Jacquard patterns in knitting: the subtleties of knitting techniques and easy patterns to work with
Today one of the most popular patterns in clothing and in the interior is jacquard.
The whimsical pattern attracts attention and creates a cozy atmosphere in the house.
Curtains, plaid, pillows and other decorative elements with jacquard pattern are used by professional designers to decorate apartments and other premises.
The first mention of the canvases, made in such a technique, date back to the fifth century AD. The historical homeland of knitting with broaches is Greece.
But only at the beginning of the 19th century did the technique become particularly widespread thanks to Joseph Jacquard, who as a weaver created a loom that allowed him to create knitwear with unique patterns by using threads of different colors.
His invention received due attention. Some sources indicate that even Napoleon encouraged the creator of the loom.
To this day in the closet of fashionable women there are sweaters, hats, socks, mittens and other clothes with a jacquard pattern.
Another name for this knitting technique is the Norwegian pattern. In Norway, jacquard is very popular, due to the fact that the fabric is dense, warm and of high quality.
Severe climatic conditions in this country forced the residents to dress in such clothes. It is interesting that in the beginning the Norwegian patterns were made from undyed yarn, and for this reason had a very sparse range of colors. Only recently have contrasting patterns appeared.
Features of knitting Jacquard
Jacquard, despite its apparent complexity, is made in a short period of time and has a simple technique based on the basic elements. Therefore, even an inexperienced craftswoman can cope with this work!
So, there are a few basic rules of knitting jacquard by needlework for beginners:
- Before you start, you should carefully study the scheme, learn how to work with it and read additional recommendations. There are two kinds of jacquard schemes: colored and with icons. The colored ones are the most convenient to use. If the pattern you like is only the second option, you can draw and color yourself in the desired shades. Odd numbers in the scheme denote the front rows, and even numbers denote the back rows. How do I read the diagram? First, follow the printed instructions starting from the bottom end. Second, the front rows are read from the right side, and the inside rows from the left. The algorithm is simple: count the required number of loops. And then knit them in the right color. After each row it is worth checking your work with the scheme, to make sure the pattern is correct and admire the motif.
- Much easier to use the technique of stocking knitting, that is, in a circle. So, the needlewoman will not get tangled in the threads, and the pattern will be much neater. In addition, this is the traditional method in many countries. If the product does not involve stocking knitting, you should make a small sample of the pattern by this method, and only after that move on to the main work. You will be able to assess the pattern and its complexity and then correctly calculate your strength.
- The more different colors of yarn used, the more dense and less elastic the fabric will be. Material consumption will also increase.
- The technique is often carried out with a face-smooth stitch. It is worth telling about one nuance: the edge loops are tied with two kinds of yarn, which were used in the work. Non-working yarn should not sag or pull the product.
- The jumpers between the loops should be woven into the fabric. Wise needlewomen know that the loops between different colors have a length of no more than seven loops. If this number is increased, it will become necessary to weave these threads. Sometimes it is worthwhile to twist the working and not working threads to avoid unpleasant consequences. The method is necessary to avoid clinging to fingers, buttons on the jumpers when wearing a thing. Also, the tiphack will help to achieve a neatly worn on the wrong side.
- It is very important to maintain an even thread tension.
- Choose the right color scheme. This is the place to show your imagination, because knitting is creativity, so it requires creativity.
- It is more convenient to use a special thimble when knitting with two threads at the same time.
It is recommended that before learning jacquard, you try knitting with the English and continental methods. They will improve your skills before Norwegian knitting.
Schemes of jacquard knitting patterns
There is a very large selection of schemes on the Internet and thematic magazines. However, traditional motifs prevail. Also in fashion now are Scandinavian patterns, which can easily be done by yourself, with them it is recommended to start mastering the technique.
Hearts
The best option for women's clothing is the hearts pattern! Especially teenage girls like it because of its romanticism. And it will not be difficult for a mom to knit a sweater with a lazy jacquard pattern and please her daughter!
However, there are quite small elements here, so you have to be careful not to get tangled up in the threads.
Orchard.
Beautiful with its minimalist pattern will look good in the interior as well as in the clothes. On pillowcases, this pattern will look especially attractive. The jacquard pattern is quite simple and is great for beginners.
Leaves
Maple, oak, rowan and raspberry leaves can be tied thanks to the abundance of schemes. It all depends on the preferences of the needlewoman. It is only necessary to correlate the existing experience, skill with the upcoming work, have patience and proceed!
Waves
Stylish, fashionable in this season pattern has a special popularity among professional stylists. Any item of clothing can be decorated with such a pattern.
However, you need to choose the right color solution. Pastel, muted shades with white or contrasting combinations of colors look good: brown and bright yellow, deep purple and red.
Flower
One of the most complex patterns, which does not forgive mistakes - flowers. After all, even one misstep can "tear" the stem or ruin the inflorescence.
Clothing with such a pattern attracts admiring glances on the street, and interior elements, decorated with flowers, look chic and will definitely be able to amaze visiting guests!
Squares and rhombuses
Simple to knit, but look spectacular geometric designs. There are a lot of schemes, so you can choose according to your chosen style. Vests with rhombuses remain in fashion for decades, so it is a win-win option for school or office.
Acorns
An unusual pattern will be to the taste of nature lovers. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of colors. Green and brown should not be too contrasting or too faded in comparison with each other.
It's necessary to find the golden mean, and then the two-color jacquard will look advantageous and elegant.
Light jacquard patterns for different items
It was mentioned more than once that a beautiful jacquard pattern will decorate any product: a hat, sweater, mittens, socks and even elements of the interior. It is only necessary to choose the right pattern, learn the scheme and carefully perform the work.
For a sweater
By right, sweaters with jacquard patterns are considered the most popular. In Norway, for example, the fashion for sweaters with a pattern appeared after a movie, in which the main actor wore such a sweater.
To knit a beautiful product, the following patterns will do: leaves, deer, foxes, snowflakes and Scandinavian motifs.
A sweater is a great gift for the New Year to a loved one. Sweaters with jacquard patterns are often used in family photo shoots.
For the hat.
It is worth sticking to minimalism when knitting a hat. The hat should not be motley, like Christmas toys. In fashion, a simple geometric pattern - rhombuses prevail.
If strict figures do not like the needlewoman, you can resort to a classic pattern - snowflake, it is always relevant in winter.
For socks
The choice of patterns is very large, and for socks almost everyone is suitable! The only exceptions are voluminous patterns that do not fit on the product. However, knitting socks is not so easy, the most difficult place is the heel, so it is better to make it in one color.
Jacquard pattern is a simple, spectacular technique, which is great for beginner masters who do not have good experience.
There are a lot of jacquard schemes, and even more various color combinations, so the product made will be unique, unusual, and, most importantly, fashionable.
It is worth not forgetting about the main rule of knitting - assiduity, attention and concentration on the process. For a Norwegian pattern it is a postulate, on which the entire work is based.