How to control the tension when you knit Continental (Scandinavian) style. ARNE & CARLOS

[@margaretmojica8190]

I grew up in Mexico and my girlfriend's mama taught us how to knit when I was eleven. We knit with the yard over the left index finger. Everybody in Jiquilpan knit with the yarn over the left index finger. I was horribly shocked when I moved to the U.S. and saw the complicated way Americans knit, releasing the knitting needle in their right hand to then throw the yarn around the needle, pick up the needle and pull the yarn through, and repeating this motion for every stitch.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Each country seems to have different knitting styles!

[@genevievep2]

Just made my mom watch this because she always tells me to stop fighting my tension and just go a needle size down (I'm a looser-ish knitter) and not think about it. A mother is always right.

[@margaretmojica8190]

I like what Carlos said, that it is easier to change needle size than to change oneself. I tend to knit too tight.

[@susanneschlesinger4857]

I'm an experienced knitter and don't really need the advice, but it is just a pleasure to watch you and I always have the feeling I'm sitting there with you and we knit together. You are lovely guys and I think for beginners its highly educational to watch your videos. Thank you and all the best, Susanne

[@SparkleKnits]

This is great. I recently taught myself to knit Norwegian-style after knitting English for 10 years. I was able to knit fast, but I would get terrible cramping in my right hand due to the way I was holding the yarn to tension. Since switching to the Norwegian way of holding the yarn I can knit for longer periods with no pain at all. I love it!

[@NoGrinchHere]

Thank you for this close up video on Norwegian style knitting! I learned to knit American style but now knit continental style. I want to try to learn to knit as you do; it looks even more efficient!

[@johnftwa]

I took up knitting after I had Open heart surgery in 2012, as therapy. I have learned so much from you guys. Please, keep the great work. !

[@a.george8982]

I'm so happy to think that I learnt knitting Norwegian style from watching Arne, otherwise our worlds would never have intersected.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome, we are glad we could help you!

[@liquidlites]

I have to thank y’all for finally showing me a method of knitting holding the working yarn in my left hand I can actually do. I am an English style knitter and have desperately been trying to knit Continental for some time. The issue has always been a comfortable way to hold the yarn. Y’all are knitting wizards! Thank you again from Kentucky

[@nathanjeriwalker2858]

I have to thank you guys for these tutorial videos! I struggled for a year trying to find a way of knitting that worked for me. I have very short fingers and struggled keeping the working yarn on my finger and holding even tension. I also have carpal tunnel and tendonitis in both hands and elbows. Before learning your style of knitting I could only knit for about 15 minutes before the pain set in, now I can knit for about 2 hours! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This has changed my life!

[@lesliedemars3218]

Takk! I tried all sorts of contortions to control my yarn while knitting left handed but they all felt so clumsy. I hated having my index finger sticking up in the air and couldn't seem to keep even tension with the yarn wrapped around or woven through my fingers. This method feels natural and comfortable and my tension is much more consistent. The Norwegian purl is amazing too. Not having to flip the yarn back and forth is much, much easier for me. Thank you Scandinavian knitters for your great methods!

[@margaretmojica8190]

I have tried to watch Arne do that Norwegian purl but my eyes cannot capture the movement. Arne is too quick. I think I would need about 20 step-by-step drawings on how to do it

[@mytrueserenity5666]

This demonstration is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! Yes! I would love to see how you purl as well. i will watch that next.

[@belenina41]

Thank you! I'm a continental knitting and actually knit English when I want to knit tighter. I guess I never thought about just changing my needle since my patterns asks for a specific size. Duh! Sending lots of peace and love from north Texas! You two are such great guys, and so kind!

[@Sangouiche]

I have to say, I'm pretty young (30) and have a lot of issues with my right hand. I learned english way for knitting but it was impossible for me to do more than 1 or 2 rows because of the pain. I'm slower with the norwegian way but it feels so much more comfy. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks !! you saved my end of year !!!

[@tammibolender3785]

I am so glad I came across this video, I have been struggling with how to hold my yarn as a beginner knitter.

[@jj2024-themorethemerrier]

Thanks so much gentlemen! Lots of tutorials show quite a complicated "hold" for their yarn when using Continental style, so this was really helpful to see how you guys actually do it! I second all the comments re: a slow purl on big needles too ;-)

[@MrsRsBooksandThings]

Thank you. I was knitting this way, but saw so many others doing something else that I got frustrated. After watching this video, I feel free in my knitting

[@ARNECARLOS]

Just do you!

[@junebrown8207]

My apologies. After writing below yesterday I found the youtube video on the purl stitch. These are really great videos and both Arne and Carlos are really great teachers. I am used to knitting the English way as I am right handed so I am finding it a little difficult to knit while holding the yarn in the left hand. Hopefully by using this method of the Norwegian Way I should be able to get better. I saw the German method that they mentioned and thought that although it was good I would find it very difficult to do. I have tried it a little and so I do not think that I will be doing it that way again. Many thanks to Arne and Carlos for doing these videos and I hope they keep this up as it is a pleasure to listen to them.

[@gramdeb54]

I have always been a thrower, but I am determined to learn this way. You explained and showed this techniques so well. Thank You

[@lisarichards1956]

I've seen people knitting like this online but never a tutorial. I'm a beginner, but that looks so much easier than the way I do it. Thanks! :)

[@Taegirlke]

You would be so proud of me, Arne ;) I learned to knit the Norwegian way after years of throwing... Thanks so much!!

[@noriskern7385]

That’s the way I knitted and it was even, although loose. Then I started watching american videos with “extra tension” techniques and started trying all those methods. It was laborous, and my tension became ugly and uneven, my hands hurt. When I heard your advice to simply go down a needle size, I could be a happy knitter again, my work is beautiful and effortless as before. Thank you!

[@barbarajohnson1572]

I am a LONG TIME knitter (thrower)... wanting badly to use your style! Thank you for the inspiration! My hands cramp because i have a hard time keeping over my finger... I may get there yet..:) I so enjoy watching you. My SIL (not a knitter but wanting to move to your country) is thrilled to have the link i sent to her! She has changed her name back to Johansson. My husband's GF was from Stockholm:) GrammaBabs

[@hokey-os3rx]

I have watched a lot of your videos. I usually knit continental and knit a norwegian style purl. I am not the fastest. Learned from books, videos and just figuring it out myself. Still picking up new things 6 years later. I wanted to try Norwegian knitting and couldn't figure out exactly how you are holding the yarn until now. Glad I searched and found this older video because now I know.

[@ARNECARLOS]

❤️😍

[@shirleybeard7386]

Norwegian knitting AND purling has made my knitting faster (I know it is not a competition 🙈) and with such improved even tension. I am forever encouraging my students to try it. And they are usually much happier as well. Can't wait for the two color tutorial. Happy knitting!

[@ilovejack100]

Love your knitting philosophy, 'it's easier to change the tool than yourself.' Just what I needed to hear! Thanks so much.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@rebeccadees2300]

Just watching you both has decreased my anxiety about learning your style of knitting. I'm a beginner... basically... and am going to focus on learning this style...seems more efficient. Thanks!

[@deea4572]

I am a self-taught knitter and that is how I have been knitting for 50 years. So easy and natural. Love you guys!!!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@kathleenlush7195]

I appreciate the tutorial, particularly the close-up view of your technique, slow movements, and colorful yarn. The challenge I have is not simply tension (not to be confused with gauge, which can be easily adjusted with a change in needle size), but with getting *even* tension. Having been a knitter most of my life, using the English style, I have no problem achieving even tension without thinking about it. And now i'm learning the Norwegian style. I see from your video that tension is controlled by gently pinching the yarn between the first and second fingers on your left hand, and lots of practice. Thanks for teaching us :)

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Kathleen, and thank you for watching and have fun on your learning journey!

[@evelynfrench804]

Thank you. I saw your videos showing you knitting, but did not know how you were holding your yarn. Thank you again.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome, thank you for watching!

[@sharonkeller7397]

I love the Norwegian way of knitting but I still haven't got the purling down. I really like the way you tension the yarn. It is so simple and won't make your hands ache. Showing it with those large needles was really good and easy to see. I would love to see Arne show us the purling again with those large needles. Thank you so much for all you share. Sharon :)

[@Mindfulnessification]

I love all of your videos! Thank you!!!!! ❤️🐑❤️

[@kajugifts5185]

Omg u r so natural and relaxed that I can’t stop watching you knitting now. So peaceful 🥰

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@irishknitter7]

Excellent advice! Both of you are wonderful ambassadors for knitting and crocheting, not only inspiring us to learn new skills but encouraging us to enjoy what we are doing. Thank you.

[@rosannzak6948]

I am 60. Learned to knit at 15, which was a short lived project. I picked it up again 5myrs ago and whoa I knit continental which local instructors struggle with. Love your tutorials I teach myself with videos. I LOVE your comment if you are a lose or tight knitter why not change needle size. That is what I do but instructor kept trying to get me to knit loser. Again love your videos. I wonder if I picked up continental through hereditary.

[@marybelfordsmith8421]

Thank you! I do knit in the Continental method, and will be shifting how I hold my work and yarn to be more like this, as it looks much easier on my hands, ultimately. I would love it if you could do a really slow, with many repeats, video of how to purl in the Norwegian method. I have watched Arne as closely as I can, but as is often the case with something you've done all your life, he just does it and I'm not able to see that clearly in previous videos. Thank you again!

[@smiths6311]

This was such a great tutorial. I've been struggling to switch from the English throw to the Norwegian way for ages, but you've clarified so well the holding of the yarn. A big thank you!!! So much quicker this way. Love you guys.

[@melmack2003]

I seem to knit a bit tighter when working in continental style. I'm hoping my tension will loosen with practice, as I've been a thrower all my life. Thanks for the videos!

[@soniaguzman762]

I taught myself to knit like this years ago. I am so happy I did!

[@Simunaya]

I love the way you both explain how to knit Scandinavian style. I am trying to do it like that.

[@merriewilent8859]

Tusen tack for this video. I learned to knit in Stockholm many years ago, and am only recently returning to knitting. I have been struggling with holding the yarn. Now I understand why!

[@berglettemom6045]

Thank you for an excellent video.

[@terryfeuka1381]

You two should be so very proud of your handwork. So beautiful. I especially like the tatting on Arne’s shirt. I hope you had a joyous May 17!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you Terry!

[@paulinehubman1927]

thank you , this is great way to knit I love this ,,,,,,, and after awhile, I want to purl the same way

[@elizabethsleison6079]

Thank you! Appreciate your videos very much.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Love you guys and the video. I'm getting better at the Norwegian style and my tension looks better. I still don't get the 1st and last stitch thing. Hope you can explain it again. Thanks for posting this.

[@paintnknitter]

Thank you for this and the purling video. Carlos is right about the tendinitis. I was holding my left index finger up and wrapping the yarn around my left pinky. It contributed to trigger fingers and the right thumb which was tasked with much pushing.

[@ARNECARLOS]

It is great to hear that your fingers are better.

[@EarlGreyCrochet]

What a helpful video! I've been teaching myself how to knit recently, and have been enjoying it much more now that I'm able to relax and not think too much about it. 😊

[@CarolLiege]

Arne and Carlos, I think you should add in the step of making a swatch to find out how your gauge compares to your pattern instructions before you start a project. That way you can adjust your needle size BEFORE you start the project, yes?

[@sandrapolichino8806]

WOW !!! That's how I knit !!! I did teach myself off of KZbin and your tutorial is very informative !!! Thanks you so much !!!

[@mistyblue5312]

Love! Love! Gonna practice Norwegian style knitting.

[@TheMellis01]

Wow, thank you, you've made it look so simplified I am getting my knitting out to try it. Thank you both so much. 😁

[@colorcrazi4016]

You are good teachers. I am just learning this for the first time

[@ARNECARLOS]

Keep up the good work!

[@christinevalentine3373]

Hi Arne and Carlos, I am so happy you made this! When Arne said the yarn just goes around the needle, I got it. I made it so hard by overthinking. Carlos’ introduction set the stage and Arne just said the magic words! Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Christine!

[@brendaj6777]

I quite enjoyed your video. I've been working on my sweater the Norwegian way and I find that I have more control over my working yarn when wrapped around my ring finger. But I will give your advice a go! I would also love to see a video on the purl stitch done slowly like this! Great video gentlemen!!! Thank you!

[@MsDinoGal]

That's how I taught myself to knit! I didn't know it was the Norwegian style!

[@kimbaxley7595]

I am practicing my Norwegian knitting, one row Norwegian one row throwing on this barbie hat I am making. It is cool that you guys like doll houses and making doll clothes. I do that too.

[@cathleenwhite4885]

This is fantastic and I adore your videos. Now I am off to practice Norwegian knitting.

[@Marisol0625]

I will try since I am a beginner and you both explain it so well. It looks much easier than the continental. TKU..☺️

[@ARNECARLOS]

Good luck and thank you!

[@deniseelston6197]

I knit continental with the yarn run around left hand fingers. I'm looking forward to giving your method a try. Thank you. I'm also looking forward to Knit Stars 3.0.

[@Enig_Mata]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I just learnt to knit the Norwegian way and was having problems controlling tension. This is great!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Glad you found them useful!

[@sherribrock9408]

Glad you're back. missed you guys!

[@sherribrock9408]

Hey...I do it that way! I thought I was knitting wrong!

[@uminchugrammy]

great tutorial...looove the big needles. could you show how to pick up floats with those big needles?

[@mosaicmagpie5640]

Thank you for another informative video! I will try this technique.

[@loobell3236]

This was very helpful, I was a novice thrower, slow slow slow and was not enjoying the pace, then I came across Continental but with my finger up, this is so much easier and faster. Hitting the needle down is great too, we just don't know what we don't know until we know it :) Thanks, I am finding knitting more enjoyable and more productive :)

[@ARNECARLOS]

We are glad that you found our tutorial useful!

[@williamgair3230]

omg omg omg! :) watched the purl episode last night. Struggled but got it. Went to bed. This morning MUCH easier so came here for the Knit.. omg I'm doing a rib! he he he YAY!

[@ARNECARLOS]

yeah, congratulations!

[@uminchugrammy]

loved this tutorial. the big needles and the camera angle was wonderful. could you show how to catch floats with those same needles. this was so helpful

[@CarolLiege]

My Norwegian grandmother taught me to knit, and I've been knitting this way and tensioning this way for ___ [many,many] years. If my stitches are a little uneven, they even out when I block/steam the finished piece. I do PURL differently than Arne -- I hold my yarn in front when I purl, not in back.

[@andrabeta1971]

I'm from Latvia and we knit and hold yarn exactly like that. Easiest way to knit. I feel better holding yarn with all 3 last fingers of my left hand just parallel needle, feeling how yarn slides in my hand, using index finger and both hands to knit. This is best way to get even knitting what looks like knitted with machine. And faster. To watch videos with english, american and portuguese knitting stile just breaks my brain, LOL. Working with the same yarn me and my mum always use different size crochet hooks and needles. I'm tight, mum is loose knitter.

[@ARNECARLOS]

❤

[@Bobbieliz]

I now do this your way...much more relaxing. More fun. I knit faster. Thank you1

[@mimimc8685]

Arne, thank you so much I watched your knitting video and was still confused,now I get it!

[@carrenjstika1506]

LOVED this video! I'm looking at other videos that you have created. You guys are super! You ROCK!!! :) Seriously!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@Cyndi159]

Oh how did I miss this video lol? I have been pausing and rewinding and back-and-forth forever to catch a glimpse at where Arne’s yarn goes to visit after his index finger 😂😂😂 I hate that I feel like I need a little weight attached to my yarn to feel secure..boooo honestly I knit tight on whatever needle I’m using :/ I’m new to knitting and I know I have it all backwards in my thinking. I think I use my hands to maneuver the yarn instead of finger 🤷🏼‍♀️ because when I’m having to consciously remember to loosen up I literally lose the yarn off my finger, or have to pull and retighten the yarn, or worse I’ve even reached my needle way out of range to catch yarn 😂😂😂Now I can practice with this great video. Thank you so much.

[@joanndean6444]

Welcome back! I see sweet Freya is so happy too, to have you back! Looking forward to all the new things to come! A long time ago I made a cowboy shirt (being from Montana)...just alot more parts and you HAVE to use snap buttons...perhaps Mother of Pearl. It will be so cool. One of those Liberty fabrics would be FAB!

[@ARNECARLOS]

That is an accomplishment

[@Woeschhuesli]

Fascinating - I had never realised that "continental" is not "continental"! It seems the Norwegian/Scandinavian way is quite different to the Swiss way that I was taught - you see the Swiss way in famous paintings by Albert Anker, for example. But then again, "English" also doesn't equal "English", either, as again, it will depend how you hold the needles (or don't hold all the time!) and use the yarn... It all goes to show that there is no right or wrong - Swiss girls were always taught that there is only one "right" way to do things, which drives me crazy!! (I originally learnt to knit from an English great-aunt and later from Swiss friends, so that is also why I hold colourwork yarns in two hands, sorry Arne & Carlos, but it works for me!)

[@tara281]

This is how I knit, it's the best! My purls are not great though. I would love a purling video :)

[@soniaguzman762]

This is exactly the way I knit.

[@dianafoltz316]

thanks so much! very appreciated.

[@belenina41]

Oh, I'd like to request a brioche pattern for a cowl or a hat where increasing and decreasing are needed. Thanks!

[@junebrown8207]

I feel the same way as CraftyStockinette, this is great for the knit stitch but I too would like to know how to do this for the purl stitch. Please do a video on the Purl Stitch continental knitting style.

[@Memillerwright]

I so needed this because my tension needs help.

[@brance63]

I got it! I got it! Thanks for the clarification!

[@jacquiwilson1483]

Arne and carlos you are just so relaxing. The tension video was so good. I would love yo u to come and stay a while on the Northumberland coast. My home is comfortable. Space for you and arne. I could show you the countryside and you could give.ve knitting tips. Have a think about it. Lol jacqui x

[@chelseyummali]

I crochet and I have a particular way I hold my thread in my left. When I started knitting a month ago I figured I'd learn continental style due to my thread already being held in my left. Unfortunately I couldn't hold it like I do in crochet because it's too loose. This has been my biggest challenge with knitting so I kept going back and forth with English style and continental. I'm going to try this way. Thanks

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome, we hope you like it!

[@jj2024-themorethemerrier]

Thank you both so much for this video. I’ve wanted to try continental style knitting for a long time, and hesitated because I’ve worried I won’t get it right. As usual, your videos and encouragement have inspired me and I’ve finally given it a go. I love it!! It took a few rows to loosen up again and just work smoothly, but it’s going so wonderfully and quickly I just don’t want to stop! I’ve only been doing knit stitch so far, in the round to create a stockinette (I’m making a hot water bottle cover), but I know I’m going to be able to give purl a go thanks to the companion video. The water bottle will need a ribbed neck so that will be the perfect way to practice. Thank you thank you thank you for making knitting and crafting in general such a pleasure 💜

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Joanna! Glad you find them useful.

[@swissmiss2584]

This was very helpful! Thanks!

[@judydennis5830]

Thanks for the helpful tutorials. I'm Enjoying the channel. Judy.

[@tammypell4119]

Thank you both! You explain things so well..will be trying this technique.

[@beliamacias2958]

Thank you so much for your help. I actually crochet, but have always been interested in learning about knitting, there's something about it that I like, especially about knitting socks, wish I don't know how lol but would love to. On any case thanks 🤗🤗

[@lindac1531]

thank you you are very wonderful begin......

[@aadebahr]

This is the easiest way I have seen! Please show the technique for the purl stitch.

[@keithsweeney4280]

this is so helpful. i would love to see how you use this on purl. i can't seem to make it work as effortlessly.

[@jacquelinoostervink1862]

this was a perfect knit demo....could you show the purl also please? i know that there is already a tutorial but this is so must beter....thanks. and....i'm a big fan of you both😉

[@LeoVirgo2.0]

I really needed to see this, very helpful. Thank you for simplifying Arne. I was struggling making it more complicated than needed.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Dora!

[@mairapi8590]

You are great!

[@cmaur811]

This is an eye opener.. thank you and Happy Holidays!

[@cherriza]

Thank you. That was very helpful!

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@sarahmatthews2737]

OMG!!! This is it!!! I’ve been struggling to tension my yarn and nothing worked until this! Every other way gets caught and pulls to hard! Thank you a million times! Xoxox

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are so welcome and we are glad your tension is better!

[@memyselfandeye8377]

Love you guys!

[@kayleebarnes8223]

Loved the ‘dominate color’ video. Tension is the key. Pick your style and go with it - Could not help but notice you insect collection - did you do that yourselves? Beautiful Lepidoptera!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching! We buy our insects at Deyrolles in Paris and we have been collecting them for about 10 years. They usually encase them for us at the store.

[@hello_matej]

Thank you very much, I knit now your way :) and it is going good

[@ARNECARLOS]

Keep up the good work.