Your personal Doodle design is created by combining individual Doodle charts together in different arrangements. All of the Doodle charts are the same width (repeat) so that they will stack together and work interchangeably. You can create something more traditional with your arrangements, or think outside the box for creative ways to arrange your charts. 

Once you've selected the specific Doodle charts you'd like to use, arrange them vertically, working from the bottom to the top. When you have your charts in order, you can then read your completed master chart as one single chart from which to work your project. 

Below are some creative ways to inspire you for how to arrange your Doodle!

Learn more or download a copy of the Blank Doodle Master Chart to get started.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO ARRANGE DOODLE CHARTS

 

Stacked or Striped Layout

This is one of the easiest layouts to start with, because it usually doesn't matter what order your charts are in - just stack them! Alternate dark and light in the main color/contrast colors and/or large/small charts for different visual balance.

The Autumn Doodle (image 1) example shows a simple stack of charts. 

The alternative version of an Autumn Doodle ((image 2) shows a more designed layout utilizing basic or border charts above/below the featured charts, which helps reduce the look of "stripes" and adds interest!

"One Chart Wonder"

Repeat the same single chart throughout the whole project. This is a great way to create a really simple design and is also beginner-friendly because you can usually start to memorize the chart each time you repeat it.

The Floral Doodle (image 1) example features the same chart stacked vertically. You could knit the flowers all in the same color, or switch out your contrast color with each vertical repeat, like a fade.

The alternative example Floral Doodle (image 2) shows a design made with a single chart, but using a "half chart" offset with each repeat for a more dynamic layout. Again, you can work all of these in the same color, or switch our contrast colors with each vertical repeat.

 

Create a Scene or Story

Use similar thematic charts to create a scene or landscape. This often works well when you place lower motifs at the bottom (seaweed/plants/rivers), horizon motifs in the middle (animals/trees/mountains), and upper motifs along the top (top of water/sky/stars).

The Ocean 1 Doodle (image 1) example creates an underwater scene and uses one color throughout the background to tie the whole layout together.

The Alaska Doodle (image 2) example creates a snowy mountainside scene and uses the horizon line (i.e. the mountain) to transition background colors above and below that chart. 

 

Symmetrical/Mirrored Charts

If you want to create a balanced layout along the top/bottom of a chart, or "frame" your motifs, mirroring a chart can help!

The Floral Doodle (image 1) shows both a symmetrical central motif (same design top/bottom and left/right) and mirror image charts to border it above and below. This creates a completely symmetrical design.

The Holiday Doodle (image 2) shows a mirror image chart only along the top and bottom of the assembly, to create a frame around the central charts (which are "stacked"). For this sample, we continued the darker color on those border charts into the ribbing of a cowl, to really frame the design.

 

Extra Spacing

You don't always have to use colorwork on an entire project. Check out the followings ways to creatively use negative space (i.e. plain stockinette, single color) in your design.

The Holiday Doodle (image 1) uses a simple frame around snowflake motifs, but then allows for several plain rounds or "gaps" between them. Depending on your base pattern shape, you can use this evenly across your whole project or along an edge.

The Autumn Doodle (image 2) uses a single chart just at the cuff (of a sock) and then the rest of the project is knit plain. You could also do this around the hem of a sweater, or do a border with a single chart above the brim of a hat!

Happy Doodling!

Want even easier access to all of our Doodle resources? All of this (and more) is available in our DoodleHQ app! 

 

Blog written by Jamie Lomax