Crimped Row Stitch #2: Stripes

Horizontal stripes are the easiest method to use to add color(s) to a project. In plain stockinette, they are just stripes; start using other textures - - even the purl side of stockinette - - and the colors may begin to interact in surprising ways. Way back in August 2012, I presented a couple of swatches ( Swatch 1, Swatch 2) that showed how this might work.

Here I present another two using the pattern stitch from the previous post. The patterning is exactly the same in both; the only thing that is different is on which row the color changes are made.

In the swatch in the top photo, a full repeat is worked in each color; the change occurs between Row 6 and the next Row 1 and the unused color is carried up the right hand selvedge. The result is clean stripes that almost look like strings of chunky little beads.

In the lower swatch, the change is made between Rows 5 and 6. In this case, the unused color is carried up the left side. The piece has a definite crochet vibe; I am working on ideas to make fuller use of that quality.


The closeups:

 

The selvedges of both pieces were erratic, something I don't remember on the one-color swatch. In particular, the right selvedge of the second swatch was very rippled. I stretched the wet swatch out quite far and then patted it back into shape. That worked very well for this swatch, but then again, I am using superwash Merino. Other yarns may not be as cooperative.

Until next time . . .