Knitting – Finnish or Continental Style

I use the Finnish style of hand knitting as my mother taught me. This method is also known as ‘Continental Knitting’ or Pick Knitting or sometimes Left Hand knitting because the yarn tension is controlled by the left hand and mostly by the Left Index finger. The end of the knitting needle held in the Right hand picks up the thread from the Left index finger and pulls the stitch through the stitch on the previous row.

I have sometimes been ‘corrected’ by other knitters who use the ‘British’ or ‘American’ method of knitting – using the Right hand to ‘throw’ the yarn and loop it around the needle, and told that I am doing it wrong – knitting backwards, and other descriptions. Neither method is wrong.

Personally, I find the Finnish/European/Continental method to be more efficient and less stressful on the body, as your arms are not waving around, but are held close to your body. Only your wrists and fingers are doing the work.

With either knitting method, you do need to take regular breaks, give your hands a shake and don’t overdo in your enthusiasm to complete your project.

Sock Knitting Project

I am currently working on a sock knitting project, using a Sport weight wool yarn. I have hand dyed all the colours with natural plant dyes. I am making short YouTube videos as I work on these socks.

Knitting Needles that I am using in this video: