Colorwork for Any Knitter

We’re still enjoying late summer blooms here in Spokane, but some parts of the country—including Interweave headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado—have already seen their first snows of the season. Even here, with our still warm day temps, there’s a chill in the evening and that certain smell of autumn. (And football season is starting, the ultimate sign of fall in my family.)

For me, another sign of fall is the release of my favorite Interweave publication, Knits Gifts! This issue is a great one, and I say that as a person who’s gotten every single Interweave Knits Gifts issue from the beginning of time (well, 2006).

What stands out to me in this issue is the great colorwork options. There’s something for every knitter, whether you’re new to colorwork or a seasoned pro. I decided to choose three favorites, one for beginners, one for enthusiasts, and one for avid knitters.

Something Easy

How about starting your colorwork adventure with some chic stripes? Kerry Bullock-Ozkan’s Icy Stripes & Mitts set is the ticket to beginning colorwork that looks fantastic.

You’ll get some experience working with two colors at the same time and get two projects to give as a set or break into two gifts. We’ve also got a great companion article in this issue all about helical knitting and how to avoid the jog you get when knitting stripes in the round.

Something in the Middle

Are you a stranded knitting fan? Then Rachel Brockman’s Frosted Crocus Hat is for you!

A striking chevron pattern adorns this playful hat. You’ll use three colors of yarn, but not at the same time—one for the brim and two for the stranded portion of the project. Try the attractive tubular cast-on here, which goes so beautifully with k1p1 ribbing. And the cherry on top? A speckled pom-pom, made with all three colors. Love it!

Something for the Expert

For the colorwork enthusiast, we’ve got some gorgeous warmth for the hands, the Sweet Alyssum Mittens by Erica Mount.

Starting with corrugated ribbing, these mittens are a master project in colorwork. The ribbing perfectly frames the sweet alyssum stitch pattern, which is knit in three colors using the stranded method. This pair of mittens would look fantastic in any colors, but this combination reminds me of Delft china, one of my favorites.

I hope you’ll match someone of your list up with one of these projects, but if none of them work for your loved one, there are so many more to choose from in the 2020 issue of Interweave Knits Gifts.

Cheers,

Kathleen

More colorful gifts to knit: