We talk a lot about the importance of the right colors for a project because itโs such an exciting process.
As a designer, I am deeply inspired by the color of a specific yarn. I bring together concepts, shapes, stitches, textures, and I start experimenting. But the real magic happens when the pattern leaves my hands and goes out into the world. New hands, new imaginations. It is always a thrill to see the color choices from who knits my designs.
I often see knitters fretting that they might not choose the โrightโ yarn or that the colors they are drawn to might not go together well. And I get so many questions about the importance of the right colors and where to get inspiration.
I wanted to offer a list to see how I get inspiration to gather my yarn choices for the upcoming patterns.
Setting a Theme
Sometimes thatโs a very literal interpretation: a design based on fall might immediately bring to mind the warm tones of pumpkins or the dark mood of Halloween.
Other times it can be more emotional and abstract, like my cosmo sweater. This might not have a specific or defined color, but we all know which colors and shades associate with cosmo, personally. Thinking about a particular color in this way can lead to a very personal and beautiful palette.
Maybe you donโt have a place or a theme in mind, and your response to certain colors is instinctive: you love it because you love it, and it is as simple as that.
One of the most powerful tools I know for exploring themes is Pinterest. Just create a board, name it and start pinning. Over time, you will probably start to identify themes and similarities.
Help from the Colour Theory
Colour theory can be a helpful tool in design. It shouldnโt be an intimidating subject or a set of rules.
If you havenโt explored it before and you need something to get you started, check those blog posts:
โข https://ariannafrasca.com/2020/10/20/color-confidence-made-easy-2/
โข https://ariannafrasca.com/2020/11/13/are-you-warm-or-cool-understanding-your-colors/
โข https://ariannafrasca.com/2021/02/19/how-does-the-color-of-your-knitting-affect-your-mood/
I hope this post about the importance of the right colors might spark some ideas!
Happy knitting,
Arianna