Design & Make Your Own Granny Square Sweater

Description

Design and make your own granny square sweater course is a 5 week masterclass, spread over 7 weeks, which allows you to create a unique garment. The course covers layout, shape, sizing, and colour placement. Design your own sweater using the classic granny square pattern. We’ll cover different types of joining techniques from join-as-you-go, to the continuous Japanese method. Using either DK or 4ply/fingering weight yarn, you’ll learn how to get the right fit – whether you’re making the sweater for yourself or someone else. Skill Level: You must be confident with basic crochet stitches and techniques – not suitable for complete beginners. Course Location: Riverhouse Barn Art Centre Studio (in courtyard at the back of the Riverhouse) Manor Road Walton-on-Thames Surrey KT12 2PF Course Dates This is a 5 week course, running on Tuesday evenings. Week 1: Tuesday 25th March 2025, 7:30-9:30pm Week 2: Tuesday 1st April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm Week 3: NO CLASS – EASTER HOLS – students will be making their motifs. Week 4: NO CLASS – EASTER HOLS – students will be making their motifs. Week 5: Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm Week 6: Tuesday 29th April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm Week 7: Tuesday 6th May 2025, 7:30-9:30pm Expectations: The purpose of the course is to teach you how to plan out and implement the design, get you started with the project, as well as cover some of the other key elements of making a granny square sweater. It is up to you whether you go at your own pace or attempt to complete the sweater over the 7 week time span. It goes without saying, that you will need to spend time outside of the class making the motifs and other elements of the sweater. Below is a rough guide to the curriculum, this may vary depending on how quickly we get through things and how much help people need for their individual designs. Week 1: Introduction and overview of the types of sweater you can make. Joining techniques. How to swatch. Week 2: Using your swatch to plan and design your sweater layout. 2 Weeks over Easter: No classes – you’ll be using this time to make the bulk of your motifs. Email/WhatsApp support is provided for checking/approving designs. Week 3 : Neck shaping & seaming. Week 4 : Cuffs and hems. Week 5: Finishing techniques. Materials Required: How much yarn will I need? Unfortunately, it is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. If you already know what yarn you’re using, please bring it to the first class. If not, the first class will help you decide. During week 2, we work out the precise quantities. Example: I am a size 12, for a regular granny square sweater, I usually need just under 6 x100g skeins of 4ply, that’s roughly 2000m or 2190 yds. How many colours? I recommend at least 5 colours, but you can use more or less depending on your personal preference. Yarn thickness – my preferred yarn thickness for these kinds of sweaters is 4ply/fingering or sock weight yarn because they are very wearable and have good drape. However, you can use DK weight yarn but please be aware that this will create a reasonably bulky and very warm garment. I do not recommend yarn thicker than DK as it makes a very bulky, boiling hot sweater that may not drape well. Yarn composition – I would strongly recommend natural yarns such as merino wool or cotton, or blends thereof. Or at least yarns with less than 20% nylon/synthetic material. Acrylic yarns do not work very well in these types of garments because the yarn has no stitch memory and poor drape. Additionally, I try to discourage the use of acrylic since it’s a product of the petro-chemical industry, is toxic to manufacture and leaches microplastics into the environment. What to bring to the first class? When you sign up, you’ll receive more information about what’s required on the first session. Hooks – You’ll need the correct hook size for your yarn. This will range from 2.5mm to 4mm, depending on your yarn choice, personal gauge. Again, this is discussed in the email when you sign up and the first class. Course Size: Currently the course size is limited to a maximum of 10 students.

What's included in the price?

5 x2 hour classes, online resources, email support throughout the 7 weeks.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Mezzacraft

with Craft Courses since 2023

Message the tutor

I'm a full time crochet tutor and published crochet designer with 10_ years experience. I teach all levels of crochet from beginners to more experienced students.