I tried Fair Ilse this past weekend and have got the idea of stranding, but what’s the best way to carry the other colors along that I’m not using at the moment so I won’t have a bazillion tails to weave in?
Thank you!!!
Carrying Colors Along as You Go
If the color won’t be used at all on that row you can just carry it up the edge (I like to twist it with one of the other colors). If you will need it then carry it along the back by twisting with another strand. Every time you pick up the new color twist it with the old color so you won’t get holes! It depends on your gauge but you shouldn’t carry a color for more than three to five stitches without twisting it.
I agree with carrying colors not used in a particular row up the side, but I don’t agree with twisting stranded knitting. You should trap it, but if you twist it, your yarn is always getting twisted and, of course, that requires untwisting. You should be able to knit an entire Fair Isle sweater without twisting your yarn at all.
To trap it, insert your needle for the next stitch, bring the yarn not in use up over the point of the right needle in a clockwise direction–just lay it over the top of the needle from back to front. Wrap your yarn in use for the next stitch, unwrap the yarn not in use, and knit your stitch. You’re yarn will be trapped on the back without twisting. 
Thank you Nina T. and Ingrid for your advice!
Thanks Ingrid!
I love it that I still learn so much! I have made about 8 Lopi Icelandic sweaters and my biggest gripe is how annoying it is to untwist my colors! I didn’t know about trapping and I am so glad you mentioned it! I am going to start one of the Dale of Norway sweaters and believe me it will be a huge timesaver to do as you suggested. I also practiced what Amy showed in her double knitting video. Knitting with two hands is fabulous. It also saved having to drop the old color and picking up the new color each time.
I still use one hand for both colors–I’m too uncoordinated with my left, but it works for me! Which Dale sweater are you going to make? I’ve made one and I love their patterns. Another is in order one of these days.
There’s a way to work with the color without using the whole skein, isn’t there? I was doing a swatch of the pattern I’m going to be using and it’s kind of a pain trying to keep the 2 colors that I’m not using out of the way and not get all 4 tangled!
Oh, I have to say that I’m pretty impressed with myself that I’m able to do it 2 handed. Whoo-hoo, yay for me! :cheering: And thanks to Amy’s video too.
Ingrid,
I’m going to make the Olympic sweater from Albertville. It’s amazing! I just have to decide the colors and then I’ll take the plunge. I figure I should have it done in time for next winter. There are so many fun projects I’m working on like socks and felted clogs that it’s hard to tear myself away. It sure is a commitment to start one of those sweaters! Which one have you made?
I made the St. Moritz in the tan colorway. I loved working with the Falk yarn and it washes up beautifully. I’m eyeing this year’s pattern. Oh, I also made a kids’ sweater from one of their books, too–it was my first completely in the round come to think of it. The hardest part of the St. Moritz was the large area of one color stockinette. It made a good carry along project for a while there, though.
MKS–you can make smaller balls or use bobbins if you want, but you’ll run out faster. I generally keep the yarn attached for the colors I’ll be using for a while.
Ingrid,
Do you recommend the Falk over the Heilo? The pattern says to use the Heilo and I know that my LYS has it. I wouldn’t mind ordering the Falk if you think it’s better!
I haven’t used the Heilo. I liked the fact that the Falk was superwash.
That’s a really good point. I’ll check out the colors and see if that’s what I want to use. Thanks!