I need (if I have any hope of ever getting out of my system) to make an Argyle pattern (Moose’s Argyle Vest). I need (if I want my daughter to let my gd wear it) for it to come out nice. But I can’t seem to get an even tension (nice uniform stitches) where the new yarn is added in and where the crossovers of the yarn changes are done.
I wish there were a video I could watch to see it while it is explained, but will be grateful for any help I can get.
Ah, but there IS video–scroll down to Knitting with Two Colors and click on Intarsia.
Thank you, Ingrid, for responding. I did see that video, but it does not show the new color yarn being added in; it begins a few rows into the knitting and also the specific issue of loose stitching around the color switches is not specifically addressed. I watched the video again and this time I did notice that she tugs the old yarn a bit after the first stitch with the new yarn but i"m not sure if this in itself will resolve my problem. Even tension is a big problem for me with this switching of colors. I am not even sure exactly which are the loose ones (the last old stitches, the first new, where the yarns cross, or where the cross in not done on left leaning slants); I just see that there is a lot of uneven tension around the edges of the diamond.
Here’s another page that shows the crossing of the yarns if that is where you’re having problems.
http://community.knitpicks.com/notes/Color_-_Intarsia
This You Tube video is in french, but it’s good.
Don’t forget you’ll weave i the ends at the beginning when you first change color and that will even out the looseness there.
When I change colors, I always hold the color I’m stopping over to the left on top of the hanging one. This twist them when you start the next stitch, mostly on the next row. On the next row, I do tend to pull up on the yarn to tighten the stitch. I didn’t realize I do it, but thinking about the intarsia I’ve done, it occurred to me that I watch the change and snug it up as I go.
Thanks again, Ingrid. This is exactly the difference between an experienced knitter and newcomer. As a newcomer, nothing comes naturally to me. I have to concentrate and figure out every step of the way. When we become experienced, it comes so naturally that we do things without even realizing it. Thanks for taking the time to stop and think how it’s actually done. I’ll try and hope I get better results as I keep practicing.