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Double knitting might sound like a technique reserved for advanced knitters or magical grandmas, but trust us - it’s totally approachable and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’ve heard whispers of it in your knitting group or you’ve simply stumbled across a photo of a perfectly reversible scarf and thought, “How on earth…?”, this guide is here to demystify it all. We’ll walk you through what double knitting actually is, when it’s worth using, and - most importantly - how to do it yourself. Ready to add a bit of flair (and function) to your next project? Let’s cast on.
Double knitting is one of those techniques that sounds more complicated than it actually is. And no, it doesn’t mean knitting twice as fast (though wouldn’t that be nice?). What it does mean is creating a two-layer fabric simultaneously, on the same needles. Clever, right?
This results in a piece that is fully reversible, often with mirrored colourwork on each side. Think scarves with no wrong side, baby blankets with built-in insulation, or even mittens that are cosy and stylish on the inside. It’s magic, but the kind of magic that comes with practice.
There are some projects where double knitting truly shines. If you’re looking to create something reversible, or something that benefits from extra thickness (like baby hats or potholders), double knitting is your friend.
It also allows for stunning colourwork that appears on both sides. If you’ve ever wanted to knit an image or text that looks just as polished on the back as it does on the front, this technique is for you.
And yes, it’s a bit fiddly at first, but once the muscle memory kicks in, you’ll start dreaming up all sorts of new ideas.
You don’t need a whole new knitting arsenal to get started. Just a few basics:
Choose two colours that contrast well. This helps you see the pattern clearly as you work.
Use a size appropriate for your yarn - we recommend going a size up from what you’d normally use, as double knitting produces a thicker fabric.
You can wing it with a plain swatch, or follow a double knitting chart for something more intricate.
To start, cast on twice the number of stitches you want for your finished width - one stitch for the front layer and one for the back. Alternate colours as you cast on: Colour A, Colour B, Colour A, Colour B, and so on.
Hold both yarns together but treat them separately. Assign one yarn to the front layer (usually held in your dominant hand) and the other to the back. It can feel like juggling, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Here’s the rhythm: knit the first stitch with Colour A, bring both yarns forward, then purl the next stitch with Colour B. Keep alternating knit and purl with the two colours.
Remember: only move the yarn you’re using for the stitch, but bring both to the front or back together as needed.
This is where things get fancy. Charts for double knitting usually show the colour on the front layer. Just swap the knit and purl colours as instructed to make the design appear on both sides. It’s a bit like painting with yarn.
Bind off in pattern. That means if your stitch is a knit (front layer), bind it off as a knit; if it’s a purl (back layer), bind it off as a purl. Keep the colour pairings tidy as you go.
It’s easy to get tangled - literally. Try holding one yarn in each hand, or experiment with yarn guides. The trick is consistency in how you carry the yarns.
Because you’re switching between knit and purl so often, uneven tension is common. Loosen up (figuratively and literally) and don’t tug too tightly.
They can be intimidating at first. Just remember that most charts only show the front layer, and the back will be a mirror image unless specified otherwise.
This one’s worth repeating. If your tension is off, the fabric will look uneven and bunchy. Practice will help here.
Don’t make life harder than it needs to be. Smooth yarns and slightly larger needles can make a world of difference when learning.
Before you jump into a double-sided dragon motif, maybe try a simple checkerboard pattern. Build confidence first, complexity later.
If they start twisting around each other, pause and untangle. A few seconds now will save you a headache later.
Yes, it’s extra effort. But blocking will even out the stitches and make the design pop. Worth it.
Double knitting is one of those skills that feels like a party trick once you get the hang of it. Reversible, colourful, and just a touch magical. It’s perfect for thoughtful gifts, or just upping your own knitting game. And if you’re itching to try it, we’d recommend you discover easy-to-use knit kits to get started – particularly if you’re new to this kind of technique. Pair it with our guide on the different types of knitting stitches explained and you’ll be well on your way.
Happy knitting from all of us at Knit in a Box!
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