English method vs. continental method: two ways to knit

Knitting is an art full of history and tradition, and like any discipline, it has different ways of being approached. Among the best-known techniques are the English method and the Continental method, two ways of holding the thread that can change the experience of knitting.

At Idealium, we are committed to the continental method, known for its speed and efficiency, but we also believe in the importance of exploring different techniques to find the one that best suits each weaver. In this article, we invite you to learn about the main differences between both methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can influence your projects.

Characteristics of the English method and the Continental method

• English Method : This method involves holding the yarn in your right hand and moving it around the needle to form the stitches. It is a popular technique in many English-speaking countries and is often more intuitive for beginners due to its clear, separate motion.
  • Advantages :
    • Easy to learn for those who have never knitted before.
    • Provides precise control over thread tension.
  • Disadvantages :
    • It may be slower due to the extra hand movement.
    • It tends to be less ergonomic on long projects as it requires more effort to move the thread.

• Continental method : In this method, the yarn is held in the left hand, and the right needle picks up the yarn directly to form the stitches. This is the method we use at Idealium, known for its speed and for being more ergonomic for those who knit a lot.
  • • • Advantages :
        • Higher speed, since the movements are more compact.
        • More comfortable to avoid tension in hands and wrists.
        • Ideal for large projects or repetitive stitches.
      • Disadvantages :
        • It may be more difficult at first to maintain constant tension.
        • It requires some dexterity in the left hand to hold the thread.

It is important to clarify that the result is exactly the same. Whether you use one method or the other, the final stitch obtained on the garment looks the same with both techniques.

When to use one method or the other?

Choosing between the English and Continental methods depends on several factors: your level of experience, the type of project and, above all, your personal comfort. Both methods are equally valid, but there are situations in which one may stand out over the other.

• Projects with lots of repetitions or basic stitches : The continental method shines here thanks to its speed and fluidity. It is ideal for projects such as stockinettes or blankets where repetitive movement is optimized to the maximum.
• Small or detailed projects : If you're working on something like socks with intricate stitches, you may find the English method more comfortable, as its controlled motion gives you more precision in the details. However, you can also knit these projects using the Continental method.
• Learning and adaptation : If you are a beginner, the English method may be more intuitive, but we recommend learning the Continental method because it is faster and more comfortable in the long run. Give the Continental method a try! Even if it seems challenging at first, it can offer you great advantages in the long run!

At Idealium, we always recommend experimenting with both methods. You will learn to enjoy the particularities of each technique. Plus, mastering both will give you more flexibility to adapt to any project.

Circular needles, the perfect ally of the continental method

At Idealium we always recommend learning how to use circular needles for their versatility. They allow you to work both flat and in the round. In addition, if you combine circular needles with the continental method, you will achieve the most optimal combination in terms of ergonomics, speed and comfort. The natural posture of the hands when holding circular needles facilitates smoother movements and reduces fatigue, especially in large projects or with many hours of knitting.

At Idealium we encourage you to experiment, try new tools and enjoy the experience of knitting. Mastering both circular needles and the continental method will open up a world of possibilities for your projects.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to knit; the important thing is to enjoy the process. So get to work, experiment and let yourself be carried away by the magic of knitting. Your hands are capable of creating true wonders!