Fearless Finishing

Cost: $70 for 2 hours
Teacher: Kate

Many knitters avoid a lot of garment patterns because of the finishing work required, and even the most experienced knitters often have holes in their finishing knowledge – or simply lack confidence about them. The reason is simple: information in books and patterns is often very weak in this area, leaving knitters to try to figure it out themselves. This hands-on workshop teaches practical, useful and sensible finishing skills. Along the way we’ll dispel a lot of common myths, break down some common sources of confusion, and show you short-cuts that make the finishing task easier and improve the finished project.

We’ll cover the three key seaming methods – reviewing how to do them and where to use them, including how to set in a sleeve. We’ll practice two key skills that cause problems for knitters of all experience levels: grafting (Kitchener stitch) and picking up stitches – how and where to pick them up, how to handle large numbers of picked up stitches, and what to do if you can’t match the number the pattern calls for. We’ll discuss blocking, weaving in ends and how the proper cast-ons and bind offs can make your finishing work easier – and improve the finished result.

Skill Level: All levels welcome!
Materials Required: Students should bring any projects that need finishing, the swatches below, and a blunt-tipped darning needle.

PLEASE NOTE: This class requires homework! Using 4.5mm needles and medium-weight yarn in a light colour, make the following squares: 2 4 x 4 in squares in stocking stitch, 1 4 x 4 in square in garter stitch, 1 in 4 x 4 in squares (k1, p1) ribbing; 2 20-stitch swatches of stockinette stitch – work 10 rows and leave the stitches on holders.