Stranded Colorwork - English and Continental

Learn how to add stranded colorwork to your knitting with our tutorial!

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[premiertremere]

On stranded colorwork fabrics that are used in stuff like socks is it best to wrap floats every other stitch regardless of how they are carried in order to keep the floats from wearing out? I'm sure I already have this answered in my head, but for flat work you would just have to knit them two ply and then block it very flat (like a scarf)? Thanks!

[knitpicks]

@premiertremere For extra reinforcement on things like socks, if the pattern allows - feel free to wrap the floats as close together as you would like. The only thing is that you usually don't want to go more than an inch or so without a float. As for knitting flat, I am unsure of your phrasing on the question regarding knitting them two ply. If you are unsure, just send along a PM and we can try to answer your question more in depth.

[gurl4Godalwayz]

I have a question: I'm knitting my dad a pair of socks for christmas, and I'm using two colors. I have to wrap the floats sometimes (obviously), but I've noticed that sometimes the color I'm wrapping/carrying behind shows through to the front. Am I doing something wrong? Can anyone help me? It would be MUCH appreciated. :)

[knitpicks]

@gurl4Godalwayz when wrapping the floats behind your knitting, make sure that they are much looser than you think. This will allow your knitted fabric to retain more of its natural stretch, it will also help you to avoid your fabric puckering as well as the colors showing through the front.

[heleneea]

but how do you start this? just knite the new color into the pattern?

[knitpicks]

@heleneea yes, whenever you change color, simply pick up that new yarn. Just remember to carry your floats if you are doing a section of colorwork that is longer than 4-5 stitches.

[TheSunIsBlack]

running to the yarn shop!

[gurl4Godalwayz]

@knitpicks Thank you! I will try that and see if it works. :)

[lehualani24]

Wonderful explanation. Completely helpful!

[turdmonkey67]

what are you making in this video

[noojerry]

The best VDO. Thank you.

[turdmonkey67]

@bozomahoney wow......

[fairyhedgehog54]

I thought this was really helpful. I'm just learning to knit continental style and this ways of doing colourwork is great. I also valued the help on dealing with long strands.