I learned Portuguese knitting--VERY EASY and GREAT for those with hand problems!

[G J]

I've been an English knitter for a long time, and developed carpal tunnel and arthritis in the past year. I've tried learning Continental knitting, but it made the arthritis worse, so bagged that idea. Last Saturday, however, some of my friends on any sock KAL suggested Turkish or Portuguese knitting and linked a YouTube video. Well, that got me searching for more tutorial-type videos. These are the ones that helped me.

In this one, she explains a yarn holder. Good for me, since neck problems prevent me from putting the yarn around my neck. I use a safety-pin type stitch holder and put it through a buttonhole (or my bra strap, if there's no buttonhole).

This one shows the basic knit stitch. She goes slowly enough to actually tell what she's doing. Take note that you DO cross your right needle over the FRONT of the left needle and then flip the yarn over it with your thumb.

This one shows the purl stitch, which is actually EASIER than the knit stich!

And this one shows ribbing.

Here's cables.

Here's casting on, but it's in Portuguese! I'm sure you can use whatever cast on works for you!

You're never too old to learn new techniques! If nothing else, this gives you an alternative method for when your hands get tired.

So does anyone else knit like this? Anyone giving it a try?

[bambi]

I'm going to check it out tomorrow. I sometimes get tennis elbow from knitting too long.

Bambi

[Doodknitwit]

Wong way of knitting.. a great learning tool. it makes purling the easier stitch!!

http://www.knittingsoftware.com/pdvd/andreawong.htm

I ordered the pin but use my neck instead!!!

[sue in canada]

I am so glad that this is working so well for you Gina. Happy Knitting.

[Cynamar]

I can't watch the videos until I go to the library but I'm intrigued with anything that makes it easier.

[Simply_Renee]

That is really neat- thanks for posting! I have never heard of or tried that style- but after knitting a lot (ahem- the first weekend after my harmony wood set arrived-ahem) I usually change to english from continental for a while. Seems like this would be a good "my hands are too sore to knit" alternative.

[Spikey]

I'm going to check it out tomorrow. I sometimes get tennis elbow from knitting too long.

Bambi

Me, too! I've taken to putting on one of those forearm straps if I'm going to knit for awhile, or if I'm using a less forgiving yarn. It really helps and mine has almost completely gone away.

[of troy]

portugues knitting is basicly identical to:
turkish knitting
greek knitting
syrian knitting
egyptian knitting
(and many other 'eastern' variations)

this same style is found where ever knitting was introduced my spanish and portugues sailors.. (so its found in many parts of south america.) the spanish and portugues learned this style of knitting before 1492 (and the spanish expulsion of the 'moors' (islamic influence) )

some south americans (a huge percentage) are more norther european immigrants (the irish for one, migrated to Catholic south america in favor of engish speaking but non catholic US) and these immigrants brought 'standard european knitting' (vs islamic/eastern style knitting) --so both types of knitting can be found in SA countries.

the yarn (as you see in the photo) is 'secured' above the hands.

in some places, its wrapped round the neck, in other places, a regular (safety pin) or special knitting pin is used.

then the yarn is threaded through the pin (rather than around the neck)

the pin is pinned on clothing at shoulder or near neckline.

the yarn is keep low (usually in a bowl on floor) and the tension is created just by this arrangement--(rather than by elaborate wrapping of the yarn around the fingers)

[heykaren]

I haven´t watched the videos yet ( but plan to ) but am also plagued with "tennis elbow" and aching wrists at times. I¨ve found that if I can use circular needles instead of straights, the discomfort is much less.

Thanks for the links!

karen

[G J]

Thanks for the history lesson, of Troy! I've seen it called Turkish knitting, too, but didn't know the background. I always like learing the history behind what we do!