Continental knitting and English knitting: two techniques, one passion

Knitting, the age-old art that transforms a simple yarn into warm garments and elegant accessories, is practiced in many different ways around the world. Among the most widespread techniques, two in particular stand out: continental knitting and English knitting. These approaches, while aiming for the same end result, differ fundamentally in their execution and historical origins.

Whether you're a beginner looking to get started, or an experienced knitter looking to expand your technical repertoire, this article takes you on a journey through the history, characteristics, and benefits of these two emblematic methods.

Origins and history: a rich cultural heritage

Continental knitting: a European tradition

Continental knitting, also known as "German knitting" or "European knitting", has its roots in continental Europe, particularly Germany and the Nordic countries. This method is characterized by holding the yarn in the left hand (for right-handers), hence the name "left-handed knitting".

Historically, this technique fell on hard times during the Second World War. Indeed, being associated with Germany, it fell into disfavor in English-speaking countries during this period. Its reintroduction in the USA is often attributed to Elizabeth Zimmermann, an emblematic figure of 20th-century knitting.

Today, continental knitting is widely practiced in countries such as Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Bolivia and Peru. Japanese knitters also tend to favor this style, while Chinese knitters generally use the English style.

English knitting: a British tradition

English-style knitting, also known as "right-hand knitting" or "throwing", is predominant in English-speaking countries. As its name suggests, this method is characteristic of the British Isles and spread to their former colonies.

In the 16th century, English knitters invented the purl stitch technique, particularly to make stockings, which became a fashion accessory prized by Italian and Spanish men. King Henry VIII was the first British royal to wear knitted stockings. In response to growing demand, his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, encouraged the formation of knitting guilds and herself adopted knitted silk stockings and ornamented sleeves for her royal outfits.

The technical evolution of English knitting reached a major turning point in 1589, when Englishman William Lee invented the knitting machine, the first machine to imitate the hand movements of a knitter. This innovation marked the beginning of the industrialization of knitting, with towns like Nottingham becoming major centers of textile production.

Technical features: two distinct approaches

The continental method: efficiency and fluidity

In continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand (for right-handed knitters).

The right hand holds the needle, which "picks" or "pricks" the yarn to form the stitches. This technique has several distinctive features:

• The movement of the right wrist is used to slide the right needle into the loop.
• Thread tension is controlled by passing it between the fingers of the left hand
• The left hand remains virtually motionless
• Movements are generally more economical and fluid

This method is often easier to learn for people with crocheting experience, as the way the yarn is held in the left hand and the right-hand movement are similar.

The English method: precision and tradition

In English knitting, the yarn is held in the right hand. To form a stitch, the knitter "throws" the yarn around the needle, hence the term "throwing".

Its main features are as follows:

• The wire is wrapped around the right hand for tension.
• In a common method, the end of the yarn is wrapped around the little finger for tension, and over the index finger for control.
• The right hand holds the needle with the most recently knitted stitches
• Left hand holds the other needle

This method is generally the one traditionally taught in French- and English-speaking countries, which explains why it is so widely used, despite its sometimes less effective gestures.

Advantages and disadvantages: which method to choose?

Advantages of continental knitting

1. Speed and efficiency: Continental knitting is generally considered faster because it requires fewer movements. Holding the yarn on the left saves time with each stitch.
2. Less hand fatigue: This method can be more comfortable because it puts less strain on fingers and wrists, allowing you to knit longer without pain.
3. Ideal for Fairisle: For colorful patterns (such as Norwegian stitches), holding one yarn in each hand becomes much more fluid with the continental method, making it easier to work with several balls at once.
4. More even tension: With practice, this method allows you to achieve even tension, which is essential for a perfect stockinette stitch or moss stitch.

The challenges of continental knitting

1. Steeper learning curve: For knitters accustomed to the English method, adaptation can take time.
2. Less intuitive for beginners: Requires more coordination at the outset, which may discourage novices.

Strengths of English-style knitting

1. Ease of learning: More intuitive for beginners, especially in French-speaking countries where this method is traditionally taught.
2. Greater precision: For patterns requiring frequent yarn or stitch changes, English knitting can offer greater precision.
3. Ideal for complex stitches: Perfect for twists or textured stitches requiring precise handling.
4. Traditional method: Widely taught in France and English-speaking countries, so more resources are available.

Limits of English-style knitting

1. Reduced speed: Generally slower than the continental method, as it requires more movements for each stitch.
2. Increased fatigue: May cause more fatigue in hands and wrists during long knitting sessions.
3. Less efficient for Fairisle: yarn changes can be more laborious.

Which method for which project?

The choice between continental knitting and cable knitting may depend on the type of project you are undertaking:

The hybrid approach: the best of both worlds

Many experienced knitters don't limit themselves to just one technique. They adopt a hybrid approach, combining the two methods according to the needs of the project:

• Continental knitting for right-side stockinette and repetitive sections
• English method for complex patterns and precise details

This flexibility allows you to take advantage of the benefits of each technique and adapt your practice to the specific requirements of each project.

To learn more on working Fairisle using both techniques, you may check The Original Philosopher's Two Handed Fair Isle & Other Stories VHS 1996 video on YouTube.

Conclusion: beyond technique, the pleasure of creating

Whether you prefer continental or English-style knitting, the most important thing is the pleasure of creating. Each method has its enthusiasts and its specific advantages. The choice often depends on personal factors: how did you learn? What kind of projects do you prefer? Do you have any particular physical constraints?

The important thing is to find the technique that allows you to knit comfortably and with pleasure. And why not try both? Learning a new method can not only enrich your practice, but also open up new creative possibilities.

Knitting, beyond its technical dimension, remains above all an art that has been handed down from generation to generation, crossing borders and cultures. Continental or English, the essential is in the gesture that transforms a simple thread into a unique creation.

References

1. French Wikipedia. "Tricot Continental." https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricot_continental
2. English Wikipedia. "Continental knitting." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_knitting
3. English Wikipedia. "English knitting." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_knitting
4. Victoria and Albert Museum. "Knitting traditions of the British Isles and Ireland." https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/british-knitting-traditions
5. Makers' Mercantile. "History of Knitting a Resource Guide." https://www.makersmercantile.com/history-of-knitting-a-resource-guide.htm
6. Knit Sis. "English or continental knitting? A guide to choosing your ideal method." https://knit-sis.com/blogs/techniques-avancees-tricot/tricot-anglais-vs-continental-comparatif-conseils
7. Laines Plassard. "Pourquoi et comment tricoter à la méthode continentale?" https://laines-plassard.com/pourquoi-et-comment-tricoter-a-la-methode-continentale/

Image credits

1. Continental knit - Voronezh, Россия on Unsplash.com
2. English knit - Rebecca Grant on Unsplash.com
3. Photo illustrating article (pink knit) - rocknwool on Unsplash