New colors usually get added at the beginning of a new row. When you add a new color, don’t cut the yarn from the original color. Instead, just leave it hanging where you left off. When possible, join yarn of the same color in a spot where it won’t be as noticeable, such as at a seam or in a spot that’s tucked away, like under an arm on a sweater. [2] X Research source
In knitting, the dominant color is called the main color, and additional colors are called contrasting colors.
Knit like this, using the tail and the working yarn, for about three stitches to help secure the new yarn in place.
If you are going to be knitting stripes or changing back and forth between the two colors, you can carry the yarn so that you don’t have multiple tails to deal with later.
Pick a yarn that you can follow with the tail. The idea is to weave the tail through your knitting, following the same piece of yarn, to hide it behind that yarn. Use the tapestry needle to weave through the stitches on the backside, following the same piece of yarn the whole way. Don’t pull the tail too tight: you want it to be the same tension as the rest of the knitting. Knit about six inches of tail to secure it properly. When you’re finished, gently stretch the knitting out and then trim the end of the tail.
The carrying yarn method really only works when you’re knitting back and forth, not in the round.
Continue knitting that row with the blue yarn. As you work, give your knitting a gentle tug to prevent the yarns from becoming to tight. If they are, they could bunch up and distort the knitting. [6] X Research source Also make sure the yarn you’re carrying isn’t too loose, as this will create large loops. As long as you’re going to continue switching between the two colors, continue carrying the yarn for each new row, even when you change colors again.
To start, knit as many stitches or rows as needed in your first color. When the pattern indicates to change colors, do so by joining the new yarn color as practiced above.
Alternatively, you can hold your contrast color in your right hand, but be sure to wrap it around your ring and pinky finger. [8] X Research source Continue knitting according to the pattern, alternating between the colors as needed. Be sure the keep the float loose, otherwise it will cause puckering. However, you don’t want it so loose that it’s drooping down and catching on things.
To catch a float from your contrast color, insert the needle as usual, but make sure it goes under the yarn on the left hand. Finish knitting the stitch with the background color in your right hand. [10] X Research source To catch a float from your background color, insert the needle into the stitch and wrap the background color around the needle, but don’t knit the stitch. Instead, wrap the contrast color around the tip, then unwrap the background color and knit the stitch with the contrast color. Always follow a caught stitch with a regular one.
