How do I color change while knitting without getting a dotted line of color on one side?

Question

I'm knitting my first blanket and each time I make a color change I get a dotted line of color on one side. Its all knit stitch. How can I change color and keep clean lines on my stripes?

Answer 1

With stockinette stitch (knit the front side and purl the back side) you can't avoid the dreaded purl dots.



You can make a double knit blanket that won't show the dots but it will take about twice as much work, and not a good choice for a beginning project. Here's a good video clip on how to double knit: http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/secure-html/onlineec/instructionalArticle.asp?iaid=53 You can find further instructions online with a simple google search on "how to double knit"



You could try lining the blanket with some soft flannel. But any knit blanket in stockinette (regular knitting), whether hand knit or machine knit, will have dots on the purl side.

Answer 2

Knitting Color Change

Answer 3

Short answer: You can't.

It's just the way knitting works, the loops go through each other.

With stockinette stitch the dotted line will only be on one side, but with garter stitch (what you're doing) it shows up on both sides.

Answer 4

If you purl the row the color change happens on, you'll only get the dotted line on one side. It won't make your pattern look too strange. Try it and see if it's an effect you like. If not, you'll need to learn to like the dotted lines.