The type of knitting where people utilize blocks of color is referred to as intarsia.  Compared to stranded or Fair Isle stitching, the threads are not carried or stranded across fabric backs in intarsia knitting.  The fact that the term intarsia is taken from word work and has zilch to do with stitching is the most fascinating thing about it.  In woodwork, intarsia refers to the inlay of different hues of wood in order to make pictures, patterns and designs.  Intarsia knitting requires that you use small balls, long thread strands and bobbins for all the blocks of color.

Compare to other types of knitting for instance stranded stitching, intarsia stitching is said to give not only cleaner but also less bulky looks to garments knitted in this way.  The one difficulty that beginners are likely to encounter in intarsia knitting is getting the threads tangled.  However, using bobbins can help these first timers prevent this from taking place.   Bobbins not only prevent yarns from getting loose but also knotting up.   You simply drop the color blocks that you are using in intarsia knitting and take the ones that follow.  It is advisable that you pick new yarns from below the old ones so as prevent holes from forming in the item that you could be knitting.

Pullovers that have huge and hard features such as fruits, geometric shapes and flowers in striking colors are common intarsia knitting examples.   Intarsia is also used in the making of such other things as Argyle pullovers and socks.  In most cases, intarsia knitting is worked flat and not in rounds.  Nonetheless, you can also knit intarsia in rounds using special techniques.   If you are a first-timer and wish to try knitting intarsia, you are advised to start with intarsia aprons.   It is a small project consisting of two colors that could assist you apply your intarsia knitting skills.

Intarsia knitting employs thread blocks of different colors. Beginners are advised to practice their intarsia knitting skills using old yarn so as not to waste it.   The internet is one place you can obtain information on intarsia knitting.   Many websites offer details on this method of knitting. The majority of the sites are owned by avid knitters.  However, for practical experience you need to work under the guidance and direction of professional knitters.  They are best placed to tell you about the dos and donts in intarsia knitting.