Most knitters know that duplicate stitch can add color details on plain stockinette fabric. In this hands-on workshop, discover how this simple and unassuming embroidery stitch can hide a multitude of sins, from errors in colorwork, cables crossed the wrong way—even sneaky finishing techniques—and more!

Homework #1: With smooth light-colored worsted weight or DK weight yarn and appropriate-size needles, cast on 16 stitches. Work K1P1 Rib for 1". Change to stockinette, and work even for 4". Bind off.

Homework #2: Same as Homework #1.

Homework #3: With smooth light-colored worsted weight or DK weight yarn, cast on 28 stitches.

Rows 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17 (RS): P3, [k4, p2] four times, p1.
Row 2 and all WS rows: K3, [p4, k2] three times, p4, k3.
Rows 3, 7, and 15: P3, [slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in front, k2, k2 from the cable needle, p2] four times, p1.
Rows 5, 9, 13, and 17: P3, [k4, p2] four times, p1.
Row 11: P3, [k4, p2] twice, [slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from the cable needle, p2] twice, p1.
When Row 18 is completed, bind off in the pattern.

Block swatches before class.

Three blocked homework swatches; appropriate size knitting needles; tapestry needle (wide eye and blunt tip); spare yarn of the same weight you used for your homework but in a sharply contrasting color; scissors.