One of the exciting things about knitting is the many different techniques to try out. One that we’d like to share with you today is double knitting. Maybe you’ve heard of it!
Double knitting, sometimes referred to as reversible knitting, double-face knitting, or double-sided knitting, is a knitting technique that creates a double-layered fabric with knit stitches on each side. Both layers are knit at the same time on one set of needles and are fully reversible.
This technique is great for colorwork or if you want a fabric that’s twice as thick. It’s also perfect for garments or accessories where the wrong side might be showing.
Designers will frequently incorporate a double-knit neckband or button band into their cardigan designs because the thickness of the fabric helps support the extra weight of the buttons, plus it gives a nice, polished look.
How To Double Knit
Double knitting may sound tricky, but it’s actually quite simple and can be done flat or in the round.
There are several different methods of double knitting, but the most commonly used method is as simple as alternating a knit stitch of yarn A while both yarns are held in back with a purl stitch of yarn B while both yarns are held in front. The end result is two layers of stockinette stitches, with the wrong sides facing each other on the inside.
Sometimes, seeing how a technique is done is easier than reading about it. Click here to watch a video tutorial on how to double knit.
PRO TIP: You’ll be able to knit a lot quicker if you hold the yarn to be purled in your left hand (continental style) and the yarn to be knit in your right hand (English style).
As you can see, double knitting really isn’t that difficult. It may take a little longer to knit because you are knitting double the stitches, but if you embrace the slowness of this knitting technique, you will be rewarded with some extra cozy knitted pieces.
If you’re ready to try your hand at knitting a double-knit accessory, here are three patterns to give it a go.
Pattern Suggestions
Diana’s Bandana by Hailey Smedley from Ozetta Knitwear is the perfect project to get you started with double knitting. You’ll need a total of 485 meters of fingering-weight yarn to knit this bandana; however, this project is very customizable and can be made in multiple sizes, gauges, yarn weights, and color combinations.
If you’re looking for something with a little more detail, check out the Verse + Reverse Scarf from Purl Soho. You’ll need 1935 meters of a light fingering-weight yarn to knit this scarf. One thing to note about this pattern is that the double knitting technique is slightly different than the one we mentioned above, so be sure to check out Purl Soho’s tutorial video to see how it’s done.
Last but certainly not least is the Autumn Anemone cowl by Meret Bützberger. If you think you’re ready to add some fun colorwork to your double knitting, this is the perfect project to cast on. The colorwork on this cowl is so beautiful, and it comes in four sizes, so you can find the size that fits you perfectly. You will need between 366 and 732 meters of sport-weight yarn to knit this colorful and cozy double-knitted cowl.
What do you think of double knitting? Will you be adding this knitting technique to your repertoire of knit stitches and techniques?
