Modular Knitting (Domino Knitting)
Modular knitting (domino knitting) is a technique of knitting connected squares or triangles, each picked up from the last, without any sewing.
Explanation
Modular knitting, developed and popularized by the Danish designer Vivian Høxbro under the name 'domino knitting', is a technique where you knit one square or triangle at a time, picking up stitches along the edge of a previously knitted module, and knit the next module together with the last using decreases at each corner. Because each module attaches directly to the previous ones, seaming is avoided entirely, and the technique suits combining multiple colors and leftover yarn in geometric patterns such as blankets, shawls, and some sweaters.
Also known as: Domino knitting, Mitred squares
Squares that build the garment
Modular knitting builds a piece from small squares worked one at a time, each picking up stitches from the edges of squares already finished. Every square has a central double decrease running through the middle, which gives the characteristic diagonal cross.
Because each module is small, the technique suits travel knitting and using up leftovers.
Planning
The piece grows in whatever direction you choose to pick up stitches, and in principle you can build any shape. In exchange you have to plan the order — a square with no neighbours to pick up from cannot be worked.
Sketch the plan on graph paper before attempting anything larger than a blanket.
Common mistakes
- Working modules in an order that leaves a square with no edges to pick up from.
- Picking up different numbers of stitches on each side, giving skewed squares.
Keywords
- modular knitting
- domino knitting
- mitered squares
Frequently asked questions
How does modular knitting differ from entrelac?
Modular knitting builds squares with a decrease through the middle. Entrelac makes blocks that look woven. Both pick up from neighbours, but the structure differs.
Is it good for leftovers?
Yes, that is one of its most common uses. Each module needs only a small amount of yarn.