Intrigued by intarsia? Us too!
I find that knitters tend to sit in two camps when it comes to colourwork knitting: fairisle or intarsia. There are of course plenty who like to do both (or neither!) but I think it’s one of those things that people tend to have a preference for and stick to that method. For me, intarsia is my preferred method of colourwork.
Of course, the different methods are used for different reasons and with different results, and both have their pros and cons. In this article I will explain what intarsia is, and include knitting patterns of varying complexity to practice this method with.
What Is Intarsia?
Intarsia is a method used for knitting with multiple colours. Unlike with fairisle, intarsia uses a separate ball of wool for each colour being used, rather than carrying the yarn across the back of your work making floats. This creates a flat fabric.
This method of colourwork tends to be used for larger shapes of colours (rather than the small repeating patterns seen in fairisle).
Pros
- No floats (which can create a puckered fabric).
- You can create pretty much any picture you want.
- Youo can use an unlimited amount of colours.
Cons
- Lots of ends to weave in at the end!
- Has to be knit flat (there are ways of knitting intarsia in the round but this creates a LOT of ends).
- The multiple balls of wool can get tangled.
Pattern Suggestions
Color Quadrant Cap by James N Watts
Let’s start off with something simple! The Color Quadrant Cap is a lovely basic pattern to introduce you to this technique if you’ve not done it before. It’s knit flat in a simple 2×2 rib and then seamed up once it’s finished.
Bird Sweater by Pernile Larsen
What a sweet design! The Bird Sweater is a child’s pattern for ages 1-6, and comes with 2 colourwork charts for a blue-tit or a robin.
This is another good pattern to go for if you’re not confident with intarsia as the design isn’t overly complicated. Also kids knits work up nice and quickly!
Bird Sweater would be lovely in Merinoull, a 100% merino machine washable yarn – perfect for kids clothing!
Get A Drip Vest by Anxious Girl Knits
This is such a fun design! One of the first things I do when I’m looking at a pattern on Ravelry, is to go on the ‘projects’ tab to see what other people have made with the pattern. Everyone has chosen such vastly different colour combinations for this they all look so unique.
Get A Drip Vest is inspired by melting ice-cream and it’s a great piece for layering up on a chillier summer day.
Malabrigo Chunky would be perfect for this vest!
Flower Power Pullover by Lindsay Degen
Another fun one to look at the projects tab! This is a design I regularly see on Instagram, and every time think to myself ‘I must make this’. The Flower Power Pullover is part of a larger collection by Lindsay featuring the same daisy motif. There is also a scarf and a cardigan.
Blümchen Fingerless Gloves
This is such a unique design with a really interesting construction, and a fun way of adding florals in to your winter wardrobe.
The construction of the Blümchen Fingerless Gloves, plus the intarsia and all the short-row shaping means this pattern isn’t suitable for beginners! A great project to sink your teeth in to if you’re looking for a little more of a challenge.
Try these in Edelweiss Alpaca 4ply for a super warm, soft pair of mittens.
Did you enjoy this pattern round up? Whether you’re a newbie to intarsia or a seasoned pro, hopefully this list gave you some inspiration! If you do make any of these patterns we’d love to see – tag us on instagram @___yak so we can shw it some love!
Until next time.. happy knitting!
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