As a knit designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty of intarsia knitting. This technique, rich in history and possibilities, allows for stunning colorwork that can elevate your knitting projects to a new level. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the essentials of intarsia knitting, from its history to practical tips and techniques for flat and round knitting. I’ll also share some of my favorite intarsia patterns for you!
The History of Intarsia Knitting
Intarsia knitting originated in 16th-century Europe, where it was used to create elaborate tapestries and garments. Unlike Fair Isle knitting, which involves carrying two colors across a row, intarsia knitting uses separate sections of yarn for each color block. This allows for large, bold designs without adding bulk to the fabric. “intarsia” is borrowed from a woodworking technique involving inlaying wood pieces to create intricate patterns.
How to Knit Intarsia Colorwork
Knitting Flat
Set Up Your Yarn: Divide your yarn into smaller bobbins or balls for each color section.
Start Knitting: When you reach a color change, drop the old color and pick up the new color from underneath the old one. This twists the yarns together, preventing holes.
Keep the Yarn Tidy: As you work, keep the yarn balls or bobbins untangled by laying them out in the order you’ll use them. Regularly untwist them to avoid tangles.
Knitting in the Round
Prepare for Color Changes: When knitting intarsia in the round, you must work ” back-and-forth ” rather than continuous rounds. This means knitting one row and then purling the next, with several methods for joining in the round I previously explained in this post.
Join Colors: Use the same method of twisting the yarns at each color change to avoid holes.
Managing Yarn: Place each color’s yarn on separate bobbins or yarn butterflies and keep them organized to prevent tangling.
Tips for Intarsia Knitting
Avoiding Holes: To prevent holes where you start or end a color, always twist the new color yarn around the old one.
Managing Tangles: Keep your yarns organized by frequently untwisting and rearranging them. Use yarn bobbins or butterflies to keep the strands separate.
Correcting Uneven Stitches: If you notice uneven or lopsided stitches, gently tug on the yarn ends after knitting each section to even out the tension. To a certain extent, inconsistencies can be smoothed out by blocking.
My Favorite Intarsia Patterns
Knitted Flat
Air Shawlette: This enchanting triangle-shaped shawl uses intarsia to alternate lace and fingering weight yarn, creating a captivating motif that evokes the graceful movement of the air itself.
The Moon Cardigan: This is a long, slouchy cardigan with roomy pockets and stunning intarsia colorwork depicting moon phases on the back.
Knitted in the Round
Phases Sachet & Pouch: These quick and easy intarsia colorwork are perfect for beginners. These small items are great for holding tarot cards, dice, or crystals.
Monogrammed Sweater: A top-down pullover featuring a monogram letter in intarsia colorwork on the front.
Cheshire Tee and Moon Castle Tee: With drop shoulder construction, these tees are knitted from the bottom up and feature an intarsia colorwork section until the armhole.
Flat or in the Round
Ragdoll Fox: This unique toy can be knitted flat or in the round, depending on your preference. It can also double as a charming pillow.
Intarsia knitting opens up a world of creative possibilities with its ability to create bold, colorful designs. Whether knitting flat or in the round, the key is keeping your yarn organized and your stitches even. I hope this tutorial inspires you to try intarsia knitting and explore my shared patterns.
Happy knitting!