Working a project in two or more colors is called Fair Isle knitting or stranded colorwork when the colors run completely across the project. Intarsia is often called colorwork and it’s more of a blocked color type work. Fair Isle enthusiasts can be really picky about what’s “Fair Isle” and what isn’t so a lot of time, including in this post, Fair Isle and stranded colorwork are kinda lumped into the same category but I’m not a Fair Isle purist, at least not yet, so please don’t hold that against me.
There are multiple ways to do stranded colorwork. The ways I’ve tried are:
- Using two hands – one yarn in the left and one yarn in the right;
- Wrapping both yarns around your right hand and using either wrapping both yarns around one finger or wrapping one yarn around each of two fingers.
- Portuguese Knitting where you use pins.
Those three methods I’ve tried are all very different! I think we all have to figure out what works best for us.
Probably every project I’ve done has been done differently while I’m trying to find my favorite way to do colorwork.
The leftovers cowl is still a work in progress. It was probably the first big colorwork project I started (in 2015 and it still isn’t finished).
My favorite method at the current time is with one strand in the left hand and one strand in the right hand but I’m very interested in learning Portuguese knitting. It seems to be much easier for the hands.
Small projects like hats are much easier for beginner projects.
For anyone wanting to do colorwork, especially for the first time, there are loads of videos on YouTube. Try several methods, practice and decide which method is best for you.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try colorwork or anything for that matter. There’s nothing we can’t do . . if we just get started and practice!
Amy in PA says
Well that was interesting Judy! I taught myself to knit & I do color work totally different. I just grab whichever color with my right pinkie & drop/swap it when I need the other color. After a certain point in the chart I juggle the yarn balls since they wrap around each other & can tangle up if I’m not paying attention. I’ve probably done 30 color work projects, I never thought to look it up properly, LOL! I love that reindeer hat, I saved a pic on my phone when you showed it before. Thanks for the interesting info!
Judy Laquidara says
That’s why I said “there are multiple ways” and only listed the ways I’ve tried. The best way for everyone is whatever way works for you. With 30 colorwork projects done, I would say you’re doing great.
Teri says
I love that you are so positive about trying anything new….I also like conquering new and scary stuff, but it will take me a while to get up the nerve to do color work….which is silly….but it is on my list of have to try. So every time I look at your stuff I think I can do this…..thanks you for all the pushing and positive words….
Nelle Coursey says
I am going to try this! I have some yarn and I need to get that done!!
Susan Nixon says
Ha, ha, ha. If I ever tried knitting, it would definitely be ONE color! =)