Continental Knitting with Comfort and Efficiency
With Carson Demers
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 9 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.
- Skill level Beginner +
- Age appropriate 10+ (minors must have a parent on site)
- Materials fee None
- Students should bring
completed homework, yarn used to make homework sample (4 oz. is sufficient), and needles appropriate for yarn.
Instructor
Carson DemersCarson is life-long knitter and a physical therapist with 30-years of experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and ergonomics. He literally wrote the book on ergonomics for knitters and fiber enthusiasts, “Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting.”
Carson continues to teach knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other textile enthusiasts internationally at events large and small about the ergonomics of their crafts. He has contributed articles to numerous fiber and crafting magazines and has been a consultant to writers for Martha Stewart Living and other publications. Carson has appeared on podcasts and vlogs including Fruity Knitting. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community.
