Brand New to Knitting -

jennifer33 · 01-12-2007, 03:48 AM

My mom showed me how to knit a couple weeks ago and I have watched a few videos online. Apparently I learned the English method of knitting. However, I cant' get my index finger on my right hand to participate. I accidently found my own "method" of wrapping the yarn around my fingers on my right hand. Does it matter if I don't do it just like the video and my mom do? My stiches seem easier and more even when I hold the yarn "my" way? Can anyone hlep me? Thanks!
jennifer

five_six · 01-12-2007, 11:08 AM

Absolutely, hold the yarn however you are comfortable. Everyone has their own style, and there is no 'right' way to knit. I even (still) change the way my yarn wraps depending on which yarn i use, whether i use straights or circs... I like to mix things up a bit

Do whatever you feel comfortable with and if you are getting the results, then keep going.

KnitClickChick · 01-13-2007, 12:37 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting!!
Absolutely whatever works for you!! There is no right or wrong way to do it. I am a continental knitter, the English method totally does not sink into my brain. My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 5, so continental was easier for me to learn, and I hold the yarn pretty much as I do when I crochet. My style is not exactly how I have seen in books or on this site, but it works for me so I use it.

JoeE · 01-13-2007, 03:32 PM

If you're getting consistent stitches, you're doing it right. I can't hold my yarn like the videos either. I also hold different weights of yarn differently. If I knit continental, I like my tension just a bit looser. If I knit English, I wrap the yarn very tightly over/around/between my fingers so I can give it a little tug when I make a purl stitch (otherwise my purls look like I knit them on needles 2 sizes larger).

But beware, I'm pretty new at knitting, so I could be way wrong on everything I just said--but so far it's working OK for me. For me, it's all about the process. The finished product is just the icing on the cake. I like that knitting forces me to slow down and just be calm for a few hours each week.

Joe