Colorwork Knitting Quick Tips


 

Colorwork in knitting creates an absolutely gorgeous product, but it can sometimes be a little bit intimidating. I know that I have worked a couple of hats and socks in my day in which the colorwork had me scratching my head. 


Sometimes, it seemed like my fair isle colorwork would end up too tight, and then too loose because I was trying to overcorrect the tightness. Here are a couple of quick tips to help with tension in a Fair isle or intarsia project. 

Tip #1: Use a needle one size bigger.

This tip is super simple. Whatever needle size you are using on the non-colorwork parts of your project, switch to one size bigger for the colorwork portions. This makes it so you can knit to your regular tension, without worrying about the colorwork pulling as much. 

Tip #2: Don't forget to S-T-R-E-T-C-H your stitches out

As you are pulling one color behind another, you might find you have a tendency to scrunch the stitches on your right needle up. Employing this method means you stretch the stitches on the right needle out with plenty of space in between each stitch. This way, when you go to knit with or trap your other color, it won't pull the last stitch you worked in that color.

Tip  #3: Secure the Stitch Every 4 to 6 

Whether you employ the stitch locking method of twisting one color around the other, or you use the ladder-back Jaquard method, make sure you secure your secondary/not in use color every 4 to 6 stitches. This number can depend on what size yarn you are using. You can probably secure your yarn every 6 stitches if you are using fingering/sock weight yarn. If you are using bulky yarn, you might want to think of securing the yarn every 4 stitches. If you go to long without securing the stitches, you end up with large floats that can not only distort the knitting, but can be something you get a finger,  or a toe caught in. The caught digit differs depending on the project. Hopefully you don't get a toe stuck in a hat float.

Tip #4: Take a Class

Here at The Nook, we sometimes offer colorwork classes. Our current one teaches the Ladder-back Jaquard method and deals with some of these wonderful tips. If you are in Spokane or the surrounding areas, it can be worth it to have an instructor help with the intricacies of colorwork. In addition, we tend to have a lot of fun in class, and end up with a beautiful product. 

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