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 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. You’ll discover the swatching and blocking techniques that allow you to take control of the outcome of your project, 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 anticipate. By following 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. You’ll also learn how to use these techniques to manage successful yarn substitution when you’re not working with the yarn identified in the pattern.

Please note: 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. Additionally, while they can be easily adapted for top-down and seamless garments, the blocking techniques we will be developing relate specifically to garments knit in pieces.

This class explores in depth the material presented in Catherine’s multi-part Couture Knitting classes previously offered at Knitting LIVE events and expands on the Take Control class she presented at several of the Virtual Knitting LIVE events in 2021 and 2022.

Technique Requirements: knit/purl, cast on/bind off, have knit a whole garment, have knit a few accessories, familiarity with basic swatching and blocking techniques; familiarity with garment fabrication; basic understanding of the structure of knitted fabric

See homework file here.

Please refer to the list at the end of the homework directions you will receive prior to the event.