Everything You Need to Know About Duplicate Stitch Knitting

This beginner-friendly technique is one of the best ways to add colorwork to your knits! Also known as Swiss darning, duplicate stitch is a form of embroidery worked onto existing stockinette knit fabric, so you can use this technique on your own knits or store-bought items. In this video I'll teach you how to do duplicate stitch, explain why it's different than other forms of knit colorwork, show you what the benefits are of this technique, and offer all of my tips and tricks to make the process easy and beautiful!
Materials used in this tutorial include:
Lion Brand Wool-Ease in the colors Natural Heather and Charcoal: bit.ly/wooleaseyarn
Clover jumbo bent tapestry needle: amzn.to/2WM6qGe
Clover bamboo marking pins: amzn.to/2Lgs7Jl
Clover locking stitch markers: amzn.to/3dx4nN3
Patterns referenced in this tutorial include:
Avalanche Sweater Coat: www.twoofwands.com/blog/avala...
Alsace Tea Towel: www.twoofwands.com/patterns/h...
Brimfield Dishcloth: www.twoofwands.com/patterns/h...
Coast to Coast Wrap: www.twoofwands.com/blog/coast...
Tiger Ringer Tee: www.twoofwands.com/patterns/c...
Music: www.bensound.com

[@DulaPearl]

The part where she shows you how to do the actual stitch is at 19:31. Very in-depth tutorial. Thank you!

[@angelicateoxon2791]

i’ve been so hesitant to start this new project i’m planning on because I don’t want to mess up and have it unravel on me during knitting it you don’t know how happy I am rn

[@lorimartinez7555]

I stumbled upon your video searching for something else. As a self taught novice knitter, I never heard of duplicate stitch. I must say I like this technique and your instructions were very detailed.

[@maureencullen1008]

I was taught this by my gran and I am 68.It has always been known as Swiss Darning.

[@christinenewell2679]

@@maureencullen1008 Yes, me too, it was Swiss Darning. I used it frequently, my children helped in the designs. The first design I ever did was a row of Tulips, growing out of the green base cast on ‘k1 p1’ rows. My daughter had knit the jumper in chunky wool and once I got the Swiss Darning up’n running I was able to teach her. She was 10 and she loved to knit.

[@lenoreurbanski8393]

Where or how do I get the graft for certain pictures??

[@margolovrod7459]

Losing my hearing profoundly affects the way I consume videos. I have been struggling to perfect my duplicate stitching for a very special project but trying to follow captions while watching the visuals has left me frustrated. No longer! Thank you so very much! Your explanations are clear and concise and the repetition allowed me to read the captions AND watch you actually perform the instructions, and even tweak them as you go. Thank you so much for making my impossible probable! I am excited to use the tools you have given me.

[@76suezq]

You must be an educator - your manner is perfect. I was going to learn intarsia, but you are the third person who recommends duplicate instead, and thanks to you I really understand why. Please make more videos for knitting. I'll be watching. Thanks!

[@bmtndog318]

I am a new knitter and this is terrific information to know about before I knit this cute beanie pattern I purchased that calls for duplicate stitching. Thank you soooo much for this amazing video!

[@christinenewell2679]

This is a good tutorial. I used to do this a lot when my children were babies/smaller children…… it’s MEGA GOOD for numbers and alphabet letters. In fact it’s very good for random designs that you work out yourself, for example, little flowers or small rabbits etc that your child may interested in. I found it easier with designs of my own…. some graph paper helps and I used to get my children to draw little pictures, say houses, stick men, stick horses (favourites) , anything really. Sometimes I cd’nt wait to finish knitting a plain, stocking st garment, sew it together and then start on the art work. I knew it as Swiss darning (if memory serves me right). It can be very handy for baby blankets……. Birth dates, names etc.

[@amywhoknits]

This is one of the most informative videos I’ve found on duplicate stitch. Thankyou so much! The only feedback I have is to perhaps add time stamps for those that are coming back to reference the video.

[@devoted2knit177]

This is the best duplicate stitch tutorial I’ve seen! Exactly what I need for a pattern not just single rows. Thank you !

[@jessicamailhot7417]

WOW I love this!! I'm still pretty new to knitting and I've embroidered before, so the idea of combining the two makes me sooo inspired!! Thank you for this video - super helpful:)

[@Kerreber]

Love the details and the comparison to other techniques. I don’t need to watch another video whereas normally i would compare at least five explanations of the same thing to observe small details. Very well done and many thanks

[@kyuubinokitsune4270]

Really thank you for this tutorial. I was planning a difficult design and as I'm a beginner and it would be with multiple colors, this would be definitely the best way to work it. 😊

[@marygilbert77]

Thank you for your tutorial on duplicate stitching. I thought it was so much more difficult! It is so lovely to add a bit of colour to a finished article!

[@ce4072]

This is such a good introduction to different stitches! Thank you!

[@sunnysandiego235]

Really well done video, thank you for the introduction and information to duplicate stitch

[@valerieprieur-cote5751]

Thank you !! I love this video you just changed my whole knitting game

[@XatxiFly]

Very helpful and I appreciate you explaining the different types of colorwork too!

[@joanneyoung1081]

Thank you for showing different angles of duplicate stitch.

[@gayathriramdas4342]

Beautiful !!! The Tiger looks so Real. I loved your video. Thank You Very Much 💖

[@xtraespee]

Thank you sooooo much for demonstrating how to move in all directions!! I’ve only seen one direction tutorials so thank uuuuuu 🤩🥰

[@alexandradapkova9816]

Such a clear and detailed tutorial, thank you very much!

[@globalhikingcr]

This is a fantastic tutorial! Thank you so much for your time and expertise. I can now rescue knitted jumpers from the charity shops that need mending or stains hiding 💖

[@angeliceyeez]

Oh wow I had no idea about this stitch. I was looking how to embroider on wool projects and found this video. Brilliant watch. Thank you, this has made things much easier.

[@echochuo7363]

Thank you for sharing this video and it really helps a lot!

[@brewsaughmighty7024]

Such good explanation! I’m normally a crocheter but I’ve been venturing back into knitting, and this is exactly what I was looking for! I didn’t know it was called the duplicate stitch! Definitely subbed!

[@elainefischer4050]

Very impressive project and instruction!

[@LavenderSkyla]

Really amazing tutorial. I just did my first sweater and it's rather dull. I'm going to add some spring flowers now! Thank you!

[@leighharris3458]

Thank you so much, lovely tutorial!

[@mahaaminmansour3314]

Thank you so so much for this tutorial it is very clear and you make it very easy with your nice details. Wishing you all the happiness and joy

[@anniel.3609]

I've watched like four different videos (some multiple times) and I just got so frustrated I just put my projects on hold for a while because I just couldn't get it right. But your video was very helpful and I just wished I watched it sooner. Thank you for your time and posting it, it really helps someone like me who's alone learning how to knit

[@kayceegreer4418]

I popped in just to see what this was about and then I heard you say you were going to tell us about the kind of things we were likely to come across in knitting and I had to laugh out loud because I am just coming across knitting itself ~ which is why you came up in my queue, because I've been checking out a lot of knitting tutorials to see if I can do it. I'm pretty sure I can find a FREE tutorial on how to knit a t-shirt. I can't read a pattern and make sense of it to save my life!

[@StellaElan]

Fantastic! I finally understand how to do this! Many thanks!

[@phillipmarsh4886]

This was so crazy helpful! then I realized its two of wands!!!!! I love your patterns and Hue and me!! why havent I seen your youtube until now!!!!! yay

[@joanie9258]

Very through duplicate stitch video! This will be very helpful for my project!

[@jim34morrison]

Thank you for this video. This answered so many questions.

[@desidarlingly]

Invaluable video!!

[@mairemcgarvey1297]

BRILLIANT thanks for showing how to Swish Daren .GreatbTutorial Bless xx

[@wendemina]

I'm a beginner knitter and about to explore colour work. The other methods kind of freak me out (though i will give them a go one day). This seems manageable. The tiger motif sold me :) Thank you for an excellent tutorial

[@mabel6719]

I lovely, thanks for you vídeo. Greatting from Perú.

[@dormghost]

I was about to torture myself with Intarsia for a new project, but I did more research and found *drum rolls* the Duplicate Stitching! I didn't even know there is such a thing! Every time I learn a new knitting technique it feels like learning a new magic spell at Hogwarts, like what sorcery is this? Hahaha

[@user-ls9ow9pu3v]

Thanks for the video I completed a blanket with writing with a different color. I noticed that I made a mistake and had the wrong color. I think this will help to fix my blanket.

[@sraceh]

Awesome job! Very well explained and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@Helens.crochet389]

Thanks so much for your tutorial.

[@bluecheesefactory]

oooh your giving me so many ideas!!

[@karlottavigil7852]

This is an amazing video!! I don't know much about knitting and zhis helped so much thanks !

[@ruthglatt1026]

Excellent tutorial!!! Thank you

[@marisacabrera3953]

THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THIS

[@dankahorvathova8244]

Thanks for s fantastic tutorial xxx ❤

[@terryharper7885]

Great video!!!

[@lindamckee4055]

Beautiful

[@catherineduncan6611]

Amazing video. So well done. Thank you!

[@annroberts5965]

Thanks for the Technique on the pattern but I wish you would have demonstrated the edges of the neck and the sleeves also. Beautiful job. Ann from Va.

[@lova368]

I found intarcia is difficult as it's can bring vacant and uneven tension around the part.so this is much better solution although it's equally labouring to finish a big chart

[@kathydean6491]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Is your Avalanche Sweater pattern still available? Can't seem to open the link.

[@dyllon5133]

Anyone else here to make a weasley sweater? 😃 No just me?

[@marta_makes]

Omg I just wove in like a thousand ends and I could've just tied them 😭😅 Thank you for the video!

[@purejoy3204]

u did the right thing my mother in-law would say;) always weave in NEVER KNOT is her main rule these videos kill her soul lol

[@sloppyjoe3617]

Finally I understand duplicate stitch! Thank you for a very well explained tutorial. I shall proceed with duplicate stitch on everything. :-D

[@larahz1068]

does this only work on a stockinette pattern?

[@saftflaske123]

How do you make that knot? Very nice!

[@sellyloomscreations7159]

I do plastic canvas so I might be able to do this

[@juliamaake8048]

can i use the duplicate stitcth on crochet

[@bernicemiller5825]

I can’t seem to find the description box below.

[@Anula993]

The way you explain why we should block the fabric before doing the duplicate stitches (at around 10:00) sounds as if your duplicate stitches are not going to change their size after washing/blocking. If both the base fabric and the duplicates are of the same yarn, wouldn't this logic rather suggest that you should _not_ be blocking because they will both react the same way to washing? So if, eg, the fabric extends after wash, and you do your duplicates after you washed the base fabric, then after next wash the duplicates expand and stop fitting?

[@KomekoroKoa]

Im facing this same question with a cardigan I am working on. The pre gauge blocking is 20 sts to 4 inches, and when I block it, 20 sts is now 4 and 3/4 inches. If I’m going to use the same exact yarn simply in a different color, I’d have to account for that blocking growth, correct? Or else my duplicate sts would grow the next time I wash and block my cardigan?

[@joannehenderson289]

Hi, great video but what is blocking please?

[@bballer7583]

Can someone explain what blocking is? Like wash it first??

[@brandygriffiths6607]

You are.l amazing

[@melissabeatty6888]

What size knitting needles did you use. An also how did you do the border? Thx. I really want to try this

[@abcnu9711]

Im not sure about size needles but with borders on swatches, start with adding 8 more stitches than you need for your cast on stitches. This will serve as your border. Then knit 4 rows back and forth. Then purl 4 stitches, knit the amount of stitches your swatch wanted you to cast on initially, then purl the last four stitches. Swap the work around, then reverse those instructions. Now you knit the first and last four stitches and purl the inside stitches. At the end of the required rows required for your swatch, knit 4 rows back and forth and cast off. I use this so that even if the borders curl, the middle will remain relatively flat. It also makes it so much easier to measure as well.

[@wendydarling1328]

What is that cute sweater pattern at the beginning?

[@ceciliab6657]

Can you feel the knots from tying the ends when wearing the piece?

[@TwoOfWandsKnits]

Nope not at all :)

[@Luckytaylor1117]

HELP! What if you're doing this on a hat and it stretches? What do I do about the gaps?

[@Giantkiller130-t]

I’ve been having trouble with a sweater that I’ve been knitting for a friend because of the picture on it. I think I will just use this technique instead lol

[@beverleyBD]

Was the Tee used for the Tigers Head, the Alsace Tee, if so where can the pattern be purchased… & will it include the chart… By the way, thumbs up does not go far enough, while l’ve heard of Dble Stitching before, no one has ever demonstrated it with such passion or beauty… Can l ask, do you also have other charts which could be used when making Tees, tops, or sweaters. I’d like to do something wonderful & inspiring for my Granddaughter, she marches to her own tune. Something l do NOT want her to loose. I’d love to show her the value of such uniqueness…. specially as she walks to the future with her dream of Space & becoming an Astronaut! 8 is a wonderful age… l want her to bathe in the richness of its promise!✌🏾👍🏾

[@foiausavon]

Absolute beginner here! I would like to duplicate stitch knit a pattern on a store-bought sweater but I have not purchased the yarn yet. How does one find out whether the gauge is the same without access to the original size of the yarn? Do we have to count the stitches? Thank you

[@taylorgreen9929]

Gauge varies across different yarn brands. Personally, I would take the piece to the yarn store and compare it to different yarns

[@maureencullen1008]

This was always known as Swiss darning ,

[@ruthbyars3244]

X

[@robertaespree]

Can this technique be used on crocheted items or is it called something else?

[@TwoOfWandsKnits]

The closest concept in crochet is to work cross stitches over single crochet fabric. You can make similar charts in excel or on graph paper and embroider/cross stitch the contrast colors over the single crochets on the fabric :)

[@reneealston7459]

That's not cool I want to know how you did that design on your sweater

[@dennaneff3261]

Nice technique. I cannot claim being "self taught" because I have learned from videos such as yours, from other knitters who shared tips each time I knitted something with a new technique. There is no such thing as "self taught." If you claim self-taught, you have insulted every knitter who took their time to help you.

[@elizabethdouglas9163]

I thought this technique was called Swiss darning.

[@daniellecoulter1879]

13 minutes of waffle before you get to the point. You have awesome knitting skills, but please edit for brevity.

[@TwoOfWandsKnits]

All you have to do is fast forward ;) many people find the beginning info helpful and this video is called “everything you need to know” so the information included at the beginning is kind of necessary.

[@sleepydeaths]

THANK YOU SO F-ING MUCH. THIS IS THE BEST TUTORIAL. 🤍

[@kathydean6491]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Is your Avalanche Sweater pattern still available? Can't seem to open the link.

[@TwoOfWandsKnits]

Here's the link: www.twoofwands.com/patterns/clothing/avalanche-sweater-coat-pattern x

[@kathydean6491]

@@TwoOfWandsKnits thank you