I prefer to hold it so that it flows over my index finger and under the others. I wondered why it should be different when I used the English style, as I like to hold it so that it flows over the index, under the middle, over the ring, and under the pinky. But I have determined that tension is different with each hand and I have more control with my left hand when I hold it the second way. But there really is no "right" way, unless it is the way that works best for you. I know that I probably haven't been much help. This site shows a couple of ways to hold the yarn. You'll eventually find what's right for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: holding the yarn

I read your post late last night and couldn't think what to tell you. I knit English or with my right hand holding the yarn, but do know how to do Continnental. I don't like Continenntal because the motion is to much like crochet for me. It makes my shoulder hurt. I can knit much longer than I can crochet. I played with it some this morning. I think I wrap it around my pinkie, under the two middle and over the index, but, since I don't do it much, it's pretty awkward. Also, my tension isn't good, and my purl stitches are backwards on the needle when I do the next row. I haven't figured out what I'm doing wrong! Good luck. Once you master it, it's really fast. I find it fasinating to watch someone knit continenntal. I have a friend who just flies and doesn't even watch what she's doing!

Tami

Thanks for the website, Donna. It shows a slightly different method than any of the books I have. I'll give it a try.
Tami, I haven't even tried to purl, yet. It might persuade me to stick with the English method. However, it intrigues me, so I thought I'd try.