How to purl faster | Continental purling the easy way (+2 special tips)

[@NimbleNeedles]

indly notice that I mixed up left and right starting from around 3:56. You always enter a purl stitch from right to left. I fixed it via the subtitles. Thank you for your understanding.

[@annep.1905]

You know a LOT about knitting, so maybe you have tried this already, but just in case, have you ever tried combination knitting, using the Russian purl? It mounts the purl stitches on your needle differently, but it is not difficult to keep the stitches correct when you knit the purled stitches.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@annep.1905 yes, I tried it. Not for me.

[@annep.1905]

@@NimbleNeedles 👍

[@wallyjansen898]

You are so right, knitting is a hobby and not a race. Each finished product an accomplishment . Be proud of your work. Love your videos

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you for repeating this important tip. There are still so many more people who need to hear it!

[@jbjayasree]

Truly said speed should not be criteria goal should be achieved neatly. I have learnt a lot from his videos. Thank you NimbleNeedles

[@laurieworth9732]

Thank you! I just discovered knitting a year ago at the age of 63. I came here to learn how to purl faster - but I feel like I just visited with a knitting therapist! I knit everyday- I’m obsessed- but I sometimes forget why I started and my enjoyment instead of finishing a project and moving to the next one. You put everything in perspective. Thank you! Going to try some new purl techniques in the morning.

[@livinginmexico]

Hi Norman. I never knew you could fix a twisted stitch by knitting into the back of the loop. I had always stopped, pulled the stitch off, turned it around , then knitted it. Whew. What a great tip.

[@BTNomad]

I'm a little confused. My preferred way of knitting is Russian knitting, which basically means knitting through the back loop and purling as you showed above in combo knitting. It's fast, it's easy, and seems to work just fine, except decreases have to be done a little differently. Where I'm confused is what is the issue with a "twisted stitch"? My stockinette stitch looks the same as any other method. Thanks much! I do so appreciate your videos.

[@gundulam.3748]

​@@BTNomad I switched to Russian style knitting because otherwise my purls are to loose. And it is much better and very comfortable for my wrists. People just call the stitches "twisted" because they are not the way they are used to. Many knitters are used to knit in a style were you knit from the left to the right needle and always have the first leg of the stitch on the side of the needle that shows to you. Many descriptions are based on this. When they call for example for an SSK you have to know this fact otherwise your decrease will be wrong. But it's just all about to know when to knit a stitch as a knit or a purl, open or closed, right leaning or left leaning closed, right leaning or left leaning decreases or increases. These are the results you want to have, totally independent from the way you get them.

[@frans3474]

I am a Continental knitter as well. I was taught in school in Switzerland but I purl differently to you. The fingers on my left hand don’t move at all. It’s just as fast as your method. Isn’t it amazing how a fabric making practice has so many different world wide techniques giving the same end results? 😁❣️🌹

[@smallfootprint2961]

Wish see could see how you do it.

[@bjflinn1]

I'm guessing you're a picker and do combination knitting like me. I find it faster and gives a tighter purl especially in ribbing and cabling.

[@maggiepatterson7949]

can you explain how you do it? i switch between techniques since i have arthritis..when one gets too painful i change and keep going.

[@Pixxelina]

@@maggiepatterson7949 My method of purling is I insert the needle from the top down and pull the thread up from underneath as he’s showing at 10:56. I never miss as he’s showing in this video with his method if you don’t use the mid finger 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@fresyzimmerman4321]

@@Pixxelina that’s how I do it, and when saw the other methods I thought I was doing it wrong, but in that way I only do one motion with my right hand, the same for knitting one single movement.

[@juliastoianovska9620]

I’m not an experienced knitter, and purling had always been a struggle, making the result all wonky. Then I somehow figured out the combination knitting by myself. So happy to see it’s actually a legit way to purl! Thank you for the video

[@cives2008]

I love that you mention that knitting comes from within. Knitting makes me happy, and learning something new is always satisfying. I am so glad I found your channel!

[@rosiemckinney1061]

I just saw another method called continental Norwegian purling.

[@chatrchatr1384]

@@rosiemckinney1061 óė

[@cristinacerqueira3468]

Thank you, Norman! I use portuguese knitting method, so purling is easier and faster than knitting!

[@MadelaineY-y3l]

When I learned to knit as a young girl, I learned to pick up my stitches sort of backwards -- because that's how I was taught. So I knew my knitting was different from most people's. However, your explanation of the correct way to purl continental style has helped me correct my stitches and knit more efficiently. Plus the end result looks better! I love the method you shared and your knitting philosophy. Thank you!

[@stephlrideout]

I don't think you were taught backwards - it just sounds like you were taught a Russian purl!

[@susanmcc99]

This video is a game changer! Same with your “How to knit continental style” video. I’ve been practicing for about a week and already I’ve gone from super clumsy to fairly smooth. Importantly my stitches are becoming more even. Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

That's awesome!!

[@BoredExecutive]

New knitter here. At first I was trying to knit then purl. I found my fingers were not yet comfortable. I stopped and worked on a small project of 20 stitches cast onto size 6 bamboo knitting needles. I continued to use knitting stitch until I was able to knit comfortably every time I picked up my project. After succeeding with this I watched this purl video and my fingers were comfortable learning the purl stitch and muscle memory took over when I did my alternating row of knitting. I hope this helps newbies as at first I thought purl was just going to be difficult. What was difficult for me was training my fingers to knit comfortably before moving on. Happy knitting. What a joy to purl.

[@1rnpink]

Thank you for saying that knitting should be enjoyed as a process and not as a race. I often find myself wanting to knit faster, but you help me to remember that it's not a race. I appreciate all of your videos and I've learned so much from you.

[@ylennon299]

Your videos are a treasure. You are an amazing teacher

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you!

[@JoAnneMcKee-qc3oj]

This was the first time continental has made any sense to me THANK YOU

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome!

[@toni6179]

Thank you so much for your videos. I took a knitting class and struggled the first class. When I came back, the instructor said I was knitting continental and said I was on my own 😢 I watched the others and somehow figured it out. Then I didn't knit for 6 years and forgot to cast on. Thanks to your video about that I back to knitting. I still had the muscle memory from before. I came back to your video tonight to check on purling correctly. Thank you so much for these videos and tips. ❤

[@dianalynnenglish]

I'm a piano teacher and I love how your instructions and teaching methods are so similar to how I teach piano. Learn the basic techniques slowly and carefully with thoughtful repetition and enjoy the process and the journey. These careful repetitions create and strengthen pathways in your brain that you build on, and gradually add more complex movements with your hands and fingers. One goal with learning to play an instrument like piano or guitar is training your fingers to work independently from each other which I find so similar to training my left hand to purl using continental technique. Getting even tension requires fine motor skills that require a lot of careful repetition. There are no shortcuts! I spent a year just knitting dish cloths to get my tension right.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yep, that's absolutely right! some patience and practice is fundamental to a nice tension.

[@SusanWright-f9e]

I learned continental knitting @ 16 years old. Took me about 1/2 hour from a friend of my Mom. Set it aside for awhile. When I picked it about again after about a month, you have now explain to me why I knit combination style. I wrapped my purl stitch, which to me was the most logical. Now @ 78 years I decided to go back to the beginning. After days of looking for the help I need, I found you yesterday. I have already learned so. I tend toward being long winded. I ‘m concerned my arthritic hands, upper back, & now my neck are going to limit my knitting ability. I also knit for my mental health & brain function. Today when I decided to look @ your beginning Continental Stitch video, I was excited for your information on think about how important it is to keep hands & body relaxed. Instinctively knit much like you…I feel validated in what I’m doing. Thank you sooo much! I am going to watch all your tutorials. I will continue to use my combination knitting as will as the new skills I have now mastered.

[@Dina21976]

I want to deeply thank you! My hands don’t hurt anymore. Every time I pearl I used a lot of wrist movement and by the end of the session I will have very sore wrists. I don’t want to stop knitting as it improves my mood so much. Thank you so much again

[@merjagranlund1381]

Thank You. 👍 Finally i find someone who show my technique, which was the last one in the video. I've been knitting like that for over 40 years. To me it's completely logical that I purl exactly the same way as knit, with the yarn on the front instead of behind and that I pull the yarn through the loop exactly the same way. No extra movements with mine fingers or with the knitting needles. And yes, I purl and knit just as fast.😆

[@rixavie]

Oh my god, your comment about flicking your right hand back and forth just instantly fixed my troubles with purling! I used to do it the wrong way, purling clockwise. I think I'll finish my current project that way for consistency, but the next one I'll do the proper way. Thank you so much from a crochetter who is occasionally knitting! ❤️

[@gingersnap-xe8jt]

I’m an English knitter, but I use continental for color work. Can’t begin to thank you enough for these fantastic videos to improve my continental technique!

[@donnacova]

I'm a basic knitter...scarves, squares, and have not made anything for a long time. I'm making a baby blanket now and have watched loads of videos. I'm doing ok but I was concerned because my middle finger keeps helping me purl. I was very reassured from this video that that is an ok technique that works fine. Thank you for the great tips and encouragement.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Take this from an experienced knitter: there is no right and wrong in knitting. As long as it brings u joy, it doesn't cause u pain, and I like the result, stick to whatever u prefer.

[@daram5257]

Your closing was beautiful. Thank you for sharing that message.

[@joanraubar8118]

Norman: Thank you for your response re: speed knitting purl-wise. In addition, I am grateful for your kind critiques in future effective-ways of communicating. Finally, Norman, you continue to be the best person I have come across for enhancing knitting skills.

[@linzjan4276]

I read in a New Zealand plunket document recently that knitting uses a significant number of brain functions and is one of the best activities to keep your brain active. Love it do more. Just watching your videos over and over again trying to learn new techniques as I have recently started knitting has been great, informative and very worthwhile. Thankyou

[@AmyBlack1206]

You make this look so lovely and beautiful!!! I can watch you all day.

[@lindaberg5029]

Thank you for this video. I realized that I learned to purl incorrectly and I've been doing it that way for years. I have always purled as in combination knitting. This video not only showed me the correct way to purl, it showed me that I can still use the method I learned, but I need to correct the twisted stitch by knitting through the back loop. I need to practice and decide whether to reteach myself how to purl, or just remember to knit through the back loop on the next row. I found this video very helpful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to hear that Linda. And yeah..as I said..there is no right or wrong..you just need to find the thing you like best!

[@cabinfevercrochet]

I really appreciate that you went extra slow and step-by-step. Along with the detailed explanations & sound advice, well taken. 🙌

[@lanadavis9535]

Thank you for the shout out to combination knitting!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. it took me 20 years to find out there was something called English knitting..and another 5 years to learn there was yet more. I feel it's important that we all need to spread the word so every knitter can find the style that works best for them! :)

[@petravandermeulen4751]

I never knew what my style of knitting was called. Thank you for telling me. I've knitting the combination style for over 45 years. It's very fast and the only difference is that my ssk and knit tog are opposites. Otherwise everything is the same. I love knitting and hope to do it for many more years.

[@anikabennett810]

I’ve been switching from continental to Portugese purl when I have a lot of rows to purl. But I really like your method of using the middle finger! It takes a bit of getting used to and practice!!

[@sonjawade6984]

I was taught to knit by my uncle when I was a youngster(MANY YEARS AGO). How to knit English style.I stopped knitting in my early 20’s. now in my 50’s I decided to start knitting again because I am now a nanny🥰. I have been watching so many of your tutorials. You have helped to bring back the in inner knitter in me(only now as a CONTINENTAL knitter) this style I prefer so much more. Thank you for your excellent tutorial. Your uk 🇬🇧 fan 😘x

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you for this amazing feedback sonja. And so happy to hear you came back to knitting. It can be such a rewarding hobby!

[@ogg5949]

Thank you Norman! Just learning to purl and my new mantra is: in, together, in, off! I'm muttering it in my sleep even!🤣🤣I'm getting closer to being able to knit a potholder! I wrote on another of your videos that my goal is to knit a potholder by this March(2023).

[@NimbleNeedles]

that sounds utterly doable :)

[@emilypham2971]

this video was so so helpful! i always struggled with purling but using the middle finger to add a little extra tension is JUST what i needed

[@andrearoosth564]

I just watched this again and enjoyed it thoroughly! Thank you again!

[@awarose]

I had trouble learning continental purl many years ago when i was a child and mostly learning from a book. Then an other knitter showed me the norwegian purl and for me that was a lot easier. It's great for rib stitches since you don't have to move the yarn in front and easy to get even tension between knit and purl stitches but it's a bit much unnecessary movement so the next time i do something with more purling i plan on practicing the continental way.

[@awarose]

Uppdate: it didn't take more than a few rows to get the hang of it, its basically the same as the norwegian purl, just the yarn in front, the hardest was to get the tension right so it matched the knit stitches, I used quite a grippy wool yarn so wasn't the easiest to relearn on but not too bad, and it has a slight wariation in thickness so slightly diffrent tension isn't too noticeable.

[@JennySimon206]

Norman I got my needles! Went with Chiaogoo because there are so many options and people love the cables so much. A lot of people probably have them for that reason even if they use other preferred needles when they can. Just a guess. I also got some fantastic books but I find it very useful and quicker to watch a video of what action I'm reading about. I'm just practicing now. I've got light colored worsted weight yarn on my first long tail cast on and row of knit stitches on my circulars with a 50" Swiv cable. I'm just gonna go back and forth swatches right now trying different things. I'm onto purling the second row. Yay. Knowing how to crochet totally helps. I love the way you purl. Ergonomics is important to me.

[@limesparrow]

i'm a brand new knitter and this was very helpful in teaching me how to purl and other helpful tips! especially how you wrapped it twice around your pinkie, i tried that and it helped so much with my tension. so far every practice swath i've done is very uneven and full of holes but your kind words at the end of this video made me feel much better :]

[@karenanders8416]

Hi crocheter trying to learn knitting. I found continental works much better for me. I just love how you show normal down to super slow. ❤️. But I use my pointer finger. I have yarn wrapped so that it’s right at the needles, not up in the air. That gives me same motion as you using a 2nd finger. I’m just not that coordinated 😜 to use 2 different fingers. Thank you for you hard work & dedication to you channel. So helpful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome Karen. And glad you are on the way to becoming bi-stitchual :)

[@motherofaflower]

This is so helpful! I have knitted on and off for years and always feel like I just can't "get" it. This method of purling will be very useful for me.

[@gigigilliam9043]

The second method of purling and knitting is just right for me because I am left handed and just learning continental knitting. Love your blog.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear that Gigi!

[@irmagabbard]

I can’t believe I found someone who knits and purls just like me! I am like you…I actually like purling, I don’t find it tedious at all because of the way I purl. You have a new subscriber.

[@NimbleNeedles]

welcome to my channel irma! :)

[@ohlookshinee]

i've knit off and on for almost 20 years now and could never get continental knitting until now. i've been crocheting for a couple years and i think that actually helped me get it, along with you videos! really appreciate how you break down the different techniques! (also, i do find with the purl that i like moving my index finger better, but that could be my hypermobility haha)

[@ainsleyhilliard]

I’ve been knitting the English way and have lately been practicing continental knitting to get faster, so this came out at the perfect time for me! Thank you!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad to here that Ainsley - and feel free to comment any time in case you are stuck! :)

[@erbrattpak]

Same with me.

[@imm6522]

As a child in Germany I learned to knit Continental. After moving to Canada as a young adult many years ago I thought myself knitting Englisch patterns and am quite proficient. Your videos are amazing in that they taught me so many new methods and methodologies - love them. To my purl methodology: I never use my left hand, but my right hand thumb comes forward at the time that you use your middle finger. Your video made me aware that I purl that way. Thank you for all your great work.

[@JLZ109]

I knit continental but I could never figure out how to purl continental. I'm pretty sure I was taught Norwegian knitting as a kid, the existence of that little flourish is embedded in my memory - though I didn't actually remember how to do it, lol! When I "relearned" how to knit I always ended up purling English style and left the flourish for ribbings and such, because it always looked "off"... Now I know why! I was actually doing the combination method by mistake, and simply never realised the resulting stitches were twisted! Thank you so much! Even after I learned the Norwegian way properly, I still purl English style often because I have trouble with the tension... I'm really excited to learn the continental purl your way

[@carlaanderson6499]

Thank you so much for your detailed videos. I’m from Canada but my Norwegian grandma taught me to knit so I learned the Continental way. She passed away when I was 12 so I have been knitting for a long time (I’m now 60). In the past few years I have wanted to do Fair Isle so I could do some of the Norwegian patterns I have always admired. So I bought a Norwegian thimble but it wasn’t helping as I have always purled by pulling my index finger down. This does not work with a thimble. I watched how you do it and found it rather difficult at first to use my middle finger to pull the yard down, but I have been practicing and I am now ready to start my colorwork patterns. Thank you so much.

[@aslprobro]

You just changed my life! I always wondered why my purl stitches were always so tight. I didn’t realize that pick purling twisted the stitches. I’ll try the other way tonight when I work on my project.

[@NimbleNeedles]

definitely do! and come back in case you need any further help eli! :)

[@theresebrandser]

Thank you so much for the pep talk at the end. I’ve done a lot of crocheting, but knitting is coming hard for me. I just need to give it time. Thank you ❤

[@sandybassett4901]

I truly appreciate all your wisdom you share with us. Thank you so much. StitchedbyMimi

[@rand0mbabi530]

Thank you so much!! I've been struggled with the continental purling like a mad dog, but now I get your technique and it's really working well for me! Thank you again.💌

[@KellyRankin-docrock]

Because I am a new knitter with signs of arthritis in my hands I recently watched your video on Continental knitting in hopes of eliminating the extra movements required for wrapping the working yarn. I was quickly able to learn picking from your well done video and excellent descriptions and it indeed is less stressful to my fingers, hands and arms!! This method is now my preferred and I was happy to get your excellent instructions on purling the continental way. You are a great instructor Norman!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Oh wow..this sure fills me with pride! 🥰 well done!

[@ThereseLandry-f1q]

Thank you so much. Just started knitting the continental way and I had such difficulty purling Your video made a big difference Thanks Quebec Canada

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad I could speed you on!

[@Prints_Knits]

You have taught me to knit in a few days. You are amazing - thank you x

[@runawhitley3277]

Hi Norman, I found your channel about a week ago and adore your videos. I have been knitting for 22 years, but have been knitting continental for only about 10 years, and actually like purling almost more than knitting due to the change continental creates. The only difference I saw in your video was that I wrap the working yarn around my left index finger twice and let it rest between my ring and little fingers - this takes care of the tension issue and allows me to move my index finger freely without the yarn falling off. As long as my fingers remain loose and not rigid I have never found the stitches to be too tight using this method. Every knitter has a different style, but this is what works really well for me. Thanks so much for all the wonderful content, I am really looking forward to watching more of your videos in the future!

[@kristengould2637]

You completely blew my mind with the “picking” version of purling followed by ktbl on the next row!!!!! (Starts around 10:30). I’ve been knitting (and purling!) for almost 30 years and had never seen or heard of this. LOVE. Also this was a great, clear and helpful video overall!!!!! THANK YOU

[@NimbleNeedles]

I sadly don't have a tutorial on combination knitting but there are many here on youtube you might want to check out.

[@cleokoch2764]

I love Continental knitting. I find knitting so relaxing. Love your videos!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you! 😊

[@narellelemans7176]

Oh Norman, you are an absolute delight to listen to. You have such a calming voice and explain everything so well. Well done and thank you so much.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thanks for listening, Narelle!

[@phoebechang]

the tip of using the 3rd finger was exactly what I was looking for! thank you so much for breaking things down clearly!

[@NimbleNeedles]

great! that's the best kind of feedback, phoebe! :)

[@Raphaela-i7z]

Thank you for you video! I have been knitting since age 5, and it has stayed my biggest hobby almost 30 years! I learnt the english style and I am able to knit super neat and fast that way. Last year a terrible tendinitis flaired up in my right index finger all the way up to my elbow, so that I was not able to knit any more. Every time I tried knitting a different style I got fustrated! Your videos have helped me find an alternative, so now I knit a few rows with the yarn in the right hand, then a few with the yarn in the left hand. That way I can knit again without overtaxing my joints and tendons! Giving up knitting was just not an option 😂❤

[@nancyrosenbaum1963]

I use a combination of your techniques for purling quickly (I learned to knit 50 years ago--continental style ONLY): tensioning with my index finger (no problem with tensioning), my long finger pushing down the yarn for a purl stitch, and "flapping my arms" (moving both arms slightly with each stitch). Fellow knitters have always told me all this movement was inefficient and awkward, but it works for me. Feeling validated. THANK YOU!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Nancy, a wise man once said: "The opinions of other people only matter when they pay you" *smirk*. Really, nobody can tell you what works for you. And if it does, then nobody has any business of telling you it's awkward or inefficient. After all, you decide your own pace and what brings you joy - not them :) So, happy to hear I was able to bring back a bit of validation.

[@kom1804]

I am an inexperienced knitter who learned a bit of knitting as a child. I truly appreciate your ending comments. I always felt I was doing things wrong and too slowly. Remembering to enjoy the process and keep practicing is so helpful. Your videos and explanations are great!

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad it was helpful and I was able to encourage you!

[@Korkilorki]

Thank you for the great tips, Norman! I’ve never really got the yarn tightening in place, but I’m working on the pinky method now, and it seems to do the trick for me. Your passion and love for knitting is contagious.

[@IamAlic]

Norman, you were born to teach...AND knit!! My solution to being efficient is to knit continental and purl english style... continental purling is just a hassel..too much dicking around to keep tension...BUT..I haven't given up just yet...i will try your advice and see if a light bulb goes on for me. Thank You for this post :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you!

[@cherigavin8230]

I am just learning how to knit at 61! I love you. You are such a good teacher: clear in all instructions and so encouraging. Thank you. I look forward to continuing to learn with you accompanying me along the way.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome! and feel free to ask any questions here in the comments in case you are stuck :)

[@gaidhliglass]

I learned to knit recently (late in life about 5 years ago), but did crochet as a child. I knit English style as I'm right handed and have better control. I feel awkward using Continental style, but am trying. I learned about Russian purling and find it easier to do. I like your videos, because they're easy to follow and I find interesting methods to learn. Thank you for posting and keep them coming!

[@courag1]

Very nice and clear demonstration of the Continental purl techniques.

[@lisamaranto353]

Thank you! I finally got it today! So much faster & less awkward ❤

[@yliberal6355]

I can really see the differences between the techniques you showed. I’m trying to convert from English to continental knitting. I just need to practice this method along with my tension. I have a tendency to mess up my tension making my knitting kinda loose. Thank you for this!

[@bdarci]

I used to wrap a rows worth of yarn on my forefinger and slowly unspool it. That is a habit I was able to break and learn how to tension my yarn more efficiently. I am a slow knitter and I accept that, but I still try to refine my technique. I purl using my forefinger to bring the yarn forward. Like you I also move both hands. I have heard other fast knitters extol the virtue of keeping the right hand still and using the left as a shuttle (lever knitting). I steadfastly cling to my continental ways and try to improve on them.

[@NimbleNeedles]

there's really not just one way to knit fast. And i mean..different people like different things. I rather prefer it when both my hands are mobile and find it a bit uncomfortable if one is solid/not moving. :)

[@catherinecarter8987]

I am going to use your second finger technique tomorrow Norman. Again, thank you so much.😊

[@celesteortins5250]

so...let me start with, this was a game changer for me!! Thank you!!! I am a self taught/KZbin knitter. I started out throwing then taught myself continental to gain some speed. But the dang purl stitch has always been a pain in the ( you know what). lol. I am always trying new was to tension and hold the yarn for a smoother and faster way to purl. I have started my first ever cardigan, so there is A LOT of purling. So, I decided to go to the KZbins again and found this tutorial. Again, THANk YOU!!! Even the way you tension your yarn has worked great for me. Thanks for sharing you knowledge and techniques..VERY HELPFUL! 🤩

[@canalwriting4723]

This worked on me! I wasn’t in it for the speed, but I sure quickly finished the row! It’s because the moves are much more efficient and the key is in the position and tension of the yarn on the opposite hand. Now I don’t hate purling as much. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@mixedandknot5911]

Hi Norman, It has been a long time since I last watched your videos. I had Covid for three weeks and am out of quarantine now. Of course, the taste buds and body weakness are the worst after having seven days of high fever. Anyway, I am delighted that I can sit at my computer and watch your videos. Purling continental: I actually hold the yarn taut and in my left hand while purling, except that I hold down the yarn to move the needle with my right hand forefinger. My left hand does nothing but hold the yarn. It is easy for me and the yarn does not slip off the needle. Just wanted to share my method with everyone. I love learning new techniques and am going to try your way. Thanking you, always.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Oh dear! I'm so sorry to hear that. Hope you are better now. And thx for sharing your method. I feel it's very nice indeed for others to read alternatives as well!

[@maniette72]

Hi Norman, I appreciate that you are thorough and clear in your videos. You don't rush us through the instruction. I have learned several things from you. Thank you. 🙂

[@NimbleNeedles]

then the video served it's purpose. happy to hear that, maniette!

[@cindygraham7871]

Love and appreciate the thoughtfulness and your brand of philosophy you bring to knitting.

[@Angela-or8sj]

Hi Norman - I’m taking your free knitting school classes and loving them! Thanks so much for your detailed instructions and evaluations of different needles and tools. I’m knitting with the continental method for the first time and it really is faster and easier. I still need to practice, but as you mention here, that’s part of the fun!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Hey angela. You are very welcome and I guess if I even manage to "convert" one person to enjoy this amazing hobby it was all worth it.so, do remember to ask any questions you might have. 😊❤

[@alisharo58]

Thank you for the captions! Thumbs up!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I try to have them for all my videos, even though it means quite a lot of work :)

[@patcosto8552]

Just recently learning continental knitting after knitting English style for years and also crocheting, which I learned first. Your videos are great! I sit at computer with your youtube videos and so calming and informative. Thank you!

[@GumboGirl13]

I am just learning Continental knitting and love your videos. They are clear and understandable, and I also love that you talk about the importance of enjoying the craft of knitting. Thank you so very much!

[@pillcounter01]

I think I am going to try more of your techniques. So far like your thoroughness.❤

[@barbaraanne2136]

I converted to continental knitting about four years ago, so I'm new to it. As you mentioned, I did struggle with purl stitches. Your demonstration showed me just what I needed to see, the other finger of the left hand. I am excited to take the addition of that to my technique. I wish I had purchased interchangable needles long ago. I like to knit so I'll always have a project in process but I am not a sweater wearer, I live where it is too hot. So I use different sizes of needles a lot. If you pro-rate the cost of the interchangeable needles over a lifetime they aren't so costly. Thank you for the advice, Norman. I'll keep watching.

[@NimbleNeedles]

welcome to my channel Barbara. And glad I was able to help you!

[@sondragingery5949]

I taught myself to knit Continental style. This is exactly how I ended up being able to purl. I have tried out every other method I've found for purling, but this is the easiest and smoothest motion I've found. It also seems to produce far less repetitive motion strain on my other fingers and wrists. You mentioned in another video that you are a tight knitter. I am a loose knitter, and yet this method works well for me also. It allows me to maintain a consistent tension, and produces less tension differences between knit and purl sides.

[@NimbleNeedles]

same here. I often get quite a lot of people pointing out how far away I hold my index finger...but in reality it allows for perfect tension and somehow it does put much less strain on my hands than if I hold it much closer.

[@ejsimms]

Thank you! I have been struggling with continental purling for much too long. Keep up the wonderful tips.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I definitely will. And feel free to comment in case you need any further help :)

[@wugsessed]

I've been making a hat in fair isle to teach myself continental (I felt like I didn't have a choice if I was holding a color in each hand!) which worked well. Getting to the ribbing and now I'm baffled on how to manipulate the yarn back and forth to purl as quickly as I've been knitting in the round. This was a great video with lots of visuals that will give me something to practice going forward. LOVE your reassurances at the end -- I'm finishing this hat with English throwing, which is a bit slower for me, but more comfortable until I get used to a new method. Thanks for all your amazing content!

[@NimbleNeedles]

That sounds like am ambitious practise project, heh. gogogo!

[@christinevalentine3373]

Thank you Norman. I changed from the English method to continental. After using a knitting belt and long needles and returning to the English method it is now my preferred style. I really appreciate you emphasising each person has their individual preferences and style. As you say, it’s not a race. I am still slow when compared to others but compared to my earlier knitting style I am super speedy. I am really enjoying learning how to knit and seeing so many talented and enthusiastic knitters who are willing to share their knowledge. Many thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i love that Christine, and I wish more knitters would really experiement to find the best way for them. Happy to hear you made such good progress!

[@nextyearsgirl]

Love this video! I just started knitting this year and began with the Norwegian purl because I couldn't wrap my head around the other techniques. After struggling with the purl rows of a slip & knit stitch heel flap, I came back to this clip and something clicked! It's much more comfortable for me now. It's so important to be open to trying new techniques so you can find what works best for you! Thanks for all the knitting wisdom and kind reminders to enjoy the process!

[@yume_dragon]

Yes. I am.

[@yume_dragon]

I am having hard time holding my yarn. Lots of people hold knitting differently.

[@mickigarvey7608]

Oh thank goodness for your clarity. I am struggling to move from decades of English knitting to Continental style. My muscle memory is so well embedded that it’s quite a feat to adopt a new set of movements.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, sadly unlearning something is often 10 times as hard as learning :(

[@everdream653]

I started learning how to continental knit recently and purling quickly became my least favorite stitch. I tried picking it, like you showed hear, but hated how the stitches twisted on me. I started doing it the way you showed here, but instead of using my middle finger to anchor the yarn, I used my thumb. It worked well enough for a bit, but I found that my yarn tension was always too loose. Then you said to tension the yarn in the opposite direction and oh my did that help so much! Thank you for this video! ^_^

[@NimbleNeedles]

lovely! It's very difficult to teach this without seeing someone actually knitting. So extremely happy my little hints and tips here and there were able to help you along to purl effortless and without tears

[@marytimmer6132]

I love your tutorials. Especially continental knitting. Loved the tips for purling. I have mastered the continental knit. Very enjoyable.

[@dobycorder3206]

You hold yarn away and use 3rd finger to take it down. I’ve seen so many different ways to hold yarn, and then the different ways to do purl based on that. Fascinating.

[@genevieve1888]

Thank you so much for all your videos. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and this helped me to go back to knitting. I used to knit the English way (i think that is what it is called). I changed to continental. Now i hold my yarn just like in Norwegian for the knit part. I discovered that for me purl was easier if i use the same technique as you do with the help of your middle finger. However i do it with the help of my index finger. I just put the top of my index finger on the yarn and bend it a little bit while my right hand finishes the process. It does not mess the tension. It took me some time to get used but i kind of enjoy it now. Thanks again

[@Sparrow517]

This has been so helpful to me as none the knitters I spend time with use continental- so I could never figure out a more effective and less messy way to purl! Thank you so much and it's very soothing listening to your voice :)

[@SaraMoscato-ol7pi]

I absolutely love your channel. I have learned so much from you. I have been an avid crocheter since I was 8 years old I'm now 33 and decided to learn how to knit and thanks to you I learned and I'm doing amazing at it. So thank you for sharing your skills with the world. ❤

[@croon4u]

Thank you for helping me identify stitches that are around the wrong way and a simple remedy for dealing with them as you go through the next row! Much less frustrating :) than taking the stitches off one by one...I love your positivity about life and knitting. Brings good cheer while we are in lockdown in Sydney.

[@NimbleNeedles]

fingers crossed that things ease up for you soon!

[@croon4u]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you - this year is the year I've decided to learn sock making! All of your hints help :)

[@knittysong]

Finally I see someone who purls like I do! It's the only technique that I find is fast and smooth and the least straining on the hands and fingers.

[@alizaras]

I'm so happy to find this video of yours! I knew I did combination knitting, like i mentioned on your other old video, but this shows me exactly why I knit in the back row and what exactly it means. I'm untwisting the stitches from the purl row! who knew! thank you 🧡

[@marytolhurst5165]

Thank you for your superb tuition videos Norman. Your style of teaching fits perfectly with my style of learning. I was an English thrower, who can also crochet, and at first my attempts at continental knitting felt like patting my head & rubbing my tummy while reciting the alphabet backwards! BUT, I have progressed from this stage to managing to keep my edges straight, not dropping any stitches (a BIG achievement) after about 10 days and the movements are all beginning to feel more natural. My tension is much better with this style and soon I'll have enough confidence to knit something small. Thanks again! I just love this way of knitting.

[@IndyIndie59]

Finally I discovered that since I learned continental knitting I have been doing a combination stitch. Thank you. I was wondering why my continental knitting technique looked different to the way it was being shown on most people's videos. I very recently had to learn to knit the continental way after more than 50 years of knitting the English way due to advanced arthritis that makes it too painful to knit the English way and throw stitches. I have to say knitting the continental way and using a combination stitch puts the least strain on arthritic joints.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear you found a technique that reliefs the pain in your joints and you can continue with this amazing hobby.

[@demelzabunny6632]

I learned how to knit from my Russian grandmother. She taught me to purl with the index finger. I have discovered that if in addition to wrapping the yarn around the index finger twice you also wrap it around the pinkie, it helps to keep the tension you need.

[@sarahbruck7538]

Norman - I totally respect your attitude for knitting. The joy is also in the process! I gialmost have knit