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Today’s guest post and pattern are written by Mari Chiba of Mari Knits.
Knitting With Gradient Yarns
Ombre is all the rage these days from clothing and accessories to hair! There are also a ton of great ombre or gradient yarns on the market. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are thinking about using a gradient yarn for a project:
1. Try to choose a patten that isn’t too busy. If it’s a really complicated lace pattern the lace might overwhelm the color gradation, or the colors will outshine the lace. When working with a really colorful yarn why not take a break from the tough knitting and let the yarn shine?
2. Think about the direction of your knitting. With my infinity scarf because it’s knit end to end the color changes move in a different direction than if you knit it in the round (see gradient sketch). My favorite gradient yarn is Wolle’s Color Changing Cotton. They are available in 100g and 180g skeins, with 480 and 865 yards respectively. For all of my designs I’ve used just one of the 100g skeins. I love this yarn because of the beautiful gradient colorways and the softness of the cotton once it’s been washed and blocked. This yarn is actually comprised of four individual strands of cotton that are worked together as one piece of yarn. The color changes occur only one strand changes at a time, which is what makes the gradient colors so beautiful. I’ve published two patterns using this yarn: Lola’s Lace Shawl and Spring Wolle. Today I’m excited to share with you a simple new infinity scarf featuring this lovely yarn!
Mari’s Loop Scarf
This simple infinity scarf is perfect TV knitting. I would keep mine in my purse and work on it when I was required to wait somewhere. Knitting helps me to be a patient person!
Note: For my sample I used a provisional cast on, and then after I knit the infinity scarf I removed the provisional cast on and grafted the beginning and end together. You can also use a traditional CO and then seam the beginning and end together. Whichever you prefer!
Instructions:
CO 88 sts.
Row 1 (WS): K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 2 (RS): K3
Repeat Rows 1-2 until you have about 10 yards of yarn left. BO all sts and seam or remove provisional cast on and graft beginning and end sides together.
Tell us: Would you ever work with gradients?
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yes, I have a Entrelac pattern I would love to try out
I love the effect of gradient yarn. I haven’t tried it, but am hoping to use it in the near future. In this particular pattern (the cowl) I think I’d keep going a bit longer so that the beginning and end aren’t such a stark contrast in colour change.
yes!
Row 2 — (RS) is It ONLY K3 then what?
What size needles do you recommend? Gauge?
I agree with Carol – what happens with the other 85 stitches in row 2???
What size needles did you use, and how do you finish row 2??
My thoughts exactly ????
Row 2 k3 and what do you do with the other 85 stitches????
It appears to be a stockinette stitch scarf… Row 1. k3, k85, k3 Row 2. k3, p85, k3.
Thank you Anita, Light bulb just went off! 🙂
Anita It says Row 1: K, 3, Purl 85, K3 which would be OK
then Row 2: K, 3 ???????? Yes it does seem to have something missing but probably it should read Row 2: K across all stitches That would leave the 3 stitches on each end in garter stitch.
Either way we all think alike and that is the pattern, very simple. Only the colors in the yarn used will change the way it looks.
Still confused about the pattern.Do you purl 85 stitches in row 1 and then knit the 85 stitches in row 2?? Also what size of needle should you use?
Hopefully someone can help me. 🙂
I would one day like to attempt gradient knitting. I love the look, but as yet, never tried it.
Vegas Gold / Black would be my color choices.
2nd row says knit3..what about the rest or the row?
Pretty scarf. But pattern would only work for someone who wouldn’t need a pattern. Needle size? Maybe 8. Row 2 knit across. How much yarn? 8 ounces?