Handwork 2026 – Continental Knitting with Comfort and Efficiency

This program is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America

Learn how to knit with ease from author, life-long knitter and physical therapist Carson Demers.

Many people think that continental knitting is the way to go for speed and efficiency.

Yet many continental style knitters aren’t getting all they can from the technique because of technique variations away from the traditional system. These modern modifications make continental knitters very susceptible to discomfort and injury.

This class is a deep dive into how to improve your technique, lower your risk of injury, and increase efficiency and comfort.

Note that there is homework before the workshop. Students are asked to use light colored worsted weight yarn to cast on 30 stitches (any technique) and work as follows:

• Rows 1-6: Knit all stitches (garter stitch).
• Row 7 (WS): Knit 2. Purl 26 st. Knit 2 st.
• Row 8 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until sample measures 4-inches (10.6 cm)
• Do NOT bind off. Leave work on needles and bring to class with needles and yarn used to make sample (4 oz. is sufficient) and needles appropriate for yarn.

Students joining us for this workshop receive free admission to Carson’s lecture, Knitting Sustainably. You will receive details on how to register for the lecture with free admission upon signing up for this workshop.