Knitting Classes
The knitting classes below are available at local yarn shops, where I travel and teach in a workshop setting. Shops please click here to send an e-mail inquiry and scroll down for rate information. I have several references available from shop visits to share with you as well.
Comments from Students (anonymous reviews):
-“The best class I’ve taken at Stitches! A true in-depth learning experience! Great teacher, easy to understand materials. Thanks!”
-“Very helpful. Great handouts. Never had a teacher who gave so much and was so helpful. She knew her class. Very enjoyable.”
-“Excellent class! Helpful tips and really great explanations.”
TAILORING WORKSHOP
Learn how to customize sweater designs for a better fit. This course walks knitters through schematics and a little necessary math to make adjustments in patterns for a flattering and tailor-made project. Included are several math worksheets for adjusting stitches or rows in a particular section of a sweater. We conclude by going through some finishing tips to maximize profit in your knitvestment!
Required Skills:
-cast on
-knitting in the round
-basic increasing & decreasing
-an open mind about some easy math and a little bit of patience with yourself!
Required Materials:
-Yarn and appropriately sized circular or double pointed needles at worsted gauge or heavier, this yarn should either be scrap yarn or yarn for a project you are ready to get started on and want to determine proper gauge for. You will NOT be able to reuse this yarn after we swatch with it so plan appropriately and make sure you have enough extra yardage.
-Basic calculator, pencil, scrap paper
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape
MATH FOR HATS
This course is intended to help knitters at all levels adjust and add sizes to an existing pattern, or to start from scratch to design their own hat. We begin by learning how to swatch in the round. We will discuss gauge, different levels of ease including when negative/positive ease are appropriate with a variety of stitch patterns, and how to use available standard sizing and even estimate yardage. We will look at all basic hat shapes including beanies and berets, and also discuss some accessories like earflaps and embellishments. Finally, we will look at the various construction methods and how they suit for the hat inside your head. The Math for Hats booklet is a required material for the course, we will work our way through the entire book, including practicing with both the gauge and yardage worksheets.
Required Skills:
-cast on
-knitting in the round
-basic increasing & decreasing
-the course is perfectly suitable for beginning knitters
Required Materials:
–Math for Hats booklet
-Yarn and appropriately sized circular or double pointed needles at worsted gauge or heavier, this yarn should either be scrap yarn or yarn for a hat project you are ready to get started on. You will NOT be able to reuse this yarn after we swatch with it so plan appropriately and make sure you have enough extra yardage.
-Basic calculator, pencil, scrap paper
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape
-an open mind about some easy math and a little bit of patience with yourself!
GROW WITH ME
The one problem with hand knits for children is how quickly they grow out of them. This class teaches knitters the basics on how children grow and the best ways to get more wear out of each garment. It not only provides a description of growth patterns, but it also walks knitters through a little necessary math to make adjustments in patterns and gives an overview of schematic interpretation. Included are several math worksheets for adjusting stitches or rows in a particular section of a sweater. We finish up by practicing some knitted grow-with-me tips & tricks for long-lasting sweaters. This class is also totally applicable for adults who wish to learn how to alter certain parts of a sweater for a better fit. It’s definitely not solely a “kids knitting” course. Handouts are provided but the Knits for Boys book is highly recommended as a counterpart.
Required Skills:
-cast on
-knitting in the round
Required Materials:
-Yarn and appropriately sized needles for small circumference knitting at worsted gauge or heavier.
-Basic calculator, pencil, scrap paper
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape
-an open mind about some easy math and a little bit of patience with yourself!
ADD-ON WORKSHOP
This class is less about math and more about easy additions to your sweater project to make them even more kid-friendly. It features 4 types of pockets and a basic hood that can be added on to most sweater patterns. We will go through each feature one at a time, outlining the set-up, how to work the piece, and any required finishing. Knitters are encouraged to bring a pattern of a sweater they would like to embellish (might we suggest Ryan Cardigan, which is friendly to side pocket styles or a hood, Henry Cardigan even more basic for side pockets additions, or Diplodocus for a kangaroo style pocket).
Homework:
-Kate will provide instructions for just a little bit of knit-homework before class begins. These swatches will get you ready to practice several different types of pockets during class.
Required Skills:
-cast on
-knitting & purling
-basic increasing & decreasing
Required Materials:
-Yarn and appropriately sized needles for knitting at worsted gauge or heavier.
-Basic calculator, pencil, scrap paper
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape
-an open mind about some easy math and a little bit of patience with yourself!
FAIR PLAY (Beginner Fair Isle & Hat Project course)
Learn how to knit Fair Isle in this playful course that gives you a chance to design your own hat in the size and style of your choice from ear flaps all the way through stitch patterns. A variety of 2-color stitch options will be provided to help keep you motivated. Choose to repeat one or mix and match depending on your level of comfort. In the end you’ll not only be able to work stranded colorwork, but you’ll have a hat to show for it!
Homework:
Instructions will be provided at signup for knitters to work their brim (or ear flaps) before class. This will allow for more Fair Isle practice time during class! Use either size 5 or size 6 needles with your worsted weight yarn to knit your ribbed brim, or size 7 needles for your ear flaps.
Required Skills:
-cast on
-knitting in the round
-basic increasing & decreasing
-this course is suitable for adventurous beginning knitters who are comfortable with knitting and purling and ready to try something new!
Required Materials:
-Worsted weight yarn in two colors or more. Make sure each pair of colors has good contrast.
Sizes offered: Newborn(Baby, Toddler, Child)(Adult Small, Adult Large)
Yardage for two color hat: 40(50, 65, 80)(100, 125) yards each A & B
To use more than two colors, make sure your total yardage adds up to 80(100, 130, 160)(200, 250) yards
To include ear flaps on your hat, add 25 yards for that color (this section will not be worked in Fair Isle)
To include a stocking tail on your hat, add 50 yards for that color (this section will not be worked in Fair Isle)
-Sizes 7, 8, & 9 16″ circular needles and set of DPNs (we will be swatching in Fair Isle before you begin your project and you’ll need a few size options to make sure you can get gauge)
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape, stitch markers
WELCOME MOCS
These slipper-booties are part of the New Guy layette collection and the booklet (or e-book) is a required material for the course. When you aren’t tickling those little toes, they need to be kept warm. This slipper-style twist on a baby bootie features a crossover wrap panel and some funky fringe edging. They are a perfect accent to any of the other pieces in the collection and, particularly in the smaller sizes, require mere scraps of yarn. Learn basic increasing & decreasing, picking up stitches, i-cord bind-off and how to make fringe. Practice your making-up sewing skills, too. You’ll have time to finish at least one bootie during class and faster knitters may even finish the pair. Sizes offered are Preemie (Newborn, 3 months, 6 months)(12 months, 2 years, 3 years).
Homework:
Please work up a swatch that measures at least 5″ square with your project yarn, block it and bring it to class. You should achieve a gauge of 30 sts and 38 rows per 4″. Feel free to work up several swatches with different needle sizes and we can compare them in class if you are unsure about your gauge.
Require skills:
-cast on
-knitting and purling
-this course is perfectly suitable for beginning knitters
Required Materials:
-45 (50, 60, 85)(95, 110, 135) yards fingering weight yarn
-Size 2 set of DPNs OR whatever needle size you used to achieve gauge
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape, stitch markers
SEAMLESS ZIPPER INSTALLATION
Conquer your zipper fears! You don’t need a sewing machine or even a needle & thread to install a zipper in your handknits. This technique turns your zipper into a knittable object for a stunning and impeccable finish. For this course, bring either a finished handknit or a swatch to practice the technique.
Require skills:
-picking up stitches
-knitting and purling
-this course is perfectly suitable for beginning knitters
Required Materials:
-scraps of yarn used in your project; if your project is bulky or heavier, bring a matching yarn in worsted weight (or lighter)
-needles used for your project and a spare set within a size or two
-Knitters tools like scissors, darning needle, measuring tape, stitch markers
–Knitpicker tool: this tool is available in sewing departments
Details for Shop Owners
Click here to view a sample contract with rate information.
Click here to view a sample Flyer, which I’ll modify for you to make specific for your shop visit.
