Intarsia sounds like a big leap, but this square keeps it simple: never more than two colors in a row, and only one color change, right at the center. You work blocks of color side by side, twist the strands where they meet, and the knitting itself stays plain stockinette.

The design is a small color experiment. In the center section, Italian Plum and Golden Yellow sit right next to each other, and both look brighter for it. Above and below, each one sits against Christmas Green instead, and the same two colors settle down. Same yarn, different neighbors, different result.

Crop Rotation is part of Year of Color, sponsored by Cascade Yarns. Each set of squares, one knit and one crochet, comes with emails exploring color theory, history, and craft. Squares are free forever.