How to knit the knit stitch with circular needles (2). Continental Technique.
Let's now see how to knit the knit stitch with circular needles, the tool that will allow you to create knitting projects more easily and quickly. Follow Learning with Alicja, an expert teacher and knitter, on a journey to discover these techniques, ideal for both beginners and experienced knitters.
In the previous post, I tried to convince you that it is much more convenient to use circular needles instead of traditional, long ones.
Did I succeed? If not, I'll try again.
Today we're taking a step forward. I want to show you the Continental technique, but most importantly, I want to tell you why it's worth learning. The technique, called Continental in Italy, involves managing the yarn with your left hand, instead of your right hand.
And I'll do this with an example of a scarf, a classic garter stitch scarf. My scarf is about 20 cm wide and about 120 cm long... that's 35 stitches and 408 rows.
I start with a simple calculation: 35 x 408 = 14,280, which means there are 14,280 stitches in my scarf. Wow!!! That many? Well, yes!
And now for the best part. How long does it take to knit a single stitch with the traditional technique? At least a second, if not more... you have to take your hand off the needle to wrap the yarn... Less than a second? I don't think that's possible.
It will probably take more than a second, but let's assume one second is enough.
14,280 seconds to knit 14,280 stitches!!!
14,280 seconds is 238 minutes, so... pay attention! ... that's almost 4 hours!!!
4 hours difference between the Continental technique and the traditional one!!! Well, yes, because with the Continental technique you won't need to take your hand off to wrap the yarn around the needle.
4 hours difference, and we're talking about a scarf that isn't even that big.
And of course, if you're a beginner and learning the Continental technique, you won't be that fast right away.
Don't give up!!! Hold on!!!
You'll see that, in the end, your hand will get used to the new method, and you'll be able to knit absolutely everything, without limits!!!
Now watch the lesson and try!
Enjoy the video!
https://youtu.be/j6qNGoPtI-Y?si=u3UEYGjGeMUIv8OM