Mosaic
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Mosaic knitting is a multi-color patterning technique in machine knitting that utilizes Slip Stitch settings to create geometric color designs while using only one active color per row.[1]
Because only one yarn is threaded into the carriage feeder at a time, mosaic knitting avoids the tangling, floats, and tension challenges associated with Fair Isle (stranded) colorwork.
Rules of Mosaic Knitting[edit]
Mosaic patterns are designed in color blocks where colors alternate every two rows:
- The knitter works two rows (out and back) using Color A, with the carriage set to slip/part. Needles that should display Color B are slipped (skipped), leaving the Color A loops on the bed.
- The active yarn in the carriage is swapped to Color B.
- The knitter works two rows in Color B. Needles that should display Color A are slipped, while the previously slipped Color B needles are knit.
- This sequence repeats, creating color block patterns with clean edges and minimal floats.
Carriage settings[edit]
- The carriage must remain on the Slip / Part setting throughout the pattern.
- A color changer attachment (such as the Brother KHC-820 or Silver Reed YC-6) is highly useful to automate the swapping of the active yarn every two rows.