Main Color (MC)

Main color (abbreviated MC) refers to the primary yarn color used in a project. It forms the background or dominant surface of the knitted fabric and provides the base that other colors—such as contrasting colors—sit on top of.

In machine knitting, the main color is typically used for:

• The majority of the garment or fabric
• Sections where you want consistency and visual stability
• Areas that support design details worked in contrasting or accent colors

The main color is important because it influences the overall look, feel, and readability of your stitch patterns. Choosing a clear, stable MC helps any decorative elements (stripes, motifs, borders, or marking rows) stand out cleanly.

Patterns often pair MC with CC—the contrasting color—for colorwork, edging, shaping markers, or design emphasis.