Where slow living meets the charm of cottagecore lies the enchanting world of Intarsia colorwork in knitting. Today, dear knitters, let’s journey through the rich history of this captivating technique and discover its unique allure. Whether you’re knitting flat or in the round, let’s unravel the secrets of Intarsia together.
While the exact origin of intarsia knitting remains uncertain, it has been used for centuries to create beautiful, pictorial designs in knitted garments and accessories.
In the knitting world, Intarsia allows us to create pictorial designs and motifs with multiple colors, each forming its separate section.
Intarsia Flat vs. In-the-Round
Knitting intarsia flat involves working with multiple colors to create separate color blocks within a row. It’s essential to use bobbins or small balls of yarn for each color section, ensuring that the yarn is carried along the back of the work when changing colors.
Wind bobbins for each color block in your intarsia design. Leave enough yarn to work with comfortably but avoid making them too long to prevent tangling.
When you reach the point where you want to start the color block, drop the background yarn and pick up the corresponding yarn bobbin for the color block. To add the new color, bring the new yarn from the bobbin under the old yarn, leaving a short tail. As you knit, twist the old and new yarns together at the color changes to prevent holes. At the end of the row, turn your work and follow the same process on the wrong side if your pattern requires color changes.
We’re met with a delightful twist when working Intarsia in the round.
Knitting intarsia in the round differs slightly from knitting it flat, as you continuously work in a circular direction.
You can turn your work, just like intarsia flat, with a simple trick explained here, or you can use a technique called “circular intarsia” or “traveling intarsia” to create your color blocks, sliding your background stitches to the opposite end of the circular needle without twisting them, and thereby creating floats.
Tips for a Flawless Intarsia Experience
- Bobbin Magic: Wind small bobbins for each color section to avoid tangled yarn. This ensures smooth knitting and keeps your colors neat and organized.
- Embrace the Knot: Unlike fair isle, where floats are carried across the back, Intarsia often requires yarn joins. Embrace the discreet knot, securing each color change to create a clean look.
- The Magic of Twisting: When changing colors, twist the old and new yarns around each other to prevent holes from forming. This simple technique keeps your Intarsia motifs looking polished.
Patterns to Unleash Your Intarsia Love
If you’re ready to embark on an Intarsia adventure, I’ve designed patterns to ignite your creativity and whisk you into a world of color. Check out my “Moon cardi” and “Phases sachet” patterns, both showcasing the beauty of Intarsia.
With every stitch, Intarsia reveals a love story that spans generations. So, dear knitters, grab your needles and paint with yarn.