Hand Knitting Improvers course London: City Lit

Hand knitting for improvers

Working with different sized needles and experimenting with different yarns, produce swatches as the basis for designing your own garments or fine art structures. Basic materials included.

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
20/05/12 - 03/06/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
3 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £149^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VX985

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course aims to teach the more complicated stitches and structures of hand knitting, beyond simple stocking stitch, garter stitch and rib, and encourages the knitter to utilise these structures within their own projects, whether following a pattern or designing their own project.

You will learn more complex knitting structures such as colourwork with intarsia and fairisle, cable and aran knitting, lace knitting, working from charts, and beginning to experiment with colour and texture to design your own swatches.

What topics will we cover?

· Advanced stitches and their application - You will be taken through a variety of textural stitches using 5mm needles and basic cream yarn such as lace, fur aran knitting and dropped stitch variations.
· Working in the round with double pointed needles and circular needles
· Experimenting with yarn, needle size, colour and texture
· Pattern reading advice.
· You will experiment with different yarns and stitches, playing with colour and texture to create stripe designs and swatches.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

· Demonstrate a greater knowledge of various weights and types of conventional and unconventional yarns to knit with and when to use them
· Demonstrate knowledge of complex stitches and structures and how to apply them
· Understand the importance of tension in working patterns and be able to work confidently from a pattern.
· Demonstrate confidence in adapting patterns and stitches to suit the project
· Demonstrate confidence in working with hand knitting in an experimental way.
· Develop and produce several sample pieces of experimental knit, stripe alternatives and those which play with texture.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate course. It is for learners moving on from the beginners’ course or for those knitters who feel they are a little rusty and want to improve their existing knitting skills.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be hands on, with learning achieved through repetition and practicing the advanced techniques of knitting. You will be taught by demonstration, group and individual tuition. You will be taken through the techniques with a group demonstration and then individually as necessary.

Each separate technique will be practiced and then a sample made for reference in a file or sketchbook. Each student is encouraged to begin a knitted techniques folder or book in which to keep samples, swatches, handouts and any note taking you find useful.

There will be recommendations for relevant books and shops and a website list which will help develop your skills outside the class. Students will be encouraged to practice each new technique throughout the week in between the classes to ensure progression and also to research knitting patterns and designs in order that they have an idea of the techniques and textures they want to achieve.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Students are asked to bring along a pair of 5 or 6 mm needles and a ball of cream wool (correct thickness for needle size) for practicing new advanced stitches. Sketch books or files are also advisable so you can collect visual information, record any new techniques and collect handouts.

Basic experimental materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring along any needles or fancy yarns and materials they may wish to use and experiment with.

Digital cameras are also useful to record any new stitches/fabric and mark-making done during the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are various courses in textiles at City Lit, including courses in felt-making incorporating knitted structures.

Advice will be given on other courses and classes to develop skills learnt.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts