If there is one thing I love about knitting, it’s how much there is to learn. Whether it be learning about fibres, techniques, pattern interpretations or mathematics, knitting always offers a new way to challenge myself.
This month’s Tips with Trish feature should really be called Tips with Robbie as this one belongs to Team Estelle designer Robbie Laughlin. I’m so thrilled Robbie suggested this as it was a new-to-me way to execute precise, colour coordinated two row stripes while working from just one ball of gradient yarn.
While working on a Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman, Robbie was kind enough to photograph and document his journey through this best-selling pattern. For this project, Robbie used one ball of King Cole Curiosity in colour KC160-2893, Ocean. The perfect choice for a baby sweater, this 100% acrylic is machine washable and comes in extra large cakes with a generous 480 meters per ball. If sewing in ends isn’t your thing, King Cole Curiosity is just for you!
Beginning from the centre of the ball, cast on the required number of stitches and work two rows. Next, rotate the ball vertically by turning it towards the left so that you can pull the yarn from the outside of the ball. Turn your work to the left as well and the outside yarn will now be in front of the previous yarn used. The centre strand of yarn will now be flat against your work surface thereby tucking that strand neatly out of the way.
Now work two rows using the outside strand, rotate the ball towards the left again and turn your work to the left. This will give your stripes a very clean edge and at the same time, correctly align your strands to continue working. The photo below shows how the individual strands fall perfectly in place to work the next row. No tangles, no headaches!
It takes a little getting used to, but before you know it you won’t even have to think about which way you’re turning the ball and your work. This well thought out method of creating fun stripes without yarn tangles is well worth the effort as you’ll see in the gorgeous photo below of the finished product.
A big thank you to Robbie for this lesson on easy two row stripes. You’ve opened up a whole new world of ideas for gradient yarns and different ways to work with them!
This technique is certainly a interesting way to play with gradient yarns but it’s also a great technique to use when working with one ball of heavily variegated or hand painted yarn such as Manos del Uruguay Alegria. This gorgeous hand painted yarn is my go-to yarn for shawls, scarves and cowls and this handy trick of working from both ends of the ball means colour pooling is now a thing of the past!
One simple trick that has a number of benefits and can be learned in a matter of minutes. It just goes to show that there is always something new to learn in knitting.