What Is Double Knitting?
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see answers to the question: What is double knitting?
Whether you’re a knitting enthusiast or someone who loves working with textiles, understanding double knit fabric can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
We’ll break down what double knit means in both knitting and other textiles, explore its unique characteristics, and why it’s so great for making everything from cozy sweaters to structured garments.
Let’s dive in and uncover the magic of double knit fabric!
How Do You Do Double Knitting?
Double knitting is an exciting technique that allows you to create two layers of fabric at the same time, making the piece thicker, reversible, and warmer than regular knitting.
While the front of the work shows one side of your design, the back of the work simultaneously displays the reverse, usually in a different color.
This technique opens up creative possibilities, like using color changes to create beautiful, two-sided patterns.
When you start, you’ll notice that your first row is key in setting the rhythm of the project.
For beginners or those learning new techniques, it can feel a little fiddly at first to switch between knitting and purling with two yarns, especially if you’re used to English style knitting.
Double Knitting Tutorial
Double knitting is a great technique for creating a reversible, two-layer fabric with no wrong side.
It’s perfect for scarves, pot holders, and colorwork that looks the same on both sides.
Here’s how to get started:
What You’ll Need:
- Two different colors of yarn (let’s call them Color A and Color B).
- Straight or circular needles in a size that matches your yarn.
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Getting Started with Double Knitting
- Cast On with Two Colors
Use a cast-on method that sets up stitches for both sides at once. The long-tail cast-on works well, but instead of a single tail, hold both colors together, treating them as one. This will give you a doubled, interlocked cast-on edge. Alternatively, you can use a two-color cast-on, alternating stitches between Color A and Color B.
- Set Up Your Stitches
For each stitch, you’ll treat Color A stitches as “front layer” stitches and Color B as “back layer” stitches. For example, cast on an even number of stitches, alternating Color A and Color B.
- Knit the First Row
Hold both yarns at the back of your work.
Knit the first stitch with Color A, which will be the front layer.
Move both yarns to the front, purl the next stitch with Color B (back layer).
Repeat this pattern: knit with Color A, purl with Color B to the end of the row. - Turn and Repeat
Flip your work.
Repeat the same pattern on the back, alternating Color A and Color B. There are knit stitches for the front layer and purl stitches for the back layer.
You should see from the previous row which stitches are knit and which are purled. The stitch facing you closest is knit, and the stitch behind it is purled.
Video Tutorial
Whether you’re new to knitting or looking to expand your skills, this step-by-step video will help you master double knitting with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Tips for Success
- Keep the yarns untangled: This can be tricky at first, but always move both yarns together to the front or back to keep them tidy.
- Consistent tension: Double knitting can be loose. Keep a light but consistent tension to avoid gaps.
- Practice with fewer stitches: Start with around 10 stitches so you can focus on mastering the knit-purl rhythm.
Once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with color patterns or even letters and designs in your double knitting.
Happy knitting!
Yarn Weight Is Important
One thing to keep in mind is the yarn weight.
Double knitting is typically worked with sport weight yarn, light worsted yarn, or specific double knitting yarn for a soft yet durable fabric.
Because double knitting creates two layers, your fabric will be thicker, so be sure to knit a gauge swatch before starting your project.
This will help ensure the final piece comes out to the right size and thickness, especially since gauge tends to vary between regular and double knitting.
The added thickness of double knitting makes it a fantastic option for winter accessories, but keep in mind that your gauge will differ compared to regular knitting due to the double-layer fabric, so swatching is essential!
Related Post: Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
The number of stitches is also important
Double knitting requires careful attention to the number of stitches, as each stitch is worked in pairs of stitches—one for the front layer and one for the back.
This technique uses much yarn because you’re essentially knitting two layers at once.
For a clean edge, the long-tail cast-on is ideal, and you can use the long-tail method with two colors, such as white yarn and a contrasting shade, to set up your double-sided design right from the start.
This creates a strong foundation for your reversible project!
What is the best yarn for double knitting?
The best yarn for double knitting is typically a smooth, medium-weight yarn like DK weight yarn (double knit/dk yarn) or worsted weight yarn, which provides a good balance between thickness and flexibility.
A yarn with good stitch definition is ideal, as it will clearly showcase the two-sided fabric and any patterns you create.
Wool or wool-blend yarns like merino are particularly popular for double knitting because they offer warmth, durability, and a bit of elasticity, which helps maintain the fabric’s shape.
Avoid very slippery or fuzzy yarns, like silk or mohair, as they can make it difficult to control the two layers and keep the stitches even.
The thickness of the yarn will affect the look of the work, that’s why medium weight yarn is better for a color change.
Choosing contrasting colors for each side of the fabric can also enhance the visual impact of your double-knitted project.
Related Posts:
What are the best knitting needles for double knitting?
The best knitting needles for double knitting are typically smooth, medium-sized circular needles, usually in the range of 3.5 mm to 5 mm (US size 4 to 8), depending on the weight of your yarn.
Circular needles are ideal because they can comfortably hold the double layer of fabric as it grows, and their flexible cable reduces strain on your hands and wrists, especially for larger projects.
The smoothness of the needles is important to ensure that the yarn glides easily, helping you manage the two strands of yarn used in double knitting.
Metal or coated wood needles are often preferred for their slick surface, which can make sliding stitches easier, though some knitters may prefer the slight grip of bamboo or wood needles for better control.
The key is to choose sets of needles that feel comfortable in your hands and suit the yarn you’re using, ensuring an even tension and smooth knitting experience.
Related Posts: Knitting Needle Sizes + Conversion Chart
What can you make with double knitting?
Common items you can double knit include scarves, which are warm and cozy with reversible patterns or colorwork designs like Fair Isle, and hats that showcase a different pattern or color on each side, offering two looks in one.
Blankets and throws made with double knitting are luxurious and warm, with no wrong side, making them perfect for decorative patterns.
Smaller, practical items like potholders and coasters benefit from the technique’s thickness and insulating properties, making them heat-resistant and durable.
While more advanced, double knitting can also be used for sweaters and jackets to create reversible garments or add extra warmth.
Bags and totes can gain structure and durability from double knits, along with the option for reversible designs, while cowls and infinity scarves take advantage of the double-sided fabric, offering versatility in how they can be worn.
This technique is particularly valued for creating functional, warm, and visually appealing items that look great from both sides of the knitted fabric.
Double Knitting Free Patterns
Check out five beautiful double knit free patterns below...
Happy Knitting!
Dottie Scarf Knitting Pattern by Originally Lovely
In this blog post, you will see how to double knit a scarf.
A great project to explore the double knitting technique.
Make one for you or as a gift.
Double Knit Blanket In New Yarns by Purl Soho
In this blog post, you will see a double knit blanket pattern.
This is a great project for all makers.
Plus, there is a video tutorial to help you along.
Mössan Bo by Ellen Furderer
Make a cozy hat for the winter with this free pattern.
Knit one for you or as a gift.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Double Knitted Baby Mittens by Ida-Maria Tyyskä
Knit a pair of adorable baby mittens with this free pattern.
A great project for experienced knitters.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Dr Who Double Knit Scarf by Karen Pritchard
Knit a unique Dr Who scarf with this free pattern.
The perfect gift for any fan.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Can you do color work with double knitting?
You can absolutely do color work with double knitting!
In fact, double knitting is an excellent technique for color work because it creates a reversible fabric where both sides have opposite color patterns.
This is especially useful for projects like scarves, blankets, baby blankets, or hats where you want both sides to be presentable.
What type of knitting machine for double-knit fabric?
Machine knitters prefer a double-bed knitting machine.
This type of machine features two sets of needle beds, which allow you to create double-layered fabric simultaneously.
The two beds (front and back) work together to knit stitches on both sides of the fabric, making it ideal for double-knit projects.
Related Post: 25 Free Knitting Machine Patterns For All
What Is Double Stockinette Stitch?
The double stockinette stitch is a knitting technique that creates a fabric with a stockinette stitch appearance on both sides, resulting in a thicker, reversible fabric.
Unlike regular stockinette stitch, which has a smooth right side and a bumpy wrong side, double stockinette has the smooth, right side on both the front and back.
How It Works:
In double stockinette, you’re essentially knitting two layers of fabric at the same time.
These two layers are interconnected, but they don’t combine into a single thickness like traditional stockinette.
Instead, they remain separate but attached at the sides, creating a double-thick fabric.
Double stockinette stitch is a great choice if you’re looking for a fabric that’s thicker, reversible, and doesn’t curl!
How Difficult Is Double Knitting?
Double knitting can seem a bit challenging at first, especially if you’ve never tried it, but it’s a technique that many knitters can pick up with a little practice.
Here’s a breakdown of the difficulty level based on different factors:
1. Skill Level:
- Beginner: If you’re new to knitting, it might be a bit difficult since it requires managing two yarns at once and alternating between knitting and purling within the same row. However, if you’re comfortable with basic stitches (knit and purl), you can give it a try by starting with simple, solid double knitting before moving to patterns.
- Intermediate to Advanced: If you’re experienced with knitting techniques like colorwork, knitting in the round, or tension control, you’ll likely find double knitting fairly straightforward after a bit of practice.
2. Coordination:
- The main challenge in double knitting is managing two yarns at once and remembering to alternate between knitting and purling across a row. Some knitters find it easier to hold one yarn in each hand, while others might prefer picking up and dropping each yarn as they go.
- It can feel fiddly at first to keep your yarns untangled and tensioned properly, but once you develop a rhythm, it becomes easier.
3. Pattern Complexity:
- Basic double knitting (just using two solid colors with no patterns) is relatively easy to grasp once you get the hang of holding two yarns and alternating stitches.
- Colorwork technique double knitting (using patterns) can be more complex since you need to track which stitches are worked with which yarn. Reading charts and keeping the pattern correct on both sides adds an extra layer of complexity, but it’s manageable with some experience.
4. Practice Makes Perfect:
- As with most knitting techniques, double knitting takes some practice. The first few rows can feel awkward, but many knitters find that after a little trial and error, it becomes second nature.
- Starting with a small project, like a simple scarf, will help you build confidence before moving on to more complicated patterns.
5. Tools & Tips:
- Using markers between stitch groups or different colored needles can help you keep track of your stitches.
- Working slowly at first to ensure your tension is consistent on both layers of fabric is key to mastering double knitting.
In summary, double knitting isn’t inherently difficult, but it does have a learning curve.
Once you’re comfortable, it opens up a world of creative possibilities, and the resulting fabric is thick, reversible, and beautiful!
What Is Meant By Double Knit?
“Double knit” can refer to two different things depending on the context: one is related to knitting techniques, and the other to fabric construction.
Here’s an explanation for both meanings:
1. Double Knitting Technique (Hand Knitting):
- Double knitting is a knitting technique where you create two layers of fabric simultaneously, working them together on the same pair of needles. Each side mirrors the other, often with reversed colors or patterns.
- This technique produces a reversible fabric with no visible wrong side, making it thicker, warmer, and perfect for projects like scarves, hats, and blankets.
- In double knitting, you typically knit one stitch with color A, and purl the next stitch with color B, alternating like this across the row. As you go, you’re forming two layers, each worked with its own yarn.
2. Double Knit Fabric (Textiles):
- In the world of textiles, double knit fabric refers to a type of fabric construction made on a knitting machine. This is where two sets of needles are used to create two interlocking layers of fabric at the same time.
- The result is a thicker, more durable, and stretchier fabric compared to single-knit fabrics like jersey. It has more structure and can look the same on both sides, making it ideal for garments like sweaters, jackets, and dresses.
- Double knit fabrics are often used in both casual and more structured garments because they combine softness with resilience.
Key Characteristics of Double Knit:
- Reversible: Both layers can look the same or feature mirrored designs.
- Thicker and Warmer: It creates a thicker fabric due to the double layer, making it great for cold-weather garments.
- Structured: In textile form, it’s more stable and holds its shape better than single-knit fabrics.
In both cases, “double knit” refers to the idea of two layers of fabric, but one refers to a knitting technique (hand knitting) and the other to a type of machine-made fabric.
Knitting Lessons
If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting process, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.
Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.
If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns
You can also find us on social media, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.
Free Knitting Patterns + Inspiration
- How To Knit A Blanket (Free + Easy For Beginners)
- 43 Lace Knitting Patterns (Easy Knit Stitches)
- How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)
- 20 Temperature Blanket Patterns (The Ultimate Guide)
- How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles (Step-By-Step)
- 31 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns (Easy Knit Blankets)
- How To Knit Baby Booties (Step-By-Step)
- Knitted Dog Sweater Pattern (3 Sizes)
- 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners
- Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
- 37+ Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash (Small Projects)
- Free Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern (Straight Needles)
- Super Easy Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern (Knit)
