Intarsia knitting is a decorative knitting technique that involves knitting with blocks of color to create a pattern or design. Here are the basic techniques you need to know to get started:
Choose your colors: Intarsia knitting typically involves working with multiple colors of yarn. Choose your colors and wind each color into a separate ball or bobbin.
Joining new colors: When you’re ready to switch to a new color, drop the old color and pick up the new color, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Twist the old and new colors together at the back of your work to prevent gaps.
Working with multiple colors: When working with multiple colors, twist the yarns together at the back of your work every few stitches to prevent long floats (strands of yarn) from showing on the front of your work.
Creating blocks of color: To create a block of color, work with one color until you reach the end of the block, then drop that color and pick up the next color.
Reading a chart: Many intarsia knitting patterns are charted. Each square on the chart represents one stitch. Follow the chart row by row to create your design.
Finishing: When you’ve finished your design, knit in all loose ends on the wrong side of your work.
With these basic techniques, you can create intricate designs and patterns using intarsia knitting.