The Art of Portuguese Knitting: A Gentle Introduction to an Effortless Technique

Portuguese knitting—also known as in-hand or around-the-neck knitting—is a technique famed for its efficiency and relaxed rhythm. Instead of “throwing” or “picking” the yarn, tension is created by looping it around the neck or a knitting pin, and stitches are made with gentle flicks of the thumb. This method minimizes hand strain and produces even tension, making it ideal for long knitting sessions and anyone with wrist or shoulder discomfort. In this guide, we’ll explore how to knit Portuguese-style, why it’s so beloved by artisans around the world, and how it differs from English and Continental methods.

The Elegance of Effort

Portuguese knitting is often described as knitting’s best-kept secret—a graceful, efficient method whose movements are small, calm, and precise. While it may look unusual at first, its rhythm quickly becomes meditative. The yarn flows with minimal effort, guided not by the whole arm or wrist but by the lightest motion of the thumb.

Originating centuries ago and refined in regions from Portugal to South America, this technique has been passed through generations of knitters who prized both its comfort and its speed. For beginners, it offers a simple and ergonomic way to learn; for experienced knitters, it opens a new world of ease.

Understanding the Basics

What you’ll need:

• Your favorite yarn (smooth, non-fuzzy yarns show stitches clearly)

• Standard knitting needles

• A Portuguese knitting pin or safety pin, or simply your own neck for tensioning

How it works: Instead of tensioning yarn around your fingers, the working yarn runs around your neck (or through a pin clipped near your shoulder). This creates smooth, consistent tension while freeing your hands for efficient motion.

The Knit Stitch (Portuguese-Style)

1. Hold the yarn with light tension around your neck or through a pin on your shirt.

2. Insert the right needle into the front of the next stitch as if to purl.

3. With your left thumb, flick the working yarn down and around the needle tip.

4. Draw the new loop through the old stitch and slide it off.

Despite looking like a purl motion, this creates a knit stitch when worked from the wrong side—meaning you can knit entire rows purlwise without twisting your wrist.

The Purl Stitch (Portuguese-Style)

Purling is where Portuguese knitting shines—it’s nearly effortless.

1. Insert your right needle purlwise (from right to left through the stitch).

2. Use your left thumb to flick the yarn over the needle.

3. Pull the new loop through, releasing the old one.

Most knitters find that purling Portuguese-style is faster than knitting in other methods, which makes this technique ideal for projects heavy on purl stitches—like ribbing or stockinette worked flat.

Tension, Comfort, and Speed

Because tension is managed by the neck or pin rather than the fingers, hand fatigue is significantly reduced. There’s no need for large motions, so your wrists and shoulders stay relaxed even after hours of stitching.

Why knitters love it:

• Even tension — perfect for lace and colorwork

• Less hand strain — gentle on joints

• Efficient purling — faster than other methods

• Ideal for long projects — ergonomic and consistent

Potential challenges:

• Learning the thumb flick can take a few tries

• Yarn can brush against the neck if tensioned too tightly

• Switching between knit and purl requires attention to stitch orientation

Portuguese vs. English vs. Continental

Feature	Portuguese	English (Throwing)	Continental (Picking)
Yarn Position	Around neck or pin	Held in right hand	Held in left hand
Motion Source	Thumb flick	Arm or wrist motion	Small finger motion
Speed	High (especially for purling)	Moderate	High for knitting
Ergonomics	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Learning Curve	Gentle	Familiar	Moderate
Best For	Long sessions, even tension	Tradition, control	Fast knitters

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Keep the yarn loop loose around your neck for comfort.

• Use smooth yarns to avoid snagging.

• Practice the thumb flick slowly—speed comes naturally.

• When switching between knits and purls, watch that stitches don’t twist.

A Return to Effortless Craft

Portuguese knitting invites you to slow down while somehow speeding up. It’s as though the yarn remembers where it wants to go, guided by the smallest gesture. Whether you’re a new adventurer in the world of yarn or a seasoned maker seeking comfort and control, this quiet technique rewards patience with beauty.