Machine Knitting Basics for Beginners

When & Where

10 January 2025 - 7 February 2025 ( 25 hours, 5 weeks )
Daytime, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Josephine Thompson
Course Code W24TTSA05D
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

For beginners or those wishing to refresh on the basics of using a knitting machine. Course includes hand tooling techniques and using punch cards. Learn to knit simple hems and shaping together with how to use a punch card for various techniques. All knitting machines and materials supplied. This is a great course for returners wanting to refresh and extend their previous knowledge and stretch their skillset. It is also an ideal opportunity to create work for submission for the MADE@Morley Exhibition in the Morley Gallery, with support and guidance from your tutor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Set up and take down the knitting machine.
Experiment with different yarns and tensions.
Know how to use transfer tools to hand manipulate your knitting.
Know how to knit hems.
Know how to increase and decrease stitches for shaping.
Know how to use punch cards for automatic patterning.

Cost

Full fee

£270

Concession fee

£205

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Students will learn through observing tutor demonstration followed by practical experience supported by technical handouts. Complete beginners are encouraged to produce reference samples and returning students may have extra exercises in addition to set work where the tutor sees fit. There will be an emphasis on sharing knowledge and experience through discussion, show and tell and group critique. The tutor will facilitate group discussions and work with students one-to-one and in groups.

Entry requirements

The course is suitable for complete beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills. A knowledge of hand knitting is useful but by no means essential.

What you need to know before you enrol

The machine knitting studio is located in the Nancy Seear block on the second floor accessible by stairs or lift and stair lift combined. The knitting machines are stored in cupboards and are fairly heavy. If you have any mobility or back problems please advise your tutor who will assist you in setting up and taking down the machine at the end of the class. You need a moderate level of fitness to move the carriage back and forth on the machine. If you have any mobility support needs please contact Additional Learning Support on 020 7450 1972.

What you need

The college provides a variety of single bed standard Brother punchcard knitting machines and a few chunky gauge machines also. We have a variety of yarns and more specialist materials such as Lycra, wire, monofilament and solvron. It would be helpful to bring a notebook, pencil and pen, and a small pair of scissors (larger scissors are available in the studio) You may wish to bring an A4 folder to store your hand outs and samples and your own yarn if you have specific projects in mind.

What you can do next

The course provides an excellent start to Machine Knitting for beginners with the opportunity to build a reference folder of samples. You may wish to consider any of the other Machine Knitting courses on offer or combine your skills with other textile subjects at Morley. For inspiration on all textiles courses follow us on Instagram @textilesatmorley.