Stripe pattern
Stripes are always a popular component in any design – there’s no end to their
variation. First of all there’s the size of the stripe: here we have everything from
wide block stripes to skinny hoops. A combination of various stripes has a particularly
vivacious effect. And then of course the colour changes. Some fashion trends, for instance
the seaman’s look simply calls for stripes. However, there’s no limit –
combine your favourite colours – or your club colours – as you like,
And do you know the possibilities knitting techniques give you here?
Stocking stitch
 In most cases stripes are worked in even numbers. The advantage of this is
that the new thread is always at the right side when the colour changes. This way you can
avoid the tiresome sewing of the endless threads. However, with a little trick it’s
also possible to knit close hoops of just one row or intersperse a row in a contrast
colour now and again. That makes the stripes more interesting because it’s an
unexpected picture.
In this case use a round needle. Knit one (right side) row in the contrast colour, then
push the stitches back to the right end of the needle, knit another row, but this time in
the basic colour. Now turn the needle and purl a row in the contrast colour and then in
basic, so when you change colour you pick up the thread where it is. This way you can vary
the width of the stripes as you wish.
If you are knitting in rounds, e.g. socks, or neck edgings, you have a free choice of
colours.
Reverse stocking stitch
 If
you look at the same stripe series from the wrong side it looks completely different.
Whereas on the right side there is a clear-cut colour change the wrong side has an
interesting melange effect. If you know the cause and effect this can be used deliberately
as a lively element.
Ribs
 Now
that you know the effect of colour changes on plain and purl stitches, there are even more
possibilities for rib patterns you can deliberately use.
In the two lower stripes the stripes are the dominant element, in the two upper the focus
is on the ribs. In the first case the first right side row all stitches are knitted
(plain) and then the rib pattern continued in the return row. In the second group the rib
pattern is continued throughout – also when the colour is changed.
Another tip
If you knit (plain) the first right side row when you change colours you will get a
clean-cut change of stripe also in reverse stocking stitch. Play around with the many
possibilities within one garment. The result will be fascinating patterns which gives
knitting stripes a whole new aspect
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