This is an 8-week program divided into Shaping I and Shaping II, that covers all materials in the class Shaping & Transferring Stitches.

Students will receive a workbook with notes and exercises for each week, that relate to the class. There will be a zoom call with Helen at the end of each session. Check out the video to see what you will learn from this class.

Date: TBD
Cost: $40.

Shaping I

Week 1
Increases

Students will learn how to make a fabric wider by introducing new needles into work. We will show you two ways to do non-visible and visible increases, and how to increase multiple stitches on the edge.

Week 2
Decreases

You will learn how to make a fabric narrower by moving stitches to adjacent needles and taking the empty needles out of work. Students will practice both visible and non-visible decreases, as well as double and triple decreases for more pronounced fashioning marks. You will also learn how to bind off multiple stitches on the edge.

Week 3
Understanding Knitting patterns

There are several ways of writing patterns for machine knitting, and this week, we will look at the four most common methods – Written instructions, Japanese method, numeric method, and graphs.

Week 4
Decorative decreases

This week, we will show you how to add visual interest by playing around with some decorative decreases. These techniques not only narrow the fabric, but also elevate a simple jersey garment into something special. With some practice, you will be able to come up with new design of your own.

Zoom Meeting

There will be a zoom meeting on the Saturday of week 4, hosted by Helen, to celebrate and talk about machine knitting. Details will be shared with participants in email.

Shaping II

Week 5
Shaping across a row

Sometimes you need to make decreases or increases across a row – as in the case of a yoke sweater. This can be done with a transfer tool or a garter bar, and we will show you how to achieve that with these tools. You will learn the math behind creating shapes like yokes and hat crowns using two different methods.

Week 6
edging & Ruffled edging

Not technically shaping, but using the same tools we can add decorative edges to the fabric. We will show you how to knit the ruffled edging, and three other edging designs created by Helen – scallop edging, wavy edging, and pointy edging.

Week 7
DOMINANT & DEFLECTED STITCHES

More transferred stitches! We have prepared a pack of 9 designs, where one or more stitches are transferred to adjacent needles using a transfer tool, to create decorative effects.

Dominant stitches – patterned stitches that seem to be raised above the fabric.
Deflected stitches – several stitches move at the same time to create decorative effects on the fabric.

Week 8
Project: Beanie or collar

There are two projects for students to practice the techniques learnt from the class, and you may choice either one to finish for this KAL.
Beanie – We will show you how the shaping was calculated using a tension swatch, and you will learn how to shape the crown for the hat from the written instructions.
Collar – This project uses the design of scallop edging from week 6, to create a beautiful accessory that can be wore over a plain garment.

Zoom Meeting

There will be a second zoom meeting hosted by Helen on the Saturday of week 8. Details will be shared with participants in email.

Additional Information

  • The KAL is limited to 40 spots, but there will be a wait list in case any-one drops out.  

  • You will receive an email when your registration is confirmed.

  • 1 week prior to the event: Participants will be granted access to the closed forum, and the respective class.

  • 1 day prior to the event: Participants will receive a link to download the workbook for week 1.

  • Each week we will share the link to download the worksheets, with assignments of which videos to watch and swatches to complete. Additional reading may be suggested as well.

  • Students will have access to the class and forum for 2 extra weeks after week 8. That gives our participants plenty of time to finish up the practice project, or revisit any subjects covered in this class.

  • Email us at hello@theknittingschool.online for any questions.