how to knit stripes

This how to knit stripes neatly hints and tips page will help you create beautiful striped knitted items even if you are a beginner knitter.

Do you avoid knitting stripes because you think you'll have dozens of "ends" to weave in once you've finished knitting?

This needn't be the case. The trick is to " carry your yarn " whenever possible. Carrying the yarn simply means letting go of the current color yarn (don't cut it), start using the next color yarn, then pick your first color up again when you are ready to continue using it.

To avoid codging your work make sure you hold your yarn, and knit the first new colored stitch, slightly looser than your usual tension.

Knit 2 or 3 stitches with your new color, then pull down the side of your work to check it's still smooth. If not, undo those stitches and re-knit them with your yarn a little looser. You'll very quickly gauge what tension to put on your yarn as you knit each first couple of new color stitches.

Carrying rather than cutting your yarn will save you a lot of time when finishing-off your item. You can see by the photos below how neat your edge will be

right side of knitting

wrong side of knitting

How far should you carry your yarn ?

Using a medium weight yarn i.e. 8-10ply / dk -aran / 3 or 4 / light worsted or worsted - you can neatly carry your yarn at least 4 rows without the need to twist your colors around each other to hold them into position. Obviously less rows for thicker yarn.

More tail avoidance......

Another method to avoid creating too many tails - when working with 2 straight knitting needles, is to work your rows in even numbers per color (2,4,6, etc) this ensures you finishes your current yarn color where your next (or previous) color is waiting for you.

If you're knitting in the round using circular needles or double pointed needles (dpns) choose any number of rows you wish for your stripe - you always end up back where you began.....

Introducing new colors when practicing how to knit stripes

For neatness the method we use when introducing new (previously unused) colors when knitting stripes is simply to drop the current color yarn and begin the row with the new color leaving a 6inch (or 10cm) tail hanging.

You will find your first stitch will be a little loose, not a problem, once you've completed your row simply give a little tug to the yarn you dropped and you'll find the first stitch in your new color will tighten correctly.

Sewing seams and weaving in tails

If you have large wide stripes using mattress stitch and the appropriate color creates nice neat seams.

If, however, you have many color changes - and/or narrow stripes - choose your predominant color and use a running back stitch to close your seam. When using a running back stitch turn your item inside out, match the stripes and use a few dress making pins to hold your work into position.

Don't weave in your tails until you have sewn your back seam - simply ensure you keep them out of the way of your seaming stitches.

Once you've completed your seam, thread your needle with each tail and run them up or down the back seam. You only need to do this for one or two inches, they won't come adrift. Don't weave them across your work....it adds thickness and is almost always noticeable when your item is worn and stretched.

As you can see from the above how to knit stripes hints and tips this process can be easy - even if you're a new knitter you'll have no problem adding color and interest to your projects......

.......here are a few patterns that should get your creative juices flowing......simply click on the link below each photo to view more information and details about the patterns....who knows your next project may be amongst these......

2 needle patterns