Stranding Out
Feeling floaty this week with some stranded colourwork
Getting into stranded colourwork came relatively late in my knitting career. I’d dabbled here and there with the odd flourish around a cuff or hem, but never really dared much further. It felt too complicated, too scary, and far too much like something ‘proper’ knitters did.
If you’d asked me back then what a proper knitter was, I couldn’t have told you, beyond the fact I knew it wasn’t me. And if you told me I was the one who knitted the two Cheviot Marsh jumpers just above - for fun! - I think I would’ve needed a long lie down.
How did I get there? Was I blessed with a sudden rush of self confidence? Very unfortunately, no. Did the High Council of Knitters appear from the mist in their woolly cloaks, and whisper ‘You’re ready’ with just the right amount of encouraging menace? Disappointingly, also no.
The number of colourwork patterns catching my eye were piling up. Beautiful designs, the kind you can’t walk in anywhere and buy off the shelf. I hit a tipping point, and the desire for the jumper was finally greater than the fear of making it. Biggest shocker of all: after giving it a proper go, I immediately fell in love with the technique. It’s now my favourite kind of knitting by a country mile!
Ask me now, and I’ll happily tell you that a proper knitter is, in fact, any knitter. I’ll even (begrudgingly) admit that includes me. And it certainly includes you!
I’ve pulled together a few pattern suggestions that are ideal for anyone new to stranded colourwork - all have short repeats, meaning easier yarn management, and no need to trap the floats behind your work. Plus, if you feel you’d benefit from some hands-on learning, Samira will be holding a class on the technique at Whistlebare Fold next month (more info on that below).
Cheviot Marsh is recommended for three out of the four, as it’s just the kind of woolly yarn that pairs well with stranded colourwork. It gives great stitch definition, and has just the right amount of grip to keep things even.
Fletching Socks by Jessica McDonald
The perfect way to give stranded colourwork a try without committing to a whole jumper - and also a very nice pair of socks! Great for day-to-day wear, or for cosying up in. Available in 6 sizes, from baby to adult large.
One full skein of Cuthbert’s Sock will be ample for your main colour in every size but the adult large, which may just nudge over the yardage (we’re talking single digits). If you’re making this size, I’d advise picking up an extra mini skein and using it to knit the cuff. One mini skein will cover the contrast colour for the colourwork in all sizes.
Calamondin Sweater by Audrey Borrego
This gorgeous free pattern is knit top-down, in the round with raglan shaping. Available in 11 sizes, with finished bust circumference ranging from 33 ¾” to 72 ¾”.
To knit in Cheviot Marsh 4 ply, you’ll need: 3 (3 / 3 / 3 / 4 / 4), (5 / 5 / 5 / 6 / 6) 100g skeins in your main colour, and 1 (1 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2), (2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2) 100g skeins for your contrast colour.
Old Salt Mitts by Ashley R. Adams
A fun, portable knit with exactly the kind of whimsy I think we all sorely need! Purl ridges add a nice bit of texture, and the corrugated rib is a great way to practice purling in stranded colourwork. Available in five sizes.
To knit in Cheviot Marsh 4 ply, you’ll need: One 100g skein for your main colour across all sizes. One mini skein for contrast colour in sizes 1-3, and two mini skeins for sizes 4 and 5.
Sennen Sweater by The Knit Purl Girl
A cosy, oversized drop shoulder fit, with a lovely braid detail around the cuffs, hem and collar. Knit from the top down and available in 12 sizes, with finished bust circumference ranging from 40½” to 67½”.
To knit in Cheviot Marsh DK, you’ll need: 4 (5) 5 (6), 6 (6) 6 (6), 7 (8) 8 (9) 100g skeins in your main colour, and 1 (1) 1 (1), 1 (1) 1 (1), 2 (2) 2 (2) 100g skeins in your contrast colour.
Learn how to knit using more than one colour at a time, while making a very cosy hot water bottle cover! Over the course of the workshop, Samira will guide you through working with several colours in the round, using the Magic Loop technique, managing floats, tension, repeats, how to read colour charts and more.
Yarn is included, and you’ll be provided with two 50g skeins of Cheviot Marsh DK in contrasting colours to knit your project.
Needles (3.25mm circular needle, 80-100cm long) and stitch markers are available in the shop, or alternatively, you are very welcome to bring your own!
This workshop is suitable for knitters who are confident to cast on, knit, purl and cast off.
A warm welcome awaits at Whistlebare Fold from 8.45am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am - 5pm on Sundays. Online orders remain open as ever.
We’d love to see you at our Wednesday Book Club and Knit and Natter Nights, 7pm-9pm, £7.50 including hot drink and cake!
If you’d like to visit, you can find us at: 17A Bridge St, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1ES
As always, thank you for your company this week. And, of course - if you’ve been inspired, we’d love to see your wonderful creations!
Wishing you all the happiest of knitting,
Claire
