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?

Party Percy the Elephant Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Spring Flowers Blanket Knitalong: Part Three
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
Benson Bear: Shorts and Star T-shirt Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Benson Bear Teddy Knitting Pattern
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Spring Flowers Blanket Knitalong: Part Two

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- knit
  Stitch Techniques
Dress Up Frog Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Mouse and Frog Animal Baby Shoes Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
Amanda Berry Giraffe, Hippo and Turtle Toy Knitting Patterns

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