How to Knit Stranded Colorwork!
Discover how to knit stranded colorwork with this inspiring guide, perfect for adding bold, colorful designs to your wardrobe. From a brief history of Norwegian stranded knitting to five essential tips and favorite yarn recommendations, this post covers everything you need to create stunning colorwork pieces. Plus, get a glimpse of my top three colorwork projects for even more inspiration!
This post is all about how to knit stranded colorwork!
How to Knit Stranded Colorwork: A Creative Guide to This Timeless Technique
Stranded colorwork knitting is a technique that allows you to create breathtaking, intricate designs using multiple yarn colors at once. From traditional patterns to modern fashion-forward pieces, stranded colorwork offers endless possibilities for creativity. If you're eager to dive into this rewarding technique and add some bold, colorful knits to your wardrobe, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
What is Stranded Colorwork?
Stranded colorwork, often associated with techniques like Fair Isle and Norwegian knitting, involves knitting with two or more colors in the same row. By alternating colors, you can create intricate patterns, while "stranding" the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering this technique requires patience and practice, but the stunning results make it well worth the effort.
A Brief History of Norwegian Stranded Colorwork
Norwegian stranded colorwork holds a special place in the world of knitting. Often referred to as “Selbu” or “Nordic” patterns, these designs date back centuries and are characterized by geometric motifs like stars, snowflakes, and crosses. In Norway, stranded colorwork was not just functional for warmth but also a symbol of regional identity and craftsmanship.
Today, knitters around the world are inspired by these timeless designs. Whether you're working on a traditional sweater or experimenting with your own patterns, Norwegian stranded colorwork remains a versatile and beloved technique.
5 Tips for Stranded Colorwork Knitting
If you’re ready to learn how to knit stranded colorwork, these five tips will help you get started and keep your projects looking smooth and professional.
1. Keep Your Tension Consistent
Tension is key in stranded colorwork. If your floats are too tight, your fabric will pucker; if they’re too loose, your work can look sloppy. Spread out your stitches on the needle and check your floats frequently to avoid issues.
Pro Tip: Use a slightly larger needle for stranded knitting to keep your floats from pulling too tight.
2. Learn to Manage Your Floats
Floats are the unused strands of yarn carried along the back of your work. Managing them is essential for both the look and feel of your piece. Remember to catch floats every 3-4 stitches to avoid long strands that can snag.
Pro Tip: Make sure your floats are loose enough to allow the fabric to stretch naturally.
3. Pick the Right Yarn
Choosing the right yarn is crucial when knitting with multiple colors. Rustic, non-superwash wools, like Rauma Finull or Hillesvåg Vilje, work particularly well for stranded colorwork because their fibers grip together, preventing floats from loosening.
Pro Tip: Woolen-spun yarns like Hillesvåg Sol and Vilje create a loftier fabric, which helps your colorwork stay neat and defined.
4. Plan Your Color Dominance
The "dominant" color in stranded knitting sits slightly forward and is more prominent. Always be mindful of which yarn you carry below the other to maintain consistency in your design.
Pro Tip: Test your color dominance with a swatch to ensure your design elements stand out the way you want.
5. Practice with Simple Patterns First
If you’re new to stranded knitting, start with easy patterns that use two colors and simple motifs. Smaller projects like hats or mittens are great for practicing without the commitment of a larger garment.
Pro Tip: Swatching before starting a big project helps you adjust tension and get comfortable with color changes.
My Favorite Yarns for Stranded Colorwork Knitting
The yarn you choose can make or break your colorwork project. Here are my favorite yarns for achieving beautiful, well-defined colorwork:
- Rauma Finull: A classic, rustic yarn from Norway. Its slightly rough texture softens beautifully with blocking, and it grips well during knitting, making it ideal for intricate stranded colorwork.
- Hillesvåg Vilje/Hillesvåg Sol: These yarns are soft but maintain the toothiness needed for colorwork. Vilje is especially great for softer pieces, while Sol adds loft for more defined patterns.
- Hillesvåg Sølje: A finer weight yarn that’s perfect for delicate colorwork. It blooms beautifully after blocking, giving your project a cohesive finish.
My 3 Favorite Colorwork Projects
Here are three of my personal favorite colorwork knitting projects. These patterns allowed me to experiment with color and shape while staying true to my love for handmade fashion.
1. Flaten Sweater
When I knitted the Flaten Sweater from Birger Berge, I wanted to play with both form and color. I started in early April, as the weather was at its worst, and decided to bring some joy into my knitting with a playful color combination. By shortening the cardigan and adjusting the gauge to suit my personal style, I created a piece that I can wear daily, even pairing it with dress pants for work.
The flexibility of adjusting patterns is one of the most empowering aspects of handmade clothing. With some "knitting math," I made the design my own.
2. Nordic Mix Sweater
The Nordic Mix Sweater was my playground for bold colors. I combined vibrant orange and pink, experimenting with a less oversized version by tweaking the pattern. I even improvised the skirt in the same pink hue, turning it into a fun spring set. It’s the perfect outfit for a sunny but crisp day.
3. Porcelain Sweater (Adapted to a Cardigan)
For the Porcelain Sweater by Lene Holme Samsøe, I thought outside the box. I believe in creating garments that fit my lifestyle, so I adapted the pattern into a cardigan, made it denser, and shortened it for practicality. The result? A cozy, yet fashionable, piece that fits seamlessly into my wardrobe.
Conclusion
Learning how to knit stranded colorwork opens up endless opportunities to create colorful, personalized pieces that reflect your unique style. By mastering the basics, choosing the right yarn, and being creative with patterns, you can build a wardrobe full of custom-knit garments that you'll love to wear.
From playful spring sets to elegant winter cardigans, stranded colorwork allows you to craft fashion-forward, timeless pieces. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you'll soon be knitting intricate patterns with ease and confidence.
This post was all about how to knit stranded colorwork!
