Double Knitting; so enticing!
We featured a couple of patterns using this reversible colorwork technique in the Winter Knitcircus:
Talitha' Kuomi's Duplicity Neckwarmer can have a gray background and buttons, above;
...Or like this, with yellow! It's the wonder of Double Knitting, and Amy Detjen, Knitcircus tech editor, Verona Cardi designer, podcast co-host and knitting teacher, has some tips to de-mystify Double Knitting for you.
Getting Started Double Knitting
When working double knitting, you are creating a double fabric where the Stockinette stitch side faces out on both layers. The purl side (Reverse Stockinette stitch) is locked between the two layers. You work the two layers simultaneously.
When reading a double knitting chart, each square represents 2 stitches.
If the Main Color (MC) is shown on the chart, first put both yarns behind the needles (byb) to knit one st in MC and then pull both yarns in front of the needles (byf) to purl the next stitch in the Contrasting Color (CC). You have just worked one square on the chart.
Likewise, if CC is shown on the chart, first put both yarns behind the needles (byb) to knit one stitch in CC and then pull both yarns in front of the needles (byf) to purl the next stitch in MC. This also counts as working one square on the chart.
The Double Knitting mantra is: Byb, k1 with color shown on chart, byf, purl one with opposite color.
Ready to try it? The Duplicity pattern makes a very achievable first double-knit project!
Then you can move on to the fully-reversible and wildly fun Wild Cherry Cardi:
Want to comment for a chance to win the Sweet 16 Giveaway Part 4? You can right here. Watch for part 5 very soon. Hint, it starts with "M" and ends with "abrigo..."
I've been wondering how this is done. Thanks for the great simple explanation, Amy!
Posted by: [email protected] | December 04, 2011 at 05:04 PM