Mondays, November 7*, 14, 21, 28 & December 5, 12 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM
*We have a lot to cover in the first class so we will start a little earlier and end a bit later, just for this class from 5PM - 8:00PM.
Knitting sweaters seems intimidating but is actually not that hard to do. Most knitters are frustrated or confused by how to knit a sweater to the correct size and how to make basic modifications for style preference. The My First Sweater class features 13 hours of instruction time and is designed to teach you the skills you need to be a successful sweater knitter. In this 6 week class we will be knitting one of our favorite sweaters at EWE, the Ramona Cardigan/Pullover. Check out all of the cute versions Cardigan on Ravelry, and Pullover on Ravelry. The patterns are sized to fit up to a 64" bust.
The Ramona is a straight forward raglan cardigan, knit seamlessly from the top down. The sweater is simple to modify for your body or style preference; make it longer or shorter, knit with extra ease, knit with or without waist shaping, and/or add bust darts if needed. Since the pattern calls for an aran weight yarn using a US9 needle, it is a perfect project to complete in 6 weeks.
In order to complete the sweater and keep up with the weekly instruction students will need to be knitting at home between classes. You should think about trying to knit an hour everyday.
Skills needed:
We have had very new knitters take this class and complete the sweater but ideally you should
- be very comfortable knitting and purling
- having some experience kitting small circumferences in the round (using DPNs or Magic Loop) is useful but you could choose to learn these techniques as well.
- long tail cast on
- do a basic bind off
It is also helpful if you are familiar with how to make the increase stitches, kfb, M1L, M1R and the decrease stitches, SSK and K2TOG. We will cover these in class so you can still knit the sweater even if you have not done them before.
What you'll learn:
- how to read a sweater pattern
- how to do basic modifications (or "how to make the sweater look good on me)
- how to measure and assess your knitting gauge
- understand how your knitting gauge affects the finished size
- how to modify for your knitting gauge
- understanding fit and ease (how to choose the correct size)
- picking up stitches for a collar and buttonband
- button holes
- weaving in ends
- successful blocking
Class Schedule:
November 7:
- This class is all about gauge and making the right preparations to end up with a well fitting sweater. We will cast-on for the yoke before the end of class.
- Homework: complete the yoke of the sweater.
November 14
- Come prepared to separate the sleeve stitches and start knitting the body of the sweater.
- Homework: knit as much of the body of the sweater as possible.
November 21
- Pick-up the stitches for the sleeves and start knitting them in the round.
- Homework: complete at least one sleeve.
November 28
- Pick-up and knit the collar band.
- Homework, finish collar, complete second sleeve.
December 5
- Pick-up and knit the button-band.
- Homework: knit the second front band.
December 12
- Sewing buttons on a sweater, weaving in ends and blocking.
Materials: *
- The pattern is included in the price of the class, all other materials will need to be purchased separately.
- Enough Aran weight yarn to knit the size you want. You will need a yarn that will knit at 3.5 to 4.0 stitches per inch to achieve a good gauge for the Ramona. We recommend using Osprey (Deren is the Ochre pullover) or Woolstok Tweed (Deren in the Mushroom cardigan) for the pattern.
- circular knitting needles US9 or US8 (or size to obtain gauge) with a 32" or 40" cable length. US8 or US9 DPNs for knitting the sleeves (not required if using Magic Loop). We recommend using interchangeable circular needles if possible. Knitters need lots of needles so you may end up trying out a few sizes before you find the right size.
- closed stitch markers (we love the colored rings from Coco Knits)
- darning needle
- scrap yarn
*Students receive 10% off any supplies purchased for the class. We also offer volume discounts on yarn so your discount on the yarn may be higher depending on how many skeins you need.
Preparation required:
Students will need to purchase yarn before the first day of class, then knit and block a gauge swatch (instructions to follow after registration). Everyone should come to the first class with their blocked swatch. We are happy to help figure out how many skeins you need to purchase.
During the first class we learn all about gauge and why it is so important for sweater knitting. We will also discuss how to choose the correct size to knit. When selecting a size it is necessary to know your full bust and high bust measurements. Take these measurements before class and write them down.
If you have any questions about the homework or your skill level for the project, you can email, call, or come visit us in the shop.
Please familiarize yourself with our class policies before enrolling.
