Wellbeing: Knit Happens!

Any adults interested in learning to knit or who want to refresh their basic skills – no experience required.

Knitting is a craft that has been around for centuries. It is extremely adaptable and can be used to produce a breadth of differing styles of materials and clothing. However, not only does knitting allow us to produce creative garments and accessories, there is a large amount of research which shows it has health benefits mostly linked to mental health. Since mind and body are closely connected, the health benefits of knitting and crochet also extend to physical well-being.

This course is perfect for those with absolutely no prior experience, or those who haven’t knitted for a long time and want a fun and relaxed place to refresh their skills. During the course we will be learning all the basic knitting techniques as outlined below whilst making a cowl and a hat. The patterns provided are basic patterns and are a great place to start. However you can explore different creative alterations whilst making your items.You will be learning new creative skills and I will at all times be encouraging progress, not perfection.

Core skills
● We will discuss the different yarns available, their benefits and shortcomings and how to prepare your yarn for knitting
● You will learn how to create/cast-on stitches, knit, purl, decrease, cast-off stitches and secure your yarn ends.
● Discover the difference between garter stitch, stocking stitch and ribbed fabrics and how knit and purl stitches are combined to make each of these stitch patterns.
● Create fabrics whilst knitting flat, back and forth and in the round.
● Learn how blocking/washing your finished item can transform your knitted pieces and the best technique to use.

Material
You do not need to bring anything with you as an Introduction to Knitting Course starter kit (worth £50) will be provided.

The kit includes
● Beginners 21 page knitting course booklet
● Project Bag
● Cowl knitting pattern
● Hat knitting pattern
● Set of quality wooden tipped circular knitting needles
● Two skeins of Maxima by Manos del Uruguay (100% extra fine Merino worsted weight yarn)
● Blunt tip wool darning needle.
● Wool wash blocking soap.

Other materials will be provided for use in the class such as knitting needles, yarn, scissors, darning needles, measuring tapes etc.

Tutor
Carol Wheeler

Dates
4 weeks from 5 June (no classes on 19th & 26th of June)
5, 12 June 3, 10 July