How to knit colorwork

Рет қаралды 213,639

Күн бұрын

This tutorial shows you how to knit colorwork. It is an in-depth tutorial perfect for anyone who has no experience knitting colorwork and would like to learn how.
This tutorial covers the following areas:
- How to read a colorwork chart
- How to easily keep track of where you are in the chart
- How to hold your yarn for knitting with two colors
- Joining a new color
- Color dominance
- What a float is and how to manage their tension
- Increase rows and why a chart might have “no stitch” sections
- How to work a m1L increase
All of the techniques are demonstrated using my Blizzard sweater. This sweater has been designed specifically for knitters who want to knit a colorwork yoke sweater, but have no colorwork experience. There are a number of features that make Blizzard perfect for a colorwork beginner including:
- Repeats are kept short and easily memorized
- Increases are worked in the main color rounds so you don’t have to remember increases and colorwork
- Floats are kept short so their tension is more easily managed.
The pattern for Blizzard is available on both Ravelry and my website at the links below:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.jessicamcdonalddesigns.co...
There is also a children’s version of this design called Skift. You can find that pattern on Ravelry and my website at the links below:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.jessicamcdonalddesigns.co...
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Where to find Jessica:
Newsletter signup: view.flodesk.com/pages/619546...
Website: www.jessicamcdonalddesigns.com/
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/designers/jes...
Instagram: / jessicamknits

Пікірлер: 164

@taliabatten6042 16 күн бұрын

No going to lie, the kid interludes kinda made this tutorial; it switched the tone from being clinically taught to knit to the feeling of getting taught by the neighborhood knitting group and it brought back a lot of fond memories. Keep up the good content! 😁

@konakeiki9957 2 жыл бұрын

Tell Jimmi that He made your video real. when do we ever have the perfect environment to knit. A true knitter can focus when the world is burning down around our ears. that being said ... You really took the fear of colorwork and dismissed it. I like how you gave the little tips to make it easy. 2 hands... Really genus. Thanks Joe

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked Jimmy's participation! Hopefully you now have the confidence to try knitting colorwork!

@magicalumbrella7151 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the helpful video. Five tips. 1.Photocopy your pattern so that it isn't a strong black and white as this is easier on the eyes. 2. Mark all the rows you are using with a specific colour next to your pattern, this will help keep you organized in more complicated fairisle. 3. Draw lines to create a five row grid on your pattern, this makes stitch counting soooooo much easier and helps you trace back any mistakes. 4. I use a coloured marker to draw across the completed row. This is easy on the eye to follow and prevents lost placement if your top marker slips. 5. If you have longer pattern repeats, place a stitch marker between them. It helps you check for any mistakes and can save hours of stitch counting and undoing as any pattern mistakes can be quickly spotted and corrected. I adore colour work and hope these tips add to your fun.

@joycepastore3860 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. The background noise of your children was not a distraction at all for me. This is not a professional movie we are paying for, you are providing a service pro bono, and I greatly appreciate it.

@gwenvandenburg80 5 ай бұрын

00:49 When you’re explaining how to read a chart, it’s so clear and makes so much sense! Thank you!

@fatimaortiz-cendejas843 6 ай бұрын

7:35 “he’s eating peanut butter” I love that 😂

@noreenmcneely9261 7 ай бұрын

Kaci of Young Folks Knit recommended your tutorial on color work and although I have done colorwork before, your video has given me added confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed your kids in the background as it reminded me of when my children were young. As a young mother it must be very difficult to find the time to do this but I am so glad you did! I can’t wait to make Skift for my grandchildren!

@natalienewton3711 Жыл бұрын

So beautiful! I was avoiding colorwork because it seemed too difficult, but this video made it much less intimidating. Thanks :)

@julietberry5578 Жыл бұрын

9.09am 29th April 2023. Thank you so much! You are a fantastic teacher. I have never done colour stitching before and really wanted to learn. Everything you showed was so clear especially with the added tips and explanations that are really useful and important. You not only know how to knit well, you also understand how people's brains work . Genius. Many thanks from Springwood, NSW, Australia.

@terryannsweeney4428 8 ай бұрын

I have always looked at color work and just told myself it was something I could never do. It just looks hard. You are a great instructor and I know I can do this! thank you for making it nonintimidating, and thanks for all the great little tips. 😊 PS I love hearing your children in the background!

@matildetessari9425 5 ай бұрын

This colorwork is really nice & clear. It looks so easy but I guess you are an expert knitter. You say white & brown but I see white & grey.. It is a nice job !! Thank you so much

@crazyladyintheattic Жыл бұрын

I'm part way through Blizzard as my first colourwork! I'm really enjoying it, and very grateful for this tutorial.

@camilledavis7088 Жыл бұрын

I'm getting ready to try colorwork and this tutorial was so helpful! Explanations were clear and visuals were extremely helpful. Thanks for your time!!

@joannasykes3703 6 ай бұрын

I am nowhere near ready to do this but I was curious. You're a really really great teacher!

@zangetsu284 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the detailed color dominance information, and I appreciate the free parent dominance techniques we got too

@frizfriz 2 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous and great tutorial! I definitely want to learn colorwork.

@spectrumom1 2 ай бұрын

I loved hearing your interaction with your son. All of us have interruptions in knitting and there’s no sense pretending we don’t.

@lizreed8081 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I want to try this. I’m a newby when it comes to colorwork-this is very helpful and I will purchase your pattern when I’m ready for a new project-thanks again!

@paulad6229 7 ай бұрын

i love your tutorial. I've never done colourwork, but feel like I could now attempt it. I'm also impressed with your picking and throwing skills. I'm a thrower but am also tempted to try a swatch and see how I go. Thanks Jessica.

@geririckard167 2 жыл бұрын

I always love your tutorials, and this one is great! Thank you!

@deborahderden4860 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have purchased Blizzard and can’t wait to get my yarn and start.

@LochBriarKnits 2 жыл бұрын

I'm about to start doing colourwork and this was very helpful!! Thank you!

@jennifergautier2192 Жыл бұрын

This was the perfect tutorial for me as I launch into colorwork. The video was a good pace and the explanations clear and concise. Plus the pattern is lovely. So glad I found your channel, Jessica, and am looking forward to watching more of your videos!

@Enig_Mata 2 жыл бұрын

I've never done colorwork before, but this video makes me want to try this out as it makes colorwork less intimidating.

@GollyHolightly 2 жыл бұрын

Trank you. That was a very nice and clear tutorial. I just waited for Blizzard to put both patterns in my basket. I am planning to start with Skift and move on to Blizzard afterwards.

@KarendLugo-gu7me 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! Love the pattern and that it's good for beginners! Thanks!

@eddablume6947 2 жыл бұрын

great tutorial! Very clear, and super helpful!

@michellebabin7582 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. It is relaxing the way that you explain it.

@jillhall9402 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great tutorial. The sweater will be a beautiful addition to my wardrobe!

@mrydjeski 6 ай бұрын

I use a post-it note to keep track of which row I’m on, just like you use your pen

@chantaltaunton7180 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, very clear and informative! Ready to get started on your newest Fletching sweater.

@goswamigeeta Жыл бұрын

Very beautifully demonstrated. Thank you .

@nadinestapler3881 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thank you Jessica.

@janicesawtell5807 6 ай бұрын

I really enjoy your explanation of colorwork and am starting the Blizzard sweater this month..thank you!

@TK-cx8ve Жыл бұрын

I’m new to your channel and absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I ‘m a newbie knitter and this tutorial really inspires me to give color works a try😊

@RachealAdemoji 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video I feel less intimidated to try colour work now ☺️

@danaquilts4385 4 ай бұрын

This is a great video! So helpful in explaining color work. I've never knit color work before and now I think I may be able to do it. Very easy to follow. Thanks again!

@theflamingpearl 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for this great tutorial. I haven’t done any color work since I was in my late teens and stopped knitting for many many years due to life’s complications. I’m now going to do a knit along with my older sister who lives in another state and is a more accomplished knitter. It was feeling a bit daunting to start in with a four color stitch until I found your video!!! All of your tips are excellent and understandable. Now I will have to practice continental knitting before I begin so that I don’t screw it up royally 😊. Love the fly and Jimmy in the video ❤❤❤

@coralthompson753 5 ай бұрын

I am currently knitting this pattern so far looking great. Thank you for this wonderful video it is so helpful. xx

@VictoriaSaraL 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! Thank you!!

@ntombizodwajoyce8931 Жыл бұрын

Your work is wonderful and you are good teacher,May God continue to increase your knowledge 👌

@janetsmith7147 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@jeaniemaher1681 Жыл бұрын

What a great video! Thanks!

@Koko12714 2 жыл бұрын

Color dominance only applies to the "parallel floats" technique. If you apply rotating floats, or twisting floats (sometimes even colorwork in twined knitting) then dominance does not exist. I think this is a common misconception when speaking on the topic of color dominance. Also people ask often about how to keep the yarns from twisting. This question is assuming that the colors are changed by rotating or twisting them at each color change. If you apply parallel floats method (as in this tutorial) then your yarns will not be twisting or rotating around each other...... each color remains parallel to the other color, therefore no twisting yarns.

@lindaw505 5 ай бұрын

This is a wonderful tutorial! Thank you very much 💗🧶

@geriattrique7141 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic demo! Well I guess I finally need to learn continental LOL! This was explained well and clearly filmed! Thanks!

@vanessawyeth9037 Жыл бұрын

This is such a great video. I’m inspired!

@thehipbeekatherine9520 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great instruction. Give Jimmy a high five for bringing such a big smile to our faces while we watch.

@annamariacristani1879 4 ай бұрын

Your explanation Is great. Thank you

@maryannbergeron9531 4 ай бұрын

I am a first time listener to your video. loved this video as you were very clear with your instructions. I ordered your pattern and I am looking forward to making this blizzard pattern. I have only made one color work pattern so definitely looking forward to adding this one to my wardrobe. ❤

@mamamia_222 7 ай бұрын

I always appreciate a colorwork pattern that doesn't require "catching floats." :) I have a pair of Selbu mittens that I started last year that I am working on finishing up and have given up trying to do continental and thrower's style (I'm just throwing both while maintaining color dominance order) because my tensions are just not quite the same when I do two techniques, and I could never remember how to catch the dominant yarn (catching the non-dominant yarn is easy). I'll just have to start a plain hat or something and work 100% continental to practice.

@mindfulmelbournemaker 2 жыл бұрын

excellent tutorial - thanks so much!

@laurahorgan7657 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@sylvanabs 11 ай бұрын

Maravilhoso ensinamento 👏👏👏❤😘🇧🇷🌷🥰

@trishahendershot3509 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@sherryberry6492 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, Ive done colorwork before (I just jumped in and did it!) and it was NOT perfect! 😂🤦🏾‍♀️ I will use your tips next time and Im sure I’ll have a better experience!

@adrianawilliams9633 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this tutorial I follow you

@mirisimsek 6 ай бұрын

thanks very helpful. I guess it is time for me to start my first colourwork soon... :D your video is giving me much courage.

@bobliljenquist9860 Жыл бұрын

Very easy to follow you (I have trouble with other KZfaq demonstrators). Thank you!!! Very inspiring! And I love the fly and the baby. Real!!!!😊

@GloriaAntonelli 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@gjmiller138 8 ай бұрын

Im so happy to have found you, just whant I needed to continue my knitting journey. BTW, I tried to swat that fly off my computer screen lol little buggers

@auntylinda7640 7 ай бұрын

Hi, i use a short plastic see through ruler to indicate which row I'm on. Happy knitting xxx❤

@MrsDrBird Жыл бұрын

Makes me want to start another sweater for myself.... :P

@YoungfolkKnits 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@margaretashlock2531 Жыл бұрын

Well explained

@nihalreyhaniye3857 Жыл бұрын

Modele bayıldım çok güzel elinize sağlık

@DanielleDelbauve-fe6he 7 ай бұрын

Bonjour Magnifique, merci pour ce tuto ... ça fait longtemps que je voudrais me lancer mais j'hésite ... vais essayer. Belle journée ❤️

@anarolls 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, very clear and luckily I also knit continental. My challenge is with more then 2 yarns per row.

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to make a tutorial for knitting with 3 colors at once when I'm to that point in my next colorwork sweater.

@ginafercho4581 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video! Your explanation is spot on. This has made a huge difference for me.

@p.e.gruber-gz3uo 8 ай бұрын

Great!

@Ss-dz6cm Жыл бұрын

I love this sweater! I am going to make this soon. I would like some opinions. I have a sweaters quantity of plutolopi in black and cream. I know most people hold plutolopi double but I'm wondering if I could do it single strand and use it on this pattern. I have no idea how it would behave. I just wanted to expand my knitting horizons and knit with this unique yarn.

@Crazybirdlady44 2 жыл бұрын

I loved the video! Very instructive, you make me feel I could actually do color work. I also enjoyed the kid noises, haha! Keepin’ it real. 😂😂😂

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

The kids are always around! 😄

@vasilyokless Жыл бұрын

Very beautiful!! How do you deal with jogs? Do you just ignore them or do you have a method that you prefer to make them less visible? Thank you!

@amandajehle3704 2 жыл бұрын

This was really helpful & am hoping to start Blizzard soon. Would you be able to show us how you join the German twisted cast-on so seamlessly for this sweater?

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

I'll need to make a tutorial for that! When I join in the round for magic loop, I knit that first stitch with both the working yarn and the tail from the beginning of the cast on. Then I pull them snuggly together for a seamless join.

@user-uv3ig9us6l 2 жыл бұрын

Спасибо за схему,я вас нашла в инстаграме и здесь волшебно.Даже мне без знания языка ,очень понятно

@LaundryFaerie Жыл бұрын

You make working with two colors at once look deceptively easy. I can knit solely English style and have tried to learn Continental style to no avail, so I know I wouldn't be able to do this. Thank you for a very clear tutorial, though.

@readatnightfall1786 9 ай бұрын

You can hold both colors in one hand, too. This is only one way to do colorwork. If it helps, you could get a Norwegian yarn thimble to hold both colors at the same time on one finger

@cynthiamael2517 7 ай бұрын

Loved this video and also loved Jimmy interrupting and eating peanut butter! Ha! Keeping it real! Thanks for showing us how to hold both colors at the same time.

@RoshniS 8 ай бұрын

great video! How many stitches did you cast on? I am thinking of finally trying colourwork!

@kavithasivakumar6005 6 ай бұрын

Nice

@gbhullar8418 Жыл бұрын

Vbeautiful

@danajara3865 Жыл бұрын

Helo!!! I love this tutorial! Where can I find the chart? Plisss! 😁

@jayapatil6869 4 ай бұрын

Your work is amazing. It would be very kind if you tell how to work short rows at the back part.

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 4 ай бұрын

The How to Knit Your First Sweater tutorial has a section explaining the short rows. You can find the specific chapter in the description section so you can watch what you need.

@juhaszkarolyne1425 5 ай бұрын

Hűha. Köszönöm.

@chericovalt9540 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the video, wonderful inspiration!!! Blizzard is on my radar! However, I have never knitted a sweater…..how difficult is the actual sweater to knit? Thank you for your time!

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

It's not too hard! If you know the basics of knitting and purling, you can do it. Blizzard is very clearly written so it will be a good choice for a first sweater.

@gbhullar8418 6 ай бұрын

Vbeautiful❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@lorrainemarcketta489 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. While your instructions are very clear, I have a question as a person new to color work, and also new to reading patterns. At your first increase row in the color work, I can see on the pattern that it needs to be increased to 8 stitches (2 more than the previous 6). My feeble brain translated that to mean 2 extra stitches after each of the 6 stitches (i.e., one on either side of that original 6 stitch grouping). Sorry if this question sounds dumb. I just can't see that an increase is made every three stitches looking at the pattern.

@jamiecrucefix4078 Жыл бұрын

For the first row are you counting 6 stiches repeatedly? What happens it you go around to 1st stich in the round and you in the middle of a repeat?

@mymusic4714 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful! What pattern is this..

@bengpoh2670 9 ай бұрын

I made colour chart jumper for my size and as there is no stretch it turn out to be too small. Should I go up to another size? I started a colour beanie and also found that it doesn’t fit my head after six rows should I increase another twenty stitches to make it fit

@dorothybyzewski9279 9 ай бұрын

Hello, I am still new to knitting stranded colorwork. I am wondering if whenever you have time can you make a video tutorial or maybe can answer it here in the comments, how do you knit repeats in a colorwork chart? Thank you.

@shieladegrote8238 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jessica I started the Blizzard sweater and finished the short rows and will be starting the color work today. I noticed in my short rows that I must have done some yarn overs instead (3 of them) so I have some small holes. Do you think those will even out at some point or do you have any suggestions as to how to fix it short of ripping back?

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 2 жыл бұрын

If you have some small holes, it is likely because you did not pull the yarn tightly enough when creating your double stitch. They may block out. If you are really concerned, you may want to rip back through that section and re-work it.

@carolbuckley8535 6 ай бұрын

Hi thank you so much for a clear and constructive lesson in how to do colour work for the first time. My question is as a English knitter do I have to learn how to knit continental first or do English knitter hold there wool differently. Sorry to be a pain but I am English 😂 Blizzard will be my first attempt at a colour work jumper

@abgates56 5 ай бұрын

I'm an English knitter and what I do is hold the dominant yarn in my left hand, but instead of "picking" it Continental style, I "throw" it with my left hand. That works for me.

@Larissadaawn 5 ай бұрын

What knitting needles do you use? Like brand wise

@oranjjetofu4054 Жыл бұрын

Is this with stockinette stitch?

@joann5157 Жыл бұрын

I've never knitted a sweater before. Questions: Can this pattern be a man's sweater? What are the "short rows" you mentioned at the back of the neck?

@meepiecrafts7799 Жыл бұрын

Cool jimmy made my day🤣

@beenakalra9792 7 ай бұрын

This is the first time I watched your video. It was good very well explained. Do you think it's possible for me to get the entire pattern from the beginning about how to make this sweater? Thank you so much.

@JessicaMcDonaldKnits 7 ай бұрын

You can find the pattern for Blizzard on my website. It will give you the instructions for the entire sweater. www.jessicamcdonalddesigns.com/patterns/p/blizzard

@victoriamannelqvist180 Жыл бұрын

I have a queation. How do you know when to do increases?

@monicavossot1409 5 ай бұрын

Hi, I'm new here and trying my first color pattern project ever! If I am reading my pattern correctly, it sounds like I need to do my short rows while alternating colors, but I'm not sure if that is possible? This will mess up the colors, right? Thank you