Knitting Style and an Exploration of Woolen Spun Yarn // Casual Friday 3-44

[@maggletooth]

Your teaching of continental knitting was a life changer for me. As a lefty, I always found the throwing/English style so slow, awkward and discouraging then with very little practise needed, this style came naturally and it was easy to incorporate the stranded technique off that one finger too. I especially appreciate how you got the knitting "style" or consciousness conversation going a number of years back: of course there ISN'T just one way to achieve lovely, balanced knitting :) Thank you!

[@lindas5964]

I love swatching. When that bag of yarn arrives at the mailbox I don’t want to think about construction details, I just want to feel the yarn, see how it knits up and maybe practice a particular stitch the pattern is calling for. I save all my swatches w/detailed labels about needle size etc because I am on a mission to try as many different yarns and yarn combos as I can to explore all the possible fabrics I can achieve. For me, knitting is all about the yarn so having a catalog of swatches just plain makes me happy 😊

[@suemaguire2]

This was so informative concerning woolen spun and worsted spun. I searched the internet to try and understand the differences in the yarn. I visited Bartlett Yarns while on a trip to Maine. The owner was gracious enough on an August day in 2020 to walk us through the process he uses to to create woolen spun yarn and to view his antique equipment. I bought yarn and made a great version of Andrea Mowry's Wanderers Slippers. The yarn was perfect for them. However, I still was confused as a fairly new knitter of how the yarn was different from worsted spun. Now I understand! Thank you.

[@ellenhenrie4826]

Thanks for talking about the magical properties of woolen-spun yarn. I prefer it to worsted for its lightweight warmth and just overall "wooliness." And I love exploring different yarns - especially ones I know the sheep breed and origin. Like you, I knit continental with my index finger extended, but I use my middle finger to flip the yarn over the needle - hard to explain but very effective. Thanks for a great episode.

[@conniecamp5749]

Thank you. I always find your presentations fascinating. I knit in a very similar style as you and have long been suspicious that it stemmed from my English mother teaching me to knit with the right hand needle anchored in my armpit. Four or five years later, someone taught me the rudiments of continental knitting and I've knitted that way ever since..mostly on my own.

[@FoxinOakDesigns]

Thank you so much for the shout out! We can't wait until you get ahold of some of our Island Collection Worsted! Simone, Matt and I (Troy) can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I can't wait, either! :-)

[@ccpperrett7522]

Hello! First time I'm first! So happy to listen to some calm, soothing knitting talk. Thank you Roxanne. I really enjoy all the information you share. I knit in a similar way as you. I will pay closer attention to how I am holding my needles and yarn. I move my right needle more and use my left index finger more like a shuttle.😆 So nice to focus on fiber, needles and friends.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Welcome!

[@vickyleather1147]

Thank you so much for all your work that goes into providing these excellent explanations of knitting related topics. Your videos and your clear voice narration are top notch!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Thank you so much!

[@FourPinesKnitting]

Thank you for the discussion of woolen vs worsted yarns. I learned a lot. I was excited to see you using Bartlett yarns. They are local to me, and I like to support them. They are so passionate about their work. Another thing to consider about woolen spun is, because the yarn is so airy, it is VERY warm while also being light. I have a shawl knit in Bartlett that is the warmest thing I've ever made.

[@Dollyknowsbest6x5]

I attended the virtual conference as well. I initially had the same trepidation, however I am so glad I did! I always enjoy the deep dive learning.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I totally agree!

[@kriskrumanaker4315]

Yay! It's casual Friday!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Thanks Roxanne, I really enjoy your researcher mind. I loved your explannation about your knitting style, looking forward to the exploration of the z plied semi-worsted yarn.

[@ktollefson15]

WOW this was so cool to watch. I am relatively new to knitting and watching your knitting style at the 22 minute mark was seriously an "aha!" moment. Super cool, and really appreciate your videos~~

[@yojeffschott]

I have decided to learn how to knit. I decided I want to make my own socks and eventually I want to make a sweater that fits my frame(when I buy a medium size sweater it fits me better for my trunk size but the sleeves are too short, and a large size helps with the length of the sleeves but I am swimming in it). Learning to use the needles has been a challenge but I do enjoy a challenge. Thank you for sharing your style of knitting it has helped me out. Happy and Healthy 2021!

[@r1c3b4nd1t]

Thank you Roxanne! I'm a new knitter and a lot of your videos have helped me tremendously. I am lucky that I have you and a lot of excellent knitting creators that provide excellent informational content.

[@hilarycohen1470]

Tank you for the very clear explanation of woolen vs worsted spun.

[@theastewart6721]

Fascinating podcast! Thanks for sharing all about the history and presentations you were able to see. Very interesting! As far as swatching goes, I never wanted to swatch when I really got back into knitting as a young adult. That was in the late 70’s through the 80’s. I was impatient and wanted to get started right away. Not so anymore. I find it essential even if I have difficulty getting gauge. I recently did 3 swatches for a pair of socks and still didn’t really get gauge. But I decided I would make the socks and hopefully they will fit someone. Worse case? I’ve learned new techniques. I’ve already learned Judy’s Magic Cast on and Magic Loop just on these socks. Your tutorial on the cast on really helped so thank you for that. And I think it’s also important to get comfortable with the yarn as well by swatching. I can’t believe I’m saying this but it’s true. I’ve done a total 360 on swatching. With regard to your knitting style, I find genuine questions interesting but insults intolerable. I enjoyed the overhead a lot. My knitting style is quite similar to yours. I hardly move my left index finger at all when knitting and can catch the yarn quite easily. I don’t use my right index finger to guide the stitches. That being said, when I purl I do have to move my finger down to catch the stitches so I may try your technique of using my right index finger to guide them. It can’t hurt to try. I’m very comfortable with my knitting style. My finger never hurts. My teacher did say that she thought Continental was picking which I can’t do either. I guess there are different ways of Continental. Your style is very smooth and flows very nicely! I really enjoyed learning about the woolen versus worsted yarn, seeing all your swatches, as well as the S and Z plied and the spinning information. Thanks for another great podcast. I think I may have missed last week’s. I’ll have to go and check. Have a wonderful weekend!💕

[@paulakanner4441]

So nice to see someone knits the way that I do. I am able to knit with my hands very relaxed which is very handy

[@victoriad882]

Thank you for showing how you knit. Learned to crochet first and cannot hold yarn in right hand. I tend to pick continental as I could never keep the yarn on my finger otherwise. My stitches are not as uniform as yours, so I was interested. I see from this brilliant video that it is in how you hold the left needle. Forever grateful for all the information you share.

[@cydnicaldwell1337]

I learned English knitting and have knit that way for years. Now I'm teaching myself Norwegian style while knitting a simple tea towel. Its actually easy to do and I find that my tension isn't as tight but its not super loose - just a bit looser than I normally knit. I actually find the style relaxing to knit and quicker as the yarn always stays in back for knits & pills. I'm learning and having fun at the same time.

[@sheryltisdale]

I learned to continental knit watching you on youtubes and a couple of other people, so I knit similar to you! Thank you Roxanne, I enjoy my knitting so much!

[@yarnexpress]

I knit as you do with a stationary right needle & left hand carry. Taught myself this method due to a non-knitting related repetitive motion injury. My speed improved--file under every cloud has a silver lining.

[@jenniferrich5292]

Those knitting frame videos are amazing! I’d never heard of that kind of work. I’m awfully glad my knitting is just for fun😬 I love all the different yarns you are showing us. I’m right now knitting a sweater with some yarn I spun worsted, from flicked locks so not quite combed but almost. I’ve also been carding and spinning some yarn for my next sweater, I hope, and I’m really glad to see that cables will still look nice even in woolen spun fabric. Have a great weekend😊

[@georgewallace6525]

Love love love this video. The depth of information along with the links for further study is really a gift. Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are so welcome!

[@vickilynn10]

My knitting style is the same as yours. I attribute it to learning crochet first and using my right hand with all the movements. I tried for years to bring that index finger down, without luck. I have since accepted how I knit😊 Thank you so much for your explanations, I learn so much!

[@sunrhyze]

I just finished episode 43 of Fruity Knitting, where they interviewed the woman (can't remember her name) who owns Blacker Yarns in England. Really interesting discussion about all of her yarns and their properties. Even though I don't remember all the details from these various yarn talks, some of it is starting to sink in! The most important thing I understand right now is how important it is to know what you're doing if you decide not to use the yarn that the pattern designer recommends. It's not as simple as just choosing a yarn that's the same weight and can be knit on the same size needles. It's not even good enough to say "well, that one is wool and mine is also wool, so it must be okay." I'm just now getting to the point, almost a year into knitting, where I'm ready to choose a project specifically for the chance to work with a yarn I've heard so much about, such as Shetland wool. For any other new knitters, or anyone who wants to experiment with their technique and yarn management, I can only say thank goodness for the internet, where we can look around and see all sorts of people showing us all sorts of ways to knit. I was completely unable to tolerate any sort of yarn management technique that had me holding my index finger out or up in the air any distance at all. I could feel the discomfort start to shoot up into my forearm within ten minutes. I feel immense gratitude to Susan B. Anderson for teaching me continental, and her quirky "pinch" method of purling, and also Arne & Carlos who refined my style to keep my finger right next to the left needle (works great for me) and their Norwegian purl which saved me from despising ribbing! Thanks for another good Friday.

[@aroundtheworldfibers]

Wow, I'm so glad I came across your channel. Incredibly informative, thank you!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tamaragrottker7677]

I saw your podcast where you mentioned the zoom conference. I was inspired and so I registered and woke up last Saturday at 4am! It was really a great event and you did a wonderful review. I too really began knitting in the 80s. I knew of Sandy Black from an old Rowan knitting book, so I was looking forward to see here at this even. I really enjoyed the breakout rooms session where we could meet people. I spoke to some lovely ladies from the Netherlands. Another great podcast!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I really liked the small breakout rooms, as well. It was nice to have those conversations with just a couple of people.

[@ejsimms]

Roxanne, you outdid yourself in this video. It was packed with good information and tips. Thank you

[@patmillett8056]

So much to learn. I'm glad I have such a good teacher. Thanks, Roxanne.

[@nora22000]

Roxanne's got all the GOOD tidbits!

[@virginianewton801]

Woolen v worsted explanation and samples, completely brilliant. Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You're welcome!

[@sungkim9243]

Omg, Roxanne! You are brilliant. I never thought about what other parts of my hand is doing when when I am knitting. Thank you for this information

[@sherrikent6628]

Thanks so much for explaining the differences on the yarns!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are so welcome!

[@basilrose]

Thank you Rox for the thorough look at hand position with the continental knitting style! Next up could you show us how you work 2-color stranded knitting?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I have a playlist of videos on color work here: kzbin.info/aero/PL1AZxTfSCe2ciu_XbYOVClammwvqVzIiy

[@Titesoline75]

great videos! I reallt enjoy the explanation of your technics

[@gailtrew4244]

I've been using yarn from Zealana, both Kiwi and Cozi and they're both Z plied. I usually have trouble with over-twist, I knit Continental, but not with these yarns. First time I've really looked at how I knit and what I'm knitting with! Great explanation regards worsted and woolen. Thank you.

[@janethowell9048]

Hi See my comment above about extra twist

[@gailtrew4244]

@@janethowell9048 Hi, I'm also a crocheter, perhaps that's why I get along better with knitting continental style, although I learnt to knit in the English manner. Roxanne did a Technique Tuesday about how to avoid extra twist when knitting with a "regular" spun yarn. That helped me no end.

[@elaineenstone6834]

A really interesting podcast. I am really fascinated by the construction of the yarn and will look for the Belfast Yarn podcast. Also on PEI is a company called Fleece and Harmony. They use equipment produced Belfast Mills. The yarn they produce is from their own sheep. In some of their earlier podcasts they showed a series of videos on the production of their yarn. 🇬🇧

[@ankebakker3741]

Thank you Roxanne, very informative! Great!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Great podcast! I just subscribed to the mill podcasts, Thanks Roxanne. 🙏😇✨🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌🙌🙌😺

[@CinSpain]

You knit like me, Scandinavian continental style, but my grandmothers would be telling you constantly to keep the index finger closer to the needle 😂 although not touching it. The only time I feel any kind of 'stress' on any finger is my left thumb, when knitting socks on very fine needles, and even that doesn't happen frequently. It's a very comfortable way of knitting ❤

[@pedrorodriguez3532]

The sock snake (made out of different heels) was very interesting.

[@claudiacano4916]

Finally I found a person that knits the same style I knit. I’m lefty so my left hand is the active one when knitting, and Continental style is easier for me. I have tried to imitate those who knit with the index close to the needle, and It doesn’t feel natural. The only thing that affects me knitting the way I knit is when I work cables, because after a while the base of my right thumb hurts.

[@CassieDA17]

When you were showing your knitting style I immediately thought that it looks very efficient and notices that the left needle was moving and not really the right. I have to take a look at my knitting style. I’ve wanted to switch to continental for a while.

[@EV-D-10]

Very interesting episode, thank you!!

[@Killersquirrel66]

I am amused to hear that people describe your style as an "ergonomic nightmare", because it's very similar to mine, which I arrived at after ten years of obsessive study and experimentation (ergonomics is a big thing for me). Interestingly, I also used to knit with my right needle anchored! My first pair of needles were awkwardly long, at least for my twelve(?) year old self, so having both ends waving about threw off my hands and even made my wrists ache after a while. But I trained myself out of anchored knitting once I had better needles, since it meant I couldn't knit while walking around (knitting is my fidget toy, so portability is crucial for me). I had not considered how that initial anchored knitting phase might have affected my hand position while knitting unanchored. 🤔 This calls for another round of analysis and evaluation! 😄 Thank you once again for the eye-opening and fascinating titbit!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Some people are rigid thinkers, and can only understand the world from their own personal experience. To me, it just highlights how much they don't know. It is somewhat amusing, if a bit irritating. :-)

[@Killersquirrel66]

@@RoxanneRichardson It can be so frustrating. One of the reasons I didn't do any complex projects for years is because whenever I asked for help, people told me "the first problem is that you're knitting all wrong, and until you fix that I can't help you". 😑 So it really puts my back up when people lecture on "proper knitting form". I mean, I get that it's hard to evaluate and give feedback when someone's process looks different to yours, but in my experience you can at least try! Ah well, I'll hop off my soap box. 😅 Bottom line, good for you for emphasising a holistic approach and giving people advice to help them find what works for them. I wish I'd had access to videos like this way back when I started learning knitting, so I'm very glad they're available to people picking up the topic now.

[@janethowell9048]

Hi I’m a spinner and I’ve always spun clockwise (Z) and plied S. I’m also a crocheter not a knitter. I’ve learnt recently that S plied is better for knitting but crocheters should use Z plied yarn. I do find that crocheting with S plied yarn adds extra twist to the yarn as I work. I’d be interested to hear any reactions to this before I change my spinning style

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I would argue that there is no "should" or "better" with either twist/ply direction. What I notice is that it's *easier* for me to knit with an s-ply yarn than with the z-ply, mostly because I'm just used to it. The yarn is going around the needle in the same direction as the ply when it's s-ply, and opposite with z-ply, so I can feel a difference (sort of a resistance) as I knit. I would suggest doing some comparison swatches, knitting a swatch with an s-ply yarn and other with z-ply, and then do the same with crochet. Compare the process (how does it *feel*, not just what you see happening with the twist. You may decide that you want to spin different yarns for crochet vs knitting, or you may decide it doesn't matter.

[@sarahrothwell9229]

I think this is getting to the heart of the matter. Whether or not you add or remove twist to your yarn while knitting depends on your knitting style and how you wrap your yarn around the needle. The majority of knitters (correct next if I’m wrong here) will add twist to a z-ply yarn while knitting. I found this is true for me. As an experiment I spun myself an S-ply yarn last year and when you looked at the knitting it looked like the plies were just lying next to each other. On the other hand, for weaving, twist direction seems not to matter.

[@enricaapparuti2848]

Hello Roxanne, thank you so much for your time and all your work for us! I love your "scientific" approach and precision of your videos. I have a question and hope you could help me to make the right choice. I would like to knit a wool bed blanket for my friend who lives in the Dolomites Mountains in the Italian Alps. I need somethink warm and thik for the very cold winters. So my question is: are there warmer wools than others? Does the spinning method (woolen or worsted) and the wool preparation (carded or combed) influence the final warmth of the balnket? Thank you very much for the tips you will be able to give. Greetings from Italy Enrica

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Woolen spun yarns will be warmer and lighter, but worsted spun yarns are harder wearing and resist pilling more. Blown yarns are quite warm, are lighter, and resist pilling. The stitch patterns you select will affect warmth, as well. Cabled fabric will require more sts to achieve the same width as a blanket with a plain stitch pattern, which means there is more yarn and therefore more warmth. Stranded colorwork creates two layers of yarn, which makes them warmer. Double knitting creates a two-sided stockinette fabric that is warmer. Brioche will also create a cushier, warmer fabric.

[@enricaapparuti2848]

Thank you so much for your kind help!

[@thegamerwidows]

Finally someone who knits like me. My purl is more Portuguese using my thumb.

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I saw a podcast where the class they had taken made a mug rug (coaster) with their swatches. What a great idea, right?

[@twentynineteen4687]

Your sweater is beautiful!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Thank you! 😊

[@LisetteWijtmans]

Once when I was learning needlebinding, I found something that was saying that z ply works better for needlebinding.

[@FlyLikeADragon]

I'm am knitting quite similar to your style. But I can't understand how people can tension the yarn with the pinky. I always have to wrap the yarn a few times around my findex finger. Because of that I am really struggeling with stranded knitting (but I'm also quite new to stranded knitting)

[@ccam504]

I have a swatch mystery. Swatched my yarn , DK, with recommend needle size & large size swatch for 20sts per 4" . Then swatched up a needle size as I always do. Washed it, let it dry flat. Both sizes were 19 sts per 4" . Counted both sizes 4 times ,couldn't figure out why the large needle swatch got the same count as smaller one. Looked at so many knitting websites & found nothing to address that. It' s still a mystery.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Row gauge changes faster than stitch gauge. It's possible that your row gauge changed with the needle change, even if your stitch gauge did not. If the needles were made of different materials, that could have contributed, too. That is, some people will get *different* gauges with the *same* needle size when the needles are of different materials. So if you used needles of different materials and different sizes, the combination of size/material may have produced the same gauge.

[@vikkizoo1]

My knitting style is very similar to yours. I have friends comment on it. I twist yarn twice around my pinky. I knit much fast than any one in my circle because I am so relaxed. I used to knit English(?) I used to anchor my needle as well. I jokingly call it combat style. I was taught both ways when I was little...my mom one way my Nana the other. It wasn’t until I began crochet that I started using the cocked out index finger. I think something about crochet, which my Nana taught me at about the same time, that her knitting style came back.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

Hi rox! Off topic please. I would like to add the heel stitch to the soles of my socks and when I try it makes the front of the sock taller and shrinks the sole both ways. Can you do a tutorial on how to do this without that happening? Please🌺

[@sherrikent6628]

I think having a swatch on hand would be great if you needed some yarn for a future repair, i always keep a bit just in case.

[@margitaberg3215]

Thank you for expaining. Z-plied yarn is good for two-end knitting. See you tube with Karin Kahnlund, Sweden.

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Have you written to MacAusland's Woollen Mills in PEI? they use vintage machinery (almost 100 years old) and produce great "sticky" yarn and very inexpensive. I just checked and what i'm knitting with is s plied.

[@teresameyer4574]

Appreciated detailed look at the way you knit. I’m one of the slow knitters due to being a right hand thrower and keep trying to learn to use left hand.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You can improve the efficiency of knitting with the yarn in your right hand. I learned to knit continental because my right hand method required anchoring the needle, which made knitting with dpns and circs difficult for me. I still knit English sometimes, depending on the project.

[@SweetMountainCrafts]

I knit very similarly to you. I think my style came from my years of crochet before knitting. I don’t find my hands tiring very easily. Also, how would you identify woolen vs worsted spun in the store?

[@daliamcclintock1491]

I can relate: I crocheted for 40 years & tried knitting with no success. Finally took a lesson from a yarn store owner whose first question was, “show me how you hold your tools.” She saw that I naturally held my yarn on my left and taught me Continental. And I was off and running. Also have learned Portuguese style (I am of Portuguese descent too). Thank you Roxanne for your wonderful detailed explanations!

[@juliegogo2941]

Thanks

[@mammaearly]

I spin Z ply when I make yarn for crochet because it adds twist. If one plys S ply and uses it for crochet the yarn will lose the twist

[@mammaearly]

Z ply adds twist while crocheting. Whereas S ply adds twist while knitting

[@eastlynburkholder3559]

Old timers would knit a swatch and wash the swatch and the knitted item each time. If the item needed patching there was matching material avsilable.

[@catharina2022]

Roxanne you may want to watch this video "the wonderful knitting machine" from Rasec Ozal about sock knitting in the first world war. Greetings from the Netherlands 🙋🏼‍♀️🌷🇱🇺

[@loue6563]

It has always irritated me when someone critisizes anothers method of knitting. It's fine to ask about it but to tell someone they are essential doing it wrong or making a backhanded comment like " how do you do that without your finger cramping or that it looks awkward .... " see comments like that on youtube often. Maybe it makes them feel better to critique someone who is teaching a skill. Thank you for being kind enough to show why you hold it they way you do, but I do not think you should have to justify it. Everyone holds them a little differently, that does NOT mean anyone is wrong! IT is an individuals style and what feels comfortable to them. I stopped knitting for years because someone told me I was doing it wrong, just because I held the yarn in my left hand and she did not. I could not do it the way she did so I just gave up thinking I could not knit. I crocheted first and that was why I held the yarn in my left hand. About 7 years ago I saw a vid of someone holding yarn in their left hand and finnally realized it was not wrong, just different.

[@jeltsjenicolay6440]

Brioche k 2 kleuren