Domestic Machine Knitting for Beginners - Nottingham Trent University

Description

This course is an intensive introduction to domestic machine knitting, which explores a range of techniques using both the knitter and the ribbing attachment. It will introduce you to thinking creatively about using a machine at home or at work and consider how you can exploit the equipment to produce samples that explore colour and texture. On this practical course you’ll create a series of innovative knitting swatches that can be used as inspiration for a garment or interior design product; the focus will be on producing work with a contemporary perspective. It is ideal for people just starting out or in a need of a refresher, whether you’ve invested in a machine or are considering buying one. You might be returning to machine knitting after a break, or a student / graduate looking to add machine knitting to your CV and portfolio; anyone who is interested in textiles, knitting and crafts will be very welcome. You'll start by learning how to knit a range of fabrics using the knitter only and then go on to learn about the potential for knitting using the ribbing attachment to produce many double bed fabrics. These will include going from simple hems to more complex fabrics that incorporate racking and punch card patterning. During this course you will: • learn the basics of machine knitting, and experiment with yarns • be introduced to more advanced stitches to explore texture, colour and weight • receive personal attention to ensure your skills are developing • learn how to set up a ribbing attachment • get a broader understanding of the type of ribbed fabrics that can be created on a domestic machine • confidently move between knitting double bed (with the ribbing attachment) and single bed (without the attachment) • produce a range of double bed fabrics • create double bed fabrics using punch card patterning • access our yarn stores so that you can work with and experiment with a variety of yarns that might be new to you. You will be introduced to the techniques through demonstrations, handling samples, paper-based instructions, and one-to-one feedback. What will you gain? By the end of the course, you will have created samples for fashion or home projects and have the inspiration to continue knitting for pleasure or professional development. You will also have access to video tutorials which you can view after the course. Level: Beginner Entry requirement: No previous experience is required. Where you'll learn: You will be based in the Bonington building at the City Campus, our dedicated art and design hub. You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the knitwear studio and yarn store, using our domestic machines (Brother or SilverReed); you can bring your own machine and manual if you prefer. You will also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing. Here's what our previous attendees said: ‘I wanted to learn the basics as I've never used a knitting machine before. I've learnt different techniques I hadn't expected to cover and I feel that I could attempt some projects on my own now too. Thank you to our tutor, she is very friendly and patient - I didn't feel daft asking about the basics!' LC ‘I'm interested in possibly getting a knitting machine and have learnt what the machines are capable of - I most enjoyed the practical applications of the project. Good course, well instructed and enjoyable. Thank you!' ML ‘I chose this course as I wanted a refresher in the basics and learn better ways of doing things. I enjoyed all of it and would do it again if I had the time. Perfect course for beginners and those needing a refresher' AU ‘I've had a knitting machine for over 30 years but have never got to grips with the complexity of it. I now understand how to cast on, cast off, do a mock hem, stripes and punch card knitting.' AH ‘I got to know the machine knitting basics and found out which machine I'd like to buy. I have now got the skills to get started' MH 'This course allowed me to go from being a complete novice to having basic skills and lots of ideas' JP Tutor profiles: Lauren Pinches (Saturday course) is a fashion and knitwear designer who has worked for companies such as Sibling, Wool and The Gang and Ashley Williams. Lauren has both an undergraduate and master's degree in Fashion Knitwear at NTU. Her work demonstrates a creative approach to sustainable textile and garment design practice using a range of knitting technologies combines with handcrafted techniques of crochet and hand knitting. Lauren is also a technician in the Fashion Knitwear department at NTU, where she uses her skills in industrial and domestic knitting and garment manufacture to support the students in realising their projects. Dr Jane Taylor (weekday course) has been teaching knitwear design for 17 years, initially at UWE in Bristol and more recently at NTU. She moved up to Nottingham in 2010 to embark on an MA course at NTU, impressed by the universities’ extensive knitwear resource - and never left, going on to do a PhD. Jane has developed her knitting skills to be able to programme and run computerised, industrial machinery; however, she relishes the opportunity to get back to working with her hands on domestic machines.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. You will also need to bring with you: • Notepad and pen • Any images or examples of knitted fabric that inspire you, for discussion Knitting machines (Brother or SilverReed) are provided but you can bring your own machine and manual if you prefer. Let us know by email before the course if you already have a domestic machine, and if so, what make it is. If you have a preference on the machine you use on the course, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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