5 Tips on Choosing Colours for a Knitting Project
When it comes to design, few things have as much influence — and rouse as many opinions — as colours. Colours have the power to evoke specific feelings as well as alter our perceptions of the world. Without us noticing, they can affect our mood and motivation.
“Colours exert profound effects on our emotions, cognition and behaviour,” explains Johanna Mappes, a professor of ecology at the University of Helsinki, who specialises in species interactions and examining how animals utilise colours in communication. “Warm colours, like red and orange, can stimulate appetite and energy, making them popular choices for restaurants and food packaging. Conversely, cool colours, like blue and green, promote relaxation and calmness in healthcare settings or wellness products.”
Many colours have meanings attached to them, but these vary, depending on cultural, psychological and contextual factors. Johanna gives an example: in some cultures, white symbolises purity and innocence, while in others, it signifies mourning and loss. Similarly, individuals may respond uniquely to colours based on their past experiences and memories.
When it comes to knitting, there are even more specific things to consider.
“Colours are chameleons. They may look a certain way on their own. Still, once you begin to stripe or marl them with another colour, they may look very different,” explains Stephen West, an American knitwear designer known for his strong use of colour.
With Johanna and Stephen, we gathered five things to consider when choosing colours for a knitting project.
1. Choose colours that please you
If you don’t like the colour you’re working with, chances are you won’t finish the project or enjoy the final product. “Working with colour is supposed to be fun! Make your own rules and follow your instincts. Developing your style takes time, so don’t get discouraged if every project isn’t perfect,” Stephen reassures.
2. Keep in mind the purpose of the project
Consider the final application when choosing colours for a project. If you are making a throw for your couch, choose colours that complement the room’s overall aesthetic. In garments, consider the wearer’s skin tone, hair, eyes and personal preferences. “Think about the overall mood you wish to convey. Are you aiming for a harmonious palette that exudes tranquillity, or do you prefer bold, contrasting colours for a vibrant effect?” prompts Johanna.
3. Consider the stitch pattern
Some yarn colours can be beautiful as they are, but when knitted into a textured fabric, the beauty might get lost in the stitches. Ask yourself if the colour accentuates the chosen stitch pattern. “I prefer working with solid colours for textured projects. Light, solid colours help to highlight detailed stitches, whereas speckled and variegated yarns work with simple stitches like seed stitch, stockinette stitch, and garter stitch,” Stephen explains.
4. Use colour theory to your advantage
Understanding the fundamentals of colour theory can significantly enhance your knitting projects and help you find options that you wouldn’t normally consider. “Learn about concepts such as complementary colours (colours opposite each other on the colour wheel), analogous colours (colours adjacent to each other on the colour wheel), and colour harmonies to create visually pleasing combinations,” Johanna advises.
5. When in doubt, knit a swatch
With so many colour options, making decisions can be difficult. That's why knitting a swatch is an excellent — and time-saving — design tool. “Embrace colours as ingredients, to understand how they interact. Playing with colour in small swatches or small projects, like hats, can save you time. You don’t want to end up with a sweater with a colour combination that doesn’t please you,” Stephen adds.
Text: Päivi Kankaro
Illustration: Pauliina Holma
This feature was first published in Laine issue 21.