How to: Stranded Knitting

     Stranded knitting, (often called Fair Isle, which is a specific type of pattern) is a lot easier than intarsia. However, it does make the back of a garment more bulky than intarsia. Because of this, Fair Isle is often used for patterns (for example, a snowflake or an intricate picture) that are too detailed to be efficient in intarsia.

     To begin, knit up to the point in your chart or pattern where you wish to change colors. Introduce a new color exactly like you do with intarsia.

     Knit with that color, and when the time comes to switch colors, pick up your previous color and strand the yarn loosely behind your work. 

     Instead of having a lot of ends to weave in, the back of your garment will look like this.

     The front should look like your chart.