Intarsia Knitting for Beginners: 5 Free Patterns, Tips, and More!

As much as I love working on plain-colored knits, sometimes they can get a little, well, plain. Intarsia is a brilliant way of incorporating colors and other interesting details details into a project. However, intarsia knitting patterns often require an intermediate knitting level. So some beginners feel intimated to try it out. It’s completely normal to feel that way!

I found that learning more about a new knitting technique, the less intimidating it feels to start. So let’s demystify the mysterious world of intarsia knitting!

What is Intarsia Knitting?

Intarsia is a knitting technique used for adding new colorful panels or designs in the middle of your knitted project. Using a special joining method, you can incorporate new colors into your work, resulting in a fabric that has a ton of character and dimensions. You can even knit portraits of your loved ones or the logo of your favorite football team!

This technique results in a “drapey” fabric that is perfect for sweaters, cardigans, and blankets! Thanks to the twisting joining technique used in intarsia knitting, you pretty much have the freedom of using unlimited yarn colors in your knit — though whether or not you should use tons of colors is up to you. I personally would only use 3 colors maximum because intarsia knitting has one notable con:

YARN TAILS! Using tons of colors mean that you will have tons of stray yarn tails that you will need to weave in if you don’t want your work to slowly fall apart after every use.

Intarsia Knitting vs. Fair Isle Knitting

Intarsia knitting and Fair Isle Knitting are both beautiful techniques that allow crafters to explore unique designs and let their creativity run wild! Both techniques involve using multiple yarn colors to create beautiful designs in a knitted project.

But that’s where the similarities end. Let’s get a closer look into fair isle and intarsia knitting:

Intarsia Knitting

Intarsia involves twisting new yarn colors as you work along. This type of joining technique allows you to work in as many large blocks of colors as you want. However, intarsia is not the best technique to use if you’re creating small, intricate designs that involve tiny color blocks.

For example, if your design involves changing from one stitch of black yarn, two stitches of red yarn, and one stitch of white yarn in a single row, intarsia is not the method you want to use. This means you won’t be making those intricate Van Gogh inspired sweaters!

Fair Isle

Fair Isle Knitting on the other hand is a traditional technique used for centuries. This involves “carrying” or running two strands of yarn in the wrong side (back side) of your project. This method is amazing for more intricate designs.

You can use fair isle knitting to tell a story in your knits. However, you will be limited in the number of yarn strands you can use in your project. That’s a small price to pay if you think about the absolutely gorgeous fair isle knits you find on Pinterest!

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Helpful Tools for Your Intarsia Knitting Projects!

New knitting techniques mean new tools to add to your growing collection! Here are a few intarsia knitting tools that will help make your knitting experience much easier as a beginner:

1. Bobbins

Bobbins will be your best friends in intarsia knitting! Since you will likely be working with multiple yarn colors, you need a way to keep them from getting tangled up. That’s where your trusty bobbins come in handy! Just wind up the colors you need and get to knitting.

You can find cheap bobbins on Amazon, but thick cardboard can also work. If you have empty ribbon spools lying around, those will be fantastic to use too!

SHOP BOBBINS! >

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2. Wooden Knitting Needles

Wooden knitting needles will keep your loops from slipping off. This is especially handy when it’s time to switch colors. There are plenty of wooden knitting needles online that are affordable and beginner-friendly. I’ve also included a quick link below!

SHOP KNITTING NEEDLES! >

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3. Sharp Tapestry/Darning Needles

A few sharp tapestry needles will make weaving ends so much easier! You’ll be able to easily weave through strands in your work, creating a neater and more seamless finish.

SHOP DARNING NEEDLES! >

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5 Helpful Tips and Tricks for Intarsia Knitting Beginners

Learning a new knitting technique opens up a Pandora’s box worth of new challenges. Fortunately, there are quite a number of tips and tricks to help you with your intarsia knitting journey!

Tip #1: Turn Your Work Clockwise and Counter-clockwise

Turning your work will twist your yarn strands together. By alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise, you’ll prevent this from happening!

Tip #2: Start with Patterns that Use a Maximum of 3 Colors

Although there is no limit to how many colors you can use in intarsia knitting, working with too many colors at once as a beginner can quickly turn into a disaster. So opt for beginner-friendly patterns that only use about 2 to 3 colors.

Tip #3: Use Wooden Needles

Wooden needles have a nice grip to them that will stop your yarn from slipping off while you attach new colors into your work!

Tip #4: Use Knitting Needle Stoppers

Need to take a break? Knitting needle stoppers will lock in your loops while you go about your day. Simply attach them to the tip of your knitting needles and set down your work!

Tip #5: Go Slow!

You might see knitters on social media who are able to pop out one intarsia knitting project after another. Don’t let make you feel like you have to master the technique ASAP. Take your time. Intarsia knitting is a fun journey that should be enjoyed at your own pace.

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5 Free Intarsia Knitting Patterns

Intarsia can be used in so many different knits. Here are just a few of the hundreds of gorgeous free patterns online! I made sure to arrange it by difficulty level so you can get a good idea on how to ease into intarsia knitting techniques. Check it out:

Disclaimer: This article contains links to external unaffiliated websites

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Unlocking a Whole New World in Knitting

Just when you think you learned every knitting technique, intarsia pops up and brings forth a whole new group of challenges! A world of new creative possibilities open up by just learning the basics of this technique.

In this article, we talked about the difference between intarsia and fair isle. We touched on useful tools that will make your life much easier should you give this technique a try.

We even touched on some fun tips and tricks to avoid yarn tangles, dropping loops, and overall just avoiding any stressful predicaments that might discourage you from finishing your project.

Intarsia is a great step into becoming an advanced knitter. Just think of all the beautiful sweaters, scarves, blankets, and tapestries that you can make once you get the hang of this magical technique!

Not feeling intarsia knitting? Well, why not have a look at fair isle knitting? Check out these free patterns below!

• 10 Free Fair Isle Patterns for Go-Getter Knitters!