DROPS Alpaca Party - 13 alpaca yarns on sale all October!

Continental style

Learn to knit in the Continental style with our tutorial videos. The main difference between knitting styles is how the yarn is held while working the stitches. The visual appearance of the knitted piece will be the same whether you used the Nordic, Continental or UK/US knitting style.

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Videos: 17
6:10
How to start knitting for a beginner

In this DROPS video we show you everything from cast on, knit your stitches back and forth, and to end your piece with bind off. Mastering these techniques is the start of many exciting projects as your first dish cloth, potholder or headband... When knitting all sts on every row, it's called garter stitch. The fabric looks the same on both sides, perfect for scarfs!
2:40
How to cast on with the continental method

There are different methods to cast on. In this DROPS video we show one of the most common methods that gives a firm but still elastic edge. It’s called the continental method. The cast on should be firm but not too hard. If you feel it becomes too tight you can use larger needles or cast on around two needles and then pull one needle out afterwards. Remember to use the correct needles when starting your knitting. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:07
How to work a knit (K) stitch (Continental method)

In this DROPS video we show how to knit a knit (K) stitch according to the Continental method. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:49
How to work a purl (P) stitch (Continental method)

In this DROPS video we show how to knit a purl (P) stitch using the Continental method. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:29
How to knit stockinette/stocking stitch

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit stockinette (stocking) stitch. Stockinette is the most common technique to create an even surface on the outside of your garment. Work back and forth on the needles as we do in this video, you knit all sts on all rows from right side. On the wrong side rows you purl all stitches. When working in the round on circular needles or sock needles, you knit all sts on every round. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:19
How to knit stockinette stitch in the round on a circular needle

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit stockinette stitch in the round on circular needles. Cast on, join and work stockinette in the round on a circular needle. Make sure 1st row not gets twisted, knit all sts around and around. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:08
How to knit stockinette stitch back and forth on a circular needle

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit stockinette stitch back and forth on circular needles. Cast on, turn around and work stockinette back and forth on a circular needle. First row = WS. For stockinette *P 1 row, K 1 row*, repeat *-*. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:49
How to work garter stitch back and forth

In this DROPS video we show how you can work garter stitch back and forth on the needle using the continental method. When working garter stitch back and forth on needle you knit the stitches on every row. When working garter in the round on a circular needle or sock needles you will have to knit one round, then purl one round, and then repeat these two rounds alternating. Note! When working in garter st your gauge i.e number of rows in height, will increase compared to working in stockinette. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
1:58
How to knit garter stitch in the round on circular needles

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit garter stitch in the round on a circular needle. Purl one round, knit one round, purl one round and then knit one. Repeat this for garter stitch. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:05
How to increase with a yarn over (yo)

In this DROPS video we show how you can increase with yarn over (yo) This is an increase that creates a decorative hole. We show the increase 2 times in the video. Halfway through the video we have turned the work and show you how to work the yo in front or back loop depending if you prefer a larger or smaller hole. When working the back loop the stitch becomes twisted and this way the hole becomes a bit smaller. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:17
How to decrease: slip, knit, pass (SKP)

In this DROPS video we show how you decrease 1 stitch on the RS using SKP (slip 1 stitch, knit next stitch and pass slipped stitch over). You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:46
How to bind off from the right side (RS)

In this DROPS video we show how you can bind off your work from the right side. You bind off to lock stitches that no longer will be worked to stop them from running. You also bind off stitches to shape arm holes, neck and shoulders. The bind off should neither be too firm or too hard, e.g. you need to be able to get the sweater over your head. To prevent binding off to firm you can use a larger needle then what you have used during your knitting. Binding off with knit stitches, you knit the stitches and then keep passing the next to last knitted stitch over the last knitted stitch. When 1 stitch remains, cut the thread, and pull yarn through last stitch. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
1:32
How to change color

In this DROPS video we show how you can change from one yarn or color to another when knitting in stockinette. The threads ends are fasten vertical in the edge sts afterward. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
1:19
How to knit back to loop (twisted stitch)

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit a stitch back to loop (twisted knit). We show how to knit the stitch in the back loop (instead of in the front loop as usual). You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
0:59
How to purl back to loop (twisted stitch)

In this DROPS video we show how you can purl a stitch back to loop (twisted purl). We show how to purl the stitch in the back loop (instead of in the front loop as usual). You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
3:06
How to knit a rib (K1, P1)

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit a rib in knit 1, purl 1 (K1, P1) Knitting a rib gives an elastic piece that is great for cuffs and edges. It’s important that all knitted stitches comes above knitted stitches, and all purled stitches come above the purled stitches. 1st row (RS): K1, P1, continue like this until end of row, turn. 2nd row (WS): P1 above P1, K1 above K1. Continue like this until end of row, turn. Repeat 1st and 2nd row until rib has desired measure in height. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where this technique is used by clicking on the pictures below.
1:55
How to knit edge stitches in stockinette stitch

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit edge stitches in stockinette stitch. When knitting a piece you have 1 stitch in each side of your work that is an edge stitch. The edge stitch are usually not included in the pattern, and there are different ways to work the edge stitches. This depends on what kind of edge it is, if it will be sewn later like a side seam, if it will be open like on a scarf or a front edge of a jacket. Edge sts in stockinette is great when you are knitting a piece in stockinette and using a heavier yarn. Then you don't want a thick side seam, and you want to be able to sew in the outer stitch edge. Knit the edge sts on rows from RS, and purl the edge sts on rows from WS. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.