Simply Stunning Colorwork

Class Preview

Get introduced to colorwork, learn foolproof techniques and see how easy creating stunning color effects in any of your knits can be!

Introduction: The Power of Stripes

Meet your instructor, designer and author Anne Berk, and preview the colorful projects you’ll create in this class. Anne starts with the basics — the simple stripe — and illustrates the endless variations you can create using this simple-to-knit pattern. Anne also outlines which types of yarn and needles work best for certain projects. Watch as Anne demonstrates how to knit a classic two-color stripe pattern, as well as a versatile three-color stripe design, perfect for shawls and scarves.

Combining Stripes & Texture

Build on the skills you learned in the previous lesson by adding dramatic texture to your work. Anne begins with step-by-step instructions on how to create stripes using the incredibly useful garter stitch. Next, move on to the more complex ribbing stitch, which combines both garter and stockinette stitches. Finally, Anne shares several techniques for shaping stripes to add striking visual effects to your shawls, skirts and afghans.

Linen Stitch

Discover how to create stunning color effects with the linen stitch. Anne shows you how to use variegated yarn to knit fabrics that shimmer with color. Next, see helpful examples of the effects you can create by changing the size of your needle. In addition, Anne shares her trick for binding off the linen stitch to make a clean, straight edge. You’ll also learn three more eye-catching linen stitch variations that feature narrow stripes, wide stripes and an attractive tricolor pattern.

Slipped Stitch Texture & Color

Take your skill set to the next level with more complex stitch patterns. First, Anne provides clear, detailed instructions on knitting blended stripes with four row repeats. Then, see how to create lovely star stitches by starting on the wrong side of the fabric. Finish the lesson by learning how to knit a vibrant color-seeded pattern — perfect for tablecloths and place mats.

Creative Patterning

Learn how to create sophisticated color effects with simple knitting patterns. Anne walks you through a fun and versatile dice check pattern using intermittent slip stitches to create bold accents. Next, discover Anne’s technique for knitting a vibrant all-over pattern with slip stitches for a subtle ribbing effect. In addition, you’ll see Anne’s technique for creating an eye-pleasing salt-and-pepper tweed.

Mosaic Knitting

Continue practicing the advanced techniques you’ve learned so far. In this lesson, Anne shows you how to master mosaic knitting, which allows you to create intricate motifs in your fabric using one color at a time. Start with a simple Macedonian stitch, which works well for sweaters and handbags, then move on to the more challenging vertical chain stitch. You’ll learn Anne’s tips and techniques for simplifying this complex pattern.

Finishing

Learn how to put the finishing touches on your fabrics. Anne demonstrates her time-tested techniques for securing loose ends of yarn. You’ll see her method of weaving them into the fabric, burying them with a needle, or tying them into simple knots. Next, Anne explains how to knit stripes in the round, as well as how to convert flat stitch patterns to circular knitting. Finally, watch Anne’s useful technique of joining pieces of fabric together using a mattress stitch.