Helical Knitting
Helical really just means in the shape of a spiral. So, technically, most circular knitting is already helical knitting.
Helical Knitting – A Bad Name for a Good Technique
Despite the inaccurate moniker, helical knitting is a great technique. Specifically for creating jogless stripes while knitting in the round. The most recent time I’ve used this was with a recent FO. The Noro Striped Hat using QueerJoe’s Simple Hat pattern.
This example was done with four separate, interwoven helices, or spirals. I did this by using the helical knitting technique and two colorways of Noro. I pulled from both the inside and outside of two center-pull balls. The tangles were epic. So, I don’t really recommend this.
Trying to explain how I did this, I realized a tutorial might be useful. For a couple of reasons:
- Explaining how interwoven colored helices work in knitting.
- Showing how to actually do this technique.
- Explain some advanced tips/techniques:
- Wider stripes than one color round
- Dealing with jogs, ladders and loose stitches between double-pointed needles
- Organizing yarn to minimize tangles (I’m a pro now)
So check out the latest Knitting Proficiency Tutorial. Learn a new technique. Or hone your current skills.
Current Knitting
I’m working on a test knit lately.
This may be the only glimpse you get of the new test cowl until it’s published. But you will definitely want to see this one when it’s ready for prime time. GORGEOUS.
Other than that, I’ve been working on my helical swatches for the video!
Such fun knitting!
Your “helper” is gorgeous too!
Thanks Norah…I love this little guy. He brings me nothing but joy!
Hey, forget the cowl – let’s have more of your “lap warmer!”
Thanks for the video. I have a question about working in the tail of the new color as you go. I’ve watched several videos from other instructors, but have never been successful. Do you have a video about this already I could watch? Thanks
Hi Larry. I don’t have a video, but my favorite one is Very Pink’s version. It’s not quite how I do it, but it results in the same thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdKsONos1cs
Helical striping is also a great technique for working with gradient mini-skeins. You can usually tell where one skein stops and the next begins, but if you do a few rounds in alternating spirals, they blend more gradually.
I am using this technique for a circular blanket and very pleased with it. The instructions when I started was to end, for example, color A stitches before starting color B. The 3 stitches would be slipped and worked in the next row. Would apply with each color used. This moves the starting of each round which prevents the stitches lining up or ladders, etc.