KNITTING STYLES (Method)
In knitting, there
are also a few techniques ( styles ) of
knitting that you will probably like, all you have to do is know your
style, and know which style comforts you the most. The knit stitch is just pulling a loop of yarn through an existing loop
on the needle. Pulling it through with the yarn in the back creates the knit
stitch. Pulling it through with the yarn in front creates the purl stitch.
These are the foundation stitches of knitting.
CONTINENTAL METHOD
Continental
knitters hold the yarn in their left hand, which allows the knitter to simply
scoop, or "pick", the yarn with the right needle. This has a
reputation of being the fastest knitting method. One aspect contributing to the
reputation of speed is an efficiency of movement between knit and purl stitches
(evident in the Ribbing and Seed stitch videos, see the Tips section).
For me, personally, it is definitely a more efficient method. Despite
having learned as an English knitter originally, I couldn't resist Continental
once I stumbled upon it.
The primary
challenge with the Continental style is its corresponding purl stitch, which
requires agility and practice to execute comfortably.
ENGLISH METHOD
This is the most common knitting method in this country. Yarn is "thrown" (wrapped) around the right needle before pulling the stitch through. It's also possible, and perhaps more fluid, to throw the yarn without letting go of the right needle. I do not demonstrate it, but it entails keeping the yarn closer to the tip of the index finger, where that finger can slip the yarn easily around the needle.
This is the most common knitting method in this country. Yarn is "thrown" (wrapped) around the right needle before pulling the stitch through. It's also possible, and perhaps more fluid, to throw the yarn without letting go of the right needle. I do not demonstrate it, but it entails keeping the yarn closer to the tip of the index finger, where that finger can slip the yarn easily around the needle.
English knitting
is more generous in adapting to less precise hand motions. This is also
true for its corresponding Purl method. One needn't hold the yarn as
precisely to accomplish a stitch. The yarn can be slackened or dropped
mid stich, while the beginner focuses on getting the yarn through the
stitch. For this reason, I recommend English when teaching young
children, or anyone with limited coordination.
COMBINATION METHOD
Although I have found this method
intriguing for its complexity and unique approach, I must caution the new
knitter considering it, that this method will require you to think. It is
easier physically, but presents challenges, mentally, as you will be adapting
pattern instructions from the get go, and even adapting your basic knit stitch
at times (see Adaptations, below). However, if you are a flexible, thinking
kind of person, you may find the easier hand motion of this method worth the
required adaptations.
The main appeal of
the method is that it is has all of the efficiency-of-motion advantages of
Continental knitting and purling (with the yarn held in the left hand), but its
purl stitch is simplified and is far easier to execute.
So let's get the knitting started! Grab your yarn and needle, get ready to explore your suitable methods. Have Fun!
Source : http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch
