The debate between Continental and English knitting style is one of the oldest in the handknitting community. The short answer is: neither is better. Both produce identical fabric; the only real difference is in the motion used to wrap the yarn around the needle. What matters is the style that allows you to knit comfortably, consistently, and without strain.
Pro tip: If you are experiencing wrist or hand strain, it is almost always worth trying the other style. English knitters with RSI often find Continental much gentler on the right hand. Continental knitters struggling with tight tension often find English style gives them more control.
Step-by-step guide
- In English (throwing) style: hold the working yarn in your right hand, wrap it around the right needle tip, and use the right needle to pull the new loop through.
- In Continental (picking) style: hold the working yarn in your left hand, insert the right needle, and use the right needle tip to pick the yarn through the stitch.
- Try knitting 20 stitches in each style with the same yarn and needles.
- Note which style feels more natural, produces more even tension, and causes less strain.
- Commit to the style you prefer for at least one full project before judging — a new motion needs practice time before it feels comfortable.
- If working stranded colourwork, consider holding one colour in each hand regardless of your usual preferred style.
English (throwing) style — the most common globally
In English style, the working yarn is held and tensioned in the right hand. Most North American and British knitters learn this style first. It gives excellent control over yarn tension and works naturally with needle types that have long, tapered tips.
Continental (picking) style — efficient and popular in Europe
Continental style holds the working yarn in the left hand, tensioned over the left index finger. To knit a stitch, you insert the right needle and simply 'pick' the yarn through — a much smaller motion than throwing. This efficiency means many Continental knitters work faster and with less physical effort.
Speed: does one style really knit faster?
Studies and informal tests suggest that Continental knitters are, on average, slightly faster — but the difference is smaller than most knitters expect. Speed becomes irrelevant compared to comfort on any project longer than a few hours.
Purling in each style
Most knitters find purling harder than knitting regardless of style. The Norwegian purl is an alternative Continental purl method that many knitters find more comfortable — it keeps the yarn at the back of the work throughout the motion.