English vs Continental Knitting Styles: A Comprehensive Guide

Knitting is more than the simple act of working yarn with two needles. It is a craft that brings rhythm, calm, and a sense of creation into everyday life. For many, it is both meditative and expressive, producing warm, handmade pieces filled with care. Among the many approaches to knitting, two primary techniques stand out: English knitting and Continental knitting.

Both styles can produce the same end results, but the differences in yarn handling, movement, and ergonomics can shape your overall experience. This article compares these two methods across a range of practical and cultural considerations. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of each approach and how they might suit your own knitting style or project goals.

What is English Knitting?

English knitting, also called "throwing," is characterised by holding the working yarn in the right hand. To form each stitch, the knitter manually wraps the yarn around the right-hand needle, a movement that defines the technique.

This approach is very methodical and offers precise control over yarn tension and is often recommended for beginners. The slower, deliberate movements make it easier to see how stitches are formed, which can help with learning new techniques or correcting mistakes.

English knitting remains particularly popular in the UK, North America, Australia, and other English-speaking regions, where it has long been taught in schools and passed down through generations.

To make the most of this method, many knitters prefer smooth, warm needles, such as the Lykke Blush Interchangeable Needle Set, which are comfortable to hold during longer knitting sessions.

What is Continental Knitting?

Continental knitting, also known as "picking," involves holding the yarn in the left hand. Instead of wrapping the yarn, the knitter uses the needle to scoop the yarn through the existing stitch, which can create a faster and more efficient workflow.

Due to the left-hand yarn control, this method is a natural transition for crocheters who already have experience in controlling yarn tension with that hand. With less hand and arm movement required, many knitters also find this style easier on the joints.

Rooted in Central and Northern Europe, Continental knitting is prevalent in countries such as Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. European immigrants helped spread the technique to other parts of the world, where it continues to gain popularity for its speed and ergonomic benefits.

Pairing Continental knitting with a responsive yarn, such as Ashford DK Yarn or Harrisville Designs Highland Skeins, can further enhance your knitting experience, especially when working on larger projects.

Key Differences Between English and Continental Styles

Understanding the differences between English and Continental knitting can help you choose the method that best suits your needs. Below, we explore the most significant differences and factors to consider when choosing which technique you’d prefer to utilise.

Yarn-Holding Techniques

The most obvious difference is where the working yarn is held. In English knitting, the right hand carries the yarn and "throws" it around the needle. In Continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand and is "picked" by the needle.

These positions influence rhythm and tension. Some knitters prefer the measured pace and control of throwing, while others appreciate the smoother, less interruptive flow of picking. The type of needles you use also makes a difference. Flexible, smooth needles from the KnitPro collection are designed to support a wide range of techniques and hand positions.

Stitch Formation

Both methods can be used to produce the same stitch structures, but they achieve these results in different ways. In Continental knitting, the scooping motion is generally more fluid and smooth. In contrast, English knitting involves a more pronounced wrapping technique, which can make it easier to see, tension and replicate when learning new patterns.

Over time, individual tension and technique may introduce slight differences in how your fabric looks, especially when switching between methods. Consistent practice with high-quality tools, like those in the knitting needles collection at Thread Collective, can help maintain uniform results.

Knitting Speed and Efficiency

Speed is where Continental knitting often takes the lead. The reduced motion required to form stitches usually results in faster knitting, which is especially helpful when tackling larger items, such as blankets or jumpers.

English knitting, while slightly slower, offers precision and may be more comfortable for intricate patterns or when working with delicate yarns. Neither style is inherently better; your preference depends on your goals and comfort level.

Ergonomics and Hand Fatigue

Ergonomically, many knitters find Continental knitting easier on the hands and wrists. Its smaller motions can reduce strain during long knitting sessions, making it a good option for those with joint issues or repetitive strain injuries.

That said, English knitting has its own ergonomic advantages, particularly for those who prefer a more relaxed grip or have developed muscle memory from years of practice. Testing both styles with yarns like Ashford DK can help you assess what works best for your own hands.

Learning Curve and Beginner Accessibility

English knitting is often viewed as more accessible to beginners because each movement is distinct and easy to follow. The manual yarn wrap provides clear visual cues that help knitters understand the stitch-making process.

Continental knitting has a steeper learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with controlling yarn in the left hand. However, once mastered, many find it more efficient and enjoyable. Crocheters, in particular, may find the transition into Continental knitting quite intuitive.

Regional and Personal Preferences

Where you live and how you learned to knit can strongly influence your preferred style. In Australia and other English-speaking regions, English knitting has been the dominant technique for decades. Continental knitting, by contrast, is more prevalent throughout Europe and has gained increasing popularity worldwide, thanks to online tutorials and knitting communities.

Personal preference often evolves with experience. Some knitters remain loyal to one method for life, while others switch depending on the type of project, yarn, or how their hands are feeling on a given day.

Using Both Techniques in Colourwork Knitting

One of the most practical reasons to learn both English and Continental knitting is for stranded colourwork. Holding one colour in each hand—one with the English method and one with the Continental—allows you to knit with two colours at once, improving efficiency and creating cleaner, more balanced tension across your work.

This dual-wielding approach is ideal for techniques like Fair Isle or other intricate colourwork patterns. The ability to switch effortlessly between styles can streamline your knitting and open the door to more complex designs.

Using the right needles is especially helpful when working with multiple yarns. Explore the full knitting range at Thread Collective to find smooth, precise tools that make colourwork more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Knitting Style for You

As you weigh the strengths of English and Continental knitting, consider these guiding questions:

• Are you aiming for speed and efficiency? Continental may be the right fit.
• Do you appreciate deliberate, meditative stitching? English could suit you best.
• Are you managing joint discomfort? Continental's minimal movement may be gentler.
• Do you have a crochet background? Continental might feel more intuitive.
• Want to try more colourwork? Consider learning both methods for greater versatility and flexibility.
• Knitting socially? Trouble shooting may be easier if you learn the technique utilized by those around you.

Your ideal knitting style is the one that feels most natural in your hands and enhances your enjoyment of the craft. There is no wrong choice, only what works best for you.

Embrace Your Perfect Knitting Style

Both English and Continental knitting offer unique benefits, and mastering either (or both) can enrich your creative journey. Whether you are seeking speed, comfort, or control, the style you choose can help you knit with more joy and confidence.

At Thread Collective, we are proud to support all kinds of knitters. Our thoughtfully selected knitting tools and yarns are designed to complement your technique and inspire your next project.

Embrace the style that suits you best, or take on the exciting challenge of learning both. Whichever path you choose, your needles and yarn are waiting to help you create something beautiful.