How to Convert Your Photos to Intarsia

Familiar examples of intarsia are argyle sweaters and socks.

An intarsia pattern contains closely fitted blocks of color or texture. Early Italian examples used wood to create a three-dimensional effect. Current examples, often knit, result in a single layer fabric. Intarsia knitting brings the new yarn over the old to change colors. The twisted colors create a smooth spiral join. Any remaining threads are hidden in the center of the twisted yarns. Familiar examples of Intarsia are argyle sweaters and socks.

Things You'll Need

• A GIF, JPEG, or PNG image greater than 1MB in size

Instructions

1. Open your web browser and navigate to KnitPro (Microrevolt.org/knitpro).

2. Select grid size. Grid size will depend on the size of your photo.

3. Select stitch size. Selecting "Knit Landscape" generates a more realistic grid. Each square will be wider than it is tall, reflecting the fact that knit stitches are wider than knit rows.

4. Click "submit." A new window will open with your photo colors separated and gridded for intarsia. Stitches and rows are also numbered.

5. Save this file to your hard drive or computer storage device.

Tips & Warnings

• A written version of your intarsia directions can be generated at Bikibird (Bikibird.com).

• Generate properly sized blank knitting graph paper at Tata-Tatao (tata-tatao.to).

References

• Microrevolt: Knitpro
• Bikibird: Intarsia Form
• Tato: Actual Size Graph Paper

Resources

• Ravelry: Patterns - Intarsia
• Yarn Harlot: At the Last
• KnitPicks Technique Tutorials: About Intarsia