In this workshop you will learn a new variety of double increases I call background increase.

Use this new symmetrical background increase along the diagonals of center-out squares to avoid deformation of the spine stitches in two-color stranded knitting and Fair Isle knitting. It is very decorative and easy to do.

In the theoretical part, the traditional single increases will be reviewed and the structure of the new background increases (BI) will be explained. In the practical part you will learn how to work BI flat and in the round.

Technique Requirements: knit/purl sts, experience in stranded knitting

Use two contrasting colors of the same yarn: the light color MC and the dark color CC.

For the circular sample, make a slip knot using both color yarns, cast on 36 sts using long-tail CO (choose the darker CC yarn for the thumb), drop the slip knot, and start a stripe pattern in stranded knitting as follows. Important: MC yarn is the dominant color yarn and is always below the CC yarn.

Round 1: [k1 MC, k1 CC] 13 times, k2 CC, [k1 MC, k1 CC] 3 times, k2 MC.
Place markers at the base of these sts: number 9, 18, 27, 36.
Pull out two magic loops: one after the 5th st, another after the 23rd st. Bring to class like this.

Two contrasting colos yarns, DK or worsted weight; 2 sets of the needles to work flat and 1 set to work in small circumference; a few removable markers.