Articles & Patterns
Unraveling the Mystery of Variegated Yarns
Part 1
Variegated VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid, adjective:
1. Having marks or patches of different colors; as, "variegated leaves or yarns."
2. Varied; distinguished or characterized by variety; diversified.
One of the biggest " yarns " for knitters, is how to use variegated yarns. The definition of variegated makes one think that this yarn is special, has character and will create a distinguished piece of knitting.
There are officially no rules as to what pattern can be used with variegated. Though many knitter's have a preconceived notion that lace or cables are not a good vehicle for variegated yarn, but that it is best for stockinette.
Break the rule box open and try different concepts that were thought of as "taboo" many years ago. Variegated yarns have so may variations of repeats, styles and processes now, that you can use variated yarn for lace stitches without losing the delicate stitches but enhance them with color changes. Variegated yarns can add to a pattern by giving more " motion" to the stitch, accentuate the stitches and textures and if mixed with solids give the knitted piece character.
In fact the variegated yarns can accentuate the curves of the stitches and add depth, compared to a solid color. Does this mean all variegated yarns will work for that pattern? Knit a washcloth or back scrubber and see. Instead of knitting small swatches that you cannot use, make a swatch functional.
In ClothsLineEZine, you will find ensembles with variegated yarns as an accent and sometimes the focal point of the group. Variegated yarns are used for several reasons:
* Variegated yarns add a great accent to any grouping or ensemble
* Variegated yarns tie in all the pieces by the coordinating colors in the variegated yarn.
* They add texture without complicated stitches.
* There are so many variegated yarns to choose from, it is tough not to pick one up to play with.
Check out the selection of variegated yarns at Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing CO., Inc home of Peaches & Creme Yarn, America's Best and Honeysuckle Yarns. They have taken the variety in variegated with offerings in double worsted, knitting worsted, country cotton cabled size 5, rayon chenille, sport weight...the list is endless as are the color combinations!
Potential Problems with Variegated Yarns:
Unbalanced socks, sleeves and fronts of garments
This "problem occurs when the knitter has not:
* knitted the two pieces at the same time.
* started the skeins in the same section
Easily solved by knitting the sleeves or the fronts together, balancing the yarn during cast on. I personally knit two fronts and sleeves at the same time, I just hate the thought of knitting one more piece prior to the " dreaded " finishing. I know many sock knitters rewind and cut out yarn sections to get the second skein to match, i prefer my socks to be similar but not necessarily matching exactly.
Some people cut through yarn and redesign it to match exactly, blending several skeins. I would only recommend that technique if you have mismatched dye lots that are obvious. It is a good way to blend the yarn.
Pooling is when the same color happens to appear at the same place in a row for a large number of rows, breaking up the variety with a section of one color. Pooling yarns can look very beautiful, creating an almost a tie dyed effect, but usually they are a distraction from the beauty of the stitch and yarn.
Flashing takes place when the eye is drawn to a certain, too-short, too-predictable color repeat or odd shapes repeated in striping. Some say it is striping done poorly, it could create interesting effects.
Knitting Variegated Yarns
Textural Stripes are featured in this issue:
Chevron, ripple, zig zag or patterned stripes like eyelet or purl combinations can be accented with solids to create an interesting effect. Basic textures are more interesting in variegated yarns. Simple purl- knit combination textures have more depth with the yarn colors flowing through the stitches.
The Feather & Fan is a lace stitch but it is also a textural stripe that is accented well in variegated yarns. More lace to come in future articles.
Mix solids and variegated in stripes to create more tactile interest like in the simple eyelet row pattern.
For the Textural Stripe Patterns shown in Issue 1:
Click Here!
Fiesta Rib Cloth:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Fiesta
Zig Zag Stripes:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Burgundy and Sunset Mountains
Feather & Fan:
Though this is a "lace" pattern it is also a textural stripe. More lace in the following articles.
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: White and Pink & Lilac variegated
Eyelet Zig Zag Ensemble:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Peppercorn Ombre and Brick Red
Eyelet Stripe Cloth:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Red and Mistletoe variegated.
Knitting Variegated Yarns Coming Soon:
There are some knitting techniques that variegated yarns can enhance and show details well. In the next few months we will be exploring some of these techniques.
Part 1
Variegated VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid, adjective:
1. Having marks or patches of different colors; as, "variegated leaves or yarns."
2. Varied; distinguished or characterized by variety; diversified.
One of the biggest " yarns " for knitters, is how to use variegated yarns. The definition of variegated makes one think that this yarn is special, has character and will create a distinguished piece of knitting.
There are officially no rules as to what pattern can be used with variegated. Though many knitter's have a preconceived notion that lace or cables are not a good vehicle for variegated yarn, but that it is best for stockinette.
Break the rule box open and try different concepts that were thought of as "taboo" many years ago. Variegated yarns have so may variations of repeats, styles and processes now, that you can use variated yarn for lace stitches without losing the delicate stitches but enhance them with color changes. Variegated yarns can add to a pattern by giving more " motion" to the stitch, accentuate the stitches and textures and if mixed with solids give the knitted piece character.
In fact the variegated yarns can accentuate the curves of the stitches and add depth, compared to a solid color. Does this mean all variegated yarns will work for that pattern? Knit a washcloth or back scrubber and see. Instead of knitting small swatches that you cannot use, make a swatch functional.
In ClothsLineEZine, you will find ensembles with variegated yarns as an accent and sometimes the focal point of the group. Variegated yarns are used for several reasons:
* Variegated yarns add a great accent to any grouping or ensemble
* Variegated yarns tie in all the pieces by the coordinating colors in the variegated yarn.
* They add texture without complicated stitches.
* There are so many variegated yarns to choose from, it is tough not to pick one up to play with.
Check out the selection of variegated yarns at Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing CO., Inc home of Peaches & Creme Yarn, America's Best and Honeysuckle Yarns. They have taken the variety in variegated with offerings in double worsted, knitting worsted, country cotton cabled size 5, rayon chenille, sport weight...the list is endless as are the color combinations!
Potential Problems with Variegated Yarns:
Unbalanced socks, sleeves and fronts of garments
This "problem occurs when the knitter has not:
* knitted the two pieces at the same time.
* started the skeins in the same section
Easily solved by knitting the sleeves or the fronts together, balancing the yarn during cast on. I personally knit two fronts and sleeves at the same time, I just hate the thought of knitting one more piece prior to the " dreaded " finishing. I know many sock knitters rewind and cut out yarn sections to get the second skein to match, i prefer my socks to be similar but not necessarily matching exactly.
Some people cut through yarn and redesign it to match exactly, blending several skeins. I would only recommend that technique if you have mismatched dye lots that are obvious. It is a good way to blend the yarn.
Pooling is when the same color happens to appear at the same place in a row for a large number of rows, breaking up the variety with a section of one color. Pooling yarns can look very beautiful, creating an almost a tie dyed effect, but usually they are a distraction from the beauty of the stitch and yarn.
Flashing takes place when the eye is drawn to a certain, too-short, too-predictable color repeat or odd shapes repeated in striping. Some say it is striping done poorly, it could create interesting effects.
Knitting Variegated Yarns
Textural Stripes are featured in this issue:
Chevron, ripple, zig zag or patterned stripes like eyelet or purl combinations can be accented with solids to create an interesting effect. Basic textures are more interesting in variegated yarns. Simple purl- knit combination textures have more depth with the yarn colors flowing through the stitches.
The Feather & Fan is a lace stitch but it is also a textural stripe that is accented well in variegated yarns. More lace to come in future articles.
Mix solids and variegated in stripes to create more tactile interest like in the simple eyelet row pattern.
For the Textural Stripe Patterns shown in Issue 1:
Click Here!
Fiesta Rib Cloth:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Fiesta
Zig Zag Stripes:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Burgundy and Sunset Mountains
Feather & Fan:
Though this is a "lace" pattern it is also a textural stripe. More lace in the following articles.
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: White and Pink & Lilac variegated
Eyelet Zig Zag Ensemble:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Peppercorn Ombre and Brick Red
Eyelet Stripe Cloth:
Knit in Peaches &Creme™ Knitting Worsted: Red and Mistletoe variegated.
Knitting Variegated Yarns Coming Soon:
There are some knitting techniques that variegated yarns can enhance and show details well. In the next few months we will be exploring some of these techniques.
- Mitred Squares and Rectangles:Mitred squares are a great way to use variegated yarns. Add matching plain colors to break up the variegated yarns, or work each square with different colors that are also in your variegated yarn.
- Entrelac: used with variegated and solids make interesting fabrics.
- Cables: Thought of as taboo for variegated, can be teamed with solids to accentuate the cable stitches
- Mosiac Knitting: Ideal for variegated, creates motion and stitch excitement. We will explore mixing solids with variegated yarns for dimensional effects.
- Lace Inserts and Lace Allovers: The other taboo stitch pattern for variegated will be explored. As you saw with the Feather & Fan Lace Ensemble, lace stitches can be accentuated by variegated yarns for interesting effects.
- Patch Work : Patchwork knitting is a creative exploration in itself. Use variegated yarns in single motifs, or in every motif in your garment. Try motifs that change directions within themselves or knit many different motifs and join them together with the rows of knitting running in different directions.Log Cabin pattern is considered a patchwork pattern and variegated yarns can add depth and variety to your square.
- Bias or Short Row Patterns and More!
- Process of dying variegated yarns, photos of a mill tour.
- Different color run styles of variegated yarns
- Tips on checking the look of the variegated color flow prior to knitting