Table Of Contentcolorwork for
knitters
Master the Art of Knitting Stripes, Slipstitch, Intarsia, and Stranded Colorwork
through Step-by-Step Instruction and Easy Projects
Lori Ihnen
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♥
I dedicate this book to Kevin and Christina
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank the following yarn companies for supplying me with beautiful
fi bers: Berroco Yarns, Blue Sky Alpacas, Brown Sheep Company, Frog Tree Yarns, Louet
North America, Rauma Yarns, Russi Sales, and Shibui Knits. An extra thank you goes to
Louet North America for the yarn used in all the samplers.
I would also like to thank the following knitters for their skill and help to make this book
a reality: Mary Brown, Anne C. Jones, Kristine King, Karen B. Lehman, Jane Niemi, and
Elizabeth Watkins.
And fi nally thank you to Karen Weiberg for her expertise and technical editing and to
the staff at Creative Publishing international for all their hard work.
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colorwork for
Adventurous
knitters
Master the Art of Knitting Stripes,
Slipstitch, Intarsia, and Stranded Colorwork
through Step-by-Step Instruction
and Easy Projects
Lori Ihnen
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Contents
Introduction. . . . . .7 Intarsia
Techniques. . . . . .90
Stripes
Intarsia Pattern Samples. . . . . .97
Techniques. . . . . .10
Intarsia Projects:
Striped Stitch Patterns. . . . . .17
• Intarsia Pillow. . . . . .102
Striped Projects:
• Intarsia Daisy Purse. . . . . .106
• Striped Pillow. . . . . .22
• Intarsia Owl Hat. . . . . .110
• Striped Hat. . . . . .24
• Striped Zigzag Scarf. . . . . .26 Duplicate Stitch, Embroidery
& Decorative Embellishments
Slip Stitch & Mosaic
Techniques. . . . . .116
Techniques. . . . . .30
Embellishment Samples. . . . . .120
Slip Stitch & Mosaic Pattern Samples. . . . . .34
Embellished Projects:
Slip Stitch & Mosaic Projects:
• Embellished Mosaic Belt. . . . . .126
• Slip Stitch Purse. . . . . .38
• Slip Stitch Vest with Scarf . . . . . .128
• Mosaic Coasters. . . . . .42
• Embellished Butterfl y Purse. . . . . .136
• Mosaic Wristlets. . . . . .44
Stranding Knitting Techniques. . . . . .139
Knitting Terms & Abbreviations. . . . . .142
Techniques. . . . . .48
Yarn Resources. . . . . .142
Stranded Pattern Samples. . . . . .68
References. . . . . .143
Stranded Projects:
Index. . . . . .143
• Stranded Hat. . . . . .74
• Stranded Floral Purse. . . . . .76
• Stranded Collar Wrap. . . . . .80
• Child's Cardigan. . . . . .84
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Introduction
When you think of colorwork, do you the right side of your knitting and you will read the
cringe or do you get excited? Within the chart from right to left . When you get to the end
chapters of this book there is a wealth of this row and turn your work, you will be on the
of information on colorwork in its wrong side of your knitting, so you will read the
simplest form to its most challenging. chart from left to right. If you are working in the
Each of the sections in this book explores a round you will always read the chart from right to
diff erent category of colorwork. Within each left , every round.
section you will fi nd techniques, pattern samples, At the end of the book there is a section called
and projects. Th e pattern samples highlight Knitting Techniques. You will fi nd cast-ons, three-
techniques just learned; some are classic patterns needle bind off , I-cord, twisted cord, and a few
and others are originals. Th is book is not meant good tips, so check that out. Some patterns will
as a stitch library, but the samples provided will reference these techniques too.
give good practice for the techniques. Th e projects In practicing a new technique, use a high
continue to build on newly learned skills with quality fi ber and a larger gauge yarn. Remember
smaller but attractive designs. to always check your gauge as you begin a new
Th e fi rst section—Stripes—is the most basic project. To get the best results, use the yarn
and from there each section gets a little bit more suggested in the pattern. If you substitute yarns,
complicated. You can read the sections separately choose a similar fi ber and swatch, swatch, swatch.
and out of order, but some techniques do build from If your gauge does not match the pattern gauge,
what is learned in the previous sections. For example, adjust your needles up or down until you have
in the stripes section jog fi xes are a main focus, and the correct stitch gauge. Remember to treat your
these same issues can come up again with stranded gauge swatch as you would your garment. Block
knitting and patterns that are in color bands. and launder to save disappointment, otherwise
It’s assumed that you have basic knitting skills when you launder your garment for the fi rst time,
and know how to knit, purl, increase, and decrease. it could grow or shrink.
Because there are many charts, here is a quick Th is book is about enhancing your colorwork
overview on how to read charts. Each square skills, making your colorwork experience more fun
represents a color to be knit and the color changes and pleasurable, making you more confi dent, and
that will occur. To read a chart for back and forth expanding your colorwork experiences. Let’s
knitting, start at the bottom right corner. Th is is get started!
7
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S TRIPES
A fun, exciting, and simple way to add color to
your knitting is to use stripes. Stripes can be as simple as a
two color repeat or as complex as changing colors every row.
Stripes can be made in stockinette stitch or in patterned
stitches, the choice is up to you.
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Techniques
Although striping seems pretty straightforward—changing yarn colors between rows or
rounds—there are methods and tricks to perfect those color changes and to make them as
inconspicuous as possible. Striping techniques for knitting back and forth on two needles are
diff erent from those used when knitting circularly. Th ere are advantages and disadvantages to
both. How you make the color changes and what you do with the yarn when it’s not in use
make a big diff erence in the quality of the fi nished fabric.
CHANGING COLORS WHEN WORKING FLAT
When working back and forth in rows, there are a few things to master when it comes to changing colors.
Back and Forth on Two Needles
You are ready to start your new color on the right edge of your knitting.
Drop your old color and start knitting with your new color. Th e fi rst thing you
might notice is the edge gets a bit sloppy. You can put a temporary knot on the edge
with the old and new colors together, then later when sewing up your seams you can
unknot and work them in or use them to sew up your side seams.
10 COLORWORK FOR Adventurous KNITTERS
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