"When you don't dress like everybody else,
you don't have to think like everybody else."
β Iris Apfel
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Hello there fellow knitter!
This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Nick DiGiovanni loves lemons.
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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 and again in the late 2000s.
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 / Pit / Belt / 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, usually the yarn is held like an English style knitter, with the working needle held stationary.
The yarn is then worked like a lever moving back and forth, much like a sewing machine.
The result is a smooth, efficient motion that creates 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.
But what do you think?
Which of these styles do you knit with?
Or do you have some style we haven't mentioned?
Hit reply and share your experience!
We'd love to hear your feedback.
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Daily Stitch
The Norwegian Purl
If you're a continental knitting you might find this alternative purling method a little easier to execute.
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Deal of the Day
Vekkia Rechargeable Necklight (37% Off)
This rechargeable neck reading light features 3 levels of brightness adjustment, flexible silicone arms design to ensure comfort when wearing.
A single full charge provides 7 to 40 hours of use for a variety of scenarios, including but not limited to reading, sewing, knitting, crafting, embroidery and repair where localized lighting is needed.
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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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