Continental vs. British-Style Knitting: Flicking vs. Throwing

 

If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of knitting videos online then you’ve probably noticed something right away: not everyone knits the same way. 

Two of the most common styles, Continental and British (or English) style, look noticeably different, feel different in the hands, and even appeal to different types of knitters. Some people swear by one, others master both, and many don’t even realize they have a style, they just knit the way someone taught them. Growing up in Turkiye, my Grandma taught me the British style, but it wasn't until I was an adult that I learned that that's what it was, and that there were different styles of knitting.

So I'm going to break down the differences and benefits of the two styles to help you choose the style that works best for you.

What Is Continental Knitting?

Continental knitting is often called “picking” because the right needle picks the working yarn from the left hand. The yarn is tensioned in your left hand and your right needle scoops the yarn to make each stitch. The movements are small, efficient, and close to the needles.

Many knitters find they work much faster because there’s less hand movement. It's also a great choice if you have aching hands or wrists, since the small motions mean less strain. Working with one colour in each hand also makes colourwork much easier.

However, if you're used to holding yarn in your right hand then the tension used in this style can be tricky to get used to at first. Some knitters struggle with purling until they learn the rhythm.

What Is British (English) Style Knitting?

Often called “throwing,” “flicking,” or sometimes even “yarn around”, British-style knitting keeps the working yarn in the right hand. The right hand “throws” or wraps the yarn around the needle with each stitch.  Many knitters feel they achieve smoother, more even tension this way. The movements are larger and a bit more rhythmic - I find it almost meditative. It's great for beginners because the motions are intuitive and easy to see. My Grandma made the right choice for teaching me when I was so little!

Once you're an experienced and fast knitter, though, you may find that throwing can be slower with this style. The larger motions can also sometimes cause more fatigue in the wrist or shoulder.

 Which Style Is Better?

The simple answer: neither!

Both styles create the exact same stitches - the differences are all in the movement.

Here’s some tips for choosing which style to use:

• If you want speed: Continental might be your new best friend.
• If rhythm matters to you: British-style has a comforting flow.
• If tension is your struggle: Try the style you don’t use, you might be surprised which one feels more natural.
• If you do stranded colorwork: Learning both can be a total game-changer.

Of course, you can use different styles for different projects, or mix both styles!

Continental is good for ribbing or long stretches of knit stitches, and British works well for purl-heavy rows or textured stitches. Colourwork projects can benefit from using both styles simultaneously, which presents a fun challenge. Being proficient in both styles opens up a lot of flexibility and can help prevent repetitive strain, too.

Whether you’re a flicker, a thrower, or a proud switch-hitter, the “best” knitting style is the one that feels comfortable and keeps your needles clicking. Every knitter has their own rhythm, and mastering multiple methods is just another way to make your craft uniquely yours.

So pick up your yarn (left or right hand - your choice!) and knit on.