Is English or continental knitting faster?

Some people say that knitting continental style is faster than knitting English style, though I have seen people knit very quickly using both methods. Because of the smaller arm and hand movements, however, continental knitting is also prized by people with repetitive stress problems.

Is continental knitting better for your hands?

The English method has the advantage of being simpler for new knitters to learn. It also makes it easier to handle extremely large needles and bulky yarn. On the other hand, Continental knitting streamlines the motion of each stitch which can make the work flow a great deal faster.

Is continental knitting really faster?

Continental knitting is much faster. The actual creating of the stitches is exactly the same in continental knitting, you just hold the yarn in your left hand, and by doing so, the entire action of knitting (or purling) is much smoother…and quicker.

Why is it called Continental Knitting?

This style originated in continental Europe, specifically recognized in Germany, but is also found to a significant degree in the English-speaking world. Other knitting styles include English knitting (aka right-hand knitting) and Combined knitting.

Should I learn Continental Knitting?

Even if you’ve been happily knitting in English or Continental style for a long time, it’s worth learning the other method or trying one of the lesser-known styles. Being able to knit both methods also comes in handy when you’re working with two colors of yarn in the same row.

How is Continental knitting different?

In knitting, there are two basic styles of technique: the English method and the German or Continental method. The only real difference lies in how the yarn is held. With the English method, the working yarn is held in the right hand; with the Continental method, it is held in the left.

What is the characteristics of Continental Knitting?

This style of knitting is more like crochet because you hold the yarn in your left hand. It’s the opposite hand of your working needle, but it’s closer to your actual work. You put the needle through the next stitch, then use it to pick the yarn through.

What is English vs Continental Knitting?

The main difference in English vs. Continental knitting is the way the yarn is wrapped around the right needle before its pull through to knit a stitch. In English-style knitting the action is throwing the yarn, while in Continental-style knitting the action is picking the yarn.