Learn the Continental Knitting Style

1. Mastering the Art of Continental Knitting: A Comprehensive Guide If you're a passionate knitter looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer intrigued by the world of knitting, mastering different knitting styles can be an exciting journey. One of the most popular and efficient knitting styles is Continental knitting. In this guide, we'll delve into the ins and outs of Continental knitting, exploring how knitting needles play a crucial role in achieving this technique. Understanding Continental Knitting Continental knitting, also known as "picking," is a knitting technique that involves holding the working yarn in your left hand. This method is lauded for its efficiency, as it allows for smoother transitions between knitting and purling stitches. With a focus on minimizing hand movement, Continental knitting is known to be gentle on the wrists and offers a faster pace for seasoned knitters. Choosing the Right Knitting Needles When it comes to Continental knitting, selecting the right knitting needles can greatly influence your knitting experience. Here are a few factors to consider: Needle Material: Knitting needles come in various materials, such as bamboo, wood, metal, and plastic. The choice of material can impact the grip and the way stitches glide on the needles. For Continental knitting, many knitters prefer needles with a smooth finish to facilitate the yarn movement. Needle Type: Depending on your project, you'll need different types of knitting needles. Circular needles are particularly useful for Continental knitting, as they accommodate a larger number of stitches and offer flexibility for projects such as sweaters, shawls, and blankets. However, single-pointed and double- pointed needles are also compatible with this knitting style. Needle Length: Circular needles come in various cable lengths. When selecting a circular needle for Continental knitting, consider the length of the cable in relation to the size of your project. Longer cables are advantageous for larger projects, while shorter ones are suitable for smaller items. Step-by-Step Guide to Continental Knitting Yarn Positioning: Hold the working yarn in your left hand, allowing it to wrap around your left pinkie finger. This positioning provides easy access to the yarn as you knit and purl. Needle Insertion: Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle from left to right. Yarn Pickup: With the yarn positioned behind the right needle, use your left index finger to "pick" the yarn and loop it around the right needle. Knit Stitch: Insert the right needle through the stitch on the left needle and let the loop of yarn slide through the stitch, creating a new loop on the right needle. Purl Stitch: For purling, move the working yarn to the front of your work. Insert the right needle from right to left through the stitch on the left needle, then wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the stitch.

2. Continuation: Alternate between knitting and purling stitches, always keeping the yarn in your left hand. Practice and Patience Learning the Continental knitting style requires practice and patience. As you become more comfortable with the technique, you'll find that it enhances your knitting speed and reduces strain on your hands. In conclusion, mastering the Continental knitting style can open up new horizons for your knitting projects. The choice of knitting needles plays a significant role in facilitating this technique, so be sure to select needles that suit your preferences and the nature of your projects. With dedication and practice, you'll soon be knitting with ease and confidence using the Continental style, all while enjoying the creative process. Happy knitting! Source: https://helloknitterspride.wixsite.com/knitterspride/post/mastering-the-art-of-continental- knitting-a-comprehensive-guide