This classic three color knitting stitch with alternating solid stripes of each of the colors looks great and allows each of the colors to be featured in whatever garment is knitted. Only one color is used per row and the yarn is carried across the front as part of the pattern, eliminating the need for carrying colors across the back of the work. This is the simplest way to knit a beautiful fair isle look.
Line Directions to Knit This Stitch
The pattern is knit in a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1 stitch (or an odd number of stitches). Carry the yarn in front of the slipped stitch is indicated by S (slip)1 wyif (with yarn in front). Click the pictures below for larger views of the color chart with line by by line directions and the actual knitted stitch.
The pattern stitch (row 1) starts with a purl row after the ribbing is complete in the same color. Round needles are recommended. Because this is a simple pattern, it is easy to work from the back (wrong side). When shaping a garment, and the color you need is at the other end, simply slide the work and work on the wrong side. This will eliminate a lot of loose ends.
Three Color Knitting Pattern:
- Row 1 (in red at bottom left of chart): w/ A, purl
- Row 2: w/ B, *K1, S1 wyif, repeat from * to last stitch, K1
- Row 3: w/ C, purl
- Row 4: w/ A, K2, *S1 wyif, K1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1
- Row 5: w/ B, purl
- Row 6: w/ C, *K1, S1 wyif, repeat from * to last stitch, K1
- Row 7: w/ A, purl
- Row 8: w/ B, K2, *S1 wyif, K1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1
- Row 9: w/ C, purl
- Row 10: w/ A, *K1, S1 wyif, repeat from * to last stitch, K1
- Row 11: w/ B, purl
Stripe:
Note: The directions are for 3 rows of seed stitch, but any stitch can be used.
Rows 12 - 14: w/ B, *P1, K1, repeat to last stitch, K1.
Repeat rows 1 - 13, starting with color B on row 1, color C on row 2, color A on row 3, and so forth, ending with color C on row 11 and for the stripe. The next stripe will be color C, and then it repeats.
This is a great way to combine leftover yarn into a project. Knit a swatch to determine the gauge and pick a project. Leftover cotton from knitting dishcloths can be used to make more dishcloths. It takes 3 rows to complete the equivalent of 2 rows, which means it takes more rows to make an inch than stockinette stitch.
Some Possible Variations
Different weights of yarn can be used from what is shown here. The stripes can be different stitches and/or wider, or farther apart. Pull out some leftover yarn and try this stitch. Go on, have fun.
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
Join the Conversation