Hand knitting for improvers

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.
You will learn more complex knitting structures such as Lace, cables and Aran knitting, working from charts and reading patterns.

What will we cover?

- Advanced stitches and their application - you will be taken through a variety of more complex stitches and, basic Aran yarn such as shaping, textural stitches, lace knitting, cables/Aran knitting.
- Working in the round with double pointed needles and circular needles
- Professional finishing techniques
- Pattern reading advice.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Demonstrate a greater knowledge of various weights 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
- Produce several swatches of the stitches learned.

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

This is an intermediate course. It is ideal for learners moving on from the beginners’ course and for knitters who feel they are a little rusty and want to build upon 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.

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

This course is practical, with learning achieved through repetition and practicing advanced techniques of hand knitting. You will be taken through the techniques with a group demonstration and then individually when necessary to produce your samples. Each student is encouraged to keep a knitting techniques folder or book for samples, swatches and, any note taking you find useful.
There will be recommendations for relevant books and shops and a resources list to help you develop your skills outside the class. Students are encouraged to practice each new technique in between sessions to ensure progression and, research knitting patterns and designs in order to create an understanding of the techniques and textures they want to achieve.

The course is supported by Google classroom as an e-learning virtual environment where handouts, and useful information will be stored. Details on how you can access the portal will be provided before the course starts.
You will need to login into our Google classroom before our sessions starts where all course materials will be stored. Details on how to access this will be provided in advance.

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

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course however, you are encouraged to bring along any needles or yarns you may wish to use. Advice will be given during the course. You are asked to bring a pair of 5mm or 6mm needles and a ball of cream wool (correct thickness for needle size).
Sketch books and/or a folder are also advisable so you can collect visual information, store swatches, record any new techniques and collect handouts.
Digital cameras will be useful to record any new stitches/fabric and mark making created during the course.

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

City Lit offers a breadth of courses in Textiles and Contemporary Crafts for beginners to advanced learners and professional practitioners. Please browse the website to view our upcoming courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 18:00.