that way...
Yes, that can be known as the 'Yorkshire' knitting method. There are black and white photos of shepherds knitting like that, with the yarn in their pocket, so they could free one hand easily. 🧶happy knitting!
My knitting is nothing like any of these. I knit English style in that I throw the yarn, but there the resemblance ends. My hand right hand is over the needle, but doesn’t spend much time holding it. I move my hand a lot to throw the yarn while holding it with thumb and forefinger - I find trying to wind it around other fingers for tension a dratted nuisance. The main difference, though, is that I throw knit stitches counterclockwise, upover the needle, and purl stitches clockwise, from under it. It means the leading or “front” leg of the stitch is behind the needle. I find it easier and less work poking the needle through the stitches that way, instead of having to sort of wind it in. I have no idea if this is a style of knitting. It has been called weird. :P
I'm so glad I found this video! Very interesting. I was trying to find out what method I knit with and I'm still stumped! I think that I 'throw' the yarn but I don't hold the right needle at all.... It stays still, tucked into my elbow. So weird!! I hardly move my hands and I can't knit at all when I try the other methods. I like the look of continental knitting but it feels impossible 😂. X
Hi Samatha, if you've found a way that works for you.... you're right on track! It sounds a bit like the 'Yorkshire' knitting style. Where the needles are much longer and the right one is held between the ribs and upper arm. Happy knitting!
I do the continental knitting differently, not holding the needle like a pencil and not using the middle finger. That looks and feels very uncomfortable, like you want to make it difficult when it doesn't have to be, especially for knitting with thin needles. If you hold both from above and use the left index finger, it just flows with minimal movement.
Isn't it funny that if I hold the needle from above that it feels really uncomfortable, my fingers just won't let me. Thankfully knitting can let you choose so many options until finding what works. So glad you found what works for you easily! Happy knitting :D
Very interesting this! I knit continental style, but I dont do it vith a pengrip, so I guess that is why your left hand had to move so much to compensate for the pengrip. The third example, without pengrip, holding the needle from above, looked like English style, not continental, because the tread was on your right and you threw it around the needle. There is a fourth style you have to try, for fast and easy knitting. Wonder how you would like it. 😊
I'm American I can't continental knit to save my life, i grew up being a "thrower/flicker" my mom is Brazilian and she was taught that way as well. Granted my great aunt in Brazil could do that and Portuguese knitting. I've been meaning to learn Portuguese style knitting and the style you use , i learned it used to be called parlour knitting back in the 1800's when Victorian ladies began taking up knitting but did not want to knit like the women who had to knit for a living where you'd put the needle against your hip or attached to a belt. so they would hold it like a pencil as it was more "aesthetically pleasing" to look at.
I've not knitted socks, but I've knitted small tubes in the round in the form of cuffs and fingerless mitts. I found myself holding the needles very similarly to this, didn't really change it very much at all. And the more I repeat those similar patterns, the more I use the same method. 🧶
I use the Portuguese method, but I’m trying to get used to some other way because I got a very annoying tendonitis on my left hand due to the repetitive movement of the thumb. I must say that it is difficult to change methods! 😮
Yes it’s tough to change! The single finger doing so much, especially as it’s gets faster and more efficient can end up being a hindrance. Hope the change is helping! 🧶
Do you also crochet holding your hook from under, like a pencil? I hold my hook like a knife, and I wanted to learn to hold it like a pencil to show off some beautiful acrylic handles I had someone set my hooks in, but it doesn't work, though I practiced for a few days. I just can't get the hang of how to twist the hook when I need to. I also have small hands and short fingers, but I have settled on flicking. I wouldn't exactly call it "comfortable", but it's the fastest for me since it's the only style I know in which both the knit stitch and the purl stitch are equally easy to do. In Continental it's easy to knit but a nightmare to purl, in Portuguese it's easy to purl but the knit stitch in that style feels really unintuitive. As a flicker with small hands and short fingers, I'm kind of at the mercy of the way weight is distributed while knitting. Which is why I use short needle tips with everything, so as to do as little lifting as possible. Let the weight of the fabric rest on the cord, lifting it with my thumb and middle finger while also trying to guide and balance my needle to do my stitches is a real drag.
Yes I hold a crochet hook in the same way. Unlike the knitting needle, as it has the hook on the end I hold it loosely and let it roll from side to side as I pick up the yarn. And I hold the yarn in my left hand for crochet. It really will depend on your joints and flexibility, even all the way through your wrist, elbows and shoulders, which style feels best for you. I lvoe that you've been able to find needles that work better for you too, they can make such a difference. Happy yarning! 😍
I get alot of pain in my left thumb joint. I don't know if it is from pushing the stitches along the needle. I do the throwing technique. I wonder if the traditional method that you do yourself will cause less strain.
In the left thumb it could be the purl stitch. I've had RSI from knitting before. It was a case of knitting for less time and for shorter periods that settled it down. I also took purl stitch out of my knitting for a while to let it settle. Take a look at how you knit and what your fingers do with the different stitches you may be able to see the specific points of the stitches that you may be able to alter.
I guess I knit using the flick method. I just couldn't get the hang of the English method my mother used. Someone suggested i work out what worked for me. I must have been about 9yo. Everyone knitted like mum did, i had never come across anyone that did it differently. I find flicking very fast. I do it a little differently though. I have my right hand over the needle, but hold the yarn and thus tension between my index finger and third finger as if I was holding a cigarette, with my fourth and little fingers holding the needle up. I flick the yarn around the needle. Purl rows are always a little slower, but on straight knitting almost as fast now. The trick with it is getting tension right, which just takes practice. I have no idea if anyone else knits that way. I developed what worked for me.
This is such proof that we can all knit differently and find ways which suit us. Brilliant! Now we all want a UA-cam video of you knitting, so we can see for ourselves! Happy knitting 🧶
I hold them the same way, I’m knitting on circulars now and after a few rows the fabric hangs comfortably over my thumb at the front. Knitting socks is something I’ve still yet to do, it’s just not been on my radar, not sure how it would go for fewer stitches like that. I could definitely make a video once I’ve experienced that. Happy knitting 🧶
Purling isn’t necessary, to only use the knit stitch is known as garter stitch. You get a thicker fabric as the rows are closer together. I love knitting in garter stitch. And have a few patterns with it too, like this one for example: knitwithhannah.co.uk/product/beginners-big-tassel-scarf-knitting-pattern Happy knitting 🧶
One of my friends does her knitting as you do with your right hand, but uses double points and holds the right needle against her right side with just jeans and a folded handkerchief to protect her body from being poked.
When I was a kid my mom used to get together with 2 other moms and the neighbor hood and they would knit in the morning while drinking coffee. I would watch them and was fascinated that each of them did it differently. I now know the different styles. Lee was left handed and knit that way, Cindy knit English and my mom knit continental. I noticed they laughed a lot so I thought knitting must be fun. I asked my mom to teach me and she did. I am now a 66 yo old man who knits all the time. My mom has been gone for 20+ years but I know she is beside me whenever I use her vintage knitting needles from her knitting bag. It is a connection I cannot explain. I am holding needles she touched and used to knit me sweaters with. Every time I knit I think of the three of them knitting like they invented it and all of the laughter that ensued. Perhaps in the next life I will be able to knit with all of them and hear that laughter once again...
Thanks for sharing such lovely memories happy knitting 🧶
That was quite lovely to hear. I was taught by my mom too and at 52 I still use some of my mom’s needles and bits and bobs. It’s a meaningful connection 😊
@loupoops
Thank you so much for your comment. It is a very meaningful connection as you say. I am so glad she taught me that skill so many years ago.
@@bunkyman8097 You’re welcome 😊 Happy knitting 🧶
@@bunkyman8097 I read your post again and a memory of my mum popped into my head. She knitted a lot and I sure she taught me but to be honest I can’t remember it was so long ago. Anyway when she used to knit she would often have the radio on listening to music. The funny thing was she didn’t realise she was knitting to the speed of the music. The faster the music the faster mum knitted, I remember once she was going like the clappers, that was a blue something. 😀 Thanks for your memories as they reminded me of this.
I'm from Bulgaria and here we knit with the thread around the neck for tension and do the flicking. My grandmother used to knit super fast without even looking at what she was doing.
Yes, I've seen knitters with thread around the neck. It's a great way to let the tension be held other than in the fingers. Happy knitting! 🧶
Here in Turkiye most knit with the yarn round the neck !!! NOT ME 😂
Hi Hannah, I knit sort of the English way, but I never wind the yarn round my fingers: I hold it between forefinger and thumb and wind it around the needle. I realise it's likely more inefficient, but I've been doing it so long that it feels very awkward to change. Also, as I've been knitting like this for so long I have no problems with my tension and I'm reasonably fast. I wasn't aware I was doing it wrong until a stranger commented on my method. However I now feel such a freak- I must be knitting like a child! Do you know of any other experienced knitters who knit like this?
I’ve seen them knitting in Bulgaria, my Bulgaria friend had her own little stall and, yes, she and all her friends wrapped the yarn round their neck. They were amused at my method, throwing without letting go of the needle. I’ve seen Bulgarian women knitting in the street and have sat and chatted to an Armenian woman via a three translators (that was fun). Knitters around the world all have something in common, mostly friendly people who love to knit, chat and make stuff. 😅
@@beccabbea2511 Hahah, funny ideed and yes, knitters are quite chatty usually :)))
I just began knitting after teaching myself to crochet around half a year ago and it's been torture. I'm so bad at it! watching this made me realize -- I didn't even think holding my needle like a pencil was an option! so far, holding the yarn in my left hand feels the most natural to me because of crochet, but I also usually hold my crochet hook like a pencil and holding the knitting needle like a knife has been challenging for me. I just tried it out pencil method and it feels better. I'll continue to play around with what feels best, but I wanted to thank you for showing me there are more possibilities than I first thought!
Yes, there are so many options. It’s a great idea to see what works for you and be curious. Happy knitting 🧶
I barely watched a second of this video before subscribing. You're so calming and I love knitting. Thank you for existing
Oh, thank you @Dragon your comment made my day! and thank you for subscribing - welcome. :D Happy knitting!
I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and am a beginner knitter. Seeing the different styles is helpful for me to see which might be the most comfortable and has the least amount of movement and stress on the joints in my hands. Thank you
You are so welcome! Finding the style that worked for my fingers made such a big difference. Experimenting is so worth it. Happy knitting!
I am sure that 3 years later you have become a proficient knitter. I too have RA but luckily mine is controlled most of the time. What I have found is that I can only use wooden needles and nothing larger than a 3.75mm. How have you got on with different needles?
that was such a great demonstration! I learned continental and i taught myself english knitting (but the type where you let go of the needle) and honeslty, I had never considered that you could hold the needle like a pencil. Absolutely fascinating! Its so great how many ways there are to knit. Its such a beautiful tradition :)
Yes, there are un-countable knitting styles, with small variations that knitters don’t realise are even there. What works for you is all you need to find! Happy knitting 🧶
This is the first tutorial for English style knitting I've found that actually makes any sense! The way you explain things seems very coherent to me. I already know continental style knitting, and took to it like a duck to water, but have been struggling to learn English style. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful
You may like this one too, which dives deeper into English style knitting. ua-cam.com/video/ycg-BauVtBU/v-deo.htmlsi=4qoakfluEm9VeITW
Happy knitting 🧶
I’m English and I knit exactly like you Hannah - even your favourite cast-on method is my go-to. I was taught to knit by my Gran and Mum when I was little and I still love it ❤
Fabulous! Happy knitting 🧶
I have fallen in love with the Norwegian style of knitting. It seems to be less strenuous on my hands. I figured it out from Arne and Carlos. Your video is cool. Thanks for showing us how you do it.
I’ve had a few people mention the Norwegian method - great that there are so many teachers sharing the different methods. I’ve tried it and just can’t get my fingers in that position! 😆
Happy knitting! 🧶
I knit the same exact way you do. Funny about the flicking, I can't do it either, and I too lack that big joint on my thumbs. I never would have thought that was the culprit though! Interesting!
I love that we all need to knit to make ourselves most comfortable. Makes knitting so personal and customised. Happy knitting 🧶
I started out knitting in the English way, but throwing by letting go of the needle. Super awkward for me, I hated it (I learned from a book). I actually stopped knitting for years because of it. Then I tried continental, Portuguese and finally Norwegian. I think I’ve settled on portuguese, it is ergonomically the best way for my hands. I have a joint disorder so I have to be careful my fingers don’t dislocate, and Portuguese allows another part of my body to provide the tension!
Thank you for showing us all these ways, it was very informative to see them in action.
So glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, we all need different solutions to something that seems so simple. Happy knitting!
Dutchie here. Thanks for the video! I'm a lefty but my righthanded mum couldn't figure out how to teach me lefthanded knitting. I was okay with her teaching me the way she did it because you need both hands for knitting anyway. The way she taught me when I was 5 years old looks most like the third way you showed. But I was taught to put the right needle under my armpit, stabilising that needle and it makes for very relaxed and fast knitting. My knitting needles are longer than the ones you use in the video. I hold and tension the yarn with my right hand, except for when I'm using a circular needle, then I hold it in my left hand.
It’s definitely a two-handed job! So doesn’t feel quite so left-handed or right-handed.
The style with needle under your arm is sometimes called Yorkshire knitting, also Irish cottage and lever knitting, it’s a great option if you need a hand free for something else and you can hold the yarn in your left hand!
Happy knitting 🧶
I believe I am most comfortable with the flick method. I didn’t realize that was it’s own style. I started with the English method and changed it over the years to make it most comfortable for me.
Perfect! whichever feels most comfortable to you. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you. I've never seen anyone knit with the needle in the crook of their hand. I will definitely be trying this!
Great! A lot of UK knitters knit like this and it’s certainly very comfortable for me. Happy knitting 🧶
So interesting how we all find different methods better for ourselves.
I first learned with English throw style knitting, and taught myself Continental, and find it way easier.
I hold my needles knife style, and do the "pick method" which makes it so nice and smooth. It's such a cool skill and I love it's versatility for each person.
Yes, the versatility for each knitter is such a bonus. 🧶
Thank you for this video!
I learned to knit from my granny and my mother. We knit in what I believe is the most common style in Italy: it is basically the English style (throwing), and we keep the right need tucked under the armpit, so it stays put and hardly ever moves. This can be done only with traditional long needles. When I need to use short circular needles I feel akward: I should really need to learn your way of holding the right needle. I tried, without success, the continental style: it looks really neat in theory, but in practice, muscle memory brings me back to the style that I learned as a little girl.
Brilliant! in the UK we call that the Yorkshire knitting method - I suppose circular needles really don't fit the bill for that technique though! I do use the same holding style for circular needles, and it can be just as comfortable. Happy knitting 🧶
I've only been knitting a few weeks and I never really thought about how I was holding the needles until I watched Hannah's video above. I noticed that I do what you've mentioned in that I tuck the right needle under my armpit. It just happened naturally that way for me. It's very interesting to know that it's a common style in Italy :)
Thank you for this video!! It helped me switch from hand above (knife grip) to hand below (English traditional/pencil grip) and it is so much more comfortable and smooth for me. It was so helpful to see options!
I'm so glad this video helped you switch hand grips so the knitting is more comfortable! Happy knitting 🧶
I believe that we in Denmark then have af fourth. Here we hold both needels from above, keep the yarn at the left side having the thread over the pointing finger under your middlefinger, above the ringfinger and under your little finger. We do not flik at all, but stik the right needle through the mask and "catch " the yarn with a twist and a movement by the pointing finger. With this methods you dont have to squeeze any thing and you have your hands on all the time and can see your work.
How lovely to know the different ways we knit around the world. Little pockets of preference tend to pop up in regions and countries. Happy knitting 🧶
My grandma taught me to knit 30 years ago, but I've always been more of a crocheter, so I'm not very practiced. I'm trying to get more into knitting now, and watching videos I hear people saying continental, english, flick etc and I had no clue what they meant lol. I guess the way I knit is the flicking method, except that I hold the yarn between my thumb and pointer and let go of the needle to move it. It's not very efficient, so I'm going to practice some of the other ways you showed to see what is comfortable, before this habit is even more ingrained. Thank you so much for the clear explanations!
I do hope you enjoy experimenting and find some little changes which might help. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah after some experimenting, the english style is the most comfortable and efficient. Thanks so much for your video!
You are the first person I have seen who knits exacty as I do ! At 82, I am still knitting every day , and have taught myself Continental style using the middle finger as you do. It's not a style I use much because it affects my tension but as you say, it's handy for colour work.My mother knitted all the time and I presume she taught me but I can't remember not being able to do it.
I have a theory that it is why we knit as we do ,that circular needles are less comfortable . I am using them more nowadays for times when there are lots of stitches but if I am knitting in the round and there are too many stitches for DPNs, which I love, I use 2 circulars of the same size , 1 for each side of the garment.
I am a fairly fast knitter but cannot compete with some of the Continental knitters, particularly young women from Scandinavia. I f anyone has ever watched Finnish Knitting Stories ,you will know what I mean!
Thank you for an interesting, informative video Hannah.
My Grandma, Nana, Aunties and Mum all knitted like this too. So lovely to find fellows. I remember watching Joan Hickson, playing Miss Marple on the BBC, knitting like this as well. It always seemed so natural.
Yes, so true about the straight over circular needles - the larger the circle the better in my experience! I've always been someone who's happy to seam as I've been a sewer all my life as well, so don't use them that often.
Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah If I try to describe my style of knitting, I always refer to the Joan Hickson, Miss Marple.
Just lately, I have become tired of watching videos which show a picture of a beautiful jumper or cardigan, and then there are the dreaded words- worked from the top down on circular needles-I am beginning to turn them off and even un subscribe. I too have always been a sewer and enjoy the finishing with neat seams.
LOL, yes the top down jumper. Oh, joy! To me the seams often feel like a finishing, a full stop, a conclusion to a plot.
Happy knitting 🧶
I'm from Morocco and watched my late mom knit with my her friends and family during the afternoons while drinkinng mint tea and house baked cookies or cake... I never new there was any other rechnique for knitting other than the English style... I don't even remember being taught how to knit.... I've always knitted the English way , but holding the needles like you did the second time; only I do it in a more relaxed way. I prefer learning new stiches from those who use the English technique....
I only knew this style too when I was learning. The lack of 'English' style knitters on UA-cam was a big draw to beginning this channel - so happy you're finding it helpful! happy knitting 🧶
Thank you so much for this video. I learnt knitting from my Grandma when I was very young and have picked it up a few times over the years. I've got back into it more seriously recently. I've always held the right needle with my hand over the top and help the yarn weirdly. I had to let go and move my whole hand for each stitch. I've tried to learn properly from books and other youtubers but they all hold it above and I couldn't get along with the way they hold the yarn. Seeing the way you hold it helped it click for me, it's exactly how my Grandma held hers as well. Been using it for the last few days and it's so much better.
Yes, I've seen a lot of UA-camrs knit from above. My fingers just don't want to knit like that. I probably would have given up if I'd been taught that from a young age. Fate sent me on this path! happy knitting 🧶
The awkward method for you is the only method that works for me ! My hands dont work with any other way 😅
I love that! Knitting can be perfect and ideal for everyone. Happy knitting!
Same, but here in italy grannies taught me to hold the needles under the armpits, so i am doing half of those movements, and it doesn't hurt at all (i'm 34yo, been knitting for 29 years 😊)
Thank you for this video. Now I understand. I was self taught and could not see how the yarn was held.
So glad this was helpful for you. :D thanks for watching! happy knitting .
Gosh I never realised there was so much variation in knitting styles. Great video most interesting ☃️
Yes, we learned to knit all over the globe, so different styles and habits have grown with us. There are so many more, I just couldn't fit them in this video!
I was born in the USA but both my parents were French. My mother and aunt taught me from about age 6, and I learned what you call flicking. My aunt married a Ukrainian, and in my teens he showed me the left- hand yarn hold. I sometimes use it just for variety, but I still hold my right needle from above, and I like how all the work falls below, especially if it gets bulky. My left hand third finger helps hold the right needle for a quarter second while my right hand rises to wrap the yarn around the needle, and at the same time the knitted part gets pushed along a little so the new stitches never bunch up on the right needle. Thanks so much for your video!
Brilliant! love how your fingers have found their place in the knitting process that makes this so very much yours. happy knitting 🧶
Thank you for this! Canadian here, and I have literally never seen anyone else on UA-cam who knits the way I do (the English way, holding needle like a pencil). My mum and grandmother knitted this way - my grandmother was English which may explain it 😊. I find it the fastest and most natural method for me, and like you, I knit continental style in my left hand and English in my right when doing colourwork. Everyone tells me continental is faster but I can whip through pretty quickly in this English style 😊.
Hey Canadian twinses! This does give a fast knit, I was always surprisingly fast to my fellow knitters in our local knit and natter meets. Happy knitting 🧶
I have been knitting for a couple of weeks now, and I have never seen anyone who knits the way I do. I knit differently and I croquet differently. I am English and I also hold the needle the way I hold my pencil, (I don't hold my pencil properly.) People tell me that I knit weirdly, but in my opinion, the way I do it is faster than other people think:)
Thank you. I have been knitting Traditional English and hold the needles and yarn exactly like you do. I taught myself, from a book 50 years ago. I've tried other ways but always come back to this way because, for me, it's faster, more comfortable for my hands and my stitches are quite uniform. I tried Continental but I find it very uncomfortable, and speed is not my first priority in knitting. I do like to finish projects in a reasonable time, but I also knit to slow down and enjoy the process, not to beat others to the finish line.
I knit exactly like this! I learned it from a book when I was first learning to knit. It's very very fast and keeps the wrists straight so there's no carpal tunnel risk.
I love knitting thanks for helping me
You are welcome 😊 happy knitting 🧶
I’m Canadian and I knit EXACTLY like you. I think English Style is the best!
I agree! LOL Happy knitting 🧶
You make it look so easy! I’m having trouble holding the yarn in my hand. I’ve crocheted all my life. It’s so natural but I’m really trying to knit. Thanks for the video.
You can do it! casting on a few stitches one day then a couple of rows at a time. It'll feel easier with time. 🧶
So interesting to see all these different knitting styles as well as their pros and cons! I'm relatively new at knitting (about 4 weeks now) and started learning with your UA-cam tutorials. I tried the throwing method, but somehow along the lines my hands just naturally fell into the 'flicking' style without even knowing about it. My hands are rather small, but I have quite flexible fingers so perhaps that's why it's comfortable for me? Learning the regional variants of a craft is just so wonderful to me, the comments as well have been such a delight! Thanks for the video, Hannah! ✨
Yes, the joint make such a difference as well as the size, so it could be that small thing that makes one thing more comfortable for you than someone else. Happy knitting 🧶
I learned to knit about 60 years ago in a Home Economics class in high school. My teacher loved knitting so instead of sewing she taught us to knit. I am left handed so was taught to hold my hand differently to accommodate that. Over the years I have tried different things and now hold my yarn and knit between continental and English combined. It works for me although it looks kind of funny and enables me to knit faster. Holding my yarn in continental style also helps because I can hold it similar to the way I do when I crochet.
oh, wow! I remember Home Ec! we did cooking and not much more than using a washing machine! LOL thankfully I had my Mum to teach me sewing and knitting.
It's amazing how we find ways to accommodate what we know along with what's comfortable - I use the continental hold for crocheting too, but just can't keep it up for knitting.
Since, you are the person I learned from, I knit English traditional. I was born, in the U.K.(as a military dependent), my Father did 2 tours there. I spent a total of 8 years, in the U.K. My playmate"s Mum in our village (Clifton, near Deddington), taught me to crochet. I recently wanted to learn about knitting. My sister, is extremely accomplished at knitting. (i.e.-infant sweaters, baby booties, etc.,)
I don't desire that degree of knowledge. I simply, would like to be able to knit, purl and look as if I know what I'm doing.
I find the knit stitch, like crochet half-treble stitch, incredibly rhythmic and soothing!
Thanks!
Simplicity in knitting can be so soothing and elegant. I love that you've found what suits you and learned to embrace it . Happy knitting🧶
I have been looking for the way of knitting that Joan Hickson uses in the Miss Marple movies - which is the first one you demonstrated. Other videos I've seen call holding the right needle from above "English"... Whatever is good enough for Joan Hickson is good enough for me!
Oh, Wow! Joan Hickson in Miss Marple is a big star of my knitting world. I'd watch her and be absolutely in love with her knitting style. I was thrilled to see that she knitted as my Mum and Aunties did, so wanted to emulate that too.
I'm so glad you found the answer, Yes, if it's good enough for Joan, can't go wrong! Happy knitting 🧶
OK, I'm never going to knit in public 😆 the only way I've managed to create stitches in knitting is by lifting my hand from the needle and wrapping the yarn, but that might be because I found a left handed video that helped me understand how to do the stitches that way. I have really small hands and thought continental would work for me, but it doesn't feel comfortable. I think I'll have to practice the English traditional method as it's most similar to how I started learning, but looks smoother and more ergonomic 🙂
Lots of knitters knit like that - you're not alone at all. But knitting without lifting your hands from the needles will make each stitch slightly faster as you'll have fewer movements. Certainly give it a try, let me know how you get on. Happy knitting 🧶
Hi Hannah,
There is nothing on the internet (that I could find) demonstrating Fair Isle using both hands, compatible with English style and throwing the stitches. This is video is fantastic and has solved my left-handed purl issue of how to hold the yarn. Just what I was looking for.
Would you be kind enough to put out a video demonstrating Fair Isle (or intarsia), using two hands, knit and purl rows?
Thank you so much, Jane (Canada)
Hi Jane, for now that kind of video will more likely be in the kit playlists when I release more colour knitting projects. Do keep a look out though. So glad this video was helpful for you. Happy knitting! :D
Thank you , you knit exactly the same as me on the first example . Been trying to find a video for a friend who still knits as if she just learned , will be passing this along to her .
Hi Janis Glad you liked the video! Hope your friend finds it helpful too. Happy knitting! 😍
I was also taught to knit and crochet in the same styles as you, 42 yrs ago and have taught my daughter and others the same styles.
That's cool, I love meeting knitting twins! There are fewer of us than I expect! Happy knitting. :D
A while back. I hurt my right roller cup . So now I am teaching myself to knit left handed . So far it is working. Thanks
Sounds like a tough injury for a knitter, so happy you found an alternative method to suit you. Happy knitting 🧶
I saw a video that i find very interesting! It's your video! Amazing! I am Japanese and I have never seen anyone in Japan knitting the way you do. Flick (right hand holds the needles from above) knitting may not be as good as continental, but there are people who knit that way. But I had no idea that you knit holding the needles in your right hand like a pencil! I think I'm going to give this knitting technique a try. I have been knitting on continental for decades. I can knit reasonably well. But I thought it was interesting and I want to give it a try. I will be using your videos as my teacher from now on. I am very excited!!!
Thanks for sharing your video!!!
Enjoy the experiments! Happy knitting 🧶
I know some people want to be done with a project fast . Me ..i think knitting should be a leisurely stroll through the park on a warm sunny lazy day.
So i like to take my time .
I still make mistakes and drop stitches but i can usually catch it before I've got all the way to the end .
I am self taught so I'm still learning.
Loved your video thank you for sharing it helps .
Yes! I love this feeling we can have about knitting - let it be the journey, the experience that is so enjoyable and leisurely!
Happy knitting, Tia!
I knit with the right hand needle under my arm, I was taught by my mother,we come from Sheffield and I think this method is common in the north of England
Hi Anne, from my experience that’s known as Yorkshire Knitting style. Similar to Shetland style it started so there was one hand free for tending sheep. I would imagine my favourite short needles wouldn’t really be suitable in your case. 😃 happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah You're right, you do really need long needles although it is just possible with shorter ones. I understand that in days of yore both men and women knitted in a similar way, but with the right hand needle held in a notched stick somehow tucked in or fastened to their belts, to leave one hand free as you say. Thanks for your reply
I do this too! My Nan throws (the awkward way) and when I tried the English I just didn’t feel in control of the yarn. I’m a crocheter by heart but have to have the needle under my arm to knit... I do find knitting makes my wrists hurt but then again so does crochet. Thanks for the video. At least I know other people do the same :)
You are awesome! Every time that I try continental, my hand cramps up, so perhaps a joint or two is missing... in my brain. I prefer your style because I was brought up on throwing, but not as efficiently as you do it.
Hi Renee, yes it’s just whatever works for you! Happy knitting 🧶
I enjoyed your video. Thankyou.
I don't knit in any of those ways. I am left handed but was taught right. My Grandma showed me. I hold my hands over the needles. The wool is held downwards in my right hand. I throw the wool with my middle finger and thumb, from my right hand. As I throw, I pinch the stitch being completed, with my pointer and thumb, from my left hand and let go of the right needle at the same time. My left needle is horizontal. My right needle is vertical. I tension the wool as I throw.
Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a really unique way of knitting, would love to see photos - I'm on Instagram if you want to share. Happy knitting!
Yes, I also hold my needles like you do.... English traditional.... LOL. I did not know that there was any other way of knitting other than what I was taught by my mother.... but was interesting to see the other methods. Never to old to learn something new hey..... but will definitely stick to the English traditional way.
Yes the muscle memory would be tough to break, but it's really interesting to know about the other options. 🧶
Thank you for this video! I can't knit in the contonental way, I tried several times, but never succeeded... I was convinced it was my fault, now I know it's only because it doesn't suit me. Thank you so much!
Hi Anna! So glad this was helpful for you... yes we're all created to knit in a unique and perfect way. :D
Thanks for this video. I want to learn a different style so that I can get a tighter gauge for sock knitting and your video helped me.
Glad it was helpful! Happy knitting 🧶
I found that really interesting. I learnt to knit as a child and then stopped probably about 32 years ago. I just picked it back up because I want to learn for a special project. So I've been watching some starter vids to get myself back into it. I never once noticed that people hold the needles or yarn differently lol. I hold my needles in the way that you struggled with, and interestingly I do have that noticeable & extra flexible thumb joint along with longer fingers. I never once thought to hold it like a pen, probably because holding a pen is uncomfortable to me in the same way the method I use cause you pain, for the same reason the other method works for me, this one doesn't, my other thumb joint is too bendy the wrong way and holding a pen (or something else like a pen causes it to bend backwards & hurt. How very interesting. I can knit fairly quickly the way I hold it, but purling can sometimes be difficult (other times it runs super smooth and others the needles won't co-operat lol ).
The continental method just looks confusing to my brain because the yarn is in the wrong place to me.
yes! it makes sense that you find comfortable what I find uncomfortable and vice versa. Good that knitting is flexible like that. -playing football or tennis is basically playing football or tennis! Happy knitting 🧶
Such a wonderful video! I love the soothing quality of your voice. Did find a bit odd the way you hold your right hand needle, only because I had never seen someone hold it from beneath, I've only ever seen people knit holding it from above (in continental, English AND Portuguese styles!). I tried doing it along with you to see if any different style felt more natural, but I still find continental the best. Now I'll keep searching and paying attention to how other people knit continental to find a more comfortable way to tension my yarn - my pointer finger tends to feel quite stiff after a few hours of knitting, even when I'm constantly stretching! I have subscribed and will also enjoy the archive of videos you have!!
So glad you enjoyed this video. Most knitters around me as I was learning held the needle from underneath. This ‘traditional English’ way seems to be used less now, it really does depend on your fingers and making sure there’s comfort. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you miss Hannah. I'm a beginner and my hands will thank you .
Great. I’m glad you’ve found this helpful. Happy knitting 🧶
The more videos I watched the more I've come to realise that when I started knitting, i wasn't looking at the person's hands, I was looking at the yarn. That would explain why I have such a bastardisation of multiple knitting styles lol. I'm trying to unlearn my style and pick up a faster knitting style but its hard.
Yes, knitting is about finding what feels right for you. it won't have to look exactly like any other knitter as long as the stitches and rows work comfortably. I don't think my knitting technique looks exactly like many other knitters, but for my fingers, hands and wrists, it works well.
Oh! My grandmas taught me continental style and it always has been so uncomfortable to me. I learned crochet first and the points in continental knitting where always slipping and i was so slow. I use an uncommon technique for crochet that works for me but I haven't found one for knitting so far. Although for both type of knits I hold the needles from the top, never like a pencil. This was so incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much!
Hi Virginia, I’m so happy this video found you and you’ll have a go at shifting to some more comfortable positions. Having an experiment and seeing what works over time could help immensely. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah i was thinking that continental style is more like crochet in the way you hold the thread on the left but without the hook needle it's very challenging and confusing for my motor skills 🤣 I will try to do it English style and see if that helps to hold the thread and don't loose the loops.
Excellent video! I am a beginner knitter. My right hand, unfortunately, leaves the right needle when knitting English Style. I am going to try your method. Thanks.
Wonderful! So glad you found this helpful. It's all about finding what's comfortable, so play around a bit and see what works for you. Happy knitting 🧶
Have a look at Arne and Carlos Norwegian knitting. I am moving from English because of problems with my right wrist. Their knit is a modified continental and is much easier. There is no winding round to keep tension. The yarn comes from the knitting over the index finger then held gently under all the rest against the knitting body/ needle - no tight grip. The index finger is used to hold the left needle, so the yarn over is really close to the first stitch, so no awkward stain on that first finger. The movement to pick up the yarn is very small and fast and the little circle of the yarn round the tip can be done either with the left hand or the right or a bit of both. I am still going back to English knitting for the purl row (Obviously no good for rib) but at least I am reducing the strain on my right wrist by 50% on stocking stitch and also works well on double knitting, the knit colour in left hand purl in right. They have a method for purling but it is a bit involved and has more movement. I need to practice on some waste yarn and see how much it affects my wrist. Their you tube videos are a delight to watch
Hi Helen, there are so many options. I love that you've found a way of reducing strain like that. I found the Norwegian has too much of a twisting motion in my left wrist. Even though it's very slight it's something that my wrist can't take. It's really interesting to see how the different methods suit different knitters. Happy knitting!
I recently converted to Norwegian with excellent results. I watched whatever videos I could find - over and over again. I could never get the tensioning with regular continental style. I don’t know if it’s because I’m left - handed, but I find the results and experience to be quite good. I’m even embracing Norwegian purl. More complicated but effective too.
I’m an English flicker and I actually hold onto my right needle between the pad of my middle finger and the top of my fourth finger. It’s almost like a chopstick where the two fingers can have intense or loose grip very easily. I don’t even need to have the thumb on the needle. The right needle becomes perpendicular, with the tip moving toward the right hand, when the yarn is thrown/flicked. What causes that movement is a small extension of the third and fourth fingers 😊
What an interesting way to knit! Love that you've found a way that suits you best, no matter that it's not a 'usual' knitting hold. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah Funnily enough, I got an elbow injury after posting this yesterday and need to rest those under-side tendons on my right arm-but now I know your knitting method that really only utilized my upper-side tendons, and I can still knit while my elbow heals! What a treat! 😊 I’m also glad to learn your way because I think your two-handed colorwork options are the best I’ve seen for purling colorwork.
I have a weird hybrid style of knitting where I’m doing that flicking style you showed at the end, but I don’t hold on to the dominant hand needle. I just skim my hand upward while pinching both needles with my thumb to hold them in place, but my hand stays touching the work. I also wrap the string around my index while holding tension with my other three fingers. I tend to keep my stitches back a little bit on my needles, so this was my way of adapting to the extra length.
I think everyone does a hybrid of their own eventually! It’s just about finding your own comfort. Happy knitting 🧶
This is so interesting to me! I like the flicking technique best so far, and I do have longer fingers and a prominent thumb joint! I wish I could do continental knitting. I started with crochet, but I'm left handed so I'm already used to holding the working yarn in my right hand. I suppose if I learned to crochet right handed, I'd be better at continental knitting.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, flicking makes sense for your lingerie fingers. Happy knitting 🧶
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I just started knitting recently and I was doing the "manual set down needles and loop with entire hand" method and that just was not working. I was getting so frustrated but this gave me hope! I'm enjoying the English method a lot! I'll have to keep experimenting :)
Thats great, so glad you found a style that works for you! Happy knitting. :D
It’s good to see that we were taught the same way which is the English way. My mother taught me exactly the same as your mother. I have tried other ways but the way my mum taught me is the fastest way I knit. The crochet way of holding the yarn and needles is too slow and it only works fast for me WHEN I’m crocheting makes sense right?? I really like the English way for the simple fact that the right needle is resting in the cradle between your thumb and forefinger which I find also acts as a guide and your needle is not moving in another direction.
Also you’re the only other person I’ve seen that holds your yarn while crocheting with your middle finger as your guide instead of your forefinger, also taught by my mother. Well done.
Isn't that funny that we knit and crochet the same way! I know very few people who crochet with the third finger directing the yarn. I taught myself that way, from a Ladybird book. 😀 happy knitting!
Knit With Hannah how lovely to receive a reply!
Excellent demonstration. I am try sooooo hard to knit a ribbed hat for my first granddaughter due any day now. Very challenging I think for me because I have been crocheting my whole life! But there is nothing better than a knit hat! I will keep trying. The English style where I hold the yarn in my right appeals to me. Because it is different than crochet? I also need something that will be easiest on my hands since I have rheumatoid arthritis and that can affect my hands and wrists. What do recommend for that?
Hi teresa, I found the needles clicking against each other can be a problem for my wrists, if the material isn't gentle enough. So instead of metal or plastic, I now knit with bamboo. And yes, I find the fact that knitting as I do is opposite to the crochet style is a lot easier. You'll move the wrists a lot less. Unfortunately ribbing will be asking for more action in the fingers and wrists, as you're moving the yarn backwards and forwards for the knit and purl stitches. So if you can adapt to k2,p2 or k3,p3 you'll find it easier. Or find a pattern which is knit one row, purl one row. If you'd like a pattern do let me know, I've a few which fit newborns and young babies.
All the best, happy knitting 🧶
I hold the right hand needle from above . And I wrap the yarn once around my middle finger. (I do think I have longer fingers) but I completely let go of the right needle while I wrap the yarn around the left needle. I learned to knit when I was about 7 years old, so I probably don’t do it the most efficient quickest way but it works well for me because I’ve been doing it for 18 years lol
That sounds good to me! " I probably don’t do it the most efficient quickest way but it works well for me" Happy knitting 🧶
Hi, u may know this all ready, but a tip, the stitches that are twisted, no need to takes off n replace back on needle in correct orientation, simply just knit through the back loops n it orients the stitche in the right manner. Help u in future.
Yes, it’s easier when teaching to have them all in the right place so it doesn’t confuse. 😂
I think I’d been unraveling from a previous tutorial before filming this one and had just put it all back on the needles. Happy knitting 🧶
Method #3 is my type, it's not how my Grams taught me but it's the kind I use because my fingers are very, very long. I find it's easy and nearly painless. It's not for everyone but I love it.
Yes long fingers give lots of different options in knitting, so glad you found a method that's comfortable. Happy knitting 🧶
Just tried continental style. Love it thankyou
That's so great to know - I don't have the best continental technique, but so glad you were able to try it from this video and found it a better style for you. Happy knitting! 😍
Thank you, very interesting. I knit with the right hand above the needle and the yarn in the left hand. You didn’t show that, but I think it is very common in Germany to knit this way 😅
LOL. So many styles everywhere, I think if I did show them all there'd be two or three hours of video! Happy knitting! 🧶
I find flicking is much quicker if using long needles anchored under the armpits - I think this is fairly common in Scotland. I'm a fast knitter!
Yes, I’ve seen that called Shetland (when the needle is anchored in a belt) and Yorkshire when it’s under the arm. Not found it comfortable myself, so great that you’ve found a style that works for you. Happy knitting 🧶
I knit with the right needle under my arm that's the way everyone knits here. I'm from an island in Greece
That’s interesting🧶We call that method the ‘Yorkshire’ method in the UK. Happy knitting 🧶
I do too. My mother was from Italy. I think I learned it from her. Much more control that way.
Hello everyone, I’m new to knitting, and I am loving it. Important question: Does it make a difference in the look/appearance of stitches in the project? Or Are the different methods just about what feels most comfortable to the individual when holding the needles? Thank you in advance for your answers 😊😊😊
Hi Laj, what’s comfortable to you is what’s most important. You’ll not knit if it’s causing aches or discomfort. Changing between methods when you’re not familiar with them can change the tension of the fabric - the distance between stitches etc, and this will be especially noticeable if you switch while knitting a single project. The stitches won’t look different, but the tension will change.
Simply, Find what’s comfortable and you’ll naturally create the even tension over time.
Happy knitting 🧶
I learned to knit, I forgot the actual name of it, the Wayback you found most awkward and painful. I learned to knit that way, but I find that the heavier the yarn, the more hi start to get pain in my hand, as well as having difficulty controlling both weight of the knitted Fabric, and the weight of the needles combined. For example, I was trying to do a swatch with US size 15/10 mm needles. I kept having to shift everything to my left hand, and it felt awkward and clunky. I will try the way k n i t, and see how that works for me. The Portuguese way seems very intuitive to me, so I'm going to try that as well. We'll see. Thanks for the overview. I looked at it because I really am looking for a new way to knit.
Yes, heavy fabric in the needles that’s already been knitted can make a big difference, testing a few methods will help. You’ll get there! 🧶
I was just curious about how people could knit somewhere else... I've seen so many ways! I don't use any of yours, maybe it's more similar to the continental style but a lot softer and faster. I'd love to know how some people knit holding one needle with their armpits, it must be soooo tiring. Loved your video and sweet way of teaching
Hi Francisca, there are so many options! The yorkshire, Greek and Shetland knitting styles are the ones where one needle is held in place. I think I’d find them uncomfortable too. I’m so used to holding them both at the tips with my fingers. Happy knitting 🧶
I’m not sure about the continental knitting, I have been taught to hold the right needle from above, not like a pen. Maybe an other variation?
There are lots and lots of variations, so yes, whatever feels comfortable to you.
Happy knitting 🧶
I found your video because a wanted to learn a faster way to knit. I do a lot of cable knitting and switch between knot and perl a lot. I learned to knit when I was working in a nursing home. I learned the 3rd way and can knit fast but switching from knit to perl is slower. Thank you for your video.
Definitely, cabling can be a complicated trick, or an easier smooth knit, depending on your hold. Everything slows down to a certain point for me too, with the different stitch patterns, but you may want to experiment with a different style and see if anything helps. Happy knitting!
@@KnitWithHannah I have also looked at Russian knitting, that seems to suit my big hands. I tend to be a tight knitter so t have to watch my tension.
@@daniellesunley4807 That's a good alternative for sure. As for tight knitting, have you seen this video: ua-cam.com/video/Y2E2xxVZaOw/v-deo.html
I give tips on how to loosen your knitting if it's tight.
@@KnitWithHannah I will have a look thank you. Tight knitting can make cable harder. I am currently making some gloves with fingering wt wool. The tight stitches are a lot more noticeable.
Hannah what do you use so we can see your hands equipment wise? During Covid, we are wanting to set up a ministry safe distancing at our church. Do you have a stand? A gooseneck? Thanks for your help!
Hi Nina, I have a mixture of gear that I use, depending on how I'm being filmed. For 'talking head' I use a camera tripod and camcorder or iPhone, for overhead I use a tripod with a goose neck attached, so it's higher than if it was attached to the table.
Hi Hannah, I have been try to improve my tension over the years . i have tried continental but seem to drop stitches. I came across this video and I really do like the technic. I have been trying to slow it down a little so I can watch how you use your left hand. Do you have a video that is a little slower so I can watch the left hand closely. it may sound silly but I found watch varios videos both hands really do play an important part . Thank You
I don't have another video that specifically shows what the left hand does. But I agree it's equally important. I'm going to add it to my list for filming - thanks for suggestion. Happy knitting 🧶
I've knitted almost 30 years in continental style, now I wanted to challenge myself and try something new. In English traditional I find it hardest to reach my right forefinger far enough to throw yhe yarn, even if I've got quite long fingers. Than you for
the video.
A challenge is always good! Happy knitting 🧶
I use my middle finger - works better for me
I knit using the English throwing method as I find this the easiest for me. If I am doing all Stocking stitch I like using Continental on the knit rows, as I find continental purling harder to do. I think the tension is neater but a bit tighter the continental way. I hold my yarn in my Left hand on my index finger close to the needle, like the lady in the comment below. I only knit small items like hats or baby cardigans for Charity. I am a Pensioner and sadly can't knit as much as I would like to,
due to Arthritis. I would love to be able to knit Fairisle better. Knitting is the best thing to relax you. Thank you.
Knitting is the best thing to relax you, you're so right there. Happy knitting 🧶
I'm self taught. I'm definitely an overhand thrower and I wrap my stitches clockwise.
Sounds good! Happy knitting 🧶
Hi, thanks for exemplifying these different styles. I might have to do English knitting because of a wrist problem, so let the needle rest between thumb and index, instead of grabbing it from above. I have to wonder though, if you have lots of stitches, how does the needle keep sliding on top of your joint (thumb-index)?Won't the stitches be in the way? (around min. 2:20)
I hope the needle and the stitches once there are more stitches so they don’t bunch up at the tip of the needle. If you watch more of my videos you’ll see the demos where I knit show me holding it with more stitches. Happy knitting 🧶
Thanks Hannah. Really interesting video. I was taught by my Mum nearly 70 years ago the English method but I do let go of the right hand needle - I'll try your method. When I was nursing we had a patient who knitted very differently and she didn't turn the work around between rows and did both rows from the front side. Have you come across this method? I tried it but it felt so alien I've never used it.
Yes, it’s as if you’re doing ‘left handed’ knitted and ‘right handed’ knitting on alternative rows. I’ve tried it occasionally, but it’s something that needs a lot of thought and focus if it’s not the usual knitting style.
Happy knitting 🧶
I had no idea that there was a variation on the methods of knitting until i started to pick it up, my mom is self taught and she and i do a similar variarion of the second one but we use out nails on our thumb or index fingers to not lose a stitch. I presume she picked up that method because she is also super into crochet. My first garmet looks kind of funky, according to my mom u knit too tight and should losen the tension lol. i may dabble with the english method in the future!
LOL, that's funny - tell your mum not to worry, the tension is loose as I make the stitch, even if it looks tight around my fingers. and I'm on tension with gauges pretty much every time. Good luck with your first garment, hope it's going well! happy knitting.
@@KnitWithHannah i meant i knit too tight, it was a typo! Well that's embatrassing! You knit very beautifully,it's super uniform! Something i lack, that's why i think the garmet is kinda off but i'm sure i just need more practice, hopefully i'll be making cool pieces and garmets in the future!
LOL , OK. I think we can fix that too.... I have a 'tight knitting and how to fix it' video here: ua-cam.com/video/Y2E2xxVZaOw/v-deo.html
A few changes, one at a time, and I bet you'll find it becoming more uniform. Happy knitting!
Thank you! What is the name of the sweater you wore to demonstrate the knitting styles? Thank you!
Hi HG, that wasn't a knitted jumper from a pattern - it was purchased from Seasalt in the UK. (Some fabulous fine-knit knitwear)
I feel that you are holding your needles and yarn in a very strenuous way when you show off the continental way. We do not hold the yarn on our middle finger away from the work. We slip the yarn over our index finger on our left hand and keep it close to the work. I can do three colours at one time without a problem never needing to let go of the work. Please look into the Norwegian way of knitting and you will see what I mean.
Yes, it's very uncomfortable for me to hold my fingers in that position, so it's never something I've been able to demonstrate and have to use the middle finger for the yarn in my left hand. I do love that we can all find methods that work for us. Happy knitting!
Some people do knit continental holding the yarn away like she does with her index finger I’ve seen people do it it’s not strenuous or tight like she does but it is a thing
I'm learning how to knit atm & I realised the easiest thing for me is to do continential style while holding the left needle from above 😅 I'll blame it on crochet :P
It’s crochet that made me ‘continental’ knit in a strange way too! Happy knitting 🧶
I find the continental style easier and less stressful than the English style. I can't also hold the needle like a pencil like you do and neither use my finger to throw, because my fingers are a little bit stiff, so I move my arms more. That's why I prefer the continental. However, the way I hold the thread is different as well, due to my fingers, so I move the needle more. I hate purling. Whichever style I use, purl stitch is uncomfortable.
Knitting in the round might be an option for you… you’ll have less need for purling as you’ll always be knitting from the ‘right’ side which more often has the knit stitch prominent. 🧶
I had learned to knit by the usual style of "kicking" the knit stitch over but have never liked the fact that your right hand basically drops the needle to do this. I had knitted for years in this way but about 4 years ago I tried the continental style of knitting and really enjoy using this style. BUT, I have always wondered if this changes the way the yarn twists each stitch differently from the "kick/American" style of stitch? Could you explain to me if it makes any difference to the stitch to use continental instead of American? Thank you Hannah.
I'm pretty sure there's not any difference between the stitches - not heard a method called the 'kick' style before. Most times the needle sits on the needle, as you look at it from the front at the left, to the back at the right. Happy knitting 🧶 I show that more in the demos with slipping stitches: ua-cam.com/video/V-SACj4yUjs/v-deo.html
I knit in a different way holding my right needle under my arm and moving the left needle to do the stitches. I hold my yarn with my right hand like with the flicking method you showed at the end.
Don't know where I got it, I can't recall a UA-cam video doing it that way...
Yes, that can be known as the 'Yorkshire' knitting method. There are black and white photos of shepherds knitting like that, with the yarn in their pocket, so they could free one hand easily. 🧶happy knitting!
My knitting is nothing like any of these. I knit English style in that I throw the yarn, but there the resemblance ends. My hand right hand is over the needle, but doesn’t spend much time holding it. I move my hand a lot to throw the yarn while holding it with thumb and forefinger - I find trying to wind it around other fingers for tension a dratted nuisance. The main difference, though, is that I throw knit stitches counterclockwise, upover the needle, and purl stitches clockwise, from under it. It means the leading or “front” leg of the stitch is behind the needle. I find it easier and less work poking the needle through the stitches that way, instead of having to sort of wind it in. I have no idea if this is a style of knitting. It has been called weird. :P
We all knit with different styles - if you're making a fabric and finished pieces that you're happy with, go for it! Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah That’s what I think! I am very happy with my results and enjoy the pastime, that’s what matters.
I'm so glad I found this video! Very interesting. I was trying to find out what method I knit with and I'm still stumped! I think that I 'throw' the yarn but I don't hold the right needle at all.... It stays still, tucked into my elbow. So weird!! I hardly move my hands and I can't knit at all when I try the other methods. I like the look of continental knitting but it feels impossible 😂. X
Hi Samatha, if you've found a way that works for you.... you're right on track! It sounds a bit like the 'Yorkshire' knitting style. Where the needles are much longer and the right one is held between the ribs and upper arm. Happy knitting!
@@KnitWithHannah OMG.... It's like a light going on. That's me!!
Yay! You’re going strong! 🧶
I do the continental knitting differently, not holding the needle like a pencil and not using the middle finger. That looks and feels very uncomfortable, like you want to make it difficult when it doesn't have to be, especially for knitting with thin needles. If you hold both from above and use the left index finger, it just flows with minimal movement.
Isn't it funny that if I hold the needle from above that it feels really uncomfortable, my fingers just won't let me. Thankfully knitting can let you choose so many options until finding what works. So glad you found what works for you easily! Happy knitting :D
Very interesting this! I knit continental style, but I dont do it vith a pengrip, so I guess that is why your left hand had to move so much to compensate for the pengrip. The third example, without pengrip, holding the needle from above, looked like English style, not continental, because the tread was on your right and you threw it around the needle. There is a fourth style you have to try, for fast and easy knitting. Wonder how you would like it. 😊
I'm American I can't continental knit to save my life, i grew up being a "thrower/flicker" my mom is Brazilian and she was taught that way as well. Granted my great aunt in Brazil could do that and Portuguese knitting. I've been meaning to learn Portuguese style knitting and the style you use , i learned it used to be called parlour knitting back in the 1800's when Victorian ladies began taking up knitting but did not want to knit like the women who had to knit for a living where you'd put the needle against your hip or attached to a belt. so they would hold it like a pencil as it was more "aesthetically pleasing" to look at.
Hi Caroline, what a lovely bit of history. Thank for sharing with us. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you for the video! Do you knit socks? If so, do you hold your needles differently?
I've not knitted socks, but I've knitted small tubes in the round in the form of cuffs and fingerless mitts. I found myself holding the needles very similarly to this, didn't really change it very much at all. And the more I repeat those similar patterns, the more I use the same method. 🧶
I use the Portuguese method, but I’m trying to get used to some other way because I got a very annoying tendonitis on my left hand due to the repetitive movement of the thumb. I must say that it is difficult to change methods! 😮
Yes it’s tough to change! The single finger doing so much, especially as it’s gets faster and more efficient can end up being a hindrance. Hope the change is helping! 🧶
Do you also crochet holding your hook from under, like a pencil? I hold my hook like a knife, and I wanted to learn to hold it like a pencil to show off some beautiful acrylic handles I had someone set my hooks in, but it doesn't work, though I practiced for a few days. I just can't get the hang of how to twist the hook when I need to.
I also have small hands and short fingers, but I have settled on flicking. I wouldn't exactly call it "comfortable", but it's the fastest for me since it's the only style I know in which both the knit stitch and the purl stitch are equally easy to do. In Continental it's easy to knit but a nightmare to purl, in Portuguese it's easy to purl but the knit stitch in that style feels really unintuitive. As a flicker with small hands and short fingers, I'm kind of at the mercy of the way weight is distributed while knitting. Which is why I use short needle tips with everything, so as to do as little lifting as possible. Let the weight of the fabric rest on the cord, lifting it with my thumb and middle finger while also trying to guide and balance my needle to do my stitches is a real drag.
Yes I hold a crochet hook in the same way. Unlike the knitting needle, as it has the hook on the end I hold it loosely and let it roll from side to side as I pick up the yarn. And I hold the yarn in my left hand for crochet.
It really will depend on your joints and flexibility, even all the way through your wrist, elbows and shoulders, which style feels best for you. I lvoe that you've been able to find needles that work better for you too, they can make such a difference. Happy yarning! 😍
I get alot of pain in my left thumb joint. I don't know if it is from pushing the stitches along the needle. I do the throwing technique. I wonder if the traditional method that you do yourself will cause less strain.
In the left thumb it could be the purl stitch. I've had RSI from knitting before. It was a case of knitting for less time and for shorter periods that settled it down. I also took purl stitch out of my knitting for a while to let it settle. Take a look at how you knit and what your fingers do with the different stitches you may be able to see the specific points of the stitches that you may be able to alter.
Thank you!!
I guess I knit using the flick method. I just couldn't get the hang of the English method my mother used. Someone suggested i work out what worked for me. I must have been about 9yo. Everyone knitted like mum did, i had never come across anyone that did it differently. I find flicking very fast. I do it a little differently though. I have my right hand over the needle, but hold the yarn and thus tension between my index finger and third finger as if I was holding a cigarette, with my fourth and little fingers holding the needle up. I flick the yarn around the needle. Purl rows are always a little slower, but on straight knitting almost as fast now. The trick with it is getting tension right, which just takes practice. I have no idea if anyone else knits that way. I developed what worked for me.
This is such proof that we can all knit differently and find ways which suit us. Brilliant! Now we all want a UA-cam video of you knitting, so we can see for ourselves!
Happy knitting 🧶
Interesting… do you hold the needles differently if you use flexible cable needles or sock needles? Thanks
I hold them the same way, I’m knitting on circulars now and after a few rows the fabric hangs comfortably over my thumb at the front. Knitting socks is something I’ve still yet to do, it’s just not been on my radar, not sure how it would go for fewer stitches like that.
I could definitely make a video once I’ve experienced that.
Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you❤ this video helped me a lot❤
I'm so glad you found this helpful. Happy knitting 🧶
I knit the 3rd. How does everyone else knit?
Hi! Can I knit a sweater with just English throw style throughout? Is it always necessary to purl?
Purling isn’t necessary, to only use the knit stitch is known as garter stitch. You get a thicker fabric as the rows are closer together. I love knitting in garter stitch. And have a few patterns with it too, like this one for example: knitwithhannah.co.uk/product/beginners-big-tassel-scarf-knitting-pattern
Happy knitting 🧶
One of my friends does her knitting as you do with your right hand, but uses double points and holds the right needle against her right side with just jeans and a folded handkerchief to protect her body from being poked.
Hi Ann, a Shetland knitting belt will probably be ideal for her. It holds the point so it doesn't jab you! Happy knitting. :D