Knitting in the Continental Style
Continental knitting (also called "picking") holds the working yarn in the left hand and "picks" each stitch with the right needle. It is the dominant knitting style in continental Europe and is significantly faster than the English "throwing" style for most knitters once mastered.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
How it differs from English
In English knitting, the working yarn is held in the right hand and "thrown" over the right needle for each stitch. In Continental, the yarn sits in the left hand and is "picked" by the right needle. The picking motion is shorter and faster than the throwing motion.
Speed advantage
After learning, most knitters knit 20–40% faster in Continental than in English. The hand motions are smaller and more efficient, especially for stockinette.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Purling
Continental purling is the part most English knitters find difficult. The yarn must be flicked forward over the needle in a small motion that takes longer to learn than the knit. Practice purling separately with a small ribbed swatch.
Best uses
Long stretches of stockinette where speed matters. Stranded colourwork (the dominant colour is held in the left/Continental hand). Almost any project once the technique is comfortable.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
Tips
- Continental purling has a steeper learning curve than knitting — practice with ribbing swatches.
- For two-handed stranded colourwork, Continental in the left hand is essential.
- Most knitters who switch to Continental are 20–40% faster within a month.
In depth
Continental knitting is the dominant style in mainland Europe and is increasingly popular in English-speaking countries due to its speed advantage. The trade-off is a steeper learning curve for purling, but the speed gain is worth the few weeks of practice.