Master the Double Yarn Over: Ultimate Knitting Technique

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is a Yarn Over?
3. Types of Yarn Overs
   • Single Yarn Over
   • Double Yarn Over
4. How to Make a Double Yarn Over (Western-style Knitters)
   • Between Knit Stitches
   • Between Purl Stitches
5. How to Make a Double Yarn Over (Continental Knitters)
   • Between Knit Stitches
   • Between Purl Stitches
6. Handling Double Yarn Overs on the Wrong Side
7. Working Double Yarn Overs with Decreases
8. Making Double Yarn Overs Between Purl Stitches
9. Handling Double Yarn Overs on the Right Side
10. Conclusion

Introduction

When it comes to knitting, yarn overs are an essential technique for creating decorative holes and lace patterns. A yarn over is a simple maneuver that involves adding an extra loop of yarn over the needle to create an additional stitch. While single yarn overs are commonly used, double yarn overs offer even larger holes and more intricate designs. In this article, we'll explore the process of creating double yarn overs for both Western-style and Continental knitters. We'll cover the steps for working double yarn overs between knit and purl stitches, as well as how to handle them on the wrong side of the fabric. So, grab your needles and let's dive into the world of double yarn overs!

What is a Yarn Over?

Before we delve into double yarn overs, let's briefly explain what a yarn over is. In knitting terms, a yarn over (abbreviated as "yo") is a technique that involves wrapping the yarn around the needle to create an extra stitch. This addition of a new loop of yarn results in a small hole or an eyelet in the knitted fabric. Yarn overs are commonly used in lace patterns, decorative edgings, and creating spaces for buttonholes or other design elements.

Types of Yarn Overs

In knitting, there are different types of yarn overs that can be used to achieve different effects. The two main types are single yarn overs and double yarn overs.

Single Yarn Over

A single yarn over is the most basic type of yarn over and involves wrapping the yarn around the needle once. This creates a small hole in the fabric and adds one extra stitch to your knitting. Single yarn overs are often used in lace patterns and to create decorative openings in the fabric.

Double Yarn Over

As the name suggests, a double yarn over involves wrapping the yarn around the needle twice, creating a larger hole and adding two extra stitches to your knitting. Double yarn overs are great for creating more open and intricate designs in lace patterns. They are used when you want to create larger eyelets or when you need extra space for a specific stitch pattern.

How to Make a Double Yarn Over (Western-style Knitters)

Now that we understand the basics of yarn overs, let's focus on double yarn overs specifically. We'll start by discussing how Western-style knitters can make double yarn overs between knit stitches.

Between Knit Stitches

To make a double yarn over between knit stitches as a Western-style knitter, follow these steps:

1. Knit a few stitches to reach the desired location for the double yarn over.
2. Bring the working yarn to the front of the work.
3. Over the top of the needle, bring the yarn to the back and then around to the front again.
4. Keep the working yarn in the front.
5. Knit the next stitch.
6. Observe the created double yarn over followed by the knit stitch.

Repeat these steps whenever a double yarn over is required between knit stitches in your pattern. This method ensures that the yarn travels smoothly and creates a distinct double yarn over.

Between Purl Stitches

When creating double yarn overs between purl stitches as a Western-style knitter, the process is similar to the method used between knit stitches. Follow these steps:

1. Purl a few stitches until you reach the spot for the double yarn over.
2. Bring the working yarn over the needle from front to back.
3. Bring the yarn back to the front, passing over the needle once more.
4. Keep the working yarn in the front.
5. Purl the next stitch, treating each stitch differently to maintain the two stitches created by the double yarn over.

Repeat these steps whenever a double yarn over is required between purl stitches in your pattern. Remember to treat each stitch (purl or knit) differently to ensure the double yarn over is secure.

How to Make a Double Yarn Over (Continental Knitters)

For Continental knitters, the process of making a double yarn over is slightly different but equally effective. Let's explore how to create double yarn overs between knit stitches and between purl stitches in the Continental style.

Between Knit Stitches

To make a double yarn over between knit stitches as a Continental knitter, follow these steps:

1. Knit a few stitches until you reach the desired location for the double yarn over.
2. Scoop up the working yarn with the needle for the first yarn over.
3. Scoop up the working yarn again to create the second yarn over.
4. Continue knitting the next stitch, treating each stitch differently to maintain the two stitches created by the double yarn over.

Repeat these steps whenever a double yarn over is required between knit stitches in your pattern. The Continental method offers a consistent approach to creating yarn overs, making it easier to execute.

Between Purl Stitches

To create a double yarn over between purl stitches as a Continental knitter, follow these steps:

1. Purl a few stitches until you reach the spot for the double yarn over.
2. Scoop up the working yarn once to create the first yarn over.
3. Scoop up the working yarn a second time to create the second yarn over.
4. Continue purling the next stitch, treating each stitch differently to maintain the two stitches created by the double yarn over.

Repeat these steps whenever a double yarn over is required between purl stitches in your pattern. The Continental knitting style allows for a smooth and consistent execution of double yarn overs.

Handling Double Yarn Overs on the Wrong Side

When you reach the wrong side of your knitting, you'll need to handle double yarn overs slightly differently to maintain stitch integrity. Let's cover how to handle double yarn overs on the wrong side of the fabric.

On the wrong side, double yarn overs may appear as draped loops over the needle. To ensure each stitch remains distinct, treat them separately. Here are a few common techniques for working with double yarn overs on the wrong side:

1. Purl the first stitch in the double yarn over and knit the second stitch.
2. Purl the first stitch and then purl the second stitch through the back loop.
3. Follow the pattern instructions for specific stitch combinations when working with double yarn overs.

Remember to adjust your knitting technique based on the pattern instructions and the desired outcome. By treating each stitch separately, you'll maintain the two stitches created by the double yarn over.

Working Double Yarn Overs with Decreases

To maintain the stitch count and create balanced decreases alongside double yarn overs, it's essential to understand how to work them together. Let's explore how to handle double yarn overs when paired with decreases.

When working on the knit side of the fabric, here's a common approach to working double yarn overs with decreases:

1. Knit to the position where the double yarn over is required.
2. Perform the designated decrease (e.g., knit two together).
3. Create the double yarn over by bringing the working yarn over the needle, over the top, and back around to the front.
4. Treat the next stitch based on the stitch type it belongs to (knit or purl).

By following these steps, you'll ensure that the double yarn over is properly integrated into the stitch pattern and that the stitch count remains consistent.

Making Double Yarn Overs Between Purl Stitches

To create double yarn overs between purl stitches, the process is similar to making them between knit stitches. Let's explore how to make double yarn overs between purl stitches.

1. Purl to the location for the double yarn over.
2. Wrap the working yarn around the needle twice, creating two yarn overs.
3. Purl the next stitch, treating each stitch individually to maintain the two stitches created by the double yarn over.

By wrapping the yarn around the needle twice, you'll create the desired double yarn over between purl stitches. Remember to work each stitch appropriately to keep the two stitches separate.

Handling Double Yarn Overs on the Right Side

When you return to the right side of your fabric, you'll need to work double yarn overs just like you did on the wrong side. Remember to follow the pattern instructions and consider the stitch combinations involved. The aim is to treat each stitch individually, respecting the unique nature of the double yarn over. Whether you're a Western-style or Continental knitter, the approach remains the same.

Conclusion

Double yarn overs are a versatile knitting technique that allows you to create larger holes and add intricate designs to your projects. Whether you're a Western-style or Continental knitter, understanding how to execute double yarn overs is key to mastering lace patterns and achieving stunning results. By following the step-by-step instructions provided, you'll be able to confidently create double yarn overs between knit and purl stitches, handle them on the wrong side, and incorporate them into various stitch combinations. So, grab your needles, experiment with double yarn overs, and let your creativity shine in your knitting projects!

Highlights:

• Double yarn overs are an essential technique for creating larger holes and intricate designs in knitting projects.
• There are two main types of yarn overs: single yarn overs and double yarn overs.
• Western-style and Continental knitters have slightly different approaches to making double yarn overs.
• Double yarn overs need to be treated separately on the wrong side of the fabric to maintain stitch integrity.
• Paired with decreases, double yarn overs should be worked according to pattern instructions to maintain stitch count.
• Following specific techniques, double yarn overs can be created between purl stitches as well.
• Double yarn overs require careful handling on the right side to ensure each stitch is worked correctly.

FAQ:

Q: Are double yarn overs only used in lace patterns? A: Double yarn overs are commonly used in lace patterns, but they can also be incorporated into other knitting projects to add decorative openings or design elements.

Q: Can I use double yarn overs in combination with different stitch types? A: Yes, you can pair double yarn overs with both knit and purl stitches to create a diverse range of stitch patterns and textures.

Q: How do I fix a mistake when working with double yarn overs? A: If you make a mistake with a double yarn over, you can simply unravel the stitches back to the error and rework them correctly. Alternatively, you can use a crochet hook to correct any issues with the double yarn over.

Q: Can I use double yarn overs in combination with other knitting techniques like cables? A: Yes, double yarn overs can be incorporated into various knitting techniques, including cables. They can add unique texture and visual interest to your projects when combined with other techniques.

Q: Are double yarn overs suitable for beginners? A: While double yarn overs may seem more advanced, they can be learned and executed by beginners with practice. It's important to start with simple patterns and gradually progress to more complex designs that incorporate double yarn overs.

Q: How do I prevent my double yarn overs from unraveling? A: To prevent your double yarn overs from unraveling, make sure to secure them tightly by working the following stitches correctly and treating each stitch individually. Additionally, blocking your finished project can help maintain the integrity of the double yarn overs.