How to knit with variegated yarn!

So you’ve just fallen in love with a beautiful, completely unique variegated colourway yarn in your local yarn shop, brought it home, but now it sits in your stash and you are not sure what to do with it. Don’t worry! We are here to talk you through making the most of your variegated yarn knits.

Swatch it

Before you start on that jumper or shawl you’ve been dreaming of, let’s start with a swatch! I know, I know, boring right? Well with a new variegated yarn, swatching is the time when you discover what your yarn *really* looks like. It’s the time when all of those patches of colour start to work together to create something truly magical. Without further ado, let’s see how all these beautiful colours look!

Have you witnessed yarn magic happen before your eyes or are you dismally watching all the colour pools on one side of your swatch? This can sometimes happen with variegated yarn but it is very easily fixed. We just have to shake things up a bit!

Download FREE patterns on CraftWorld

Knit with both ends of the same yarn or two use skeins

There are many ways to break up your colours and stop them from pooling. One way is to use both the ends of the same yarn. Simply pull out both ends of your yarn and alternate between the two as you create your project. This will help break up the colours of your yarn while keeping that same beautiful variegated effect. This can also be done by using two skeins if you are lucky enough to have another in your stash!

Use a solid yarn alongside

If you have a variegated yarn and you want to add a thread of consistency amongst the gorgeous swirls of colour why not try using a solid yarn held with your variegated yarn? Not only does this create a cool look to your pieces, it can also help break up your pools of colour. Use a colour that compliments your variegated yarn to pull together all of your colours harmoniously. Or, if you want to really shake things up, test a clashing colour and see the results. You never know, it might just work!

Switch it up

Knitters, our crochet brethren will be able to confirm that switching up your stitch pattern will break up colour pooling. Use stitches like the linen stitch, seed stitch, moss stitch or any stitch that will help crack up your colours and really bring your piece to life. Lace knitting goes wonderfully well with variegated yarns due to the mix of stitch patterns and use of eyelets. If you are not ready to go “full lace” yet, try dropping a few eyelets into your knitting to help mix up your colours.

Embrace the pool

It might be that you actually LOVE the pooling effect that variegated yarns can produce. Creating pockets of colour can bring a look that is unique to variegated yarns and can be used in a way that can look very beautiful. This is your yarn, so maybe you want to embrace the pool to add splashes of colour to your makes.

Let’s make something!

Now you have learnt a little about the variations of variegated yarns, you will be eager to whip up your kaleidoscope of colours into a gorgeous garment or amazing accessory. So let's get to the fun stuff and take a look at some patterns perfect for variegated yarns.

Accessories

Accessories are ideal for variegated yarns. If you are new to variegated yarns and still a bit wary of making a whole shawl or pullover in this type of yarn, then you are absolutely ready to experiment with a sock or hat. Play around with the finished look of your knit with these smaller accessories and you will soon be ready to tackle something bigger!

New to socks too? You can check out our top ten reasons why you should knit your own socks HERE.

We love this pair which are now available as a free downloadable pattern HERE.

Variegated yarn patterns

If you are looking for the perfect patterns for using variegated yarns with, try the gorgeous First Footing Cowl by Maddie Harvey. This cowl will keep you warm and happy on a winters night and bring a beautiful mix of colours to your outfits. This pattern uses eyelets so it is perfect for variegated yarns. Find it on Maddie's Ravelry HERE.

If you want to be wrapped up in colour, you can't go wrong with George Street. This shawl mixes solid colours with exciting variegated yarns to make a stunning effect. Find this Maddie Harvey design HERE.

If you want a quick knit that brings out the best of your variegated yarn, try these super cute Tolkowsky Mitts by Maddie Harvey. Breaking up colour pools with fabulous fair isle is a great way to use variegated yarn. Find this pattern HERE.

Now you have entered the world of variegated yarns, you will never look back at only monocoloured makes again! Embrace the uniqueness of variegated yarns and all they have to offer.

Let us know in the comments below if you are a fan of variegated yarns!