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The goal of the class is to foster liberation from total reliance on written knitting patterns and a step toward designing for oneself. Knitting patterns are (admittedly, roughly) analogous to recipes and easy to decode once one learns the basic elements and underlying logic. And, as with cooking, growing confidence encourages creativity. There are thousands of lovely knitting stitches to play and design around and we will explore at least hundreds in the course of this class.
And, in the process, students will learn how to deconstruct and design a unique bespoke sock and write a pattern for it. For simplicity, we will work with a top-down sock structure but will also discuss how to apply the same design considerations to "toe-up" socks.
While the initial objective yields a pair of socks based on a student's decision choices during the class, the design thought process relies on considerations that apply universally to designing any knitted item. Since creativity knows no limits, it might begin with selecting a favorite yarn and exploring its best use. Or start with a concept for a finished knitted item and working backwards to select yarn, colors and knitted stitches to achieve it.
Day 1 of the 2-day session will cover the basic architecture of a sock (leg aka "top," heel construction and toe) and overall road map for a successful pattern. We will discuss the few choices for creating the sock that need to be decided before beginning and students will spend the rest of the session perusing books of knitted stitch patterns and selecting which one(s) or elements to swatch, use or modify further in their sock(s).
The instructor will provide multiple books of stitch collections for students to consider and swatch. They include classics by Barbara G. Walker, Vogue Knitting, Mon Tricot, Harmony, Crown and a few reference books dedicated to traditional Fair Isle and gansey stitch motifs. That is, students will have at least several hundred practical, and easy-to-knit, examples for brainstorming to select from while pondering design objectives.
The instructor will also provide knitted samples of her favorite ribbing stitches, used in her designs and books, and handouts of instructions for them.
Students' homework, after Day 1, will be to finish knitting the top of the sock/leg pattern(s) selected in preparation for working the sock foot on Day 2.
Day 2 will introduce students to heel and toe design decisions so they complete the finished sock(s). Detailed instructions, demonstrations and topics covered include a standard so-called wedge heel, and varieties thereof, including the Dutch heel. And how to "turn" a heel.
We will also cover the classic peasant heel, which knit maven Elizabeth Zimmermann refers to as an "afterthought heel." [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 for knitters who aren't comfortable with grafting.] Note: Short-row heels are not covered in the class though experienced sock-knitters who prefer them can easily incorporate them in their patterns. Students will receive detailed printed instructions for heel and toe choices.
Students will write out pattern notes for the socks they created so they can duplicate the pattern going forward. This step also encourages students to assess design features for potential tweaks going forward, e.g., whether a ribbing needs extra compressive strength or should be less constrictive and, concurrently, also more decorative. Thus, while the end result is a reliable knitting pattern, the process itself is another phase of the continuing creative experience.
Level: Intermediate
Students who knit any method are welcome, whether continental, English (or some combination like a Peruvian friend who works stockinette sweaters, in-the-round, inside out, by purling all rounds!).
Students do need to be able to comfortably knit, purl and read basic knit-pattern language (e.g., "k2, y/o and p1" means "knit 1, yarn over, purl 1") though will also have a handout of basic terminology.
Students also need to be able to knit in-the-round, either on double pointed or circular needles.
Instructor: Catherine Wingate (Read Catherine's bio)
Members: $220
Non members: $264
Materials fee: No materials fee for this workshop
Materials Provided: The instructor will provide handouts of illustrated instructions for different ribbing stitches, heel and toe constructions and the reference books mentioned above. Students also receive a pattern template, knitter's glossary and a general chart for finished garment sizes.
Materials students should bring: Students need to bring an amount of yarn to knit a pair of socks in the chosen yarn and double-pointed, or circular, needles, in the size(s) appropriate for the yarn chosen. Students without another preference might bring sport yarn (about 450 yards) and U.S. sizes 3 and 4 double-pointed or circular needles.
The ribbing examples and finished socks shown in class were all knitted with Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes Peruvian sport weight yarn. The yarn is a favorite of the instructor for teaching purposes as it shows stitch definition well. And is a sturdy "workhorse" yarn for sock gifts.
Students with favorite stitches or motifs they want to incorporate in their designs can bring swatches, in the preferred yarn if applicable, and stitch directions to class to see if feasible.
Registered and prospective students 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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