Knitting with the yarn in one's left hand is commonly referred to as Continental knitting, German knitting, European knitting, or left-hand knitting. Unlike English knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand; the motion of bringing the yarn forward with a knitting needle held in the other hand is thus sometimes known as picking. Continental knitting can be done at a greater rate than English knitting, as the stitches are formed closer to the needle points and the yarn has a shorter travel.
Although the general appearance of fabrics produced by Continental and English techniques is the same, there are subtle differences. the stitches are more square and the fabric is closer when knitted Continental style. Mary Thomas estimates that the difference can be the equivalent of two needle sizes.
Other knitting styles include English knitting (aka right-hand knitting) and Combined knitting.
Read more about Continental Knitting: Hand Motions, Yarn Tension, History
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