Textured Dot Tutorial + a few handy Colorwork Tips
I didn’t create this stitch, but I’m obsessed with it! Hence my decision to go full on Dottie and create a 4-piece collection! Here’s a video demonstration of the technique as used within stranded colorwork. Written step-by-step instructions are also included underneath the videos, as are a few tips for colorwork that are especially useful with the Textured Dot. Dots are performed by creating several loops of yarn that are then worked together with the stitch already on your needle.
Work in pat to location of Dot.
With CC: Insert RH needle underneath MC bar between first and second st on LH needle, wrap yarn as if to knit around RH needle and draw needle to RS with this loop, do not drop loop,
Insert RH needle above this same bar between sts on LH needle and wrap yarn as if to knit, draw needle to RS with both loops, do not drop loops,
Bring working yarn through tips of LH and RH needles, ready to purl,
Purl first st on LH needle,
Skipping purled st and from WS, insert tip of LH needle into both loops on RH needle,
Holding working yarn securely so as not to drop purled st, slip loops over purled st.
Repeat Steps 1-7 to work your Dotted round!
Since I’m already blogging about Dottie, I thought I’d throw in a few of my favorite colorwork tips in case they are new to you.
First things first, yarn choice! Not only is it imperative to get the appropriate weight, you’ve got to find a yarn that is colorwork friendly. You want a “sticky” animal fiber as opposed to an extra smooth yarn from a plant. This is because you want the two yarns to work together to make your fabric, so using fibers that will bloom together and eventually felt slightly will not only give your sweater a more polished look, but will also make the strands felt to the WS of your sweater naturally over time.
Secondly, color dominance! This will make such a big difference in your projects if you’re not already doing it. Intentionally choose which color you want to POP. For Dottie, I’d say it should be your Dot color. Here’s a great post from Ysolda on how to achieve dominance!
Always stretch out the stitches on your Right Hand needle before switching colors and don’t tug too tightly on that strand when you begin to work with it. You want to give yourself enough of a float that your fabric has a little bit of give. I find that spreading the stitches works perfectly for me to get just the right length float (and of course, I do have a lot of practice hours under my belt).
Blocking. Is. Magic. This is true in 98% of knitting projects but especially so in colorwork. Blocking will help even out your tension and help the fibers become one. Expect your project to grow a bit in its bath and to look so much better once it is dry. You can steam block before binding off to check your length but you’ll probably still get a little more length after the bath.
Alright, I could go on and on but I think I’m gonna call it and finally introduce you to Dottie!
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