How to Plan Colorwork Before You Cast On

You have probably been there: a beautiful pattern, a pile of yarn, and a nagging feeling that the colors might not work together. Planning colorwork on paper first takes a little time and can save a lot of ripping back.

Start with the mood

What should the project feel like? Cozy and warm, bright and playful, calm and neutral? Choose two or three colors that fit, then add accents.

Chart your motif

Draw the motif on a chart with the right proportions. A knitting graph paper notebook is great for drafting. For a closer look at how the finished fabric will appear, use knit-look colorwork charts, where each cell looks like a stitch.

Test colors, then test again

Color the same motif in two or three versions. Colors that look different on the ball can look similar when knitted side by side, so notice the contrast. Pencils work well on paper like this.

Check the repeat

Count how many stitches your motif repeat uses and make sure it fits the number of stitches in your project. Note any adjustments.

Swatch it

Knit a small swatch in the real yarn. Compare it to your chart and change what you need to.

Keep your charts

Number the pages and write the page number in your project notes, so you can find the design again when you want to knit it twice.

Planning does not take away the fun. It gives you more of it, because you cast on knowing it will work.