Kuvioneulonnassa

Kuvioneulonnassa, also known as colorwork knitting or stranded knitting, is a knitting technique used to create patterns and designs by incorporating multiple colors of yarn. The technique involves carrying one or more unused yarn strands loosely across the back of the work, to be picked up and knitted in as needed for subsequent stitches of a different color. This creates a visual pattern on the right side of the fabric while the floats appear on the wrong side.

There are two main approaches to kuvioneulonnassa: Fair Isle and Norwegian knitting. Fair Isle knitting, originating from the Fair Isle island between Orkney and Shetland, typically uses a limited palette of three or four colors per pattern, with each color only appearing in a few stitches at a time. Norwegian knitting, on the other hand, often features geometric patterns and can utilize more colors with longer floats.

The tension of the floats on the wrong side is crucial. If the floats are too tight, the fabric will pucker. If they are too loose, they can snag on things or create an uneven appearance. Knitters often use a stranding needle or a specialized tool to help manage and even out the tension of the floats. This technique allows for intricate and vibrant designs, making it popular for sweaters, hats, mittens, and other garments where decorative elements are desired.