Thursday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6 from 5-7PM
This is an in person class held in our Charlottesville shop studio. Class will meet on Thursday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6 from 5-7PM. The class fee is $99. Materials are not included in the class fee.
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. In sweater clinic you will have 10 hours of instruction time taught by shop owner, Deren, a prolific sweater knitter. Instruction time is designed to teach you the skills you need to be a successful sweater knitter. In this 5 week series Deren will guide you through the process of kitting a seamless sweater from the top down*
Deren will also be available for drop in help during our weekly Makers Circle, every Wednesday from 5-7PM.
If you can't make it every Thursday you can make it up during a Wednesday Makers Circle. Just make sure you can be there for the first class on February 6.
In this class you have the option of knitting any sweater pattern you want, with a few requirements. The pattern must have these details:
1. top down seamless construction
2. raglan, drop shoulder or circular yolk (no set in sleeves)
3. the pattern can have a simple stitch pattern but stay away from cables and complicated colorwork patterns
4. the gauge should be around 3.5 - 4 stitches per inch
5. In order to make good headway on the sweater it is recommended that you choose a pattern that is knit at least a worsted weight gauge.
6. Pullovers are a little faster to knit since you don't have any long purl rows like in a cardigan.
Here are some good patterns to consider but feel free to choose what you like.
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 at least an hour everyday.
Skills needed:
We have had very new knitters take this class and complete a sweater but ideally you should
- be confident 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 increase stitches, kfb, M1L, M1R and the decrease stitches, SSK and K2TOG. We can cover increasing and decreasing in class so you can still knit a 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
- short row shaping
- button holes
- weaving in ends
- successful blocking
Materials: *
- Top down seamless sweater pattern of your choosing.
- Enough yarn to knit your sweater.
-
the right size circular knitting needles for your pattern. Knitters need lots of needles so you may end up trying out a few sizes before you find the right size to get gauge.
- closed stitch markers
- darning needle
- scrap yarn
Preparation required:
Students should select a pattern, purchase yarn and knit a gauge swatch before the first class (instructions to follow after registration). Everyone should come to the first class with their blocked swatch. We are happy to help with pattern and yarn selection in the shop.
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.
