Are you bored with plain and purl? Learn to create intricate cable and fairisle patterns. Basic knitting knowledge assumed. Materials cost approx $25. List of requirements on receipt.
Knitting Beyond the Basics
Course Description
Knitting is making a strong comeback – not just as a creative skill, but also as a form of relaxation and mindfulness.
For those already comfortable with casting on, knit and purl stitches, this course is the perfect next step.
Over four weeks, you’ll move beyond the basics to master more advanced techniques such as lacework, fair isle, and cable knitting.
Along the way, you’ll discover how intricate stitch patterns can transform your projects, while enjoying the calming, meditative rhythm of knitting.
This course is designed for knitters who want to expand their skills and gain confidence in tackling more complex designs.
With plenty of hands-on guidance, pattern handouts for practice, and individual tuition tailored to your pace, you’ll not only learn new techniques but also have the opportunity to apply them to your own garment or project.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in decorative knitting methods and the inspiration to take your knitting to the next level.
Course Structure
Across the four weeks, the course will introduce a new technique each session, with ample opportunity to practice in class and at home.
You’ll begin by exploring lace knitting, learning how simple increases and decreases can create elegant openwork designs.
Next, you’ll dive into fair isle, working with multiple colours to produce beautiful, patterned fabrics.
In week three, the focus shifts to cable knitting, where you’ll discover how to create textured, intertwining designs that add depth and detail.
The final week allows for revision and individual support, whether you’d like to perfect one of the new techniques or work on a garment with personalised help from the tutor.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Create lacy patterns using simple increases and decreases
- Knit fair isle designs with multiple colours
- Use cable knitting techniques to add texture and design
- Apply advanced techniques to personal projects
- Read and follow more complex knitting patterns with confidence
- Enjoy knitting as both a creative outlet and a mindful practice.
Course Prerequisites
Students should have completed the WEA Knitting Basics course, or have basic knitting skills including casting on, knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing, and how to make holes.
Course Requirements
Students are asked to bring:
- 1 pair of size 2.75mm (12) knitting needles
- 1 pair of size 3.25mm (10) knitting needles
- 1 pair of 4.00mm (8) knitting needles
- A cable needle
- A small quantity of 4ply wool in four colours
- A small quantity of 8ply wool in three colours
The approximate cost of materials is around $25, depending on the wool chosen.
Spare wool will be available if needed.
Your tutor is Dorothy Fletcher
Dorothy Fletcher has been teaching at WEA since 2024.
Dorothy holds a B.A. (Hons) degree from Flinders University and is a retired Court Reporter.
She has been knitting since she was a small child and has won several prizes at the Royal Adelaide Show. As an experienced knitter she enjoys passing on her skills to those who wish to learn at any level from simple or complicated.
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