One of the problems with working colourwork designs in knitting is what to do with the colour not being used for that particular stitch. When working stripes each colour has to be moved up the side ready for its next turn. Patterns that are a few stitches of two or more colours, the yarn has to move behind the stitches to get to where they are next needed. When moving the yarn not in use, you do not want it too tight so that the fabric puckers and you do not want it too loose so that you have floppy stitches; and what to do when you have to go across many stitches? The yarn going across the back of the fabric is called a float and it is recommended that you do not carry the yarn across more than 5 stitches or about an inch. You have to incorporate a method to “catch” the float. The one problem is these yarn “catches” show through to the right side. Can anything be done about this?
Enter the Ladder Back Jacquard method. I have come across this so much from one particular knitter in the Sock Knitters Anonymous group that it has certainly been present in my mind and when people have asked about it she has directed them to a group on Ravelry and from there I found a hat pattern that was designed to teach the method. Finally, I decided to just go ahead and buy the pattern as that was going to be the quickest way to learn this new-to-me method.
Let’s talk about the pattern – It’s Not About the Hat. The pattern is for a colourwork hat, in five sizes. Each size is charted and written out and comes in beanie and slouchy options. And then, most importantly, instructions on how to work the technique with YouTube videos and instructions on how to apply this technique to other colourwork patterns using a different chart (a snowflake) that could be used on the hat pattern.
Why am I mentioning all this? “Because someone wrote on their project page:- “Super cool technique, it’s just a shame it isn’t free for all users to enjoy.” So this person, who is selling patterns of her own by the way, doesn’t believe that other designers should be compensated for their work. Incidentally there are tutorials available if that person had made a little effort, like put the words into their favourite search engine.
I decided to go ahead with this pattern rather than practice through tutorials as I make a hat each month for charity anyway. The yarn was part of the friend of a friend’s stash. It is Arranmore Light from The Fiber Co and is 80% merino, 10% nylon, 10% silk. It is amazing how just 10% of silk makes such a difference to the yarn. By following the pattern, I have learned a new technique and have a finished item. I didn’t bother with swatching and my hat came out a little smaller than hats I usually knit. But that is the joy of charity knitting – it will fit someone. I have no plans for colourwork projects in the near future but when one crops up I know have another way of dealing with floats.
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