Mastering Intarsia: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting in the Round

Knitting has been a beloved craft for centuries, with its ability to create beautiful and intricate designs out of simple stitches. One technique that continues to mesmerize knitters is intarsia, a colorful and complex method of creating patterns within a knitted piece. And when combined with knitting in the round, it opens up endless possibilities for creating eye-catching projects. If you’re ready to take your knitting skills to the next level, then it’s time to learn how to knit intarsia in the round. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this technique and give you all the tips and tricks you need to create stunning designs seamlessly. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s dive into the world of intarsia in the round.

What is Intarsia Knitting?

Intarsia knitting is a colorwork technique where different colored yarns are used to create a pattern or design in a knitted piece. Unlike stranded knitting where multiple colors are worked across each row, intarsia involves joining in a new color for each individual motif or section of the design.

This technique allows for more intricate and detailed designs to be created on a knitted surface. It is commonly used for creating pictures, logos, and geometric patterns on garments such as sweaters, hats, and even socks.

The History of Intarsia Knitting

Intarsia knitting has its roots in Italy during the 15th century. It originated as a woodworking technique used for creating decorative panels by piecing together different colored woods. This art form spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way into the textile industry.

In the early 20th century, intarsia was often seen in traditional Fair Isle sweaters from Scotland. However, it gained popularity in the 1980s with the rise of punk fashion when colorful abstract designs were incorporated into knitted garments.

Tools Needed for Intarsia Knitting

To get started with intarsia knitting, you will need:

Yarn – preferably in different colors to create your desired design.
Straight or circular needles – typically sized according to your chosen yarn weight.
Pattern chart or graph – this will serve as your guide when working your design.
Tapestry needle – used for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together if needed.

The Basics of Intarsia Knitting

Intarsia knitting may seem intimidating at first, but it follows the same principles as basic knitting techniques. The key is understanding how to deal with multiple balls of yarn and weaving in the loose ends to create a clean and neat piece.

Here are the basic steps for intarsia knitting:

Choose your pattern or design and gather all the necessary materials.
Begin by casting on your desired number of stitches using one color.
When it is time to introduce a new color, simply drop the previous yarn and pick up the new one, leaving a tail of about four inches which can be woven in later.
If you have a large number of stitches in one color, you may want to use a separate ball of yarn for each section to avoid creating long floats on the back of your work.
To avoid holes at color changes, twist your yarns every time you change colors by bringing the new color under or over the old color before starting to knit with it.
Continue working your pattern following the chart or graph provided. Remember to twist your yarns at every color change.
When you have completed your design or motif, finish off by weaving in all loose ends on the back of your work using a tapestry needle.

Tips for Intarsia Knitting in the Round

While intarsia is traditionally worked flat, it is also possible to knit intarsia patterns in the round. This technique can be used for projects such as hats, mittens, and socks.

Here are some tips for working intarsia in the round:

Use double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle with a long cable as needed for your project.
You will be working on two sides when knitting in the round, so keep track of where you are in relation to your pattern chart. You may want to use stitch markers between color changes to help guide you.
When switching colors, always make sure to twist the yarns to avoid holes in your work.
For larger areas of one color, you may want to knit back and forth on one side of your project using straight or circular needles, then join in a new ball of yarn when you turn your work to continue knitting in the round.
Work slowly and carefully to avoid tangling or stretching out the different yarns.

Famous Intarsia Knit Designers

Throughout history, there have been many talented designers who have incorporated intarsia knitting into their work. Some famous examples include Kaffe Fassett, who is known for his vibrant and colorful intarsia designs on sweaters and shawls.

Another notable designer is Brandon Mably, who often adds bold intarsia patterns and motifs onto his knitted garments. Both Fassett and Mably have published books on intarsia knitting, showcasing their unique styles and techniques.

Intarsia knitting may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you can create beautiful and detailed designs on your knitted projects. Remember

What is Intarsia in the Round?

Intarsia in the round is a technique used in knitting to create intricate colorwork designs. It involves working with multiple colors of yarn to create a picture or pattern on the surface of the fabric. Unlike traditional intarsia, which is worked flat, intarsia in the round allows you to work in a continuous spiral, creating a seamless appearance.

This technique gets its name from the Italian word “intarsiare,” which means “to insert.” Just as with traditional intarsia, small sections of different colors are inserted into the knit fabric to create larger designs. However, because of its circular nature, intarsia in the round presents unique challenges and requires some special techniques to be successful.

Why Knit Intarsia in the Round?

Intarsia in the round allows for more complexity and fluidity in design than traditional flat intarsia. The seamless nature of this technique makes it ideal for items that require an all-around design, such as hats, socks, or sweaters. Additionally, because there are no seams or joins where colors change, there is no risk of disrupting the flow of your pattern.

Furthermore, unlike stranded colorwork techniques like Fair Isle or Norwegian knitting, intarsia does not require carrying floats along the back of your work. This makes it a great option for those who find themselves struggling with tension issues when working with multiple strands of yarn.

Preparing for Intarsia Knitting

Before diving into intarsia in the round, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to set yourself up for success.

Firstly, choose your colors wisely. When working with multiple colors that are stacked on top of each other within a single round, slight variations can have a major impact on your final product. It’s best to choose colors that have high contrast to ensure your design pops.

Next, you’ll need to determine the ratio of stitches for each color in your design. This is often referred to as your intarsia ratio and can be calculated by dividing the total number of stitches in your round by the number of colors you’re using. For example, if you have a total of 80 stitches and three colors, you would aim for approximately 26-27 stitches in each color.

Finally, it’s essential to use a knitting chart when working intarsia in the round. This not only helps you visualize your design but also allows you to keep track of where each color change will occur.

How to Knit Intarsia in the Round

Now that you’re prepared for intarsia knitting, it’s time to get started on the actual technique. Follow these steps carefully for best results:

1. Cast on your stitches using the main color (MC) yarn and join in the round, making sure not to twist your stitches.
2. Begin knitting your first round with MC as usual, until you reach the first stitch where a new color will be introduced.
3. Pick up your secondary color (SC) yarn and insert it under MC from back to front.
4. Knit the next stitch with SC, leaving a long tail (around 6 inches) at the back to weave in later.
5. Drop SC and pick up MC again before continuing with instruction 3 until all stitches for that row are worked.
6. On subsequent rounds, twist MC and SC together where they meet in order to avoid a hole forming between them.
7. Continue following charted pattern, twisting colors at every crossing point.
8. When switching yarn colors, always pick up and drop yarn at the same side of work so tails are hidden behind CC float on previous row/round.
9. At end of round, twist final SC and MC stitch together.

Troubleshooting Intarsia in the Round

While intarsia in the round can be a bit tricky, there are some common issues that arise that can be easily addressed.

One difficulty is keeping your work from twisting when knitting in the round. To solve this, you can use stitch markers to keep track of your starting point, or work with a longer circular needle and pull the cable through the center of your work periodically to check for twists.

Another issue is avoiding holes between color changes. As mentioned earlier, twisting the two colors together where they meet is essential. If you still end up with a hole, you can close it by weaving in the ends using a tapestry needle.

Finally, maintaining consistent tension when working with multiple colors can be challenging. This will mostly come with practice and getting used to managing multiple strands at once. If you find yourself struggling, try using two hands while knitting – one to control MC and one for SC.

Intarsia in the round may seem daunting at first, but with careful planning and practice, it can become an enjoyable technique to add to your knitting repertoire. Experiment with different color combinations and charted patterns

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1. What is intarsia and why is it used in knitting?
Intarsia is a colorwork knitting technique that involves using different colored yarns to create a design or pattern on the fabric. It is often used for complicated or intricate designs that would be difficult to achieve with traditional stranded knitting.

2. Can intarsia be worked in the round?
Yes, it is possible to knit intarsia in the round by using circular needles or double-pointed needles. However, this technique may require some adjustments compared to working on flat knitting.

3. What are the basic steps for knitting intarsia in the round?
To knit intarsia in the round, you will need to separate your main color (MC) yarn from your contrasting color (CC) yarn before joining them again on the opposite side. The yarns are typically twisted together at the color change to prevent gaps in the fabric.

4. How do I prevent holes when switching colors while knitting intarsia in the round?
One common issue when working with intarsia is holes between sections of different colored yarns. To avoid this, make sure to twist your MC and CC yarns at every color change and pull them tightly before continuing with your stitches.

5. Is it possible to decrease or increase stitches while working intarsia in the round?
Yes, you can increase or decrease stitches while knitting intarsia in the round by following specific techniques such as increasing/decreasing within a single section of a color or increasing/decreasing at a junction where two sections of colors meet.

6. What are some tips for managing multiple balls of yarn when working intarsia in the round?
When knitting intarsia in the round, it’s essential to keep your yarns organized and untangled. You can accomplish this by using bobbins or separate balls of yarn for each color and keeping them in a small container or bag next to you while you work. Also, make sure to twist your yarns together as mentioned earlier to avoid holes and secure the ends of your balls of yarn to prevent them from unraveling.

In conclusion, knitting intarsia in the round may seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique and practice, it can be enjoyable and rewarding. The key takeaways to remember are to start with a well thought out design, use proper tension and yarn management techniques, and take your time to properly secure the yarn floats. Additionally, using circular or double-pointed needles can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Intarsia knitting allows for endless possibilities in creating beautiful colorwork designs. It requires patience, precision, and attention to detail but ultimately results in a stunning finished product. With practice and determination, anyone can learn how to knit intarsia in the round.

Furthermore, it is important to experiment with different yarn weights and types as well as incorporating intarsia into different garment patterns. This will not only expand your knitting skills but also add variety to your projects.

Like any new skill, learning how to knit intarsia in the round may require some trial and error. But do not be discouraged by mistakes; they are a natural part of the learning process. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to mastering this unique method of colorwork knitting.

In summary, mastering how to knit intars

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.

Mastering Intarsia: A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting in the Round