This is about my personal experience learning continental knitting.  I've been knitting for many years and to be honest, knitting and crocheting for over 40 years.  What with a bookkeeping career and selling on the internet I am rapidly approaching surgery for carpal tunnel (both hands) before the end of the year.  But I cannot give it up, like many needleworkers I am addicted.  I absolutely love to relax with a hook or needles in my hands.

After many years of crocheting and knitting by the throwing method (yarn held in right hand and looping around the needle) I find that I can only work for a few minutes without pain and then have to wait for a while and then start again.  I've read many articles about the left hand knitting process called, most commonly Continental, being easier on your hands, wrists and arms.  And I wondered after so many years could I learn something new?

And the answer is YES!  I'm not saying I'm great at it yet or that it took all the numbness or pain away, but I have found that I can knit a little longer then usual and it does seem to relieve some of the stress on my hands.  I'm still practicing the art a little every day. 

Now, if you would like to give it a whirl finding info is easier then you would think.  The most helpful I located was on YouTube.  Just type in Continental Knitting in the search bar at the top of the screen for Videos and a great selection of videos will come up for you to watch.  I found this was a super way to learn because you can replay and replay and replay, till you get the hang of the movement and holding the yarn.

There is a problem though,  there are sooooo many ways of this type of knitting. Who Knew? You can knit or purl in the front or back of the stitches by holding the yarn tension in your left hand giving varied results on the twist or lay of your knitting.   I've selected a couple of types that work best for me and this is what you will have to do.  None of it will feel normal at first, but as you test the stitches you'll find some that will get easier as you go.   But take your time, remember you are relearning an art and it doesn't mean you will always knit like this in the future.  I do switch back and forth occasionally, but I have found that I can knit a little longer, my hands do not hurt as much and I am feeling more comfortable with this style of knitting.

I hope that you find this information helps and gives you the inspiration to try something new even if you do not have problems with hand pain.  The videos on YouTube are free and you can watch them many times.  Good Luck and Good Knitting and Crocheting.

Jean