I love learning new skills and techniques.
I also love to help others learn new things, and teaching gives me plenty of opportunities to learn new things (or new ways of teaching something!)
When I very first learned to knit I don’t know what method I used – I just did one project sitting right next to my grandma.
When I re-learned about a decade later it was at a knitting circle when I moved to a new area. The first week I sat next to someone who was a throwing knitter using the English method. So that’s what I learned.
The second week I sat next to someone else, she only knit continental style, so I learned that way the second week.
It was a good fit for me as a crocheter since I was already comfortable tensioning yarn with my left hand.
As I became more comfortable knitting, I started hosting a knitting circle and taught people to knit the continental way (which I was most comfortable with at the time).
Now, I generally start new knitters on the English knitting method because it is easier to show virtually.
I often have students ask me, “Which one is faster?”
I often tell them, “The one you started with, or the one you are more comfortable with.”
And then use this question as a spring board into further conversation to discuss things like:
- Does the technique you use now feel awkward or painful?
- The pros and cons to each knitting style
- The value of using a combination of the two for colorwork
- What do you get from spending time knitting?
- What is your goal with knitting?
Some people really do want to, or need to, knit as fast as possible. However, for many people one of the appealing things about knitting is the chance it gives us to slow down.
To relax.
To reduce anxiety.
To step away from technology for a moment.
To make something for someone we love.
~ None of those things require speed. ~
I appreciated what Norman of Nimble Knits said in his video tutorial about backwards knitting:
“Personally, my main focus is not being the fastest knitter out there or the most dexterous knitter. I want my projects to look as neat as possible.
… And I often feel that some people stumble across some exotic knitting technique on the internet that really makes them question what they previously knew about knitting – backwards knitting comes to mind, the Russian join, combination knitting, double knitting, two at a time – and they adopt it because it’s new, it’s fancy – and you know I do that as well.
But I personally feel that at one point you should definitely question if the results are truly better and if it brings you more joy.”
So, go ahead and try different techniques, especially if something about your current technique isn’t working for you!
But don’t just look for the next shiny thing.
Settle in.
Enjoy the time with your project.
Think about that person you are knitting for – add your attention and love in each stitch.
What about knitting brings YOU joy? Lean into that!
