Intarsia is a multicolored knitting technique in which individual blocks are knitted in different colors without the different colored threads being carried behind the work. The colored areas are worked with split balls of yarn. Each row is knitted with the base color up to the desired pattern, then the yarn is left hanging and the contrasting color is worked to the end of the colored area. There you pick up the base color again with a new ball of yarn and continue working. The unused color is therefore not carried along on the back of the knitting, but is crossed with the new color at the edge of the color area so that no holes are created.
holes are created.

Note

Intarsia patterns can be inserted vertically and diagonally. If the pattern area is to run diagonally, the color change is simply offset by one or more rows to the right or left in each row.

Knit to the desired color motif and change the yarn at this point. Place the previously used yarn (purple) over the new yarn (orange) ...

... and do the same on the reverse side. When changing colors, place the old thread over the new thread. In this way, the threads are crossed evenly when changing colors.

Fine stitch tip

When attaching the new color, the thread can also be woven in over 10 to 15 previous stitches to save sewing it on later.

Jacquard patterns, which include simple single-knit patterns as well as traditional Norwegian or fair isle patterns, are worked with several colors at the same time in rows or rounds.
When knitting jacquard patterns, color changes take place continuously within a row, with at least two colors being worked simultaneously. The counting pattern specifies how many stitches are worked in which color.
Unlike when knitting intarsia patterns, the thread of the other color is always carried along behind the work or even woven in over longer stretches.

Thread retention

The challenge is therefore to hold and work at least two threads at the same time, for which there are various alternatives. It takes some practice to find the most comfortable position for you when knitting multi-colored jacquard patterns. Try it out on smaller projects and over time you will find the position that is most comfortable for you.

Variation 1: Both threads on the left hand

Hold the two threads on your index and middle fingers. A knitting ring can also be used for this, but whether this makes it easier to hold the threads and the thread tension is a matter of personal taste.

Place both threads in the left hand on the index and middle fingers. A knitting ring can also be used for this.

Variant 2: One thread left, one thread right

In this variation, combine the continental and English thread positions and hold the threads separately on the left and right hand.

One thread on the left, one thread on the right.

Fine stitch tip

Make sure that the needle size is not too small, otherwise the knitted piece can quickly become stiff and inflexible. On the other hand, jacquard patterns should also not be knitted too loosely, as the threads on the back could then show through. In any case, multi-colored knitting requires a little practice and trial and error.

Tensioning threads (liquors)

Tension threads or liquors are the threads carried behind the work. Always make sure that there is not too much tension on the liquors, otherwise the pattern can tighten considerably.

You now always knit the yarn that corresponds to the color in the counting pattern. The stitches are mainly knitted on the right.

Depending on the pattern, knit a knit stitch with the front or back thread or the thread of the left or right hand.

When viewed from the front, nothing can be seen of the threads in the finished pattern. If the distances between the color changes are greater than three to four stitches, the thread that is not woven in is woven in on the back.

To weave in the back thread, pull it forward and knit the front thread under the back thread.

Weaving in the front yarn is easier. To do this, simply knit the back thread alternately once over and once under the front thread.

As the threads are pulled along on the reverse side, the result is a stronger fabric. To prevent irregularities, the threads must not be too loose, but also not too tight on the back.

The greatest difficulty lies in keeping the thread tension as even as possible in order to prevent the pattern from bulging or contracting.

Fine stitch tip

You can easily influence which color of the pattern will later appear more dominant by guiding the threads. Do you want some colors of the pattern to recede gently against the background or stand out clearly? The color that recedes into the background is always at the back and is picked up over the other color. The thread that is picked up from below, on the other hand, stands out more.

Stockinette stitch

Back row: Knit all stitches.
Back row: Purl all stitches.

Garter stitch

Back row: Knit all stitches.
Back row: Knit all stitches

Smooth left

Corresponds to the back of stockinette stitch.
Backrow: purl all stitches.
Back row: knit all stitches.

Stockinette stitch interlocked

Back row: Knit all stitches purlwise.
Back row: Knit all stitches purlwise.

Small pearl pattern

Odd number of stitches.
All rows: knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit the last stitch.

Large pearl pattern

1. Row: * knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
2. Row: * purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
3. Row: Knit like the 2nd row.
4. 1st row: Knit like the 1st row.
   Repeat the 1st-4th row continuously.

Cross ribs

1. Row: Knit all stitches.
2. Row: Purl all stitches.
3. Row: Knit all stitches.
4. Row: Knit all stitches.
5. Row: Purl all stitches.
6. Row: Knit all stitches.
   Repeat these 6 rows continuously.

Grid pattern

The number of stitches must be divisible by 8.

1. Row: * purl 1 stitch, knit 7 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
2. Row: * knit 1 stitch, purl 5 stitches, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
3. Row: * Knit 2 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to end.
4. Row: * purl 2 stitches, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 3 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
5. Row: * knit 4 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
6. Row: Knit like the 4th row.
7. Row: Knit like the 3rd row.
8. 2nd row: Knit like the 2nd row.
   Repeat these 8 rows continuously.

Incorrect brioche design

The number of stitches must be divisible by 4, plus 3 stitches.
All rows: * Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat from * continuously until the last 3 stitches. Then knit 2 stitches, purl 1 stitch.

Rhombuses

The number of stitches must be divisible by 8.

• 1st row: * purl 1 stitch, knit 6 stitches, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
• 2nd row and all further even rows: Knit all stitches as they appear (knit stitches, purl stitches).
• 3rd row: * knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 4 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
• 5th row: * 2x (knit 2 stitches, purl 1 stitch), knit 2 stitches, repeat from * to end.
• 7th row: * Knit 3 stitches, purl 2 stitches, knit 3 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
• 9th row: Knit like the 7th row.
• 11th row: Knit like the 5th row.
• 13th row: Knit like the 3rd row.
• 15th row: Knit like the 1st row.
  Knit another straight row(16th row) and then repeat the 1st-16th rows continuously.

Braiding pattern 1

The number of stitches must be divisible by 6.

1. Row: Knit all stitches.
2. Row: Purl all stitches.
3. Row: * knit 1 stitch, purl 4 stitches, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
4. Row: * purl 1 stitch, knit 4 stitches, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
5. Row: Knit like the 3rd row.
6. Row: Knit like the 4th row.
7. Row: Knit like the 1st row.
8. Row: Knit like the 2nd row.
9. Row: * purl 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
10. Row: * knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
11. Row: Knit like the 9th row.
12. 1st row: Knit like the 10th row.
    Repeat the 1st-12th row continuously.

Braiding pattern 2

The number of stitches must be divisible by 9, plus 6 stitches.

1. Row: * purl 6 stitches, knit 3 stitches, repeat from * until the last 6 stitches, then purl 6 stitches.
2. Row and all further even rows: Knit all stitches as they appear (knit stitches, purl stitches).
3. Row: Knit like the 1st row.
4. Row: Knit like the 1st row.
5. Row: * Knit 6 stitches, purl 3 stitches, repeat from * until the last 6 stitches, then knit 6 stitches.
6. 3rd row: Knit like the 7th row.
   Knit another straight row(10th row) and then repeat the 1st-10th row continuously.

Brioche acceptance tilted to the left

Slip the next slip stitch (the yarn over together with the stitch) as for purl knitting.

Knit the next stitch together with the following stitch (i.e. one stitch, one yarn over and one stitch).

Then pull over the first slip stitch (the yarn over together with the stitch) (= 2 stitches decreased).

The decrease appears tilted to the left on the front.

Brioche acceptance inclined to the right

Slip the next slip stitch (the yarn over together with the stitch) as for purl knitting (the yarn is in front of the work).

Knit the next stitch, pull over the slipped stitch ...

... and then lift back onto the left needle.

Pull the following slip stitch (i.e. a stitch with a yarn over) over the stitch just cast back from left to right (= 2 stitches decreased).

On the left-hand side of the stitch definition, there is a decrease to the right, on the right-hand side of the stitch definition there is an increase to the right.

The brioche pattern is knitted over two rows and produces a particularly voluminous and stretchy knit. It is suitable for turtlenecks, shawls or scarves. You should not knit it with material that is too heavy, as the pattern can wear out very quickly.

Fine stitch tip

The Italian cast-on and Italian topstitching are particularly suitable for brioche patterns.

In the single-colored purl pattern, you knit every knit stitch together in every row ...

... with the yarn over from the previous row on the right.

Simply slip the stitches between the slip stitches (double stitches) together with a yarn over as for purl knitting.

Alternatively, you can also knit the purl pattern with purl stitches, in which case you slip the knit stitches in each row with a yarn over and purl the purl stitches together with the yarn over from the previous row.
yarn over from the previous row.

Note

You will also find the brioche pattern knitted with deeper stitches. Although the knitted fabric appears firmer at first glance, the result is the same after washing and stretching the knitted piece.

Classic brioche pattern

Even number of stitches.
Preparatory row: * Slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
All further rows: * Slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit double crochet, repeat from * to the end

Single brioche stitch

Example: Single purl stitches on stockinette stitch with 3 stitches between them:
Even number of stitches plus 3 stitches.
Back row: * Knit 3 stitches, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * until the last 3 stitches, knit these.
Right side row: * purl 3 stitches, knit 1 double crochet, repeat from * until the last 3 stitches, purl these.
Repeat these two rows consecutively.

Double brioche pattern

The number of stitches must be divisible by 4, plus 2 stitches.
Preparation row: * Slip 2 stitches together with a yarn over, knit 2 stitches, repeat from * until the last 2 stitches, slip these together with a yarn over.
Tow row: * knit 1 double crochet, leave the yarn over on the left needle and knit the next stitch together with the yarn over, slip 2 stitches together with a yarn over, repeat from * until the last 2 stitches, then knit 1 double crochet, leave the yarn over on the left needle
and knit the last stitch together with the yarn over in the same way.
Back row: * Slip 2 stitches together with a yarn over, knit 1 double crochet, leave the yarn over still on the left needle and knit the next stitch together with the yarn over, repeat from * until the last 2 stitches, slip these together with a yarn over.
Repeat these two rows continuously.

Brioche rib pattern

The number of stitches must be divisible by 6, plus 1 stitch.
Preparation row: * knit 1 stitch, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the last stitch, knit 1 stitch.
Tow row: * slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit 1 double crochet, repeat from * to the end, then slip 1 stitch with a yarn over.
Back row: * knit 1 double crochet, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, purl 1 double crochet, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, knit 1 double crochet.
Repeat these two rows continuously.

Stitch definition

Even number of stitches.
Preparatory rows: knit 1 row, purl 1 row.

• 1st row: * knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch below, repeat from * to the end.
• 1st back row: * With the right needle, pick up the yarn that is in front of the double crochet stitch and knit together with the stitch, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
• 2nd row: * knit 1 stitch lower, knit 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.
• 2nd back row: * Knit 1 stitch, pick up the yarn in front of the double stitch with the right needle and knit together with the stitch, repeat from * to the end.
• Repeat these 4 rows continuously.

Knit the yarn over together with the stitch, but leave it on the left needle, make a new yarn over ...

... and knit the yarn over again on the left needle together with the knit stitch.

On the wrong side, the increase is done in the same way, except that the purl stitch is knitted instead of purled.

In the next row (i.e. on the other side), knit the three stitches from the increase as follows: Slip the first stitch with a yarn over ...

... knit the middle stitch (or purl if increasing on the wrong side)
on the wrong side) and then ...

... slip the last of the three stitches again with a yarn over.

On the left-hand side of the stitch definition, there is a decrease to the right, on the right-hand side of the stitch definition there is an increase to the right.

The two-tone brioche pattern creates a particularly attractive effect. Each color takes precedence on one of the two sides, while the other color recedes. To knit the two-tone brioche pattern, work each row twice before turning the work.

Knit the first row with color A and knit purl stitches. Slide the stitches back instead of turning the work and knit the first row again with color B, this time with purl stitches. Then turn the work. Color A dominates here.

Now knit the first back row with color A and purl stitches. Push the stitches back at the end and knit the back row again with color B, this time with knit purl stitches. Color B dominates on this side.

Two-tone brioche pattern

Odd number of stitches.
Preparatory row (color 1): * Slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * until the last stitch, then slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, turn the work.

• 1st row (color 2): * knit 1 double purl stitch, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, then knit 1 double purl stitch, do not turn the work, but slip all stitches back to the beginning.
• 2nd row (color 1): * slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit 1 double crochet, repeat from * to the end, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, turn work.
• 1st back row (color 2): * knit 1 double crochet, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, then knit 1 double crochet, do not turn the work, but slip all stitches back to the beginning.
• 2nd back row (color 1): * slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, purl 1 double crochet, repeat from * to the end, then slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, turn work.
• Repeat these 4 rows continuously.

Note

On the reverse, the colors appear exactly reversed. This pattern therefore results in two beautiful sides.

Two-tone brioche pattern with a smooth look

Even stitch count.

• 1st row (color 1): * slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit 1 double crochet, repeat from * to the end, do not turn the work, but slip all stitches back to the beginning.
• 2nd row (color 2): * knit 1 double crochet together, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, now turn the work.
• 1st back row (color 2): * knit 1 double crochet together, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, do not turn work, but slip all stitches back to the beginning.
• 2nd back row (color 1): * slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, purl 1 double stitch together, repeat from * to the end, now turn the work.

Two-tone brioche pattern with bridges

Odd number of stitches.

• 1st row (color 1): * Slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, knit 1 double crochet, repeat from * until the last stitch, slip this stitch with a yarn over, do not turn the work, but slip all stitches back to the beginning.
• 2nd row (color 2): * purl 1 double crochet, slip 1 stitch with a yarn over, repeat from * to the end, then purl 1 double crochet, turn work.
• Repeat these two rows continuously on both sides.

1/1 rib pattern

Even number of stitches.
All rows: * knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, repeat from * to the end.

1/1 rib pattern interlocked

Even number of stitches.
All rows: knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch.

2/2 rib pattern

Even number of stitches.
All rows: * knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat from * to the end.

Ribbed ladder

The number of stitches must be divisible by 4.
Preparatory front row: * 1 yarn over, knit 4 stitches, repeat from * to the end.
Preparatory back row: purl all stitches.
Back row: * 1 yarn over, knit the 3rd stitch of the next 3 stitches across the others, leave on the needle, then knit the 1st and 2nd stitches together. From the next 2 stitches, knit the 2nd stitch across the others and leave it on the needle, then knit the 1st stitch and slip both stitches off the needle. Repeat from * to the end.
Back row: Purl all stitches.
Repeat these two rows consecutively.