Class Overview
Did you know knitting can be done ten times faster by a machine? Knitting machines can make quick work of almost any project, such as scarves, sweaters, and hats, but they can be tricky. If you want to learn how to use a knitting machine, this class is for you.
Come to Seattle Central College’s renowned Apparel Design & Devellopment department and learn how to knit on our machines. Learn about machine parts, basic machine maintenance, and practice casting-on and casting-off. Gain skills in threading the machine, as well as problem-solving dropped stitches, carriage jams, and other problems along the way.
Learn how to knit a tension swatch, a gauge swatch, stripes, textures, patterns, and seams. In this class, you will discover how to quickly make professional-quality knitted pieces with a knitting machine, while keeping the characteristic knit look and feel that you get from a hand-made item.
You will be able to complete a knit hand warmer or scarf, and develop all the basic skills to continue your machine knitting practice on your own.
Supplies Needed
Yarn and equipment will be supplied.
If you would like to knit with a specific color, you may purchase fingering or sport weight yarns suitable for standard gauge machines. They must be wound in a yarn cake or on a cone, such as Perle 5/2 Cotton Cone Yarn (Yarn Weight 1/Superfine/Fingering, 100% mercerized cotton).
If you already have your own knitting machine, you are welcome to bring it. However, we may or may not have time to set it up.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, students will:
- Perform machine maintenance and problem-solve basic machine issues
- Knit tension and gauge swatches
- Use knitting techniques of increasing and decreasing
- Knit textures and stripes
- Seam knitted pieces by machine and hand
- Apply techniques to create a basic hand warmer or scarf
Who Might Enjoy This Class?
- Anyone who is interested in machine knitting.
- Students in Seattle Central College’s Apparel Design & Development program
- Anyone who has a knitting machine and does not know how to use it.