Duplicate Stitch--Easy Solution for Small Embellishment

    In color work, we have two choices--knit into a pattern with main color, or duplicate (=embroider) it.   But what can we do when we need only a part of a large pattern?  I recommend using duplicate stitch.  There are two reasons for that.  One is a structural reason.  When we make a small work, for example, mittens, we need to think about 'smooth fit' of our work.  If we duplicate a pattern, the the yarn would never been dangled at the back, so finger tips won't be stuck under the bridge of yarn!.   The second reason is that duplicate stitch would be a time-savor.  We sometimes feel that we would like to see our work result as soon as possible.  Duplicate stitch would be a good solution.  We can just concentrate on  working with one color of yarn (for body of your work), and then, start working on a small pattern with other color.  Knitting pattern into the main color requires switching colors frequently --- bring yarn A, Yarn B, and Yarn A again....But duplicate stitch is much easier.  Using a tapestry needle, embroider stitches on the stitch that is already made for the body of your work.  

Duplicated Stitches

   You can apply duplicate stitch technique to your hat, scarf, and socks whenever you would like to give a small embellishment to your work!  
   ***Just be careful about a good tension of yarn when you make duplicate stitches.  If you pull yarn too hard, the background color would be seen like a 'gap'.  This is something you would like to avoid!