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Learn how to think like a knitwear designer and, in the process, design a unique sock, and write a pattern for it, that has all the features you want.
While the focus is on creating a favorite sock, the design process relies on considerations that apply to designing any knitting garment and pattern. The thought process might begin with selecting a favorite yarn and understanding its best use and limitations, if any, for the stitchwork intended. Or start with an idea for the sock features you want and select a yarn that will enhance the process.
Students will choose among myriad ribbing styles, if using ribbing for the top, or all, of the "leg," then move onto selecting a pattern or pattern stitches for the rest of the leg in session #1. We will have stitch directories for reference and swatch different stitch patterns and discuss the pros and cons to consider during the selection process.
Students' homework will be to knit the sock pattern(s) selected and complete the leg/top of the sock before session #2. Session #2 will look at several heel and toe possibilities for completing the socks. We will learn about a standard so-called wedge heel, and varieties thereof, including the Dutch heel. We will also cover the classic peasant heel, which knit maven Elizabeth Zimmermann refers to as an "afterthought heel."
Note: The peasant heel has a great advantage in being easily reknitted so is a valuable heel technique in any sock knitter's skillset. We will also learn an alternative to grafting it closed for knitters who aren't comfortable with grafting.
Students will knit the heel style selected, and resulting gusset if any, and shape and knit the foot of the sock. And select a desired toe style to finish the sock in class or, if desired, later at home.
The instructor will help students write a pattern for the socks they created so they can duplicate the pattern going forward. Learning how to write a knit pattern is akin to writing a recipe after creating a dish...it is both a roadmap of what was done, so far, and another opportunity to further tweak the process for future use. Thus, this step also helps students contemplate micro design features going forward, e.g., considering how different styles of increasing, or decreasing, stitches yield different aesthetic results. Or, for example, whether a ribbing needs extra compression strength to support the top of the sock/leg or can be less constrictive but more decorative. Thus, while the end result is an intelligent knitting pattern, the process itself is another phase of the creative experience that helps build knitting skills and design confidence.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Catherine Wingate (Read Catherine's bio)
Members: $100
Non members: $120
Materials fee: No materials fee for this workshop
Materials Provided: The instructor will provide handouts and illustrated instructions for different ribbing stitches, heel and toe constructions and grafting reprinted from her books The Sock Calendar and The Sock Journal.
Materials students should bring:
Students need to bring yarn and double-pointed needles in the size(s) appropriate for the yarn chosen. And an amount of yarn to knit a pair of socks in the chosen yarn. Students without another preference might bring.sport yarn (about 450 yards) and U.S. size 3 and size 4 double-pointed needles. For those students with favorite stitches or motifs they want to incorporate in their designs, please bring swatches, in the preferred yarn if applicable, and stitch directions to class.
Registered students with questions are welcome to contact the instructor for further information at clkngo@aol.com.
Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies
Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!
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