We’re continuing our conversation of colour combinations this week by digging into the monochromatic palette. It’s a fun and super simple way to achieve a cohesive, harmonious look in your projects. I’ll also show you a new pattern that you can practice on!
What is a Monochromatic Palette?
That’s an easy one to answer! A monochromatic palette is a color scheme that comprises a single color in varying shades, tints, and tones.
Primary colours in different saturation levels (blue, red, and yellow)
Saturation, the intensity or purity of a colour, plays a big role in this kind of palette. By playing with different saturation levels, you can create a whole range of different moods and styles.
A monochromatic colour palette is one that anyone can create for a clean, stylish statement. In order for it to come together, you’ll want to choose a shade that has a wide range to play with. For example, blue is an excellent choice because it has many shades and tones, from pale baby blue to dark navy blue.
Creating a Palette
The first step is to select a base color. This color will be the foundation of your design, so choose one that you like and that suits your needs. Black, white, and neutral colours like beige and grey are popular choices because of their simplicity, but any colour can work!
Once you have a base colour, it’s time to add variation in shade, tint, and tone. This is done by thinking of how much darker (more black), lighter (more white), or muted (more grey) your base shade can go. This creates interest while staying within the same colour family.
Try it With Blue
For example, if you choose a dark shade of blue as your base color, like Watershed, you can pair it with a lighter shade (Whitewater) and/or a darker shade (Marine).
A monochromatic colour scheme with blue hues
We’re still building up our colour system, but right now, you have some easy options with our Elixir and Ethereal Collections. Every shade of Ethereal is a lighter saturation of an Elixir colour.
Elixir colourways (Rows 2 and 4) with their lighter saturation counterparts, the Ethereal colours (Rows 1 and 3)
Don’t tell anyone I told you, but you can expect a darker version of the Elixir hues this fall. Wink.
Now, how about an easy little pattern you can practice a monochromatic scheme on? AND, it comes just in time for the ‘Round the Colour Wheel make-along kicking off on May 16. OH, AND it’s on sale! Just use the coupon code MAYCOLOUR to get it for 50% off (this week only. Grab it before the end of May 15).
Zumbra
Geometric diamonds and zig-zags pop in this simple toque, so go wild with your favourite colours. It’s fun all the way around and perfect for the beginning stranded knitter.
Finished Measurements
Brim Circumference: 11 1/4 (12 3/4, 14 1/2, 16 3/4, 19 1/4, 20, 22 1/2)” / 28 (32, 36.5, 42, 48, 50, 56.5) cm
Hat Length: 6 1/4 (7, 7 3/4, 8, 9 1/2, 11, 11 1/4)” / 16 (18, 19.5, 20.5, 24, 28, 28.5) cm
Yarn
2 skeins SweetGeorgia Yarns Superwash DK, 1 each in Stormy Night (MC) and Foggy Dew (CC) (256 yd / 234 m per 4 oz / 115 g skein; 100% Superwash Merino).
Also shown with Foggy Dew as MC and Stormy Night as CC.
Needles & Notions
Size 4 US / 3.5 mm circular needle, 16″ / 40 cm long
Size 4 US / 3.5 mm double-pointed needles, set of 4
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Stitch marker, tapestry needle
Gauge
20 sts and 27 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in Circular St st, after blocking.
22 sts and 22 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in Colourwork patt, after blocking.
Please note that changes in gauge will affect yardage used and final measurements.
And we can see Zumbra knit up in SO many colours, especially using a monochromatic scheme. Imagine…
You can find Zumbra on Ravelry and on our website, so go grab it while it’s discounted (remember code: MAYCOLOUR). Then, join us on Discord and get ready for cast on this May 16!
