Workshops/Knitting Machine

Intro

There's so much to cover with the knitting machine and it's various settings, dials and features that I've split up the learnings into 6 classes.

It's important that you attend at least some of these classes before attempting to use the knitting machine to reduce the risk of breaking it and spoiling it for everyone. As you don't need to know all the things to just use the equipment properly only these classes are compulsory:

• class 1 (knitting machine setup, basic knit and trouble shooting)
• class 3 (ribber attachment setup, basic knit and trouble shooting)

Initial discussions in this thread

Sessions and people

The 6 classes will be run twice each to cater for more people:

Session 1: Wednesdays

7pm every Wed, starting Sept 18th 2013

• Matt
• Adrian / Artg
• Marc
• Necati
• Ten
• Benjamin / Oni (Sep 25th onward)

Session 2: Mondays

7pm every Mon, starting Sept 23rd 2013

• Charles / Sol
• Clare / Noko
• Joanna (Ashka)
• Tola
• Mark
• Erica
• Benjamin / Oni (Sep 23rd only)

What you need

Nothing for classes 1 to 4. There'll be enough yarn available at the space for you to start practicing straight away. However it's really only for learning material and there'll be limited colours available.

For classes 5 & 6 we'll be starting project work so you'll want to have your own yarn. Have a think about what projects you want to make now. It could be a jumper (as I'll be demonstrating) or something else. Your project will dictate what yarn and how much you'll need. We'll discuss this in more detail in class 1.

Topics covered and when

Class 1

Orientation, knitting machine setup, tension setting and trouble shooting, yarns, pro tips, casting on/off and stockinette stitch (basic knit).

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Sep 18th
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Sep 23rd

Class 2

Introduction to onboard computer, design and knit your own multicolored patterns using mylar sheets in fair isle methods (latched and back knit) and patterns by hand using intarsia.

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Sep 25th
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Sep 30rd

Class 3

Ribber setup, trouble shooting, 1x1 ribbing and multicoloured patters with the ultimate technique: double jacquard.

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Oct 2nd
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Oct 7th

Class 4

The hacked knitting machine - how to create a pattern on computer and upload it to the knitting machine.

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Oct 9th
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Oct 14th

Class 5

1 of 2 Putting it all together: knit your own sweater. This covers how to read machine knitting instructions, knit a tension swatch, shaping including additions / reductions and using waste yarn.

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Oct 16th
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Oct 21st

Class 6

2 of 2 Putting it all together: knit your own sweater. This covers how to take needles out of work, put a piece back on the knitting machine, joins and mattress stitch.

• Session 1: 7pm Wed Oct 23rd
• Session 2: 7pm Mon Oct 28th