z. Mosaic Knitting Basics

Mosaic Knitting Basics.  I am beginning a new journey into Mosaic Knitting. (Mosaic Knitting is also known as slip-stitch knitting.)

After searching for hours, I have a list of very useful resources to get you started.

Sidenote: Mosaic Knitting is also known as slip-stitch knitting.

The best one to start off with is PurlSolo’s Mosaic Blanket Techniques (video) and/or you can read her Mosaic Blanket article.

 

And once you get used to reading the mosaic knitting charts (easier than written text), you can find a lot of charted patterns on Pinterest.

Here is an example of a mosaic knitting chart (sourced from her Mosaic Blanket article.)

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General Basics of Mosaic Knitting

Use this as a quick reminder/refresher.

Note: I believe that these charts are by Barbara Walker. Barbara Walker is the person who first coined the term “Mosaic Knitting” in the 1970s.

• Mosaic Knitting is deal for repeatable, charted designs.
• Mosaic Knitting is generally worked in knit (not purl) stitches only and slip stitches.
• It produces a thicker fabric than just stockinette stitch but is still soft and drapable. Ideal for afghans as well as jumpers.
• It does not produce an identical, reversible fabric.  But it does not have long floats on the back, which is good.
• No need to change colours mid-row.
• Always start off with one (foundation) row in the MC (Main Colour). This is usually not shown on the chart.
• Each charted row on the chart represents 2 rows of knit.
• All slip stitches are slipped purl-wise.
• The stranding yarn when making slip stitch should always be on the back of the work.  That means that on the RS (right side), when making the slip stitch, the thread should be at the back. And on the WS (wrong side), when making the slip stitch, the thread should be at towards you.
• Generally worked with 2 colours; each colour worked over 2 rows at a time.
• When charting, generally chart the [number of stitches for the repeatable pattern] + 3

 

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References:

• Mosaic Crochet Overview – the Different Techniques