One great way to use a bunch of different colors of yarn in a knitting project is to do a fade, which is a special way of working with different colors of yarn so that they appear to blend or “fade” into each other.
I’m pretty lazy so the way I usually do this is by working with two strands held together. I change one yarn out at a time whenever I run out of yarn, so it naturally fades as I go without having to do any extra work. I knit a whole tunic-length sweater using this method, and I think it’s a great way to make different kinds of yarn look harmonious.
There are lots of ways to make a fade working with a single color of yarn, too. It’s typically done by working a couple of rows of one color, then mixing in the next color gradually over a few rows before working exclusively with the new color.
This video from Fuzzy Peach Fibers shows a common way to do it, with two rows of the new color, four rows of the old, two of the new and two of the old before carrying on with the new. This works great in garter stitch because you get a ridge of the new, then two of the old, one of the new and one of the old.
In stockinette stitch, you might want to carry on your fade for longer or use a different formula, like this one from Patchwork Times. It sounds a little complicated in the sense of keeping track of which round you’re on, but of course it doesn’t have to be precise (though if you’re knitting a pair of socks or sleeves you might like it to be).
I typically don’t put a lot of thought into my fades because I’m using leftovers, but this post from Eat Sleep Knit has great tips and things to consider if you’re planning a fade or even shopping for yarn to do a faded project.
Have you ever done a fade? I’d love to hear if you have tips for making it look great!
[Photo: Patchwork Times.]
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