Knit Stitch - Continental

[angelalilli]

After replaying the video five million times I finally get it. But what do I do at the end of the row?

[knitpicks]

@angelalilli At the end of the row, all of your stitches should now be on your right hand needle and your left hand needle should be empty. Simply switch your needles and move the right needle to the left hand and the left needle to the right hand. Now, you should be set up just like the start of your previous row. Continue to knit across the same as before to create garter stitch (knitting only) or work a purl row to create stockinette stitch.

[theatercatz1998]

I'm finding it really hard to pull off the stitch from the needle (like you know after you put the needle through, wrap the string around and then you pull the stitch off the needle). It is like to tight. Any suggestions PLEASE RESPOND!!!!

[WuHa105]

Nice, clear instructional video. Thanks! After i finish my current scarf i want to try this method... I heard it's easier/ and or faster to knit this way... if so i'm sad that i did not learn it sooner because i was trying to make a scarf by a certain time. :(

[jennygrace08]

Everything I read or watch says to wrap the yarn counter clockwise around the needle when you stitch. I wrap mine clockwise...even when I purl. I was wondering if this makes a difference at all?

[knitpicks]

@jennygrace08 yes, this will make a difference. When you wrap your knit stitches clockwise, they will be sitting on the needle backwards with the left leg of the stitch in front and the right leg of the stitch in back. This means when you would go into the front part of the stitch to do a purl, you will be twisting your previous knit stitch. And by wrapping the purls clockwise, the same thing happens on your next knit row (left leg in front, right leg in back).

[knitpicks]

@knitpicks also - it will effect the way your knitting looks. it won't be as smooth or even, especially when knitting in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). if you ever stretch your stockinette knitting, you will see columns of columns of knit stitches that are twisted sitting on top of one another, instead of stretching apart completely to form an almost upside-down "u" shape.

[sydneexo]

I am a very new knitter and am doing my first scarf. after watching some of these videos i realize that I am a "thrower". i was wondering would it be noticeable in my scarf if i change between "throwing" and "picking" or is it just simply what feels more comfortable?

[knitpicks]

@sydneexo Switching between throwing and picking in the middle of a project might result in different tension, but that really depends. Most people tend to knit at different gauges when changing in between picking and throwing, which will probably be noticeable on the project. However, if you are finding your tension is fairly even between the two methods, I'd say go for it.

[melmelmelmelmel12695]

yup , im a picker hahah

[cookiepuss1987]

Ok I have the first part down, casting on. Whenver I go to knit a stitch I get more stitches then what I started with and it looks all tangly :( what am I doing wrong!!?!?!! This is my 3rd day and I thought by now I would have gotten it!! I feel so dumb lol

[knitpicks]

@cookiepuss1987 When you say you go to do a knit stitch and you get more stitches, do you mean right away on every single stitch? If so, you want to make sure to only wrap the yarn around your needle once. If it is more than one wrap, it will look like two or more stitches. If you are simply getting a few extra stitches across each row, you want to be sure to always keep your yarn in back. If the yarn is in front, place it in the back by going between your needles not just over them.

[cookiepuss1987]

@knitpicks thank you ! !

[kerfufflicious]

I know how to knit, but I have a lot of trouble when I've done the first row after casting on and I have to switch hands. Any tips?

[Lovemegoofy]

Why are knitters who use this style called pickers?

[knitpicks]

@Lovemegoofy They are called "pickers" because they use the needle to pick the yarn. Unlike those who knit in the English method, they are called "throwers" because they actually use their hand and wrap the needle.

[Iseeangels1]

great video but I am struggling --- I am so discouraged. But, I will not give up.. :)

[knitpicks]

@Iseeangels1 If you have not used the Continental style before, it does take a lot of practice, but just keep at it! Before you know it, it will seem much more natural. It just takes time, but it is worth it.

[Iseeangels1]

@knitpicks Thanks for the encouragement! I keep practicing and I have improved (somewhat). I enjoy my new found hobby :) thanks again.

[davan7]

I have tried repeatedly to teach myself the continental style from books-finding this video is a real gift. I think this time I may actually be able to do it. :-)

[mikaylaxqueen]

is it suppose 2 look different when u start it? Mine doesnt look like that.. yet i hope

[NerdyCanadian]

I knit Continental and I don't wrap nuttin. I "pick" only.

[Shadowsrose669]

Interesting, so thats what I'm doing wrong. Been picking up the back thread.

[claires89]

naah its not considered wrong :D i been doing all the time by picking up back thread :D not much different its still fine :D

[weezee30]

I'm trying to find the continental that is right for me. I see that your left hand turns and does all the work. An ah ha moment. I have been knitting for 67 years and really want to master this. I have checked all the cont. knits on UTube and I think your is the way I want to go. Thank you for great needles, yarn, podcasts and this method of continental knitting.

[lulu62uk]

For love nor money i can't do this, wish i could, but it all goes wrong have been trying for ages, i think if you are new to knitting you really shouls learn this way, but if like me you are 30yrs in it may just be to late. Very good clear demo, but not for me.

[vashadaiisha]

lulu62uk:

this is really the best and easiest way to knit, in 'english style' you can never go as fast and smooth. your problem could be that you haven't figured out how to fix the yarn within your left hand, so that it's not too loose, picking itself should not be a problem. i hold the yarn gently in my palm with pinkie and the finger next to it.

it's never too late to learn continental if you really love knitting. good luck!

[claires89]

haha i been comfortable with english style for so long but its true that it cant be very fast when i need speed knitting thats why i am trying to learn continental style now xD