I wish I had learned knitting continental style when I learned to knit. Instead I was taught to throw the yarn. At the time I did not know there was a difference. When you throw the yarn, you keep the yarn in your right hand and move the yarn around the needle as you make your stitches. This requires a lot of arm movement.
If you have bursitis or arthritis in your shoulder this way of knitting will surely bother your shoulder and hamper your knitting at times. It is much less stress and movement on your right arm and shoulder. Also continental style requires nearly no room to knit. This is so much nicer when knitting in a waiting room. No banging or poking you neighbor.
With continental style knitting you keep the yarn in your left hand. You use your fingers and do not throw the yarn. You work you knitting with you fingers and needles, no shoulder action needed. I have been shown how to knit continental style but after so many years throwing the yarn or English style I feel I am learning to knit all over again. I am as clumsy handling the yarn and needles as any newbie.
If you are learning to knit I recommend you learn this style. It is easier, neater and so compact. If you are an oldie like me and need a new challenge than this is a good one. So find an easy knitting shawl pattern and a good teacher. Of if you do not have a teacher available try a video. You can find continental instructions in a video at Knitting-n-Crochet.com.
Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind Looney for Looms where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com
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