"When you don't dress like everybody else,
you don't have to think like everybody else."
β Iris Apfelβ
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Hello there fellow knitter!
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Knitspiration
ππΌ How many ways are there to knit?
Most knitters are familiar with the two main knitting methods;
English style and Continental style.
Throwers and pickers.
Good and evil.
I'm kidding about that last part.
English knitters are obviously the evil ones. (Also kidding!)
Anyway, there are actually quite a few different ways to knit.
βAccording to Interweave there are eight. π§
I'm not sure I agree with that.
From my research there seems to be five. Maybe six.
Here's a quick rundown of these methods:
English Style β’ Videoβ
This has been the predominant style of knitting in the U.S. for quite a while.
It consists of holding the working yarn in the dominant hand along with the working needle.
Continental Style β’ Videoβ
This method was more popular in Europe prior to WW2, but saw a resurgence in the 1970s.
It consists of holding the working yarn in the non-dominant hand while the working needle "picks" the yarn through the loop.
Combination Style β’ Videoβ
This method is all about stitch orientation.
Combination knitter wrap their knit stitches counter clockwise, which is easier to knit, but also orients the stitch the wrong way.
The stitches have to be purl clockwise so they reorient without getting twisted.
It sounds complicated, but it's not that bad. However is works best if you already knit continental style and are knitting flat.
Eastern Uncrossed (Russian) β’ Videoβ
This method works all stitches in the eastern orientations.
All of the stitches are worked with a counter-clockwise motion.
This makes for a smoother knitting experience, but takes some getting used to if you're coming from a different method.
Portuguese Style β’ Videoβ
This method has two defining characteristics; the yarn is tensioned around the neck or with a pin on your chest, and you work all of your stitches with your thumbs.
It sounds crazy but it's a very relaxed way of knitting that is easy on your hands.
Lever Knitting / Pit Knitting / Sleeve Knitting β’ Videoβ
This method came out of the cottage knitting industry in Ireland, and is known for being the fastest way to knit.
While there are a few variations on how to perform this technique, it is a very efficient way working stitches.
Usually the yarn is held like an English style knitter, and then worked like a lever moving back and forth, much like a sewing machine.
The result is a smooth motion back and forth creating stitches incredibly fast.
Conclusion
Personally I'm an English *Flicker* which means I knit pretty smoothly.
However I hate purling English style, so recently I've switched to purling large sections using the Portuguese method.
You don't have to choose one method.
It's possible to mix multiple methods depending on how you learned to knit or what things you've incorporated along your knitting journey.
There is no right, best, or even fastest way to knit.
There's only the way you knit and how that's best for you.
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Announcements
PREVIEW: Labor Day Weekend Sale
Starting tomorrow we're making a special offer to all NEW
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In addition to the 50+ knitting classes, pattern library, and bonus content, we're also including our Summer Knitting Weekend ALL Access Pass!
That's an additional 16+ hours of colorwork trainings + a ticket to our Cowl Design Workshop!
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Fiber Finds
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Daily Stitch
Norwegian Purl
If you're a continental knitter, you might find this alternative purling method useful.
βLearn this techniqueβ
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Product Recommendation
Cottonnerie Moisturizing Gloves
Pamper those precious knitting hands with these 100% cotton gloves. Designed to soften dry hands overnight.
βGet them on Amazonβ
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Pattern Pick
Fernweh Hooded Poncho
by Donielle Oliver Showvay
This poncho is the perfect piece to quickly throw over your shoulders on the way out the door to the next great adventure.
βGet the pattern hereβ
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Knits & Giggles
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Thanks for reading!
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Look at you reading all the way to the end!
Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. π€―
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