20 things I wish I knew when I started knitting - sharing my tips from over 30 years as a knitter

[@NimbleNeedles]

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[@MrsMcMommyPants]

A reading knitting tutorial - or fixing common mistakes video. And, yes, binding off from the left.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@MrsMcMommyPants I already have a fixing common mistakes video. Reading knitting in in the making and the bind off goes to the list

[@MrsMcMommyPants]

@@NimbleNeedles Thanks! I must have missed it, will check the playlist again.

[@theaprilnesscompton9686]

6 ytZz

[@tonicarter5275]

That cables were easy and that you can knit a sweater on circulars with no seams - thanks for list it was very educational

[@rivamclernon182]

Recently learned that I was NOT knitting and purling incorrectly, as some people have told me.I knit in the Eastern (Russian) method. I was taught by my mother who came from Lithuania and although the finished product always looked as it should, when people saw me knitting, they always commented that I was doing incorrectly. As a result, I tried to change the way I knitted but was never comfortable with another way. Now I know that my way is just a different way, not the wrong way :)

[@ChristineSK]

I just googled Eastern method after seeing your comment and it looks ridiculously easy and efficient! I have to give it a go!

[@rosenahussey9839]

Hello , I'm from Newfoundland, Canada and I just discovered your videos . I used to knit a lot but not the Continental style ... you've inspired me to try it. Thank-you !!!

[@riveranalyse]

Just gave this a google and it's closer to what my hands ended up naturally doing as a beginner trying to do something like the continental style. Also lead me to some videos on "combination knitting" which looks amazing!

[@Silverstreamhomecrafts]

I am left handed and knit continental but because I'm left handed it looks backward when I knit to people. The sheer amount of people who have came up to me and told me I was knitting wrong is shocking, 😅😂

[@Serena-or7sl]

I'm actually switching from the English method to the Eastern method!!! It's so much easier for me than the continental method too.

[@carolynboselli1327]

I saw your demonstration of the English throw method, and finally understood why that waasso much slower than the way I knit. Yarn in right hand but NOT wrapped around the forefinger. I wrap around pinkie to control tension;, then slip forefinger UNDER the yarn so it comes off the front edge of the finger. this means I can flick the finger against the needle tip and the stitch is made. No WRAP involved. It also makes my purl stitches closer to the size of my knit stitches, and thus my knitting tends to be very even. (A knitting teacher once described my work as looking like machine knitting.) My father, and engineer with time and motion study experience told me I was the most efficient knitter he had ever seen. Crocheting gave me tendonitis in the right thumb. Knitting doesn't hurt at all. Note: I take breaks every half hour or so and do a little housework, then go back to the knitting.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, english flicking is a very common and efficient way to knit. Lots of people do it. I don't because it really hurts me. But glad we both found something that works for us, right?

[@gnat127]

When knitting swatches I do a row with a number of yarnovers that matches the number of US needle size I used (6 yos for size US 6 needle). So when I go back to the finished swatch, I don’t have to worry about forgetting which needle size I used. I can just count the holes. This became a favorite trick after I forgot to write down the needle size I used for swatching once and couldn’t remember what I used. It was maddening!

[@NimbleNeedles]

wow! that is one amazing tip Natalia. Thank you for sharing it. I'm so gonna use that!

[@AnneluvsKatz]

Great tip!

[@MorganaDevina80]

That is so smart. I wonder how I can use it for metric :)

[@sujatarai2730]

I really din't get it at all 🤔 after reading too many times pkz. forgive me . I hope in next video we will learn this tricks from nimble needle 🙂

[@MorganaDevina80]

@@sujatarai2730 She adds holes to her swatch. So really you can just add popcorn or yarn over, or whatever you want to your swatch to remember the needle size. 6 yo = size 6 needle. Hope it's more clear to you. 😀

[@ccsullivan9164]

Two weeks ago I bought the’neck’ light and it has been a game changer! Tomorrow morning, Norman, look in the mirror and say out loud “I am an international knitting resource. I change lives for the better.” Watching your tutorials has made me reflect on my own knitting journey and the fact that after 62 years of knitting I am still learning new techniques and best approaches. What joy! With profound gratitude for your kindness and guidance. Knit on.

[@AgelessLady]

Just found your channel. I first learned knitting at be 11. I didn’t do much knitting until I got married. Only knew the basics. Knitted a sweater for my husband, following the pattern. I didn’t know about measuring and checking gauge, so the body of sweater was short and the sleeves to long. Didn’t know how to attach the sleeves. The shoulder seams opened while my husband was at work. I threw it out. Made a baby cardigan which came out great, still have pattern. Some years later I went for instruction at a yarn shop. I made a dress and a two piece dress using 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. I do get intimidated and look for pattterns that I feel I can manage. Two things, a video on seaming together sleeves and making the M1R and M1L, both knit and purl. I knit on circular needles English style. I’m a once in a great while knitter, but would like to do more. acrylic. I was at least able to wear them. Right now I making a baby sweater the calls for M1R, M1L, both the knit and purl doing a German short row

[@uschilou]

This is the best comment because it's so true! Thousands of people always coming here to learn and discover new things. Norman really is a treasure.

[@ladylilithparker]

I'm an American in my 40s, learned how to knit when I was about 8 years old, and knit English style. One of the things I wish I'd known when I started is that it's okay to NOT be an adventurous knitter. I know lots of knitters who want to learn every technique and style, and that's awesome, but it's not a requirement. I occasionally try new techniques (and your videos are an amazing resource for that, Norman!) just to see what they're about, but for the most part, I have my preferred ways of doing things, and staying in my comfort zone allows me to continue to enjoy my knitting, rather than it stressing me out.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Definitely. I think I mentioned that in one my previous videos and I feel this is just such an important aspect. This is a hobby and a hobby should bring joy. So listen to your body and yourself and find where that comfort zone is that you mentioned

[@nannasallynelson3990]

I so agree. I have been knitting since I was about 4, and now I am in my 60's. I made all kinds of lovely, complicated garments as a teen, and now I mostly do stockinette or garter for everything, and just enjoy the colour play. (I have a large stash of UFO's that will one day be unravelled into something else)

[@MyTinyBalcony]

@@nannasallynelson3990 I am primarily a lace knitter, or if I do plain K&P I knit toys, and the most adventurous thing is a picot edge. I have been bored recently, and I decided a foray into cabling was a great idea... Oh boy, now I remember why I hate it. But, I will persevere. I have had a few days off. It is a cardigan on my new Knit Pro Symfonies, as I really dislike circulars. I have them, but I really just don't like them. And on my old wooden faithfuls, I have some straight garter stitch blanket squares for charity. And crocheted granny squares for another 2 projects. I must be super bored. But carry on with the boring knitting. There really is something to be said about it. :)

[@nannasallynelson3990]

@@MyTinyBalcony Yes, many projects, knitting and crochet, and I move from one to the other when I need a change. Blankets for charity are terrific ways to use up scraps, and also charity shop yarns. As all the female members of my family are needlewomen, there is no call for my blankets there...

[@bethyeary8995]

@@nannasallynelson3990 one year I used my scraps into stocking caps. Two grand nephews and their friends wore them for ugly hat days at their school,and collected money for the local food bank.

[@heatherh3457]

Thank you Norman. I absolutely agree about avoiding cheap yarn. No matter how advanced a knitter you become, you cannot compensate for the poor outcome that you get from stiff unyielding yarn. A little discovery I have made is using a salad spinner like a mini washing machine. I can gently and effectively wash smaller items, like hats, socks and even baby sweaters and then spin out water, without causing any warping of the fabric.

[@cristinarivera4511]

I like that idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@hopetoknit1]

One eye opener I learned recently was to use a blunt-tipped needle for, say, worsted weight yarns and a pointed-end needle for finer yarns. I assumed it was a flaw in the yarn until I switched to a blunt tip for worsted weight, and it solved the problem.

[@rosemariegabriel4456]

I learned to knit in high school (1967) from a Belgian Nun. We hold our needle in our right armpit. I'm now 70 yrs old and knitting again. Thanks for your tips. I'm from the Philippines.

[@MmeRhyter]

I got interested in when I was in the 4th grade. We were supposed to be learning to weave a potholder. She took some of the cotton strands were were supposed to use in our weaving and a couple of pencils and started knitting with them. I was fascinated. She showed me how to do it too. I was hooked. I came home and asked my Mom if she knew how to knit. She didn't, but she signed us up for classes at the local Sears store. I made slippers and some scarfs, but I needed to know more, so she had a friend at work that knitted. We went to visit her and she taught me more of the basics. Then I had a neighbor that taught me some more about knitting, so 60 years later, I'm still knitting.

[@MJStPeter]

Ravelry was one of the greatest things that ever happened to my knitting. The people are great, there are lots of free patterns, SO MUCH information, and lots of help. Reading another knitter's comments about a project, pattern, or yarn has saved me a lot of problems, and given me lots of inspiration. I've made so many friends, and it's a great community - lots of varied interests, topics, discussions and SUPPORT, for everyone and anything.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I'm very happy to hear you found a place you can call your knitting home!

[@nell6913]

I've been knitting for 66 years, but thinking back, the biggest revelation was using circular needles in place of straight ones, and doing regular knitting in the round. Best tip I can give is to keep your needles at 90 degrees from each other, which produces even, consistent stitches and not having to hope that blocking will fix unevenness.

[@klrp3248]

Thank you!

[@dawnboysen2821]

I am a beginner and the church ladies that I knit/crochet with got me off of the straight needles. Straight needles always got caught in the sleeves of my robe when I was knitting at night watching TV. I feel circular needles are so much easier to control also.

[@lindaneilsen5604]

@Dawn: Haven’t used straight needles in a long time, they got in the way too. Double needles are fine as they are shorter.

[@nell6913]

@@binanocht6110 Yes, circular needles are the ones with two needles attached to a plastic cord. They come in all sizes. They can be uses for flat knitting or knitting in the round. Also you can put stops at the ends and use two circular sets as separate needles for big things like afghans. The flexibility and length are the advantages. I had always had a thing in my head that circular needles were only for working in the round. But no, just get to the end of the row of a flat knitting piece and reverse the work as you would with straight needles. I don't know much about knitting machines, so sorry, I can't help there.

[@cristinarivera4511]

@@nell6913Agree! I just started knitting and could not handle the long needles. I’ve crochet for a while and can’t do Tunisian with long hooks either, but love interchangeables. Decided to do the same for knitting and it makes a big difference!

[@juliaalenakraus8842]

I am German and my grandmother taught me knitting, but we both forgot about it. Later on I learned it with KZbin (first throwing) and then I wanted to learn continental. It took a few attempts and a longer break until my tension was consistent. Later on, my grandmother was so proud of what I made and showed it off at the nursery home. I wish she could see what I am able to make now.

[@jfager100]

I switched to continental knitting years ago, about 2002, but could Not purl continental. Someone in my knitting group said, waving a hand, "Oh, just Norwegian purl!" There was one -1- paragraph of text with a line drawing and arrows in the picture online. This was Way Before knitting became popular online, and way before Ravelry. I spent 3 days, about 8 hours a day, sweating, mumbling, and cursing, holding up my knitting against the monitor and making the yarn go in the direction of the arrows. I Finally Got it!!! I have never looked back. That was the day I became a Knitter. I'm left-handed. I was taught English knitting in school in Ireland in 1960. The year I switched to Continental knitting and Norwegian purling was the year I came up for air after being under water for 40 years. Changed My Life.😊

[@DuchessMcFluffins]

Same. I knit continental and then do the Norwegian purl. It was such a difference. I used to hate purling because of how it strained my hand, but with the Norwegian purl I don't struggle anymore

[@julsbendandi9374]

@DuchessMcFluffins I am going to try this ❤❤❤❤

[@CraftyBugHandmade]

I am a crocheter (regular and Tunisian) and I’ve been trying on and off to knit for years. I realize now that I’ve been trying to learn English knitting and once I tried continental it all finally clicked for me. I love the variety and flexibility of knitting!

[@Kait-mx6th]

The same for me! My aunt taught me English style years ago and within a day I had switched myself over to continental because holding the yarn in the left hand felt so natural. Luckily I have a wonderful aunt who said she didn’t know how to knit that way, but I should do whatever felt right to me!

[@sallys.2707]

It's fun because I'm also a crocheter and I HATE continental style knitting😅😅😂.

[@danl1451]

I am generally the same but hate continental purling lol!

[@dees3179]

I keep hoping continental will work for me as a crocheter. But although better than English I am still struggling. I just suck and keep creating wonky inadvertent lace. I can never tell what I’m looking at. Crochet is so simple in comparison. I just don’t understand why I don’t understand knitting. I’ve been trying off and on for four decades. Crochet took me about a week to get sorted.

[@chrisberry9017]

That makes so much sense! I learnt to knit first, so crotchet like I knit - holding the yarn in the right hand, and throwing the yarn round the hook. It looks ‘kack handed’, but works for me!

[@Rozewolf]

I knit English style. I've been learning to do two colour knitting with one colour in each hand. I also learned that I work better with wooden needles than with plastic or metal ones. The metal ones hurt my hands. As for projects, I'm not very adventurous, but I love the socks, shawls, and hats that I make. As for swatches... For me it depends on what I am making. Most often, I knit them to see what kind of shrinkage I'll run into if the project gets washed wrong.

[@fredquinn3919]

When I made the switch from English to Continental style my knitting (and also my enjoyment of knitting) improved dramatically. I'm faster, I have less finger fatigue and my gauge is so much more consistent. It took a while to master the purl in continental but Roxanne Richardson's videos on continental purling made all the difference. Thanks for the great advice NimbleNeedles!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, I feel the same. Especially as I sitting so much in front of the computer, holding my mouse in the right hand. English just don't really work for me.

[@jowetthelen518]

Hi, I do "Northern" English knitting and on straight needles I hold the right one under my arm. It's the way I learned age 6 and I can knit quite fast. I must have a go at continental....sometime. I am only just getting the hang of dpns and short circular- no length to tuck under my arm. Norman, your explanations are great

[@jacquiheasman2048]

@@jowetthelen518 I’m a southerner and also knit with the right needle under my arm. Never met anyone else that does this. Didn’t know it is a northern thing. Definitely faster than the way my grandma taught me!

[@jowetthelen518]

Very common 'up North'. Apparently there is an invisible line across the UK with one side doing armpit Knitting and the other one not. Strange!

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@jowetthelen518 interesting! Guess it has to do with crofters?

[@arlaheikkinen1269]

I had a revelation after a lot of struggle with fallen stitches. I realized I don't need to unravel 2-3 full rows to rescue a fallen stitch: I can knit it back through the rows even if it fell through a bunch of them. So much less frustration!

[@katrinkarlsdottir]

Lifelines when knitting lace were my biggest discovery. I am from Texas, self taught from books, right handed English-style knitter. S spin vs Z spin also effects my stitches. (I am a spinner too) Knitting is like magic, we take the yarn, some sticks, a sheet of secret code (charts or written abbreviations), wave our hands around for a while and poof there is a finished object. I save swatches to use s pockets o to treat like granny squares to make swatch blankets. It was good practice to lean seaming techniques.

[@NimbleNeedles]

so glad you mention that. Yes...i wish more people were aware of the difference between an S or a Z spin..or how cabled yarns (or whatever) influence your fabric. It's such a fundamental and vital information...and I doubt even 10% of all knitters are aware of it.

[@cindyfrye3026]

I have seen memes online that say yarn crafts are done by witches. They sit with the yarn and sticks mumbling unknown words and end up with something marvelous.

[@kj3d812]

6:45 THANK YOU, NORMAN for mentioning Portuguese knitting! 😃 Most of the time we Portuguese-style knitters get left out of the discussion, with all the focus on English or Continental styles. Portuguese style is used in many countries, including Portugal, Peru, Greece, Turkey, and more. I'm in the U.S. and Portuguese knitting is singlehandedly the reason I am now a knitter. I tried English and Continental styles several times and failed miserably, which resulted in years of believing "I can crochet like a master but I cannot knit." Big bonus is that Portuguese style is much easier on the hands, which is of ever-increasing value as I get older.

[@goblinspoons]

I'm from the US, and just started knitting in February. I do continental style because I come from 10+ years of crocheting, and a year of tunisian crochet helped me transition into knitting. I'm finishing up my first beanie and planning out a sweater. So excited to make garments. I've been finding all these videos so helpful as I'm getting started.

[@joannathesinger770]

I learned to knit--very basically--Continental--when I was 10 in Germany as a little girl. We moved back to the States later that year...and they were knitting English...and I hadn't been taught the difference. All I could do is make knots and I was so frustrated. After college, I signed up for a two color knitting class at a local knit shop...and the heavens parted!!! You have to know BOTH ways in order to two color knit!!! I am now 65...and I STILL prefer the Continental way. It just seems FAR more efficient!!! I just signed up for a Knit Along year-long project which teaches you how to read the Japanese charts and we went through some of the basics tonight...one of which was starting to cable. In the meantime, I've decided to get my knitting back up to speed, so I decided to knit a scarf...with stripes at the ends. It should go quickly...just doing a stockinette stitch...but I haven't knitted in at least 20 years. I'm also taking a butterfly shawl class next month...and a basic spinning class beginning in mid-February! I'm soooo excited!!!

[@carolinesheffield5434]

For years, I tried to keep track of how many rows I had knit by keeping a tally on the pattern. When I learned that I could very easily just count the rows by counting the number of stitches up a stockinette column, it was a game changer. Now I put an opening stitch marker on a stockinette stitch, and add a marker every 10 rows. No more worrying about miss counting. As long as there is stockinette somewhere on the piece, this is so easy.

[@christinehaylock8428]

Try a running stitch marker. Take a long piece of sock yarn and place it between a couple stitches near the beginning, and every four or six rows, flip it forward or back, so in the end you have a vertical count of your rows. I jog it horizontally if I start something significant like shaping or decreases. Very helpful.

[@habituscraeftig]

Being able to unravel and start from scratch is such a definite advantage for knitting over sewing mockups.

[@lyah3550]

i started knitting less than a month ago and i am so grateful for your channel. your explanations are so detailed but they are never overwhelming. some other videos don't explain the "why", they don't explain beyond the surface. the way you teach is so much easier to understand and remember. thank you so much

[@cardwitch91]

I recently took knitting to help with my anxiety (to occupy my hands) and the process is purely a meditative thing for me. While I feel like I’m still learning, the English throwing method has become something of a zen process for me. I’m still learning - but I will try my best to only do what makes me feel comfortable, not what others think is right. Thank you for this video! It really affirmed my feelings and that I made the right choice choosing this hobby! 💙

[@champagnesupernova5745]

Lifelines!! My mother taught me to knit 50+ yes ago, I never heard of lifelines until 5 yes ago. Knowing I can put in a lifeline allowed me to tackle complicated patterns without so much angst! And yes, life is too short so use some lovely yarns. Finally, learning to spin taught me so much about species fleece, twist, and types of plies for different uses and results. 👍😻

[@Sssssssssssssss9492]

Norman, you are a wealth of knitting knowledge. I have recently retired and can build my knitting and crocheting skills. I’m so glad I found your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and keep up the excellent work.

[@Kagamishoshi]

My mom is lefthanded that was retaught to "be righthanded" in her early years. When I (when I was a child) saw her knitting - I was amazed as she doesn`t turn a project to the backside and just use left hand as main when the row ends like a machine. The first thing after casting and basic stitches that I tried to teach myself was to use both hands too. I am pretty amateur knitter and my stitches are very jumpy, but they are the same from both hands so I am very proud of myself)

[@hannah4peace]

A mother of a dance student in the class before mine knit back and forth without turning her work and while I never tried it I am fairly ambidextrous so at 74 I still might try it!

[@Kagamishoshi]

@@hannah4peace good luck!)

[@marshaburlingame3760]

I'm in California. My grandmother taught me to knit as a child, English style. I taught myself to knit continental because it seemed more efficient. I put knitting aside for parenting, work, and other hobbies and finally picked it up again 10 or 15 years ago. My epiphany was attending my first Stitches West marketplace, at a convention for fiber artists where I was exposed to high-quality yarn. My mantra now is "Life is too short to knit with cheap yarn." If it doesn't feel nice against my skin, I won't knit with it. I also switched to cubic interchangeable cable needles. I use two whenever possible instead of DPNs. I wish I had known the difference using good yarn and needles would make or I would not have missed out on so many years of knitting!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Amen to that. I know I am coming from a priviledged place but the amount of time I spend on my finished projects...sometimes 40 hours or so...constantly in contact with the yarn makes me regret every project where I had to deal with yarn that felt like sandpaper or left my hands all sweaty ;-)

[@dawnboysen2821]

@@NimbleNeedles I agree! I rub the yarn against my neck first and if I like it, I will use it. I made a couple of scarves as a beginner and I won't even wear them because they are itchy.

[@aripeyanongo9289]

Hi, I am from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬. Knitting and Crocheting is not part of our culture. We make bilums (traditional bags made from bush ropes grown in the jungle however now we do use synthetic yarn as well. Unfortunately, I didn't really learn to make a bilum, because I was in boarding school all my schooling life. Now I live in Australia🇦🇺. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought I'd start acquiring some new skills. Crochet, I find easy, however knitting is kind of challenging. I am very happy to have seen your video, and going thru most of the comments, I am learning a-lot, as well. I am loving my journey so far. I hope in a year's time, I will have gained good grounds, and have some nice knitted items. I hope to see more of your videos and learn more to help me on my knitting journey, thanks🙋🏽‍♀️

[@NimbleNeedles]

Oh wow! I always wanted to visit PG. As a trained linguist, your country is beyond interesting. Sooo many beautiful languages! welcome to my channel. very happy to have you here!

[@cheneyslaw1295]

The most wholesome person on the planet.

[@45201951]

A continental beginner knitter From Vancouver BC Canada I love your videos So easy to follow

[@lindawong371]

I am from China, I learned knitting from my mother when I was young. The knitters that I know in China are using English style. I just started knitting again after more than 25 years, and I found your channel. Now I can use continental style well. I bought an interchangeable needle set last month. I could not decide which brand to buy until I saw your videos. Now I am knitting a pair of socks with magic loop (of course I learned this from your videos as well) for my mother. Thank you Norman!🤩

[@luisamaita2366]

Norman I recently find your KZbin channel and I am so pleased!! I bought the light you recommended and it was from earth to heaven!! Thank you thank you!! I have been crocheting and knitting for about 40+ years.. my eyes thanks to you!! I was doing a amigurumi in black crochet thread.. with the light everything got much clear and easier.. Danke schön

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, I felt the same about the light! glad it helps you as well!

[@patalm7548]

I'm a Portuguese knitter and I never realized that there was different styles until I came to the UK. A whole new world opened up. ❤️ Thanks for your videos

[@NimbleNeedles]

I can only agree. It's so fascinating to learn about different styles and knitting traditions.

[@susanboyd6592]

I don't even know what makes Portuguese knitting different than continental, English or the others. I just know it exists.

[@patalm7548]

@@susanboyd6592 mainly is the way you tense your yarn. Most styles the yarn comes from the front, Portuguese it comes around the neck or knitting pin.

[@sarahbruck7538]

Another bouquet of inspiring tips from the Amazing Norman - Thank you! When I first knitt, my mother told me to pull the yarn tight after each stitch, so I did…..until I had a small stretched-out yarn so tight I couldn’t pass the needle, any needle, through the stitch. Failure to communicate? Probably failure to comprehend. Here in Southern California, I picked up knitting 50 years later. I too am hooked,..Er…needled on this wonderful, rewarding, ever-growing world of yarn creations. My daughter asked for my old gauge swatches, and came back to me later with them in a design and asked me to sew her a blanket with them for her bed at college! Upcycled swatch blanket! I used to practice new stitches on the same yarn which grew into a “sampler scarf” that I put her name in, with a little hat to match. When that wool scarf got washed with jeans, accidentally, she asked if I would make her a replacement. To stop her tears, I agreed. That girl chose the 14’ - yes fourteen feet! - (4.3 meters!) Dr Who scarf. I love love love your videos, thank you so much for all you shared wisdom. BUT! Please don’t tease us with a partial view of a sweater I think you must have knitted - I need to admire your work!

[@NimbleNeedles]

there you go: nimble-needles.com/patterns/sweater-knitting-pattern-love/ :P

[@sylviakalisch3656]

@@NimbleNeedles Thanks, I was wondering the same thing and love the pattern and colours!

[@jhale6699]

You are so funny. This video was extremely enlightening and helpful. I'm a self-taught knitter of eleven years and you are imparting knowledge that will improve everything I knit! You're a mentor that I've never had and such a pleasent friend to listen to. Thank you. 😊

[@CapitalJforJen]

Yes yes yes! Circular interchangeable needles was a game changer. Never lose the other needle of a set. Slide your work onto the cable when you set it down and you’re unlikely to have stitches slide off the ends. My favourite tip is using Ravelry! The internet has opened up a world of information. The online community is extremely helpful. Great video, Norman. I’ve learned some new things. PS English knitter here. It was how I learned in the beginning.

[@danielleb1253]

My favorite tip is that there's a video for *everything*. Whenever I look at a pattern and there's a stitch I'm not familiar with I can zip on over to youtube and find at least 3 different tutorials on exactly how to do it. I never thought to do decreases on the wrong side before! I'm very excited by the ultimate list of decreases on your blog and can't wait to do my own comparisons.

[@littlelimax3739]

My tip is to use the right needle material for you. I first learned on metal needles that were so slippery, I was always dropping stitches. Switching to bamboo for a few years helped me get the hang of things, and now I'm back to metal, so I can work faster.

[@CodexPotter]

Truly! I only use the wood/epoxy hybrid needles for wrist pain reasons(my bones don't connect properly). For so long I thought I couldn't do fiber arts because crochet hurt, and knitting hurt with metal and plastic needles. Crochet still hurts but now I've been knitting over a decade with the correct needles for my specific needs.

[@gagandeepkaur2014]

The eye opening thing for me was you, your channel. I'm always waiting for your videos. Fron the way you describe things to colors you choose for tutorials, everything makes me happy. I'm always ready to learn more from you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...thank you so much. Always happy to hear when someone tells me my way of explaining things work for them!

[@MissWayLucas]

I'll second this! Seriously, Norman, your videos and your site have made learning techniques so much easier. When there's a stitch I don't know or a new cast on technique I want to learn, I check with you before I go anywhere else ☺️

[@OrteOliv56]

I would like to share my experience knitting it was great challenging. I learned to knit with two long nails the continental system, when I was five years old, my mother tried to teach me but she had no patience, rather she challenged me and hit me, then alone in the garden I tried to understand how it was done, and it became easy for me. , but I had disassembled "weaving" the piece, I was left with the thread. I didn't even go near mom all day because what I done. Then, I didn't want to know all about knitting what ever I tried many times for my lovely family, never I finish the projects. Until in my 67 years old really want it to learn thank for a lady whos want me to do interesting projects. She is very amazing lady . Thank to her and you for your channel.

[@LizCanKnit]

I spent so many years being so hard on myself, trying to be perfect. I wish I had slowed down, enjoyed my early knitting more.

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh yes...very well said Elizabeth. I notice this a lot with new knitters.

[@Katnip7770]

After some months of rage-knitting (my husband’s observation) I’ve learned to embrace “the suck” without high expectations. I’m now making some progress in knitting a sock. I just need to find a house elf to give it to.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@Katnip7770 if you could use it to lure away the sock gnomes in my house, I would be much obliged, hahaha! xD

[@susanboyd6592]

@@Katnip7770 I like it to music. With thousands of notes in a piece few will ever play a song perfectly. It's just a matter of those mistakes not being noticible. Learn what you can live with mistakes wise. You will usually be the only one who knows. Art is not about perfection but how well you can camoflage mistakes. When you realize that and relax things tend to become so much easier and enjoyable.

[@michiyaslana5974]

I’m knitting my first ever project right now (a sweater vest) and I was so frustrated with gauge. The yarn used by the designer is not available in my country, I don’t have a thousand needles to switch between, so imagine the joy I felt when I found out I can MATH THE GAUGE INTO SUBMISSION. And math said that all I needed to do was follow the instructions for a bigger size, and it’s gonna turn out fitting mine! Amazing!

[@laurenbrender3671]

For me it was the tip to keep a matching size or a size lower crochet hook with the project in case of dropped stitch. Honestly this saved my neck more than once

[@violetofthevalley]

My biggest game changer was discovering Turkish style knitting (also sometimes called Portuguese knitting). It helped enormously with my tension and speed, and decreased hand pain a lot.

[@kameliapandaklieva2453]

This is a very helpful video, thank you! I am from Bulgaria and originally I was taught to knit by my grandmother when I was a child (although I didn't seriously pick up knitting until a little over a year ago). I just recently found out that the style of knitting she taught me is called Portuguese. I didn't know about anything else until about the end of 2020 when I wanted to replicate a store bought hat, I found out that I didn't know how to make some things (a lot, it turns out), and I searched on the internet. I saw people knitting and holding the yarn in their hands, which confused me a lot (I would try to learn a stitch and I would find a tutorial but I wouldn't be able to understand it easily because their hands and fingers did such weird to my eyes things), but I also thought, what a great idea. The last time I had knit something was a simple scarf and the skin on my neck got way too sore in the process. So I watched some videos and I learned continental knitting, then later I learned Norwegian purling, and as of today I am actually learning to knit English style. I am kind of a newish knitter (not counting all the years during which I knew how to do just a few simple stitches) but I did have one discovery while I was making my research this time, and it was about trying to learn a stitch through video tutorials. I was so confused initially because I was watching the movements of the hands and fingers, and of course they were doing nothing like I was used to (I didn't know how my style of knitting was called back then so I couldn't search for videos in this style). Everything became much more clear to me when I started focusing on the way the yarn moves around the needle and the other yarn. So this would be my tip, when watching a video to learn a stitch, follow the yarn. Then it doesn't matter that much whether the person showing the stitch holds the needles and manipulates the yarn the same way that you do.

[@libbyworkman3459]

Number 15 invest in good lighting. I have recently purchased a gooseneck LED table lamp that was pricey but well worth the extra cost. it now illuminates my knitting and you are absolutely correct Norman, lighting makes all the difference.

[@kaninmonster]

My biggest game changer was magic loop technique and bamboo needles! I tried metallic dpns when I was 15 but the sts just kept falling off and it was so frustrating, the leg warmers I was making became only one and after that I didn't knit for 10 years. Then a friend showed me magic loop with interchangeable wooden needles and a whole new world opened! The sts didn't fall off and the wood is so much more comfortable to knit with, metallic needles hurt my hands a lot because they are so stiff! Also when I started to relax more and let my tension become looser knitting became easier and more fun. Before the sts were so tight on my needles so I could barely get the other needle through them 😂 understanding when to change needle sizes has helped me a lot! Now I've been knitting happily for the last 10 years and learning so much all the time thanks to youtubers like yourself and other helpful people. The love in the knitting community makes me so happy! 😄 💖 Thank you so much Norman for sharing your knowledge and making great thorough videos!

[@debbielavers9836]

I realized that a knitting project is not done in a few hours, most knitters put their project aside and do everyday chores . M’octroya projects take a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your life is at that time.milked a book , you want to take your time and enjoy the process. Love this episode. Great job!

[@Saragracetk]

What is M'octroya? I googled it but no luck!

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

Debbie what is M'kchoiya?

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

Moctroya patterns?

[@debbielavers9836]

@@heathersharp-keys8240 Sorry I ment micro projects.

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

Ohh, that makes sense. I was really hoping it was a new kind of knitting or a new designer 😊

[@pampeterson5547]

Hi I am from Northern Ireland and live in England … my mother taught me to knit when I was 5 years old … I had knitting classes in school from I was 7 years old til I was 11 … I started knitting Aran when I was 14 years old and use the English technique … I am 73 years old now and continue to seek to learn better techniques Thank you for your tutorials … we are never too old to learn … I am glad to have found you and look forward to learning more from you 😉

[@ajepson]

I'm from the Western US. I taught myself to knit from KZbin about 12 years ago. I'd learned to crochet when I was young, and I found that holding my yarrn and work was so much simpler, and familiar to me, by knitting Continental, but I didn't know that style had a name for a while! At the time, I knew no other knitters an I really would have loved having someone to answer specific questions.

[@al3xanttt]

I’m from Ohio, USA. Honestly I’m so grateful for this video I didn’t know there was different styles!

[@olivia8977]

I'm from the US and started crocheting first with my yarn in my left hand, so you can possibly imagine that I had a lot of trouble trying to get myself used to English knitting, as in the US most resources teach English style. I thought I was just really bad at knitting, but once I discovered continental style knitting everything just clicked! I was able to easily and quickly get through projects and realized, it wasn't just me, it was the style of knitting that had been holding me back!

[@melodywelsh2315]

I’m from the US and a retired grandma. I learned to knit when I was a teenager and have knitted off and on my whole life. After I retired I have gotten back into knitting and crocheting. I have been learning so much. I’m an English knitter and a Continental crocheter. Some people have tried to talk me into doing continental knitting, they say I can knit faster. I knit a pair of socks in 6 days using 9 in circular needles for most of the sock, dpns for the heel flap, and magic loop for the toes. I find this works well for me. I like to knit while I relax and so I’m not trying to be super fast. I find magic loop for socks slows me down because I’m always fiddling with the needles and cord. With 9 in I can just keep on going. I haven’t learned German short row but I have some videos to help me learn. Thanks for your videos they are very helpful.

[@kathykimsey4019]

Hi. I just started knitting and I’m a continental knitter. My current projects are stockings for Christmas presents 🎁. Your lessons are wonderful and pleasant to listen to. Thank you & blessings 🇺🇸

[@toddaustin4686]

I Have just discovered you and feel SO VERY LUCKY !

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! I feel honored to have you here!

[@sarahmatthews2737]

I’m from New York and I’m a continental knitter. I started as a crocheter so holding the yarn in my left hand felt natural. I just learned knitting a year ago with KZbin so anything I want to know I search through your videos 😂

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, i originally started out with crochet as well, but then switched to knitting rather quickly and felt the same!

[@sarahmatthews2737]

@@NimbleNeedles I like the way knitting looks so much more than crochet. Especially when it comes to garments. They just look so much more polished looking than crochet to me. I’m completely obsessed with knitting and never crochet anymore!

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@sarahmatthews2737 welcome to the dark side, haha

[@sarahmatthews2737]

@@NimbleNeedles Thank you!!! I love it here! 🖤 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 Your videos are so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@ianandmaureen9518]

I'm from the UK and a continental knitter. Like you I have always crocheted and never got to grips with English knitting. I have learned to knit the continental way just a few years ago and it came much more easily, now I love both crochet and knitting.

[@lindean2013]

I'm from the mid United States and my southern grandmother taught me how to knit house shoes using english style knitting. Once she passed I learned and switched to continental to compensate for health issues. It was so helpful to just be able to pick the stich instead of throwing one, add in a yarn guide ring and I was set. I wish I had known that a leather thimble is great for working with the smaller size, sharp, knitting needles.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Techniques that really helped me over the years : Blocking, Judy's magic cast on, german short rows, Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind off, The Finchley Graft which is so much simpler then the Kitchener graft. I am from Canada and I am an english style flikker, I so wish I could learn continental, but every time I try my tension is so uneven I end up ripping and knitting english way. Just don't seem to be able to make the switch. Snif, snif ... My favorite tips today : stretch, take breaks, watch your posture. More and more I like to buy non superwash yarn, it find it warmer and more durable. Some non superwash are also very soft. I love local yarn, like Fleece & Harmony from P.E.I. Canada, they produce the yarn from sheep to finish product, with the farm, mill, store business, and they are great caring people.

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you for adding these tips. And yeah..superwash yarn is a great invention!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@NimbleNeedles In fact I prefer non superwash yarn

[@msg4925]

When I first learned how to knit Continental, I had a similar experience. What I did was pick a felted project and knitted it Continental -this way, I got a lot practice with Continental style but as I then felted the project, you couldn’t see how wonky my stitches and tension was 😁

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@msg4925 Great tip Thanks ! Might try some felted slippers.

[@artemisrose3065]

For more even tension, I recommend the so-called Combination knitting. I am biased because that is how I learnt in the first place, but I have found that it makes the knit and purl stitches most similar. For tension in general, you can try to wrap the working thread over your finger multiple times instead of letting it slip through. It can slow you down a bit since you have to re-wrap every time it's low, but it lets you set the tension through the way you hold your finger and it gives you lots of control that way. :)

[@SchlafliedSensor]

Norman, I love how you say reading a chart "is nothing mathematical, you have to treat it like an own language that uses symbols instead of letters". - That is 100% what math does. As an english and math student and an avid knitter of 10-12 yrs experience, i had a little chuckle to myself. I love your work! Thank you for sharing so much

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, tho my meaning here is actually a bit different. Yes, mathematical formulas can be quite a bit like language..however...I'd draw the line where math is a condensation of reality while knitting charts typically just depict reality 1:1.

[@auntielhandmade2099]

My grandmother taught me to knit as soon as I could hold the needles. She taught me continental knitting. My biggest revelation is that working with my hands (knitting or sewing) soothes my soul

[@robinmcgann3777]

From the US, now living in Slovakia. Learned to knit English throw (didn't even know there was any other way because that was what the book said to do) when I was in my teens. I wish I had known about the many other types of cast-ons and what they were good for because I was never satisfied with my knitting. Now I'm 70 and starting over after a hiatus os 20 years. Thank God for KZbin and for you, Norman, because those book illustrations drove me batty. Just seeing someone knitting a different technique, the ability to slow it down, to watch it over and over while practicing the method is AMAZING!

[@bethanypisani8706]

Thank you, Norman. I came across your KZbin channel a couple of weeks ago. I was instantly excited to hear more about what you had to say. I was taking my dog for a walk today and wanted something quality to listen to, so I found this video that’s just shy of 30 minutes. Perfect time for walking my dog in cold winter 30-degree weather. I really enjoyed it. I was taught English knitting, and still do that, though sometimes I’ve done continental when following videos and patterns online. I am in America. Thank you for taking this time to share so much! You make me excited to learn more from you!

[@scratchiepatchie]

Years ago I started knitting. A friend started, and I followed. Nobody taught me how, and I learned from a book. Some older people made fun of me, saying I was doing it al wrong etc. (they maybe had a point, but their comments were not really friendly, so I did not listen). In the end I had a stiff neck and shoulders, and quit. The one scarf I started is still in the closet. Only a few weeks ago I learned from my crafting group (were some knit and crochet, and I do everything but knitting or chrochet), that there is knitting with shorter needles, and that it is a lot easier on the neck and shoulders than knitting with those long needles held in your armpit. Now that is what I call an epiphany. And now I found this channel, and I am gradually taking on a new hobby (apart from different kinds of embroidery, sewing and beading). Thank you Norman, for showing me around :D

[@juleeperkins8142]

I'm from Alabama and am a self-taught Continental knitter. I learned crochet in first grade so it was the perfect style for me. I really began to enjoy the process once I switched to circular needles. Straight needles were so frustrating since I was used to a crochet hook.

[@mariajoaoc2703]

Hello Norman. I'm Maria João from Portugal and I started knitting again in December 2023. I've tried knitting before, but I've never really appreciated how satisfying it is to knit a piece. It was only after discovering how wonderful it is to sew your own pieces of clothing that I looked at a wool bag and a knitted half piece again and felt it was worth giving it another chance and seeing what came out of it. Meanwhile, I had already given all my needles to my sister and was out of needles. So, I started by buying a good circular needle. And some good wool (I wanted to start over on a project where everything was good, materials and tools). But I was missing something else: the selvedges always looked horrible to me). And I started looking for channels on KZbin, including yours, which, even before discovering this video, had already opened my eyes to a series of things that you just mentioned: knitting styles! I think the Portuguese style of knitting is obviously my most natural way, but after searching like crazy for clean and elegant edges, I decided that for the selvedges, I knit the first two and the last two stitches of each row in English style and the rest in my native style: Portuguese. Because the Portuguese style, which weaves from the front, always makes selvedges with small knots and never in chains, which made me sad. So, I learned from you that WE CAN EVEN COMBINE STYLES IN THE SAME PIECE!! Interestingly, other tips you give here, I follow intuitively, such as the light (yes, I already bought a neck lamp like yours), resting between periods of knitting and not having problems making mistakes (I already stopped that with sewing) . So, congratulations on your channel, on the content you offer us and especially on this video! May 2024 bring you good knitting projects and many successes!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! Happy to be part of your knitting journey ❤️

[@maddienewo2228]

Thank you - I am a knitter of over 4 decades in the U.K. so never felt the need to watch tutorials on knitting until I started making socks. That’s when I started getting tutorial suggestions & discovered continental knitting - Wow I never knew I didn’t have to ‘throw’!! It’s going to take a lot of practicing but I believe it will enable me to knit much longer as I grow old as there’s less movement & stress on the hands - I am determined to achieve this & I’m grateful for your knowledge Norman - Game-changer 😁

[@maddienewo2228]

My tip - I laminate my patterns & stick post it notes on which I make notes on & I know where I am.

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's a great suggestion :)

[@berkeley8988]

I’m a continental knitter from Los Angeles California, my father is German from Frankfurt and I learned to knit in fashion design school. I’m so grateful to learn from you because we knit the same style and that’s important to me for learning purposes.

[@Godhelpus62]

Awesome tips! I’ve been knitting for years and learned a lot of great things in this video! I sometimes teach new stitches or patterns to my sister and I sent her a good set of interchangeable needles plus a great knitting light. I can’t live without them. I love to knit with darker colors and doing so without a knitting light is just not wise. Taking breaks is so important too. Thanks for letting everyone learn from your great knowledge! Blessings! 💗🙏🏻🧶

[@fyrebrite1]

I've been crocheting for many years. I've played with the idea off and on to learn to knit. And finally took the plunge a few weeks ago. These type videos help me so much. And somethings already make sense from a crochet point, and some it's nice to see how it transitions to knitting. I've looked up tons of videos to get me started. Tons of patterns to see what I want to try and what's out there. I've found charts are scary but I want to gain the experience to fully understand. It's a slow process, but this video gives me hope that I'll get there!

[@jackpickett2288]

I truly appreciate you and your knitting videos. You are a fantastic teacher and you always give your viewers so many options. Thank you, Norman.

[@angiebrockhurst6387]

I'm from Western Canada and I learned to knit from my mother with the English method. I learned from KZbin videos how to knit Continental style about 5 years ago and find it much faster! I switch hands every now and then to give myself a break, but learning Continental style has been a godsend when it comes to Fair Isle projects, when I use both hands with different colours. I love your videos!

[@magorzatabozyk1961]

My grandma taught me how to knit a simple sweater and hat when I was 10 😂 Now I'm 30 and last year I wanted to knit a hat. Unfortunately she wasn't with me anymore so I started to google and WOW I didn't know there are so many other ways to knit! Thank you for all your knowledge :)

[@rosalinafarol7036]

When I first started to knit, about 15 years ago, my friends taught me the long tail cast on. Many projects later, I found out about the knit cast on and cable cast on, and have never looked back. My friends, who had all been knitting for years, had never heard of these other cast ons. I thank my public library for the end of those tearful days.😢. Now, of course, there’s YT.

[@Cre-Art]

Aha! The part about changing needle sizes for a ribbed cuff, for example, is very helpful. If I want to create an effect and have something narrow slightly and temporarily, I can use a smaller needle instead of decreasing. (This is for my own free style designs.) I'll test it out and see how it goes on my next project. Very happy to have discovered your channel and blog-which is chock full of everything I needed. Thank you. Now back to the video. :)

[@charlotteeardly7235]

I am French and left handed. My French grandmother used to knit in what you call the English style ( throwing). She held the needles up beautifully, she was throwing the yarn with her right index finger while holding/ balancing the needles in her hands. I was never able to hold my needles like her because I am a true left hander. Instead, I " stick" the right needle upright against my leg and knit by moving my left hand only. The only thing I move with my right hand is the yarn I throw. It looks totally wrong and awkward 😬 but I actually knit fast and produce good quality knitting. You are so right to acknowledge everybody is different. Love your videos, you are very knowledgeable and soothing. Thanks for all your work, patience and dedication xxx

[@saraw8503]

I am in coastal NC, US. My mother crocheted and taught me the craft. I was retired when I decided I wanted to learn knitting. Local yarn shop offered class and she taught English throwing. I tried it but was clumsy because my left hand wanted to hold the yarn. Then I discovered later my style was continental. I do use both when doing colorwork.

[@Cait683]

I’m a crocheter too and I have been STRUGGLING on learning on how to knit.

[@cheryltompkins3090]

I have been officially knitting for 5 days. Tried before but everyone taught English style. As a long time crocheter, it just didn't make sense to my brain, and felt wrong to my hands. I saw Continental style and am now knitting and purling with joy.

[@barrgunphotos]

Wow! I've been knitting and crocheting since I was about 6-7 years old, now at 67 I'm learning so much more. Thank you. I did try a Brioch stitch some years ago and failed. Some of the biggest Ahh Haa moments I've had years ago was the magic loop, and knitting socks from the toe up is so much easier once you know how to cast on. Circs were an absolute wonder for me too once I discovered them, I have the Addi set because at the time I couldn't afford the American different coloured ones. But I did indulge in a single 2 mm as a bit of Gucci kit. All I need now is something nice to put my wool in that allows it movement. I was taught as a youngster to always pull the wool from the middle, it makes it neater, and now I understand why it should never be done. For years my wool has been put in an old hot chocolate tub and a plastic lid I made a hole for the wool. Twists upon twists. Not any more!

[@angelalouiedtm]

The thing that made the difference for me was to start with the fabric I like rather than necessarily matching the exact gauge of the pattern. I just do the math to make sure I am knitting the correct proportions.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I love that tip Angela. I got the same approach and feel it's so liberating. Besides, I feel it lets me express my individuality rather than knitting copies of what everyone else is wearing.

[@gnat127]

NimbleNeedles do you have a video on this? I’d love to understand how it works

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@gnat127 sadly not, Natalia. It's on my list...like so many other things, lol.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@gnat127 , Check out Suzanne Bryan on KZbin. Especially, the KAL's she does where she instructs ''how-to's'' from measuring to finishing__your own design. 💖🙌🙌🙌😺

[@MJStPeter]

That was exactly my experience! I can't knit with any animal yarn, so I felt excluded by many patterns. So the first baby sweater I knit, I just used the yarn I wanted to see what would happen. Succcess! Gauge was close enough to mine that I got what I wanted by following the pattern for a smaller size. From there I just converted patterns to my gauge with the yarn and needles I wanted. And then I started making up my own patterns, using size charts I found online. Never realized I was doing anything "hard" or "advanced" until I mentioned it to another knitter and she seemed stunned that I just did my own thing. I had always felt like I wasn't a "real" knitter because of this, and because I knit English. Tried and tried to knit Continental and just couldn't (even though I crochet and hold the yarn in my left hand!) I finally let it go a few years ago and felt so free! I knit fast enough, I'm comfortable, and I enjoy what I'm doing! Good for me!

[@starrmarrie5667]

It took me 7 years to learn how to knit because I could NOT get the hang of throwing. When youtube became a thing and I saw continental knitting for the first time my mind was blown and I couldn't create fast enough! This was a fantastic video with the best advice!

[@ejd52]

I learned how to knit continental style but later switched to english for some reason; I think everyone around me did that and I had forgotten how to hold the yarn in my left hand. Recently thanks to Arne, Carlos and Inge I've switched to Norwegian style and my arthritis is SO much happier. I love your suggestions to try different styles and not to be afraid to try new things as you change. Thanks Norman -from Liz

[@zannajoyce6698]

I could never get the hang of knitting until I encountered them and the Norwegian style they use. I am so grateful! And now I have discovered Norman and his love of options. Best of all worlds. Thanks Norman!

[@heidimacarthur7205]

I live in Canada and learned to knit from my mother who is from Estonia so she used the Continental style of knitting. I’m learning a lot from you. Thank you.

[@celestewalker1497]

I am 49 living in the Midwest of the US and began knitting just under two years ago. I wish I had started when I first got the inkling that I might want to try it about six years ago. I used a little "how to knit" booklet which taught English style. I hated how every stitch seemed to take me forever and my hands and wrists hurt. I discovered Norwegian style and it's been a game changer. I am now an obsessive knitter. Thanks for your additions to my growing body of knowledge and technique possibilities.

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear you found a way to overcome these initial little problems and welcome to the addictive world of knitting *grin*

[@gailhoogmoed6601]

Omg you are an awesome teacher! I watching different you tube videos and you are by far my favorite. I will share your beginners video with my niece who has been interested in learning to knit as I am quite new myself and do t feel comfortable teaching her just yet. Also she can go at her own pace anytime with you on you tube. You are so clear in your instructions and I am thoroughly enjoying your videos....Ty again Gail from NJ ( 1 YEAR KNITTER)

[@stephdeshong1240]

I didn't know it made a difference which way I wrapped the yarn around the needle. I would wrap counter clock wise for knit and clock wise for purl. Most things I made was in the round, so I didn't notice it very often. But stockinette back and forth, I noticed twisted stitches. I watched a bunch of videos and saw that it did make a difference. I almost didn't leave this note because it seems so obvious. Everyone else probably learned correctly. I love your videos, and thank you for being a great teacher.

[@NimbleNeedles]

all feedback matters. And actually, this is a very common problem among beginners! so i'm sure others reading through the comments will appreciate it

[@GabrielleduVent]

It's really common, and something that makes total sense if you understand how the knitting works but only then.

[@deneicejarrett4777]

I did the exact same thing with purl stitches for many years. I was wrapping the yarn in the wrong direction which made the knitting on the reverse side very difficult and produced a twisted stitch. I never noticed until I started knitting socks on DPNs. I finally watched some videos including these awesome ones from Norman!

[@patriciapendlbury2603]

Oh my word!! I LOVE those black knitting needles that are gathering dust! They are beautiful!!!

[@MM-qm2vn]

I tried learning how to knit about 14-15 years ago; I was learning continental style, but it was too painful on my wrists, so I stopped. A few months ago I was watching Inga from Knitting Traditions Podcast talking about her knitting style, and that got me to watch videos on learning different knitting styles: I have now found that knitting in the round on short tips, English style, is the easiest on my wrists! I would have loved to learn there were so many knitting styles so many years ago! Thanks for sharing such useful tips with us! :)!

[@svetlanasvphoto5105]

Thank you! Very useful and inspiring video! I am a beginner in knitting after years of crochetting and I certainly prefer continental method. God bless you and other people who put their tutorials online. Speaking about revelations I can add that mine was about knitting on straight and on circular needles. My stitches look so much neater when I knit on straight needles. And it also gives me more pleasure to hold those needles and knit with them. I am now looking for a pattern/way to knit some simple sweater on straight needles (excluding the neckline, I guess, but this I'll try to manage 😄).

[@Richard_Szobi]

Hi, love all your videos, inspirational and informative. My Eyes opening was: magic loop, knitting 2 socks same time and German short rows explained by Sylie Rasch. Other thing, after "no internet times" I discovered that also a lot other men are knitting so isn't strange and I always say it is my relax and brain training in one

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thanks for sharing Richard!

[@Richard_Szobi]

@@NimbleNeedles what I like on your chanel you are responding even with like but it for us that you are interested 🙏🙏💯

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@Richard_Szobi And I love the community. So many lovely people here are willing to share their stories. It's a true joy reading through the comments.

[@lindaarmstrongjackman9788]

Knitting used to be something most men did because they had to make their own socks if they did not have a Mother or wife to make them. 😁

[@alyssamicha6060]

I came to knitting from crocheting for many years. When I started knitting, I was lost, until I discovered continental knitting! But I didn't realize I was wrapping the yarn the wrong way around the needle for a while, and couldn't figure out why my stitches looked so weird and my tension was off... until a kind person in a knitting facebook group pointed out in a photo I posted, that my stitches were twisted! I had no idea! What a game changer! After I learned the correct direction to wrap the yarn, everything got easier and my knitting looked so much better. Now several years later, after many many projects, I think back to my earlier struggles and giggle. But every "mistake" is an opportunity to learn and grow. Now I am excited about trying difficult patterns and learning new techniques... about to start my first fully cabled, and pieced sweater... the pattern is daunting, but I know I can do it! If you are just beginning knitting and are reading this, don't give up! You can do it, even if those first few attempts come out looking horrible. Its like making pancakes, there are always a few duds until you get it right.

[@joajune]

I'm Portuguese and I decided learning to knit this year. Because no one around me knits I went to youtube and learned the English style and I regret it, because later on I discovered continental and Portuguese styles. Im trying to knit in Portuguese style now because it's faster and easier. I tried continental but now because I'm used to the English style I find it hard xD this is a super interesting topic, thanks for the video!

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh bonkers...well, that's how the internet works. And yeah, it can be very difficult to unlearn things :( But don't stress yourself too much. Knitting should bring you joy. If you learn flicking, you can knit pretty fast with the English style as well.

[@joajune]

@@NimbleNeedles yes thats it ❤️ I started this year so Im still a baby in knitting. I will take this is a learning opportunity in my knitting journey and learn as much styles as I can and different techniques!

[@AnneluvsKatz]

Continental IS harder to get the hang of, but keep trying. It’s worth it (over English- too much wasted motion). Can’t speak to Portuguese… not familiar.

[@rosepaul9681]

Your videos are fun to watch. My grandma taught us to crochet when we were kids. She quilted and also made crocheted rag rugs. I'm from the US. My neighbor taught me to knit continental style when we were in our 20's. Her grandparents were Swedish. Now I'm in my 70's and still love knitting. Socks, hats, handwarmers and scarves are favorites to knit. I love learning new techniques and trying out different needles. Thanks for your videos.

[@izzyquinonez7434]

When I first started learning to knit, I did it English style and it was very slow moving for me. A few years later, I got really into crochet and it is now my main craft. I’ve found that when I picked up knitting again continental was such an easy switch for me given that I am an experienced crocheter. I do still sometimes knit English style though

[@raeburnjessica]

I learnt to knit when I was 7 or 8 & never knew about other ways to knit continental etc (I feel so ignorant! I'm Australian with English parents) only recently discovered the blog & channel & love it! I've worked out how to do a lot of stuff like picking up stitches & changing k to p but have only just started circular knitting - so grateful for the internet (& especially Norman's enthusiasm plus knowledge)

[@jayeclements6452]

Thank you for this, Norman, it's very interesting. I am an avid lifelong knitter about to enter my 6th decade. Most projects are cable/Aran designs but I also enjoy most techniques. I would like to add the following: 1. Make friends with your local yarn store. The lady who runs mine tips me the nod when yarns I favour are about to go on sale or when the new season yarns and patterns are about to come in. Now I am semi-retired and we can meet again I am looking forward to joining her Knit-Ins. You'll find advice, support, opportunities to swap patterns and yarns. Invaluable. 2. Keep a project file. I have several..... Large lever arch file containing punch pockets. Each pocket contains; copy of the pattern; page of notes including how long the project took; yarn band; several metres of yarn or the swatch. It's an easy-find resource if someone wants the same design or someone wants the same yarn or the person with the original garment needs a repair. You can buy specially designed project books but a simple lever arch file is more than sufficient. 3. Keep a 'grab and go' kit for those times when you might be waiting for something. A medical appointment or collecting a teenager from a party or a train journey, for example. My kit is in a kid's mini backpack and contains the pattern (laminated), yarn and circular needle to make dog coats for rescue dogs. There's also a crochet hook for dropped stitches and a small pair of scissors for just-in-case. You might not want to take your current main project away from home so this allows you to have something on hand. You might even just have some needles and wool to make a scarf. 4. Almost all sweater patterns can be adapted to knitting in the round. I cannot remember the last time i knitted the back/front configuration. If you're unsure, ask an experienced knitter to talk you through it. 5. If you are making a design for someone else, I find a printed human outline to be very useful. I use it to take and record the measurements. At the very least, take chest; waist; neck to desired length; inside arm length. A very useful tip is to ask the person for a garment they think fits them well and measure that too. The more fitted the garment, the more measurements you will need. Use the measurement guide in the pattern. For example, a fitted jacket might need upper arm measurement or a sweater with a tight polo neck might benefit from a neck size, especially if the person it is intended for has a large or short neck. 6. Enjoy your knitting!!! Like most people, I occasionally take on a project in a technique I am not keen on just to please the other person, most recently a lace shawl for a bride for an Australian winter wedding. It looked gorgeous but the fine yarn and lace technique almost drove me bonkers! It was sheer bliss to get back to the most complex cable pattern.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Jaye...thank you sooo much for your detailed feedback and comments. There are already some amazing tips here but yours definitely stand out!

[@fatcatgarber9873]

I am from N.Y.C.,U.S.A.and use the continental style thanks to an immigrant grandmother. Thanks for your clear and insightful videos.

[@soundtherapycz3398]

Hi Norman, thank you for a great video, I just found you and love your advice! I always like to improve my knitting and I want it to look the best. I am Czech, from Prague and I learnt continental knitting which I use and prefer (I tried the English way as well). My mum always stressed me with making mistake or dropping a stich so knitting was very stressful for me and I feared it for many years. But my desire was great and I met a woman who had a completely relaxed and easy-going approach to knitting and that what changed me completely and I was not scared anymore. I understood what you say - you can fix anything and lots of things that look complicated (such as socks or cables) just look scary but are easy if we are not scared :-))) My approach is the same, I prefer buying a very good quality yarn and make something wonderful and in the best way, that I will cherish for decades. My time is valuable so I want to invest it in something that will be of great value and not in a cheep garment that will not look or feel nice. Thank you, Martina

[@MrsNoraRayl]

I am from Wichita, KS, US and am a continental knitter, I have now been knitting for 11 or 12 years, and I think I was knitting for two years before I realized why some of my stitched were twisted. I had not realized that the direction you wrap the yarn affects the position of the stitch. I work in a high school and have had a knitting group for the last three years. While I was a fairly proficient knitter before starting that club, teaching over 140 knitters in the last few years has helped my ability to read errors pretty well and figure out what is causing them and find alternative ways to help them learn new stitched. I am only a third of the way through the video and have learned a thing or two already and am looking forward to more awesome tips!

[@sabimidz]

I wish I had known about circular needles. My grandmother and craft teacher both tried to teach me how to knit with regular knitting needles and I always hated it and had so much pain in my hands and shoulders - until I started on my own with circular needles 👍 thank you for a great video and all your tutorials :)

[@MoiraDurham-w7d]

Hi Norman, I'm English-born, living in Tauranga, New Zealand with my husband and haven't knitted since my mother helped me as a child using the English method. I think she did the tricky bits and left me to do the knit-purl portions. I was given some fingerless mittens last winter, similar to the ones in your tutorial (without individual finger holes) and wanted to have a new pair in a different colour so thought I'd search for a pattern then couldn't read it until I found your blog - wow, so much information clearly written, thanks, so I decided to buy circular needles and 8ply wool and use your pattern but discovered there are so many ways to do any one thing and you teach methods unfamiliar to me which are probably better but slower to learn. I find using the mouse to scroll lessons or pause tutorials on the computer frustrating when trying to hold the needle (still learning casting on and other basics) but your info is very clear.

[@suemeeks8133]

I learned to knit from a home economics teacher in high school, fifty years later I had to reteach myself. I think knitting is fascinating and it is another challenge. I am hoping to teach my great granddaughter to knit

[@NimbleNeedles]

it's definitely fascinating. and the fact that you can learn a new thing ever day...even after having knitted for 30 years or more...is just so amazing! It keeps you busy and your mind as well!