This is a two-part class. Both sections of the class will automatically be placed in your cart when you select one of the sessions.

The Couture Method relies on a set of essential techniques, some of which are introduced into the fabrication process beginning with the cast-on, others of which involve specific elements encountered as the garment pieces are created. Garment Fabrication: The Couture Method and Its Fabrication Techniques is a two-part class concerned with the various techniques that are used in the creation of the garment pieces and focuses on that portion of garment fabrication from swatching to finished pieces. We will explore these techniques and examine why they are critical to garment fabrication, how they are integrated into the process and how they affect it, and what to expect from their application and what they guarantee for the outcome of the fabrication process. We will also look at how the Couture Method approaches, re-thinks and applies several traditional knitting techniques. In order to become acquainted with these techniques, students will produce a set of small reference samples during the class. Several of these samples will need to be set up and worked to the appropriate point before class. Please follow the homework to set up the samples.

This is the second in a three-class exploration of garment fabrication within the context of the Couture Method. The class addresses and expands significantly with class discussion and hands-on practice material presented in several of Catherine’s virtual VKL classes, especially On the Edge, The Bottom Line and Re-gauging.

Technique Requirements: You should be comfortable with the following:
• The structure of knitted fabric: how yarn moves through the fabric; identifying rows and columns of stitches; locating the running threads in a piece of knitted fabric.
• Stitch and row gauge: able to determine these gauges accurately.

You should be able to execute the following:
• knit long-tail cast-on
• knit and purl through the back loop of a stitch
• knit-up or pick up and knit stitches (same technique, different names)
• slip stitches, one or more at a time, through the front or back of the loop(s)
• knit and purl open running thread increases; knit and purl raised and slip raised increases
• k2tog and ssk decreases; knit and purl center double decreases

Note: While Garment Fabrication: The Couture Method of Project Preparation, this class, and Garment Fabrication: The Couture Method of Construction and Finishing all build on each other, it is not necessary that you take each one.

Please see the homework file here.