Learn Continental Knitting

Continental Knitting

There is nothing difficult about Continental Knitting.

It may seem difficult to someone that has never tried it.

If you have crocheted before, it maybe easier for you to

learn this style of knitting.

Due to the fact the yarn is held in the left hand as with crochet.

I hope to explain the finger motions for Continental Knitting

in a simple manner to allow anybody to learn.

Feel free to save or print out the pictures of text so you can practice.

I recently sent these instructions to my 99 year old grand mother

so she could learn how to knit Continental style knitting,

She said, was so easy she learned it very quickly.

Then I wrote out the instructions for 3 needle knitting on 

double point needles so she could learn how to make the 

socks, I had been making for her. 

She learned that too! Now she makes her own socks.

I can add progressive patterns and how to knit on Double Point needles

latter on, For now lets concentrate on the basics.

I will use the written abbreviations, for pattern reading, as I go along.

I recommend using a #10 Wooden needle and 100 %  Cotton yarn.

The first thing to learn is how to Cast On (CO).

I prefer the Long Tail Cast On.

Draw out about a yard length of yarn. Make a slip knot and place knot on needle.

Make an "L" with your left thumb and index finger.

Pinch thumb and index finger together and go in between the two

strands of yarn hanging off the needle.

Spread apart fingers to make a "L" .

Use your bottom three fingers to hold the yarn that is 

hanging down in your palm.

Swing knitting needle to the left and down to be able 

to go under the first strand of yarn.

Come up between the first and second strand of yarn that is on the left thumb.

Swing needle out to the right and go around third strand of yarn, wrapping on needle. 

Then go down and through the thumb yarn, strands 1 & 2.

Drop yarn off thumb pulling gently on the yarn in the palm to tighten.

This is what you have when you finish the steps above.

Repeat process for the specified stitches to start with.

Now for the instructions on Continental Knitting.

Purling, Continental Style.

Knitting in Continental Knitting style.

This pattern is very simple to learn. 

Giving the opportunity to use both Knit and Purl stitches. 

This picture is of a larger size dishcloth but the same pattern. 

It makes a nice checkerboard cloth.

It is very absorbent and very useful in the kitchen or bathroom.