Double knitting
Alright, my dear knitting enthusiasts, today we're diving into the fascinating world of double-faced knitting! If you're thinking, "Oh, knitting two sides at once, that sounds nice!" – yes, it is nice... if you know what you're doing. If not, you might end up with a brightly colored mess in your hands, wondering at what point exactly you lost control.
But don't worry! In this post, I'll show you how to tackle double-faced knitting correctly from the start. Including: my very own struggles with the two-color provisional cast-on, the big moment of realization that I had swapped the colors, and the eternal question of why my edge sometimes looks like a cat has been nibbling on it.
You'll also get tips on yarn selection, a small practice swatch to knit along with, and, of course, my corresponding YouTube videos. So, let's get started!
The right yarn choice, because the wrong yarn = double the disaster
Before we start knitting, let's talk briefly about yarn. Because the wrong yarn can make starting double-faced knitting unnecessarily difficult. Here are a few important points:
✅ Use smooth, not too fuzzy yarns – mohair or fluffy yarns are more of a final boss than your friend here. Smooth yarns like cotton or merino make it much easier to see the individual stitches.
✅ Not too thin, not too thick – A medium-weight yarn (e.g., sport or DK weight) is perfect for beginners. Yarn that's too thick makes it bulky, while yarn that's too thin can give you a headache.
✅ Both colors should be the same thickness – If you're thinking, "Oh, I'll just grab two remnants from my yarn stash, that'll do!" – Spoiler: No, it won't. Different yarn weights create uneven tension, and then your knitted piece will look like it's suffering from an acute identity crisis.
✅ Choose colors with strong contrast – If you combine black and dark blue, you'll see about as much as a bat without echolocation. Better: Combine light and dark colors so the pattern stands out nicely.
The cast-on or: Two colors, double the confusion?
So, yarn and needles ready? Then let's start with the cast-on!
I chose the two-color provisional cast-on because it's simply perfect for double-faced knitting. It ensures that the colors are exactly where they belong from the very beginning.
Sounds great, right? Well, if you know how to do it!
My first experiences with it were... let's just say... slightly confusing. Because managing the strands can drive you crazy at first. Casting on two colors simultaneously? Stitches tend to twist. And suddenly, you have a work of art on your needle that looks like a professional sailor's knot.
But don't panic! In the video, I'll show you step-by-step how to master this cast-on. And once you've got it down, you'll love it – I promise!
The first rows and which color was it again...?“
Now it gets exciting: The first rows in double-faced style!
If you suddenly feel like you've been catapulted into a parallel world where colors and stitches operate by their own rules while knitting, then you're exactly where I was. Because often, the following happens at the beginning:
The confusion begins: You have everything neatly on the needle, but suddenly the knitting looks completely different from what you imagined.
Even more confusion: You think you've understood it – but then the wrong color appears in the wrong place.
The big moment of realization: You messed up somewhere and have to unravel.
But don't worry – that's part of it! My tip:
After each row, quickly check if the colors are in the right place. It's much easier to spot an error early on than to unravel it ten rows later with tear-filled eyes.
Why selvage stitches are so important
Double-faced is cool, but if the edges look sloppy, it's only half as nice. There are different methods for neat edges, but I'll show you my favorite in the video because it looks super clean and gives your double-faced knitting a professional finish.
If you initially wonder why your edges look so strange – believe me, that will pass! The right technique and a little practice make all the difference.
Practice, Practice, Practice...
In the third video, I'll show you how I knit exactly this pattern and what little tricks I use to avoid getting confused.
Tip for practicing:
- Start with a small swatch before tackling a huge project like a scarf or blanket
- Use light and dark colors so you can immediately see if you're knitting correctly
- Mark each row; I like to do this with a sticky note or a magnetic ruler
Conclusion: First frustration, then joy!
Yes, double-faced knitting can be a bit annoying at first. But once you get the hang of it, you'll love it! Two sides, two colors, a super cool result – and best of all: you can knit so many creative patterns with it.
So, grab your needles and get started! And if you get stuck somewhere – don't panic. Everyone has had double-faced knots in their head at some point. Just come to my Facebook group; the community can always help.
Happy knitting
Your Bianca
