Continental knitting can feel lightning fast—until tension problems sneak in. If your stitches look uneven, your gauge is way off, or your fabric feels too too loose, you’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll learn why tension issues happen with continental knitting and how to fix them for good.
Why Tension is Different in Continental Knitting
In continental style, you hold the yarn in your left hand and “pick” the yarn through stitches, rather than “throwing” it with your right hand. This faster motion changes the way tension is created, and it typically leads to looser stitches.
Ensuring Stitch Size Consistency in Continental Knitting
I struggled with my gauge after switching to continental knitting. It was too loose!
When knitting in the continental style, it’s easy to use the needle to pull the yarn through and create a stitch in a willy nilly way. This results in using a different amount of yarn for each stitch, usually too much yarn, creating stitches that are too big and a gauge that is too loose.
Kristy Glass had a podcast episode (below) with Patty Lyons, who explained so clearly (and hilariously) how to properly size knitting stitches.
You have to ensure that you are actually wrapping the yarn around the needle so that the needle size determines the amount of yarn per stitch. You can keep doing the same motion of pulling the yarn through the stitch on the left hand needle as long as you make sure that your needles stay in contact with each other during the entire process of making each stitch.
That’s it. (Of course, Patty explains it in much more detail and gives a great demonstration.)
the Best Continental Knitting Tip According to Patty Lyons
One of my favorite things to do while knitting (or otherwise) is to watch knitting podcasts. In addition to the inspiration and sense of community, sometimes you learn something pivotal! Oh, the things I wish I knew from the start!
I hope this little gem of a video helps you with your knitting gauge, too! I highly recommend that all knitters, and especially continental knitters, watch this video to understand how to use your knitting needles to make the size of stitches you need.
For more context start here:
How to Change Your Muscle Memory When Knitting
This was a really simple technique change to implement. It took a little bit of concentration at first, but soon it was second nature. My stitches were fixed! My gauge was finally reasonable for the yarn weight and needle size!
This had such a significant effect on my knitting, that I have a single recommendation if you want to try it, too: DO NOT make this change in the middle of a WIP or you will have a stark difference in gauge.
Cast on a new project to practice your new technique. Once you get the hang if it, I imagine that it will be difficult to go back to your old ways, so keep that in mind for your current WIP.
Other Tips for Knitting Gauge (English or Continental)
- Hold your yarn the same way every time. When you change the way you hold the yarn, your gauge will change. Use just enough tension so that the yarn forms a straight line between your finger and the needle.
- Pay attention to needle materials. Wooden needles have just a little bit more friction than metal needles, and this can help to keep stitches from sliding too easily, therefore tightening gauge a tiny bit.
- Don’t go too fast. Knitting is supposed to be slow and relaxing. Work at a steady pace.
- Always check your unblocked vs. blocked gauge. Blocking transforms your knitting and likely changes your gauge. Learn more about blocking your knitting here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my tension in continental knitting?
Adjust your yarn hold, practice consistent hand movements, and ensure your needles remain in contact during each stitch.
Why is my knitting gauge off when using the continental style?
For continental knitters like myself, gauge issues are typically related to holding needles apart from each other while pulling the yarn through. As Patty instructs in the video above, be sure that your needles are always in contact with each other while forming the stitch so that each stitch is the same size.
Does blocking correct tension issues in knitting?
Blocking does even out minor tension inconsistencies but it will not correct your gauge if there are large discrepancies.
How long does it take to fix tension issues in continental Knitting?
Practicing a new technique can take a few days to a few weeks of regular practice.
Is continental knitting faster than English style?
Many knitters that have tried both techniques find continental knitting faster due to the minimal hand movements and the fact that continental knitters do not need to let go of a needle to form a stitch. Speed varies based on individual comfort and practice.
Do different yarns affect tension?
Yes! Yarn weight, texture, and twist all impact your knitting tension. Some yarns are slipperier, springier, heavier, lighter, etc., all of which affect gauge and tension.
Should I switch Needle Materials to fix Tension?
Sometimes! If your stitches are flying too fast, switching to a lightly grippier material like bamboo or carbon can help you tidy things up. See my recommendations here.
Conclusion
Fixing your continental knitting tension isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying consistent and feeling confident with your stitches. With a few adjustments and some practice, you’ll find your sweet spot and knit beautiful, even projects every time. Happy knitting!
P.S.
Patty is full of little tricks like these for all aspects of knitting. I recommend her book, Patty Lyon’s Knitting Bag of Tricks (and some other knitting books, too).
Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks
Final Thoughts
In order to properly use your knitting needles to size your stitches, make sure your needles are always touching! Otherwise, the working needle is just a stick that you use to grab yarn and pull it through a stitch. I am convinced that this single tip is what fixed my knitting tension and gauge.
