Jill Wright

Knitting Scottish Style

Jill Wright
Sign in
Duration:   2  mins

When it comes to knitting mechanics, there’s a few different ways that knitters will hold the yarn and needles to make their stitches. Every knitter finds a style that works for them. In this video, Jill Wright breaks down how to knit using the Scottish method of knitting. She demonstrates how to tension the yarn, as well as how to work the knit stitch.

To knit in the Scottish style, a long pair of straight knitting needles are used. Jill recommends 14-inch straight needles. The right needle is placed under the right arm. By placing the needle this way, it provides stability to the needle, which can result in faster knitting. The yarn is tensioned in the right hand, like the English (or throwing) method and the knit stitches are created in the same way, by “throwing” the yarn around the needle.

Jill finds this method of knitting much more fluid than other styles. She keeps the stitches near the tips of the needles as she works across the row to build up speed and create the stitches quickly.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

6 Responses to “Knitting Scottish Style”

  1. Martha

    I have been knitting for about 50 yrs. the Scottish knit but never knew there was a name tied to it. I have always put the needle under my arm. So much easier and yes faster. I learned something new today that there is a name for it. Never too old to learn something new! Name of my knitting is Tweettweet, no website

  2. T.JORDANS

    This is also Dutch. I first learned in grade 1 in Holland. All the Dutch friends and relatives, including sisters, knit this way.

  3. AUDRA

    I do so enjoy watching and listening to Jill's videos.

  4. Kathleen Wallace

    I have knitted this way with the needle under my right arm, Scottish way, ever since I began knitting, my teacher knitted that way and I found it easier than holding needles the English way. Many have ridiculed me and I've kept knitting the way I like. Thank you for showing that I'm knitting a right way for me and it is a legitimate knitting method. Thank you.

  5. Irene Siu

    When knitting Scottish style the left needle should go under the left arm not the right as stated.

  6. Sherry

    Thank you for sharing this info. When I first took up knitting again, I made several Fun Fur scarves for my sisters-in-law during the 24-hour drive to see them. I didn't know I was employing the Scottish technique at the time. But now I understand why I had more speed and control than when I held those long needles English-style.

Explore videos by Jill Wright

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You may be interested in

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.