When choosing colours for knitting projects, a foundational understanding of colour theory proves invaluable. Familiarise yourself with the colour wheel and the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours.
The Colour Wheel
The colour wheel is a fundamental tool that visually organises shades based on their relationships. It is typically represented as a circular diagram, showcasing primary colours (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colours (green, orange, and purple), and tertiary colours (resulting from mixing primary and adjacent secondary colours). The colour wheel serves as a guide for artists and designers, helping them understand colour relationships and create harmonious compositions.
If you want to start experimenting with colour theory in your knitting and crochet projects but don’t know where to start, consider purchasing a few crochet kits to help guide you when starting out. Most crochet kits will contain complimentary and contrasting colours perfectly chosen for each craft project.
Colour Temperature
Colour temperature, distinguishing between warm and cool colours, plays a crucial role in knitting. Warm shades like reds, oranges, and yellows can add warmth and vibrancy, while cool colours like blues and greens can create a calming effect. Understanding colour temperature enables you to set the tone for your knitted piece.
Complimenting Colours
Opt for hues that are positioned opposite each other on the colour wheel, as this creates complementary combinations. For instance, pairing shades like red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple can achieve a harmonious balance.
Expanding on the complementary scheme, a double complementary colour scheme involves using two sets of complementary colours. For instance, combining red and green with blue and orange can create a dynamic palette, offering more possibilities for intricate colour patterns in knitted projects. Remember, crochet kits can serve as an excellent platform for experimenting with colour combinations.
