How to hold the yarn and knit with the left hand

Knitting with the left hand, known in the UK as the Continental style, is considered by some to be faster because the movement is more economical. However, the tension is often looser than that of right-handed knitters. This is partly because the potential speed means that each stitch has less attention but also because the picking action of the RH needle is less defined by a set position and is more fluid.

Step 1

Holding the yarn: Wrap the yarn around the fingers as shown. The idea is to be able to grasp the yarn and control the flow through the fingers. The LH needle is held with the thumb and middle finger.
Step 2

Knitting:Insert the RH needle into the next stitch and manoeuvre the tip of the needle from back to front and from right to left around the strand of yarn being held taught in the left hand. Draw the tip of the RH needle through the stitch, hooking the loop at the same time, then drop the stitch off the LH needle.

Why not give one of these patterns a go?

Sirdar Chunky Shawl Chart Issue 203
Children’s Polar Bear Mittens Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 5 / 3.75mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Easy Men’s Hat and Fingerless Mittens Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 3 / 3.25mm
  Needle Sizes
- 4 ply / Fingering / Sock / Sport
  Yarn Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Reverse Stockinette
  Stitch Techniques
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Cafetiere Cover and Mug Cosy Knitting Patterns

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- 2.0mm
  Hook Size
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Crochet Hook
  Needle Type
- Moss
  Stitch Techniques
- Slip Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Beginner’s Baby Earflap Hat Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 3 / 3.25mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Garter
  Stitch Techniques
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
MacTavish Highland Cow Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 8 / 5.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
12 Days of Christmas Blanket Knitalong: Part Twelve

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Circular
  Needle Type
- Intarsia
  Stitch Techniques
- Moss
  Stitch Techniques
Classic Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques