Norwegian Reindeer
About this stitch
Norwegian Reindeer is a 24-stitch × 24-row stranded colourwork motif rooted in traditional Northern European folk knitting. Work in the round on small needles for crisp colour blocks.
Stranded colourwork is best worked in the round; turning the work for purl rows breaks the float rhythm. Excellent on hat brims, mitten cuffs, and yokes.
Further reading A primer on swatching Colourwork for accurate gauge.
Stitch chart
Read RS rows right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right. The bottom-right cell is row 1, stitch 1.
Row-by-row written instructions
- Cast on a multiple of 24 sts in MC.
- Join in the round.
- Follow the chart for 24 rounds.
- Trap any float longer than 5 stitches.
- Block by wet-blocking on a flat surface.
Abbreviations used
- k knit
- MC main colour
- CC contrast colour
- sl slip purlwise
Knitter's tips
- Hold MC dominant (under) and CC non-dominant (over) for consistent colour weight.
- Steek for any flat opening — never turn the work for purl rows.
Editor's pick Why every knitter should keep a swatch journal.
Recommended materials
This stitch is most flattering in Fingering-weight yarn on 4 (3.5 mm) needles, at a working gauge near 28 stitches and 30 rows over four inches in stockinette. Open the yarn weight reference or the needle conversion chart for substitutions.