Knitting with Stripes

I found a great idea today on Pinterest, for knitting stripes.  It's so simple, yet so appealing!



Knitting Stripes
{Original Source}

The basic idea is to alternate colors for any set number of rows that you wish.  But, on the row that you switch colors, you k1 p1 across the whole row.  All of the other rows are knit in basic stockinette stitch.  What I love about this is the texture created on the k1 p1 rows.  Simple! but Elegant!

Stash Busting

Knitting in stripes is a great way to bust your stash.  You may not have enough of any one yarn for a large project, but together many odds and ends yarns can be joined.  Or, you can mix an expensive yarn, "stretching it out" so to speak, by alternating with something more basic. 

This can also be a great way to use novelty yarns, which might be too much of a good thing for a large project, but would look elegant alternating with a background color.

Alternating Colors in Your Knitting

While I love the idea pictured above, I'm not as fond of the rainbow.  I prefer something a little less regular, or maybe a little more surprising.  Here's how you can get a more artistic effect.

1) Use the Golden Ratio.  1:2:3:5 

Color A: knit Row 1.  Color B:  knit Rows 2-3.  Color A: knit Rows 4-6.  Color C:  knit Rows 7-11. 

Continue this pattern, either keeping the same color scheme, or creating new ones while maintaining the same number of rows at each new color change.  This generates a sense of randomness that is still balanced.

2) Use the ratio of each color to the other(s). 

This works best when you have odd amounts of yarn. 

Let's say you have 4 oz. of Color A, 6 oz. of Color B, and 8 oz. of Color C.  (I just chose random, but easy-to-work-with numbers.)

For every 4 rows worked in Color A, work 6 rows in Color B, and 8 rows in Color C.

This can be broken up into smaller chunks, as long as the ratio remains the same.

For example.  If you want smaller repeats of color.  Color A:  knit Row 1-2.  Color B:  knit Rows 3-5.  Color C.  knit Rows 6-9. 

You could then alternate this with both larger and smaller repeats for variety.

The benefit of this method is that you will not run out of one color before you've finished the whole project.

Designing Knitting with Stripes

These ideas can be incorporated into any type of knitting project, from home decorating (throws, pillow covers) to garments (hats, sweaters, mittens, scarves, shawls).  If you are making a larger project, or a fitted garment, of course you have to be careful with gauge, yarn weight, and yardage.  However, if you are making a scarf or hat, feel free to experiment away!

For the time being, my knitting page is just about ideas.  After the wedding dress is finished, I can make knitting tutorials!  Yay!

Till next time,--Ayana

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