Handwork 2026 – The Ergonomic Efficiency of English Style Knitting (“Throwing”)

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

Many knitters avoid knitting in the English style (a.k.a. “British” or “throwing”) or even switch to another style because they think it can’t be efficient. The truth is, it’s a very efficient method, but it’s being done wrong by most of us in the 21st century.

Learn how to comfortably knit using this technique with ease from author, life-long knitter and former physical therapist Carson Demers.

This class is a deep dive into the original techniques and landmarks of English knitting, what we’ve done to make it seem inefficient and slow, and how to undo or modify those faulty variations.

Knitters will learn to knit more efficiently and more comfortably with this class.

Beginners are welcome but this is not a learn-to-knit class for first timers. Knitters must be able to independently cast-on, and make knit and purl stitches in the English style.

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.