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.
You swatched carefully and were confident that your gauge was absolutely correct, but the finished garment wasn’t close to the dimensions it should have had. Your swatch lied; and it wasn’t the first time. Knowing that this can happen, does casting on for a new project sometimes feel like a leap of faith? Have you ever wished for a way to guarantee the success of your project before you’ve even cast on the first stitch? Have you ever felt that the yarn is in control of your project rather than that you’re in control of the yarn?
In this class you’ll learn why swatches lie and what to do about it along with swatching and blocking techniques that allow you to take control of the outcome of your project by ensuring that the finished garment will have the fit and shape you intend and that the finished fabric will have the texture, hand and drape you anticipated. Using these techniques, you’ll be assured of the garment’s fit and the characteristics of the knitted fabric before you start knitting the first garment piece. You’ll be able to cast on with confidence in the final result and confidence in the garment’s ability to maintain its newly-minted shape and characteristics over the course of its life.
Please note that the class focus is on natural fiber yarns. The techniques discussed are not applicable to synthetic or treated yarns such as superwash, stretch or denim.
This class explores in depth material presented in Catherine’s Basic Techniques of Couture Knitting Class previously offered at VKLive events.
Technique Requirements: have knit a whole garment, have knit a few accessories
Yarn and needles used for the homework; the ballband from the yarn; all of the swatches prepared for the homework; the notes you made as you prepared the swatches. If you would like to apply the blocking techniques we will be learning to an upcoming project and that project is a garment knit in pieces, please bring the pattern, pencil, eraser, straight edge/ruler and a calculator/phone app.