Colorwork Knitting from Head to Toe: 20 stranded knitting patterns for colorful accessories - Softcover

Jorissen, Carmen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1446316548 ISBN 13: 9781446316542

Publisher: David & Charles, 2026

Synopsis

Transform your knitting with a collection of 20 beautiful stranded colorwork knitting patterns.

Whether you're brand new to stranded colorwork or looking to deepen your skills, Colorwork Knitting From Head to Toe, offers 20 thoughtfully designed patterns for hats, cowls, mittens, and socks. Each project and pattern design is inspired by a location that holds special meaning for designer Carmen Jorissen of New Leaf Designs, to create a vibrant, and inviting set of projects.

Begin with simpler patterns like hats, and build your confidence toward more intricate mittens, all while learning techniques that are clearly explained and supported by video tutorials accessed through an included QR code. Jorissen’s trademark eye for color makes each design pop – and helps you build your own skill at combining shades in bold and effective ways.

20 modern accessory patterns using stranded colorwork techniques

Projects range from beginner-friendly hats to more advanced mittens

Video support for techniques via scannable QR codes

Explore meaningful patterns, expand your skills, and create accessories you’ll love to wear or gift.

About this title

About the Author

Carmen Jorissen is the designer and instructor behind New Leaf Designs, and she is known for her approachable knitting tutorials and colorful, nature-inspired patterns. From the Netherlands, now based in Scotland, she has helped thousands of knitters gain confidence through her YouTube channel, online classes, and pattern collections. Her passion lies in making stranded colorwork joyful and achievable for all.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I’m overjoyed that you’re holding my first ever knitting book, Colorwork Knitting From Head To Toe. In this book I hope to inspire you with my favourite knitting technique: colourwork knitting. Colour is absolutely fundamental for my knitted pieces and it’s no secret that I’m known for my many-coloured knits. I’ve been addicted to knitting ever since first trying it in 2011, and my enthusiasm has only grown since then, especially after learning how to knit with more than one colour at a time.

Stranded colourwork uses two colours in the same row which allows you to create beautiful motifs. How a pattern can change by using different colours will never cease to amaze me, which is why I want to encourage you to choose your own colour palettes. Knit outside the box! You can find helpful tips for putting together colour combinations in Chapter 2: Choosing Colours.

In this book you will find 20 knitting patterns which all use the stranded colourwork technique. Five hats, five cowls, five pairs of mittens and five pairs of socks. Will you make a cowl with matching hat and mittens, or will you mix and match?

The colourwork motif designs in this book are all named after cities and towns in the Netherlands that I’ve called my home at some point in my life: Wessem, Haelen, Leiden, Heerlen and Urmond. During the designing process I’ve kept beginner knitters as well as advanced knitters in mind. Some motifs are more suitable for beginners while others will pose more of a challenge.

While reading this book you’ll find some personal touches hidden here and there. Having my own knitting book is quite a milestone in and of itself, and being able to weave in some nostalgic elements made it all the more special to me.

Creativity runs in my family, and being surrounded by so many creative spirits my whole life has really made an impact on me. They have always been so supportive of me exploring a creative career, even though I studied something completely different. To honour them, I’ve placed some family Easter eggs throughout the book. An apple here and there to commemorate my grandpa who had an orchard, and some of my grandma’s haberdashery notions. The idyllic Leudal forest where I’ve spent countless summer days with my mum, as she did with hers.

Knitting is a hobby for all generations, and the things we make are often passed down to others. I hope this book will encourage you to explore your creativity for years to come.

Edition details

• Publisher: David & Charles
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1446316548
• ISBN 13: 9781446316542
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176