Make a Sweater That Fits! Create and Alter Classic Sweaters – (2 Parts 2/9 & 2/16)

Description

In this long class, which features a break in the middle, we’ll eliminate the mystery and anxiety about how to make knitted sweaters fit and how to make them look handmade instead of homemade.  We’ll also make it easy to alter commercial sweater patterns, beginning with the basic drop-sleeve (or modified drop sleeve) sweater.  We will also take the mystery out of set-in sleeves.  The course does not address top-down, seamless sweaters so much in vogue.  We prefer the structure, fit, and durability of traditional garments made in pieces.  We can talk about why.  

The class is designed mainly for advanced beginners who have not completed a sweater before. But experienced knitters are more than welcome.  Once we have developed a complete draft of a basic sweater in a classic shape (you will be following along with your own yarn at your own gauge and dimensions), we’ll talk about altering necklines, sleeve caps and lengths and styles, stitch patterns, hems, body length/style, and even how to make cardigans out of pullovers.  You will leave with a complete, drafted sweater pattern, ready to knit – and with control over sweater patterns, or ideas for sweaters, that you may encounter in the future.  AK will work with you for as long as it takes to complete your sweater.  Thereafter, you’ll also be able to detect faulty patterns in advance of knitting. 

Materials: 100 grams DK or worsted-weight animal fiber yarn. Appropriate needles (for DK, 7 or 8; for worsted, 8-10). Metal tapestry needle. Tape measure. Pen or pencil. Scissors. 1/4 inch graph paper (Google “free graph paper”), 5 or 6 pieces.

Homework: Buy sweater yarn in advance (worsted or DK weight natural fiber yarn, or cotton). Make a 4×4 swatch in stockinette stitch with appropriate needles. Bind off loosely. Block lightly (steam works well – but do not iron). This will serve as your gauge swatch.

For most classes, we hope you’ll use our beautiful yarns! We offer a 10% discount on full-priced materials for class use.

All classes include detailed handouts or (as relevant) printed patterns.

Classes may require a minimum number of participants.  If Artisan Knitworks or the instructor has to cancel, a full refund (check), registration in another class, or store credit (120% of tuition) will be offered.  If you have to cancel your class registration up to 7 days before the event, we offer the same choices.  However, we cannot offer these choices if you cancel within the 7-day window.