Category: Introduction to stranded colour work – web

Activity 1: Vertical stripe rib

Before you start, please make sure that you have done everything in Activity 0. For instance, have you downloaded the handout and have the yarn and tools listed in Activity 0.

Instructions for this activity are on page 6 of the handout. You do not need to swatch for this project because its size does not matter. Instead, you can treat the entire project as a swatch to practice. Then make another one if you want to have a “showcase” to show others.

Activity 2: Knit stranded colour work in the round

You should have already completed Activity 1: Vertical stripe knitting and have 3 rounds of vertical stripe ribs.

In this activity you will learn how to read a chart for colour knitting and practice knitting with two colours at a time to create a motif.

Activity 3: Catch floats on the knit side of the work

You should have already completed Activity 2: Knit stranded colour work in the round and have competed 2 rounds of your motif.

In this activity you will learn how to catch (trap) floats when you are knitting on the public side of stranded colour work. Catching floats helps maintain an even tension. Shorter floats are also less likely to catch in fingers.

The instructions for this activity are on page 9 and 10 of the handout.

Activity 4: Knit stranded colour work when knitting flat

You should have completed Activity 3: Catch floats on the knit side of the work and have knit 5 rounds of the motif.

Not all stranded colour work projects are knit in the round, and even those that are sometimes have elements that have to be worked “flat” (backwards and forwards).

Knitting on the private site of the fabric differs in how you handle floats and, of course, managing your yarn is subtly different when you are using purl stitches. This activity gives you practice in working on the private site of stranded colour work.

The instructions for this activity are on page 11 of the handout.