How to knit with two colors: The Bird's Eye stitch pattern

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to knit with two colors; we’ll learn how to knit the Bird’s Eye stitch.

It’s a four-row repeat pattern, super easy to do: The even rows are plain purl rows; the odd rows include the same two steps.

As a matter of fact, some knitters believe that knitting with colors can be difficult, but the Bird’s Eye stitch will prove them wrong 😉

Actually, in the past, we’ve practiced a couple of two-color stitch patterns that are also an easy way to introduce you to this wonderful technique:

The first one I shared (using two different swatches) is the Two-color Slip-stitch pattern: Honestly, it’s so easy that you don’t even have to purl!

The second one is the Two-color Reversible Ribbing stitch: A pattern that definitely will add a classy touch to your hats, gloves, and mittens.

Anyway, before we get started, I’d like to share the following:

How to knit with two colors: Some Tips

First of all, use contrasting colors, especially if you are a beginner. This will help you to see where you are pretty quickly.

Secondly, try to work with fibers of the same thickness, quality, and brand, when possible (preferably worsted weight or thicker; getaway of too-thin yarns).

Thirdly, when talking about fibers, the wool yarn should be your first option. It’s very forgiving, elastic, and durable #ad

Last, but not least, when finished, don’t forget to block your garment! The process of blocking will improve the tension of the stitches. It “calms” the fibers 🙂

So, without further ado, grab your needles and two beautiful colors of yarn, and let’s get busy!

How to knit with two colors, explained step by step. So Woolly.

Abbreviations

CO: cast on

st: Stitch

CA: Color “A”

CB: Color “B”

K: Knit

P: Purl

wyibsl1: With yarn in back, slip one stitch

BO: Bind off

RS: Right side of the work

WS: Wrong side of the work

N.B.:

Slip the stitches purlwise (as if to purl).

The odd rows form the right side of the work.

How to knit in two colors: The Bird’s Eye stitch

With CA, CO an even of stitches.

1º row (RS) Using CA: *wyibsl1, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to end

2º row Using CA: P across

3º row Using CB: *K1, wyibsl1* Repeat from * to *, to end

4º row Using CB: P across.

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished BO purlwise after a row 1 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

How to knit with two-colors written pattern and video tutorial. So Woolly.

Enjoy the video tutorial: