Knitting Styles: English or Continental? Which Do You Prefer?

If you are just learning to knit, you may ask, “What the heck are you talking about? There are more ways than one to knit?” Yes, absolutely!!! Different knitting styles often come down to two primary methods: English and Continental. Both involve unique ways of holding the yarn and needles, affecting knitting speed, tension, and comfort.

Let’s explore what I mean…

English Knitting Style
In English knitting, also known as the "throwing" method, the yarn is held in the right hand. The knitter "throws" the yarn around the needle to create stitches. This style is commonly taught in the United States and generally feels intuitive for beginners. It can be slower than Continental knitting because it requires more hand movements.

Continental Knitting Style
Continental knitting, or the "picking" method, involves holding the yarn in the left hand. Instead of throwing the yarn, the knitter "picks" it with the needle to form stitches. This method often allows for faster knitting because the yarn stays taut and closer to the needle, reducing hand movement.

Key Differences

• Yarn Position: English — yarn in right hand; Continental — yarn in left hand.

• Motion: English — throwing the yarn over the needle; Continental — picking the yarn with the needle.

• Speed: Many find Continental faster due to less hand movement. Note, “many” not “all”… you can still knit fast with English style.

• Learning Curve: English is often easier for absolute beginners; Continental can take practice but is favored for efficiency.Preference varies by region and personal comfort. In the U.S., English knitting remains more prevalent, partly because it is commonly taught. However, many experienced knitters switch to or start with Continental because of its speed advantages. Globally, Continental knitting is widely favored, especially in Europe.

ENGLISH

CONTINENTAL

Which Do Most People Prefer?
Ultimately, the best style depends on what feels comfortable and sustainable for the individual knitter. Both methods are equally capable of producing beautifully knitted pieces.

Personally, I have tried both and it really depends on the day and my mood on a given day when I pick up my knitting, lol. I used to knit only the English style up until recently when I was doing some colorwork which required me to use multiple strands of yarn and had to use “both” hands to knit. That’s when I discovered that I can actually get used to knitting Continental style. Moreover, if you are a crocheter learning to knit, you may prefer Continental style as you will be carrying the yarn in your left hand and this is what you already do when you crochet if you are right-handed.

I highly recommend you try both, English and Continental way to knit. Go on… what do you have to lose, right?