Spring in Maine is long, muddy and usually - cold. The warm weather is still far off, and the world is a mix of leafless trees, brown frozen grass and mud. It’s no surprise that this time of year I find myself craving COLOR. Whether you are also craving spring, or just looking to add some color to your knitting, here is a quick little project for experimenting with color. (If you’re feeling stuck on color combinations, see my blog post here for some ideas.)
Finished Size
Hand Circumference: 7 (8, 9)” / 18 (20.5, 23) cm
Length: 8 (8.5, 8.5)” / 20.5 (21.5, 21.5) cm
Yarn
150-200 yds / 138-183 m (total) worsted weight yarn in 5+ different colors
Needles
US size 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles
or size needle to obtain gauge
Gauge
18 stitches and 26 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch (after blocking)
Tools
stitch markers
tapestry needle
stitch holder or scrap yarn
Notes
Knitting with color is FUN, but it can also be daunting at times. With so many beautiful color options, how to combine them to make knitwear that sings? Like most things in life, nothing beats experience and practice. Try out lots of combinations and see what you like! Be adventurous! I wanted to create a small, quick project that’s a canvas for testing different color combinations without the pressure or commitment of a larger project. Whether you’re looking to use up scrap yarn or experiment with color combinations, this pattern is for you. Make two or make 20 — get playful with color. While the pattern is written for five colors, you can use fewer or more depending on your preferences.
Techniques
Left Lifted Increase: With left needle tip, lift the left leg of the stitch two rows below the stitch on the right needle. Knit into this lifted leg.
Right Lifted Increase: With right needle tip, lift the right leg of the stitch in the row below the stitch on the left needle. Knit into this lifted leg.
Abbreviations
C1(2/3/4/5) - color 1(2/3/4/5)
CO - cast on
k - knit
k2tog - knit 2 sts together
M1L - left lifted increase
M1R - right lifted increase
p - purl
pm - place marker
rep - repeat
rnd(s) - round(s)
sm - slip marker
st(s) - stitch(es)
St st - Stockinette stitch (knit all sts)
Chart
PATTERN (Make 2):
Cuff
With C1, CO 32 (36, 40) sts. Pm and join to work in the round. Work in 1x1 rib (k1, p1) for 1” / 2.5 cm.
Knit 2 rounds.
With C2, k 2 rounds.
With C1, k 2 rounds.
With C2, k 2 rounds.
With C3, k 2 rounds.
With C2, k 2 rounds.
With C3, k 2 rounds.
With C2, k 2 rounds.
With C2 (background) and C4 (motif), work Chart.
With C2, k 2 rounds.
Thumb Gusset
Work thumb gusset in C5.
Rnd 1: K3, pm, knit to end.
Rnd 2: K1, M1L, k1, M1R, k1, sm, knit to end — 2 sts increased, 34 (38, 42) sts total.
Rnd 3: Knit to end, slipping markers.
Rnd 4: K1, M1L, knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, sm, knit to end — 2 sts increased, 36 (40, 44) sts total.
Rep rounds 3 and 4 3 (4, 4) more times — 42 (48, 52) sts.
Next rnd: Place next 13 (15, 15) sts on stitch holder or scrap yarn, CO 3 sts, knit to end — 32 (36, 40) sts.
Work in St st for 2 rounds.
With C1, knit 2 rounds.
With C5, knit 1 round.
Work in 1x1 rib for 5 rounds.
Bind off using a stretchy bind-off.
Thumb
Place 13 (15, 15) held thumb sts on needles.
With C5, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog — 12 (14, 14) sts.
Work in 1x1 rib for 5 rounds.
Bind off using a stretchy bind-off.
