Using Bobbins

#1

Hi. I’m new to the message board, although I’ve visited the site in the past.

Here’s my problem. I was given a kit for a man’s sweater several years ago, and I’ve been procrastinating because I’m not sure how to proceed. It’s using Icelandic Wool for a basic pullover with a color pattern - roughly the equivalent of a “%” design every so often. The pattern occurs infrequently enough that I don’t really want to carry the yarn, but I’m not feeling very confident about using bobbins and weaving in the ends on each and every pattern repeat. Since the yarn is so bulky, I’d rather not use knots, but I’m concernced that it will have a nice finish and not pull out.

Any suggestions? THANKS -Michele

#2

Hmmm…I’m having a hard time visualizing it. Can you post a picture?

#3

I’m not very good at scanning - hope this comes through. The wool I have is a chocolatey brown, with black for the design. Running across, the pattern is about 4 inches between repeat (a long way to carry the wool). The gauge is 13 1/2 stitches to 10cm (4") on US 10 needles.

Does that answer your question?

Thank you SOOO much for your help. I’ve put off this sweater for years because of this little roadblock.

Michele

#4

Hmmm…I can’t think of anything but bobbins. I agree that knots aren’t a good idea, but wow–what a bummer to have SO MANY ends to weave! Maybe someone else will have a better idea?

#5

That really looks like a pattern best worked in intarsia. I wouldn’t use bobbins, though–just a long strand for each. If it gets tangled, it’s so much easier to slide out rather than try to untangle bobbins.

#6

Okay, I’m used to working in intarsia, but I’m not quite sure what you mean. Would you carry (A) the yarn across the row, or (B) would you have a strand for each occurrence of the pattern (as you go across) and carry the yarns to the next offset pattern in the rows above (a bit of a zigzag), or © would you have a strand for each occurrence of the pattern (as you go across) and carry the yarns upward, start new strands for the offset pattern in the 2nd pattern repeat, and then use the original strands in the third pattern repeat directly above the original pattern rows.

I hope that made sense.

Michele

#7

B – Use one strand for each occurrence of the entire white pattern.