Three Styles of Continental Knitting — and Why I Teach All of Them

When people say “continental knitting,” they’re often talking as if it’s one single method. In practice, there are three distinct continental styles, each with its own movements, rhythm, and feel in the hands.

In my beginning knitting classes at The Yarny Way, I teach all three. Every knitter’s hands, history, and goals are different. Instead of asking students to adapt to one “right” way, I want them to discover the style that fits their body and their vibe.

Watch and Learn

Here are the three continental styles (Western, Eastern, and Combination) as explained by @Sorceress-Crafts on youtube

As a child she learning to knit combination continental from her Grandmother… and I too learned this method while spending time in Germany. I find it to be the easiest on your hands, and very even.

Take some time to try each style and come to a conclusion as to what you feel most comfortable with for your first project.

Let’s break them all down.

1. Western Continental (Picking)

How it works

• The yarn stays in the left hand. The right needle enters the stitch, and the left index finger picks or scoops the yarn through the loop. If you crochet, this motion often feels familiar.

What it feels like

• Compact, controlled movements
• Clear stitch formation
• Easy to read your work

Why knitters love it

This is the most commonly taught continental style in the U.S. It’s efficient, intuitive, and plays well with colorwork and textured stitches. Many knitters start here and happily stay here.

Good fit if you…

• Like tidy, precise movements
• Enjoy crochet-adjacent motions
• Want a straightforward foundation

2. Eastern Continental (Wrapping)

How it works

• Instead of picking the yarn, the knitter wraps the yarn around the right needle—usually clockwise—using the left hand. The stitch is formed through that wrap.

What it feels like

• Fluid, circular motion
• Less finger extension
• A different stitch mount on the needle

Important note: This method often produces twisted stitches unless the pattern is written for Eastern mount stitches or you compensate on the following row. That isn’t a flaw—it’s simply a different system.

Why it matters

Many knitters around the world use this style naturally. Learning it helps you understand stitch orientation, pattern instructions, and why some fabric behaves the way it does.

Good fit if you…

• Prefer wrapping over scooping
• Knit tightly and want less finger strain
• Are curious about global knitting styles

3. Combination Continental (Hybrid Approach)

How it works

• Combination knitting blends techniques. Many knitters pick the yarn when knitting, then use a different wrap or a small flicking motion when purling. The exact movements vary by person.

What it feels like

• Highly customized
• Minimal motion
• Fast once established

Why knitters swear by it

• This style often reduces hand strain and speeds up purling, which is where many knitters slow down. It’s adaptable and efficient, especially for ribbing and stockinette worked flat.

Good fit if you…

• Want smoother purl rows
• Enjoy fine-tuning your technique
• Like systems that adapt to you

Increasing and Decreasing using the Combination Continental Method Explained

Why I Teach All Three in Beginner Knitting

Many classes teach one method and move on. I take a different approach.

In my beginner knitting class, students:

• Try all three styles
• Learn how stitch mount affects fabric
• Get permission to choose what feels right

There is no gold star for knitting “correctly.” Comfort, clarity, and confidence matter more than tradition.

Some students pick one style and never look back. Others mix techniques depending on the project. Both are valid.

Knitting should feel supportive, not restrictive.

If you’re curious about how your hands want to knit, this exploration is a great place to start. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t learning a new stitch—it’s finding a movement that finally feels like yours.