Dubbed the Color of the Year by Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on professional color standards for design industries, Tangerine Tango offers “the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward” according to Pantone’s statement.

“Sophisticated, but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone. Each year, Pantone singles out one color that is expected to have a bold impact on fashion and home decor for the next 12 months.”

In recent years orange has grown in popularity among hand-knitting designers and knitters alike and is especially appealing to fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore and Elie Tahari, who are incorporating the high-energy hue into their spring collections. You can also expect this shade to show up in home decor and even beauty products from lip gloss to nail polish. Why not incorporate some into your knitting (and crocheting)?

“Color can be a mood lifter, which is why we chose Tangerine Tango,” Eiseman says. “We thought that would be the perfect color, one that will get people’s attention.”

Here at Knitting Fever, we couldn’t agree more. Check out some of our favorite designs that use this dynamic color. Then head to your local yarn store to purchase the yarns and pattern books that have caught your eye.

Elsebeth Lavold

From the Come Closer Collection book #23, the pattern “Neve Woman 1″ uses SensuAL #15- Rust.
This cute hat-and-fingerless gloves duet features opera length gloves and a wide-banded hat with jaunty I-cord top-knot.

SensuAL is a 98% Baby Alpaca, 2% Nylon blend that comes in 88 yard (50 gram) balls. The suggested gauge is 3.75 sts per inch on a US 9 needle. It is available in 16 colors if  the Rust shade we’re showing isn’t to your taste.

Also from the Come Closer Collection book #23, the pattern “Edina” uses SensuAL color #15- Rust.
Half vest/ half pullover, this unusual topper with cable detailing slips over your head and ties on the sides.

From the A Walk in the Park book #12, the pattern “Harriet” uses ChunkyAL (now discontinued but easily substituted with SensuAL, color #15- Rust).
This attractive, textured coat has a fashionable wrap-waist closure.

Debbie Bliss

From the Charleston Collection book, the pattern “Artist’s Smock” uses Cashmerino Aran in color #48- Burnt Orange.
This slouchy pullover features all-over moss stitch with an over-sized cowl collar and kangaroo pouch pocket. Perfect for curling up on a cold winter’s day.

Perennial favorite Cashmerino Aran is a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere blend that comes in 99 yard (50 gram) balls. The suggested gauge is 4.5 sts per inch on a US 8 needle. Burnt Orange-#48 is one of eight new colors that were introduced this season, bringing the total number of colors to almost 60!

From the cover of the Cashmerino DK book, the pattern “Tailored Jacket” uses Cashmerino DK color #14- Burnt Orange.
This button-down cardigan, really more a sweater than jacket, features a simple “knitting through the back loop” ribbed pattern that reads like waffle-weave fabric. A deep collar and delicate buttons complete the look.

As the name implies, Cashmerino DK is a slightly thinner version of Cashmerino Aran. It also has a 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere blend, but the suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle. It comes in 121 yard (50 gram) balls and is available in 46 colors.
From An Andes Story book, the pattern “Cable Edged Jacket” uses Andes yarn in color #22- Burnt Orange. 
As its name indicates, this simple cardigan, worked flat, features a thin rope-like cable surrounding the neck and hemline. The cable trim is knitted separately and attached upon completion.

Andes is a delicious 65% Baby Alpaca, 35% Mulberry Silk blend that comes in 110 yard (50 gram) hanks. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle. This yarn has drape, shine, and a wonderfully soft hand and is available in 24 colors.

 Mirasol

From the Ushya & Sulka book #27 by Jane Ellison, the pattern “Wakchilla Mittens” uses Sulka color #234- Carrot.
As you may know, fingerless gloves are still all the rage and these are quick, easy and feature a cascading chevron pattern. The “Frutta Flower” pattern (also included in this book) provides optional embellishment.

Sulka is a fabulous 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend that comes in 55 yard (50 gram) hanks. The suggested gauge is 4 sts per inch on a US 10 needle. This blend gives this wonderful yarn bounce, softness, shine and drape.

Araucania

From In the Mood book by Jean Moss, the pattern “Chili” uses Araucania Nature Wool DK (now discontinued but can be substituted with any DK weight yarn).
This scoop-neck pullover features delicate 5 x 1 ribbing accented with a flouncy “bell-pull” pattern hemline. DK weight yarn provides great drape and allows this sweater to span several seasons.

Ella Rae

From the Design and Yarns for Handknitting Book #10, the pattern ”Angel” uses Silkience (now discontinued but easily substituted with Extrafine Heathers, color #17- Orange).
This adorable little girl’s cardigan features an all over bobble stitch, tie-closure and fancy picot edging.

Extrafine Heathers is a 100% Extrafine Merino Wool that comes in 85 yard (50 gram) balls and knits to a suggested gauge of 4.5 sts per inch on a US 8 needle. This soft, worsted weight yarn is sure to please.

Pick Them Up

You can locate yarn stores near you that carry these yarns and pattern books by using the “find a store” feature on our main website. After entering your zip code you can filter by brand to narrow your search.

Once you finish your project, share a picture on our Facebook wall. We love to see what you make with our yarns!