Quick fix: Block the piece thoroughly — wet blocking evens out colorwork tension more than almost any other technique. For persistent issues, spread stitches on the right needle before picking up the new color to force floats to stretch.
What you are seeing
Your colorwork fabric has stitches that look different sizes — some tight and puckered, others loose and sloppy. The pattern motif may pucker at color change points, or you'll see vertical "bars" of tighter stitches wherever you swap colors.
Why it happens
- Floats (the strands of non-working yarn) are too tight, pulling the stitches inward and causing puckering
- Inconsistent tension when picking up a new color — the first stitch after a color change is often tighter
- Knitting stranded colorwork flat rather than in the round changes how you hold the two yarns, causing uneven results
Fix it now
- For finished colorwork: wet block by soaking in cool water, squeezing gently, and pinning to the correct measurements. Block firmly — colorwork needs aggressive blocking to even out.
- For work in progress: spread the stitches on the right needle before picking up the new color. Fan them apart with the right needle tip so the float must span the full width of those stitches.
- For loose, sloppy stitches after color changes: hold both yarns consistently in the same hand and maintain even pressure on both when making each stitch.
Prevent it next time
- Always spread stitches on the right needle before catching a float — this single habit fixes most colorwork tension issues.
- Work colorwork in the round whenever possible — it's easier to maintain consistent tension without turning.
- Swatch in colorwork before starting — gauge often differs significantly from plain stockinette.