Holding the Yarn
English Method
Continental (European) Method

Holding the Needles

Knitting is an ambidextrous activity. It does not matter whether you are right or left handed because both hands work equally. All knitters hold the needles the same way. The only major difference between knitters is which hand they use to hold the working yarn.

Hold the right needle in the right hand like a pencil. When casting on and working the first few rows, the knitting passes between the thumb and index finger. Once the knitting is established and starts to lengthen slide the thumb under the knitting, holding the needle from below (see left hand picture).

Hold the left needle so that the needle passes under the palm of the hand. If you are using the English method, use your thumb and index finger to control the needle tip. If you are using the Continental (European) method, use your thumb and middle finger to control the tip (your index finger will be used to pass the yarn around the needle tip).

Hold the both needles lightly and securely. If your hands are cramping, you are gripping the needles too tight. Beginners have a tendency to hold the needles too tightly while learning, making it more difficult to knit properly. Just take notice of your grip and remind yourself to relax while you are learning.

Holding the Yarn

There are two methods for holding the working yarn; holding the working yarn in the right hand (English) and holding the working yarn in the left hand (Continental / European). The Continental method is believed by most knitters to be faster. However, beginners usually find that holding the working yarn in the left hand requires more dexterity than the English method. Both methods create the same knitting, so the choice is up to you. Experiment with both methods to see which feels the best. Remember, both methods will feel awkward while you are learning, but with a little bit of patience and practice you soon will be knitting like a pro!

English Method (Pinky Wrapped or Pinky Crook)

Pinky Wrapped

The pinky wrapped method creates yarn tension by wrapping a complete circle of yarn around the little finger of the right hand.

Holding the yarn in the right hand, pass the yarn under and then around the pinky finger (clockwise), over the ring finger, under the middle finger and over the index finger. The index finger guides the yarn around the needle tip while knitting. The pinky wrap provides the correct tension for even knitting. Even knitting is very important! Your yarn tension affects guage which determines the dimensions (length and width) of the knitted piece.

Pinky Crook

The pinky crook method creates yarn tension by gripping the yarn in the crook of the little finger of the right hand.

Holding the yarn in the right hand, pass the yarn under the pinky finger, over the ring finger, under the middle finger and over the index finger. The index finger guides the yarn around the needle tip while knitting. The yarn is gripped in the crook of the pinky to provide the correct tension for even knitting. Even knitting is very important! Your yarn tension affects guage which determines the dimensions (length and width) of the knitted piece.

Continental Method (Pinky Wrapped or Pinky Crook)

Pinky Wrapped

The pinky wrapped method creates yarn tension by wrapping a complete circle of yarn around the little finger of the left hand.

Holding the yarn in the left hand, pass the yarn under and then around the pinky finger (counter-clockwise), over the ring finger, under the middle finger and over the index finger. The index finger guides the yarn around the needle tip while knitting. The pinky wrap provides the correct tension for even knitting. Even knitting is very important! Your yarn tension affects guage which determines the dimensions (length and width) of the knitted piece.

Pinky Crook

The pinky crook method creates yarn tension by gripping the yarn in the crook of the little finger of the left hand.

Holding the yarn in the left hand, pass the yarn under the pinky finger, over the ring finger, under the middle finger and over the index finger. The index finger guides the yarn around the needle tip while knitting. The yarn is gripped in the crook of the pinky to provide the correct tension for even knitting. Even knitting is very important! Your yarn tension affects guage which determines the dimensions (length and width) of the knitted piece.

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