Knitting is as much about creativity as it is about technique. Two fascinating methods that allow knitters to play with color in unique ways are assigned pooling and planned pooling. While both techniques involve controlling how colors appear in your knitting, they do so in distinct ways, leading to very different visual outcomes. In this post, we'll explore the differences between assigned pooling and planned pooling, so you can decide which technique to try in your next project.
What Is Assigned Pooling?
Assigned pooling is an innovative technique that takes advantage of the natural color changes in hand-dyed or self-striping yarns.
Here’s how it works:
When a particular color or segment of color appears in the yarn, the knitter switches to a designated stitch pattern—such as bobbles, cables, or lace. This means that the stitch pattern is "assigned" to a specific color in the yarn. For example, if you’re using a yarn that transitions from blue to green to yellow, you might decide that whenever you reach the green section, you'll knit a series of bobbles. The result is a fabric where those green bobbles pop out against the smoother blue and yellow areas.
This technique creates a dynamic texture and visual interest, highlighting the beauty of hand-dyed yarns where each skein can be slightly different. The unpredictability of assigned pooling can make each project feel unique, even when using the same pattern.
Key Points of Assigned Pooling:
Intentional Texture: Certain colors trigger specific stitch patterns.
Dynamic Visual Effect: The texture changes depending on the color.
Perfect for Hand-Dyed Yarns: Especially those with distinct color segments.
What Is Planned Pooling?
Planned pooling, by contrast, involves a more calculated approach to color placement. The goal here is to create a repeating pattern, like argyle or plaid or "pools" of colors, by carefully managing how the colors in your yarn appear row by row.
This method requires some prep work. You'll need to swatch to figure out how many stitches you can knit before the yarn color changes. Once you know that, you can plan your pattern so that the colors align in a specific way. For instance, if you’re aiming for an argyle pattern, you’ll adjust your stitches so that the color changes line up perfectly to form those diamond shapes.
Planned pooling can be more precise and less random than assigned pooling, but it offers a satisfying level of control over the finished product. When done correctly, the colors pool together in a beautiful, intentional pattern that can be strikingly complex.
Key Points of Planned Pooling:
Color Control: Colors are intentionally aligned to create patterns.
Predictable Outcomes: The design is pre-planned and repeatable.
Swatching is Essential: It helps you determine how to manage color changes.
Which Technique Should You Try?
Choosing between assigned pooling and planned pooling depends on the kind of project you want to create. If you enjoy spontaneity and want to explore the interplay between texture and color, assigned pooling could be your new favorite technique. It’s especially rewarding with hand-dyed yarns where every project will have its own personality.
On the other hand, if you love the idea of creating precise, repeating patterns and don’t mind doing a bit of math and swatching before you start, planned pooling offers a level of control that can result in stunning designs. The meticulousness of planned pooling is perfect for projects where you want the colors to tell a specific story.
Final Thoughts
Both assigned pooling and planned pooling are powerful tools in a knitter’s arsenal, each offering unique ways to manipulate color and pattern. Whether you’re looking to experiment with texture or create a detailed motif, understanding these techniques opens up new possibilities for your knitting projects. So why not give both a try? You might just discover a new favorite way to play with color!
Happy knitting!
Shaina 🧶💕
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