Variations on a theme

By looking closely at the position and structure of the stitch pattern you can come up with a more interesting project – just remember to knit and block swatches so you can compare your variations with that of the original project.

Step 1: Try repeating sections of the chart to create larger blocks of colour. In this case the chart was worked once then the first five rounds were repeated. This has little effect on the tension and the vertical stripes may be more flattering on the leg.

Step 2: Adding a two-row stripe in a single colour gives a break from the Fair Isle knitting and increases the definition of the motif, while purling the second row introduces texture. Working the stripe in blue or green would continue the water theme. This will effect the stitch count slightly but not enough over 64 stitches to require any adjustment.

More from "Fair Isle Colourwork":

• How to strand and weave Fair Isle motifs using both hands-2
• How to strand and weave Fair Isle motifs using both hands-1
• How to hold the yarn and knit with the right hand
• How to hold the yarn and knit with the left hand
• Tools of the trade
• Weaving In
• Holding the yarn
• Blocking
• Joining in yarn