How to Use Viva Magenta in Colorwork

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I love knitting stranded colorwork, and I love the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta. But magenta is a very assertive color. Can we incorporate it into our colorwork designs in a harmonious way?

Above: This hat was knit with Universal Yarn’s Deluxe Worsted in Bashful Pink, Blush, and True Navy. Find the instructions at the end of the article.

Join me as I engage in one of my favorite activities: playing with color combinations, this time featuring Viva Magenta.

What Color is Magenta

Back in the days when I owned a yarn store, a woman walked into the shop one day and began to browse. After about 15 minutes, she came up to the counter and asked, “What color is magenta?”. It turns out her sister had asked for a magenta hat, and the knitter wasn’t quite sure which of the yarns on offer would meet that description.

Pantone describes Viva Magenta as descended from the red family and inspired by the red of cochineal. I think of it as the color at the intersection of red, hot pink, and purple. Magenta is a vibrant, lively color that makes a statement.

Remember that color is our brains’ interpretation of light waves bouncing off surfaces. Our perception of color will vary depending on the light conditions and the surface we are looking at. Color can also seem to shift depending on the other colors surrounding it. Computer monitors are calibrated differently, and colors can look different when viewed on different devices.

If you are fortunate enough to have a local yarn store, choose yarn for a multi-colored project in person. Hold the skeins together to see how the colors react to each other. Carry them outside if you need to so you can see the color in natural light.

Starting in My Comfort Zone

When I wear my magenta tee (yes, for once I’m ahead of the trend!) I tend to pair it with navy. Naturally, this is the combination I selected for the hat shown at the top of this article. For the third color, I chose a very pale pink. I think the magenta and navy complement each other well, and the light pink adds needed contrast. Here is the chart I used for this hat:

I’m fascinated by how different a colorwork pattern can look depending on how you arrange the colors. If we take these same three colors and change their position in the chart, our pattern looks very different.

Other Easy Combinations

When working with a strong color such as magenta, I can recommend two no-fail options: Color plus black and white for a graphic, high-contrast look, and color with its tonal relatives for a monochromatic look.

On the left, I’ve used white as the background color and added black. A hat in this combination would be a great accent to a neutral wardrobe. On the right, I’ve used magenta for the background in a monochromatic scheme with rosy pink and a pale pink. There is enough contrast between light and dark that the pattern reads clearly, but the closely related colors produce an elegant result.

Something a Little Unexpected

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, here are some more color combinations to consider:

Tips for Viva Magenta Color Palettes

When in Doubt, Make a Hat

When I’m assessing color combinations, I often make a hat instead of just a swatch. If you’d like to make the hat shown at the top of this article, here’s a little pattern for you. You’re welcome!

The Color Play Hat

Finished head circumference:18″ – To adjust size, add or subtract a multiple of 12 sts.
Yarn: Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted in Bashful Pink, Blush, and True Navy; 1 skein each.
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular and set of double pointed needles.
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 23 sts and 23 rows = 4″ in stockinette st over colorwork chart.

Instructions: With main color, cast on 108 sts and join to work in the round.
Work in K2, P2 rib for 2″.
Knit 2 rnds.
Work 25 rnds of Chart.
Knit 4 rnds.
Shape crown—Set-up rnd: *K12, place marker; rep from * to end.
Dec rnd: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; rep from * to end—9 sts dec’d.
Rep Dec rnd every other rnd 5 more times, then every rnd 5 times, changing to dpns when necessary—9 sts rem.
Cut yarn, draw tail through remaining sts, and pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Sandi Rosner
Technical Content Editor, Yarn