Pickers vs. Throwers

If one would like to start a knitting version of a bar fight, ask which is the right way to knit, Continental (pickers) or English (throwers). There are few who are neutral about their answer.

I learned how to knit using the English motion and have been using that style of knitting for decades. Take a quick peek at this video it shows the amount of movement, especially in the right hand and arm. See how the right hand is used to throw the working yarn around the needle. This style of knitting can cause arm and shoulder pain if one knits for long lengths of time. It is nonetheless a style of knitting used by millions of knitters.

There is evidence suggesting the use of the Continental style of knitting is easier on the arm and hand, faster and allows for more even tension. Here's a video so you can see it in action. Note how the stitch is picked from the working yarn. Additionally did you see how little overall movement there is in the hands?

I've tried to teach myself after watching videos with no success so when my LYS offered a class on how to learn Continental knitting style, I signed up for it. Tena joined me; and today that class was held.

Like any time when one is trying to learn a new skill there is a certain amount of frustration. It may be heighten if your skill is reasonably proficient doing it another way. But I have to say today was enjoyable. Judy, our instructor, gave clear, memorable instructions and plenty of time to practice under supervision. And even though there were 8 of us in the class she was able to give us individual attention. Judy also encouraged us to find our own ways to approaching Continental knitting to make it more comfortable.

Here's some photos of the class. Note how each of us has a left index finger extended and how we are concentrating on what we're doing. Both are necessary for this type of knitting for each of us at this point.

That's me on the left and our instructor Judy standing along with 2 classmates

My sample with the garter stitch on top and stockinette below, not bad for a beginner

Tena concentrating on her work

There will need to be lots of practicing of this new knitting technique, but Judy gave me the right type of direction to feel as if I'll be able to continue at home. Once I have it fully conquered, Fair Isle knitting will be next, sometime in the distant future however. The skill needs to be fully developed before then.

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