Interweave’s Top 7 Stranded Knitting Patterns

---

Stranded colorwork is one of my absolute favorite knitting techniques. Fair Isle sweater patterns, Icelandic pullovers, circular-yoke tops — I love them all. I enjoy all the different ways you can combine colors, whether it’s a monochromatic grey-scale scheme or a riot of neon colors. It’s also fun to watch the pattern come together as you knit, like you’re a living dot matrix printer. (Kids, ask your parents.)

Above: Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin

It’s also one of those classic, yet modern knitting techniques: you can use it to make a traditional, 1940s-style British jumper, or you can make up your own cowl pattern with cat faces leering at you. It’s both fun and versatile!

Stranded Knitting Techniques

There are a few different techniques used in stranded knitting that can take some practice. Holding two different yarns at the same time, selecting palette colors, managing floats, getting gauge, and steeking are all techniques that seem intimidating, but really aren’t. With a little help and some practice, you’ll be a stranded colorwork rockstar in no time.

Reader Favorite Stranded Knitting Patterns

Over the past 25 years, Interweave Knits has published loads of stranded knitting patterns; there are projects for experienced knitters and great beginner stranded colorwork patterns. Here are seven of the best stranded colorwork patterns for everything from socks to sweaters.

Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin

The Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin is hands-down our most popular stranded knitting pattern, and it’s easy to see why! It’s worked in fingering-weight yarn, but it’s still a fast project. The pattern itself is easy to memorize too. This would be a great first stranded-knitting project, especially if you have sock yarn in your stash. The pop of color at the brim and the pompom is perfect for those leftover bits!

Endless Rose Cowl by Jeffrey Wall

A simple tube cowl like the Endless Rose Cowl is another good first stranded-knitting project. Because it’s a tube, you don’t have to worry about long or loose floats; they’re trapped inside, so no one will ever see them, and they can’t get caught on anything. Also, the pattern is only three colors, which makes it easier to choose; you could even do this in just two colors to make it even simpler.

Composed Mitts by Michele Rose Orne

One of the best things about stranded knitting is it uses up small bits of yarn. The Composed Mitts are a fabulous stashbuster project. If you have leftover balls of yarn or single skeins that you’re not sure what to do with, consider a pair of mitts like this. They can even become “memory” projects: combine the leftover yarns from your favorite cardigan, your grandchild’s baby blanket, the first hat you made for your boyfriend, etc. to make mitts that remind you of all your beloved people and projects.

Border Socks by Mary Jane Mucklestone

Stranded colorwork socks can be challenging: the stranded sections can be too tight, making it hard to stretch the socks over your feet. The Border Socks by Mary Jane Mucklestone works around this problem by just having patterning around the top of the cuff. That leaves the rest of the sock to be working in a wide rib pattern that stretches more easily.

Grand Forks Pullover by Cheryl Chow

If you like the idea of stranded knitting, but haaaaate tiny needles and fine yarn, look for an Icelandic-inspired sweater. The Grand Forks Pullover is worked in worsted-weight yarn, so it’s not such an overwhelming amount of knitting. It also has a circular yoke, with yoke shaping snuck in between the bands of colorwork patterns. It makes for a beautiful, face-framing sweater.

Ivy League Vest by Eunny Jang

Nervous about making your first stranded colorwork garment? The Ivy League Vest is here for you! It’s great for three reasons: First, it’s beautiful. Eunny Jang is a wizard at combining colors and traditional Fair Isle patterns, and this is a gorgeous example of how they can all come together. Second, it’s free. You can’t beat free, especially a free pattern that’s also gorgeous. Third, there’s an entire video dedicated to this vest. Whatever challenges you’re concerned about, Eunny’s got you covered.

Olivia’s Cape by Amy Gunderson

Honestly, I’m just putting this on the list because it’s so awesome. After a year of putzing around in yoga pants and hoodies for so long, I’m ready for some drama, and Olivia’s Cape is here for it. It’s also deceptively simple. Yes, there’s a lot of stranded knitting, but the herringbone pattern is simple and easy to follow, and there’s minimal shaping. This would be delightful for swooshing around town.

---

Are you ready to tackle a new stranded-knitting project? Do you like easy stranded colorwork, or do you prefer a challenge? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Knitting!

---

Originally published 5/10/2021. Updated 6/21/2022.

---

Become a Stranded Knitting Master