“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!”
― Audrey Hepburn

In today’s email:

• Knitspiration: A little history of Irish Cottage Knitting
• Stitchionary: Knits and purls and ridges, OH MY!
• Pattern Pick: Keeping it simple and chic
• PLUS: Slaying vampires, knitting belts, and more

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💡 Knitspiration

🍀 Why THIS Irish knitting method is the FASTEST

There are lots of different ways to knit.

​Continental, English, Combined, Portuguese, Norwegian, Russian, Flicking.

Some are slight variations of others.

Some hold the yarn in the dominant hand. Some in the opposite hand. Some around the back of the neck.

In our search for ways to improve our knitting speed each has it's own advantage.

But there is one way that seems to trump all the rest.

It goes by a few names; Irish Cottage, Sheath, Shetland, Pit, Lever, Pivot, etc.

Regardless, one thing is clear...

It's crazy fast.

A brief history of Irish Cottage Knitting

Knitting techniques have evolved over many thousands of years, but production knitting for the masses goes back as far as the 14th century, when knitted caps were required on Sundays throughout England.

Before the advent of the knitting machine, hand knitters had to learn the quickest way to knit while staying injury free.

Their method comprised of holding one needle stationary, usually with a knitting belt or under the armpit. The yarn was whipped in front of the rigid needle, while the other needle acted like a loom shuttle or sewing machine. This resulted in the ability to make a lot of stitches very fast while exerting minimal movement.

Although production hand knitting mostly died out starting in the 1600s, knitting schools were still having students make items to sell for tuition well into the 19th century. They passed on those traditions and tricks of the trade to modern knitters in the form of Lever knitting.

Modern Lever Knitting

Most people became familiar with this knitting style in the early 2000's through the Yarn Harlot herself, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

She not only popularized the term "Irish-Cottage Knitting," which she learned from a relative, but began teaching workshops on how to do it.

The Yarn Harlot demonstrating her knitting style

While she prefers holding a needle under her arm, she also demonstrated it was possible to knit like this using circular needles.

Many modern lever knitters hold the needle in the cradle of their thumb and index finger, much like a pencil. This allows some of the same advantages of holding the needle rigid under the arm, while having a bit more flexibility.

But whatever way you do it, if you want to blaze through your projects while preventing repetitive stress injuries, this could be your answer!

🤩 Want to Learn to Lever Knit?

If you do want to explore the "Fastest" knitting method I've come across, I'm teaching a LIVE workshop on Lever Knitting this Saturday, March 18th @ 9am Pacific. Sign Up Here!

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📆 Daily Stitch

Ridged Rib Stitch

It's amazing what can be created through just knit and purl stitches.

This textured pattern is comprised of rows with short, vertical columns. Each is accented with a little garter ridge, resulting in a geometric design with nice clean lines.

Perfect for a scarf to practice your Lever knitting, or making a blanket like the one below...

Watch The Tutorial

🧶 Pattern Pick

Simple But Chic Throw by Britt Schmiesing​

It may be getting warmer, but those evening are still a bit chilly.

Cozy up with this lovely textured throw, combing three simple, but chic stitch patterns (including the Ridged Rib above).

Knit using some luscious bulky yarn, you'll have this blanket finished in no time.

Get This Pattern

😂 Knits & Giggles

Recommended For You

NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH @ Annie's Crafts Celebrate with Annie's and save 15% OFF all digital pattern downloads. Use coupon code CRAFT15 during checkout! Explore The Patterns

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Thanks for reading!

Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs: