Knitting Workshops and Classes - Design and Creativity
Interested in scheduling a program for your shop or local
knitting guild?
Classes are also available in the following areas:
Knit to Fit Mitts Garments
to Grow In (picture)
Sideways Sweaters (picture)
Luxury Yarn Workshop (picture)
Fantastic No-Gauge Bags (picture)
Fantastic No-Gauge Hats (picture)
Fantastic No-Gauge Scarves and Shawls (picture)
Circular Knitting Workshop (picture)
The Sensational Surplice (picture)
Questions or suggestions? Contact us
All text and images copyright © 2001-2003, 2008 Margaret K.K. Radcliffe
For more information contact us.
Knitting Techniques
Finishing Techniques and Embellishments
Pattern Stitches
Start from the tip of the hand and knit to fit using this simple technique. Use any yarn,
any size needles and fit any hand. Once you've practiced this method, add colors, textures,
cuffs and embellishments. Discover the endless possibilities without ever knitting a swatch
for gauge! Class is perfect for beginning mitten knitters as well as veterans who want to
design their own. (6 hrs)
You invest a lot of time and
effort in handknits for kids. Wouldn't you love it if they weren't outgrown
right away? Learn how to maximize wearing time by designing garments that
grow with children. This course will teach ways to lengthen the life of
infant and toddler garments: pattern stitches and finishing options that
grow and ornamentation that plans in advance for additions. We'll discuss
which garment shapes continue to look good as a child grows and how to
modify existing patterns with growth in mind. (3 hrs)
Learn construction techniques for knitting sweaters and vests sideways by knitting a
small sweater. This allows you to easily add vertical stripes of colors, textured or Fair
Isle patterns for a completely different look from conventional sweaters. Students will
learn basic garment architecture and will knit a small sample sweater. Students can select
design elements (such as pattern stitches or colored stripes) that students can select as
desired. Garment finishing and assembly will be discussed, and practiced as time allows. (6 hrs)
Cotton, silk, mohair and alpaca all present a challenge to knitters, especially if used
in a pattern designed for that all-forgiving fiber, wool. Learn Proven techniques for
insuring success when knitting garments in cotton, mohair, silk, alpaca, novelty yarns or
chenille. Class will cover ways to prevent sagging and biasing, sizing borders, alternatives
to ribbing, adding other fibers to mitigate the problems with the main fiber, and pattern
stitches and seaming techniques to stabilize the fabric. The role of yarn architecture and
garment fit will also be covered in detail. Students will take home a better grasp of what
the pitfalls are of working with these fibers, and a small arsenal of techniques for dealing
with them. Knitters are encouraged to bring a fiber they would like to work with, or a
completed garment they are unhappy with, to use as examples. [Note: This can be changed
into a full design class, where students plan and begin a sweater]. (3, 6, 9, or 12 hrs.)
Get rid of your preconceived ideas about knitting and create beautiful bags on the fly.
Learn exciting techniques for designing while you knit without ever knitting a gauge
swatch. Create sophisticated bags that keep their shape, while embellishing them with
beads, cords or tassels to create a unique personal treasure. (6 hrs)
Get rid of your preconceived ideas about knitting and create beautiful hats on the fly.
Learn exciting techniques for designing while you knit without ever making a gauge
swatch. Create fun hats that really fit, and choose from a variety of embellishments and
finishes to create a unique personal garment. (6 hrs)
Get rid of your preconceived ideas about knitting and create beautiful garments on the
fly. Learn exciting techniques for designing while you knit without ever making a gauge
swatch. Create everything from warm, fluffy mufflers to sophisticated lace evening wraps. (6 hrs)
Learn to knit circularly--knit garments in one piece without seaming! Students will
design and knit a basic vest, and in the process will learn to work in the round, to
convert flat patterns to circular, and finishing techniques. There will be lots of room
for creativity--each student controls the pattern stitches and colors to be used in her
(or his) own vest. (6 hrs)
Learn design techniques for crossed-front surplice sweaters by knitting a miniature one. Embellishment
of the diagonal front with lace patterns, beading, cables, etc. will be
discussed and examples will be swatched. Class will include sizing and
shaping guidelines for infants through adults, discussion of varying construction
techniques (circular, side to side, and bottom up) and why each is useful.
[Note: It's good to offer this over two days, to allow some knitting time
during the evening.] (6 hrs)
