Master the Art of Catching Floats: A Knitter's Guide to Perfecting Fair Isle Knitting

Knitting has long been cherished as a beloved pastime, offering endless possibilities for creative expression and relaxation. And while most knitters are familiar with the basics of casting on and stitching, there is a unique technique that adds an extra layer of charm to your projects: catching floats. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, mastering this skill can elevate your knitting game to new heights. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of catching floats and uncover all the tips and tricks you need to know in order to add this special touch to your knitted creations. So grab your yarn and needles, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of catching floats in knitting.

What are Floats in Knitting?

In knitting, floats refer to strands of yarn that are carried along the back of the work while other stitches are being worked on. These floats are created when knitting in a colorwork pattern, such as Fair Isle or stranded knitting, where different colored yarns are used to create a design. The strands of yarn not being used at the moment are carried across the back of the work until they are needed again.

Floats can also be created when knitting stripes or even when using one color throughout the entire project. However, they are much more common and prominent in colorwork projects. They can add an extra layer of complexity and texture to a knitted piece, but if not managed properly, they can also cause issues with tension and appearance.

Why Learning How to Catch Floats is Important

Knowing how to catch floats in your knitting is crucial for creating visually appealing and structurally sound colorwork projects. When floats are not caught or secured properly, they can become loose and create holes or unevenness in the finished piece. This not only affects the overall look of your project but also its durability.

In addition, learning how to catch floats allows you to create more intricate designs and patterns without having long strands of yarn running across the back of your work. This gives your project a neater appearance and prevents snagging on loose floats.

Furthermore, properly catching floats can help maintain tension while working with multiple colors. Floats that are too loose can result in uneven stitches and gaps between colors, while tight floats can cause puckering and distortion in the fabric.

Methods for Catching Floats

There are several methods for catching floats while knitting, each with its own advantages depending on your project. Here are three commonly used techniques:

1) Carrying Along Yarn

This method involves carrying the strands of yarn along the back of your work while knitting. As you come to a color change, you switch to the new yarn and leave the old one hanging on the back until it is needed again. When strands of yarn are carried along for more than 5 stitches, it is recommended to catch them by loosely wrapping the new color around the old one every few stitches. This helps to keep the floats in place and prevent them from being too long.

However, this technique can create long floats which may become tangled or snagged as you continue knitting. Additionally, this method is not suitable for designs with long stretches of one color or for very intricate patterns.

2) Twisting Yarn Strands

Twisting yarn strands is another way to catch floats while knitting. This method involves twisting the two strands of yarn at the back of your work every few stitches as you change colors. The twist creates small loops along the float, securing it in place and preventing it from becoming too loose.

This technique is best used for colorwork patterns that require long floats or have a lot of changes between colors. It also creates a more even tension between colors and reduces the risk of pulled or distorted stitches.

3) Weaving in Floats

Weaving in floats is a technique that involves catching and weaving excess strands of yarn into your work as you go along. This method requires a bit more time and effort but results in a neater appearance with no visible loose strands on the back of your project.

To weave in floats, simply use an extra needle or crochet hook to pick up and weave the excess yarn into the back of your work as you change colors. This technique is commonly used in Fair Isle knitting and can also be used for intarsia projects where different colored sections are knit separately and then joined together.

Tips for Successful Float Management

Here are some additional tips to help you successfully manage and catch floats while knitting:

– Practice with a small swatch before attempting a larger project to get comfortable with different techniques.
– Avoid long floats (more than 5 stitches) as they can easily become tangled.
– Keep an eye on the tension of your floats. They should be loose enough to allow for movement and stretch, but not so loose that they cause puckering or gaps in the fabric.
– When carrying yarn along, make sure the yarn is not pulled too tightly across the back of your work as this can affect tension and cause distortion.
– Use the same color yarn to catch floats whenever possible for a more seamless appearance.
– Make sure to catch floats on every row or round to prevent them from twisting and tangling.
– Take breaks while knitting to untangle any twisted floats before they become too difficult to manage.

Catching floats in knitting is an important skill for creating beautiful and durable colorwork projects. Understanding what floats are, why catching them is crucial, and different methods for doing so, will help you achieve professional results in your knitting. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your particular project

The Basics of Knitting with Floats

Knitting with floats is a technique that allows you to create beautiful colorwork patterns by carrying the unused yarn along the back of your work. This is commonly seen in Fair Isle knitting and other traditional knitting styles. While knitting with floats may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually quite simple and can add a unique touch to your knitting projects. In this guide, we will break down the basics of how to catch floats while knitting, so you can confidently incorporate this technique into your next project.

Tools You Will Need

Before diving into knitting with floats, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools. To successfully catch floats while knitting, you will need a set of double-pointed needles or circular needles, depending on your preference and project needs. These needles should be a size appropriate for the yarn weight you are using. You will also need two different colors of yarn that contrast well in order to create a colorwork design.

Preparing Your Yarn and Needles

Before beginning your project, it’s important to prepare your yarn and needles for knitting with floats. First, make sure the ends of both yarn colors are secured by tying them together in a tight knot. Then, thread both strands onto your needle and start casting on as usual. When beginning your first row or round, make sure both colors are on the same side of your work so they can easily be carried along as you knit.

How to Catch Floats While Knitting

Now that you have all the necessary tools prepared, it’s time to learn how to catch floats while knitting. When switching between colors in a row or round, simply drop the color you are finished using and pick up the new color from underneath it. Make sure to always bring your working yarn over top of the color you are not currently using. This will create a strand of “float” along the back of your work that is caught by the working yarn as you continue to knit.

Tips for Success

While catching floats may seem straightforward, there are a few tips that can help ensure your colorwork is neat and tidy. First, make sure to always carry your floats loosely along the back of your work. If they are too tight, it can cause puckering or pulling in your fabric. Additionally, try to keep an even tension between each color to prevent any gaps or uneven stitches.

Another helpful tip is to twist your yarns together every few stitches when carrying them across the back of your work. This will help keep them from getting tangled and create a more secure float.

Finally, practice makes perfect! Knitting with floats may take some time to get used to, but with practice you will become more comfortable and confident in this technique.

Projects to Try

Now that you have mastered the basics of knitting with floats, it’s time to try it out on some projects! Fair Isle hats, mittens, and sweaters are great projects for practicing this technique. You can also incorporate floats into other projects such as scarves or even socks for a unique touch.

Advantages of Knitting with Floats

Knitting with floats offers many advantages beyond creating beautiful colorwork designs. For one, it allows you to use multiple colors without having to constantly change yarns and weave in ends. It also helps create a thicker fabric which is perfect for cold weather garments.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

As with any new technique, there may be some common mistakes made while knitting with floats. These can include too tight or loose floats, uneven tension between colors, or accidentally twisting the wrong yarn. If you notice any of these issues, simply undo the stitches and fix them. It may take some time to get used to catching floats while knitting, but with practice and patience, you can avoid these mistakes and create beautiful colorwork.

Knitting with floats is a fun and versatile technique that can add a unique touch to your projects. With the basics in hand and some practice, you can confidently incorporate this technique into your knitting repertoire. Just remember to always carry your floats loosely, twist your yarns every few stitches, and have fun creating colorful designs!

1. What is the purpose of using floats in knitting?
Floats are used in knitting to create longer stretches of a specific color or pattern without having to cut and rejoin the yarn. This allows for more intricate and complex designs to be created.

2. How do I catch floats in knitting?
To catch floats while knitting, insert the needle into the stitch where the float is to be caught, wrap the yarn around the needle as normal, and pull through both stitches onto your right-hand needle.

3. When should I use a float trap in my knitting project?
Float traps are typically used when there is a large gap between color changes, which can result in long floats that may snag or get caught on things. Using a float trap helps prevent this from happening.

4. Can I use any type of yarn for catching floats?
Yes, you can use any type of yarn for catching floats as long as it is strong enough to hold up against tension while still being thin enough to not create bulky areas in your knitting.

5. How do I prevent my floats from becoming too tight?
To avoid tight floats, make sure you are not pulling your yarn too tightly while knitting and that your tension stays consistent throughout your project. You can also try using longer floats or adding extra stitches between color changes.

6. Is it necessary to catch every float while knitting?
It is not necessary to catch every float while knitting, but it is recommended for larger gaps or when using slippery yarns. Not catching every float can result in holes or loose fabric in between colors.

In conclusion, float knitting can be a fun and visually appealing technique to add to your knitting repertoire. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and techniques, catching floats can be easily mastered.

Firstly, it is important to understand the concept of floats and how they can impact the final look and structure of your knitted project. By using appropriate tensioning methods and being mindful of color dominance, you can prevent puckering and create a more visually pleasing design.

Additionally, having the right tools such as a float trap or using alternative methods like weaving in the floats can make catching floats much easier. These tools not only save time but also result in a neater finished product.

Practice and patience are key when mastering any new skill, including catching floats while knitting. It may take some time to become comfortable with the process, but with perseverance, anyone can successfully incorporate this technique into their knitting projects.

Moreover, understanding the different types of knitting patterns that involve floats, such as Fair Isle or Norwegian stranded knitting, is crucial for successful execution. Each pattern has its own unique float-catching methods that should be learned before attempting them.

Lastly, while floating knitting may seem intimidating, it offers endless possibilities for beautiful and intricate designs. Whether you are a beginner or an

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.

Master the Art of Catching Floats: A Knitter’s Guide to Perfecting Fair Isle Knitting