Knitting Machine 101 - Hand warmers

Description:

Join us for a fun and hands-on 2 day workshop where you’ll learn the basics of knitting machine techniques while creating your very own custom knit hand warmers!

In this workshop, you’ll gain the confidence to operate a knitting machine and explore different knitting techniques. By the end, you'll have a handmade piece that you can proudly wear and the skills to machine knit on your own! This class is open to all levels.

This workshop is a 2-day event on January 17th and 18th from 1-4pm.

What You’ll Learn:

• Machine Knitting History: Learn about the origins of the machine and how it impacted today’s knitwear.
• Knitting Machine Setup: Understand the different types of knitting machines and gauges, the different parts of the machine, how to cast on, and get comfortable with basic machine operations.
• Finishing: How to cast off and finish your project for a polished, wearable piece.

Course Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction to the Knitting Machine (Saturday, January 17 (1-4pm))

• History of the machine
• Different machine types (gauges and patterning capabilities)
• Anatomy of the knitting machine
• Yarn (in all its forms!)
• Casting on
• Casting off
• Intro to Ribbing
• Reading a pattern
• Swatches

Day 2: Knitting your handwarmers (Sunday, January 18 (1-4pm))

• Knitting your piece
• Ribbing
• Linking
• Removing your piece from the machine
• Finishing techniques
• Troubleshoot common machine knitting issues and learn how to make adjustments as you go
• Leave with a completed piece and the confidence to continue knitting on a machine!

Materials Provided:

• Knitting machines and tools for use during class
• Yarn (wool) (Yours to take home)

Notes:

• For illness/emergency, students are allowed to attend one makeup class, which will be held on January 31st. If you know that you will miss one of the class dates provided, please refrain from booking and wait for the next class session.
• While this class is set up to make sure you have enough time and guidance to complete your piece, we cannot guarantee you will leave with completed handwarmers. After class completion, machines are availible for rental sessions/additional tutoring if you'd like to continue upon your piece or further your knitting machine skills.