Continental Knitting
Schedule
Dates: February 15, 29, March 7 (Fridays)
Times: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (evenings)
Location: The Yarn Garden, 111 W. Lawrence, Charlotte, Michigan
Phone: (517)541-9323
Dates: May 8, 15, 22 (Thursdays)
Times: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (evenings)
Location: ThreadBear Fiber Arts Studio, 319 S. Waverly, Lansing, Michigan
Phone: (517)703-YARN
Class Registration
To sign up for this class: Call the location where the sessions you are interested in are being offered. Please contact me if you would like to be placed on a waiting list to take this class at a later time or at an alternate location.
Description
3 sessions
Cost: $45
Skill level: Beginner through advanced. It’s actually easier to learn this technique if you’ve never knit before!
Knitting Continental style involves holding the yarn in your left hand and “picking” it, as opposed to holding the yarn in your right hand and “throwing” it (English style). When you hold the yarn in your right hand, you have to let go of your knitting in order to “throw” the yarn around the needle when making a stitch. You also have to let go of your knitting in order to bring the yarn forward or back between the needles when switching between knitting and purling (when ribbing, for example). Knitting English style is time consuming and can be hard on the shoulders and wrists.
When you hold the yarn in your left hand, you never have to let go of your needles. Both hands are used more equally, so the strain on your right shoulder and wrist are lessened considerably. I have had students who were struggling with their knitting after shoulder or wrist surgery, who were able to knit more comfortably after learning the continental method. Best of all, stitch patterns involving switching between knit and purl stitches can be done quickly and easily.
If you’re interested in knitting more comfortably or with greater speed, this class is for you!
Project
In this class, you will knit a winter hat using the Continental technique. Plymouth Galway was used for the model.
Materials
- Yarn – 100 grams worsted weight wool yarn in main color (MC), and 50 grams worsted weight wool yarn in contrasting color (CC). Worsted weight yarn usually knits to a gauge of between 4.75 and 5 stitches to the inch. I recommend that you use wool for this class. The stitches will be easier to see and to work with. If you don’t like to work with pure wool, try a superwash wool or a wool blend. NOTE: You will have enough yarn left over to knit a second hat with the colors reversed.
- Needles – U.S. size 7 (4.5 mm) 16” circular needle (unless your head is larger than 24" around, which it is NOT), and a set of four or five U.S. size 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles, but bring everything you have in case you need to adjust the needle size in order to get the right gauge (stitches per inch).
- Needle gauge
- Blunt darning needle
- Scissors
- Crochet hook size G
- Stitch marker
- Coilless safety pin
Session 1 Topics
- The Continental method
- Long tail cast on
- Joining circular knitting
- Continental knit stitch
- Continental purl stitch
- Knit 1 purl 1 rib
- Other hints for Continental knitting
Session 2 Topics
- Two color knitting
Session 3 Topics
- Crochet spirals
- I-cord knots
- Finishing
Payment
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The student will be responsible for the cost of any materials required.
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Check with the desired class location for payment details.
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Payment for classes at my home in Haslett can be by cash or check made payable to Sarah Peasley, due at the first class session.
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No refunds will be given after the first class session.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this class, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to help you with any questions or problems that arise from my classes or from patterns by Sarah Peasley, Handknitter. I am committed to seeing you through to the end of your project!
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