After you check out you will receive an email to schedule your class sessions. You must redeem sessions via that email to be signed up! This workshop plan will guide you through every part of making a top-down raglan sweater step-by-step. We have several great pattern recommendations listed below. Students can also find their own patterns to follow, but for your first sweater we recommend they are knit top-down, use raglan increasing, and have a stitch gauge no smaller than 5.5 stitches per inch. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE We recommend that you are already very comfortable knitting and purling on your own, before taking on a sweater, otherwise you may need extra classes to learn all the necessary techniques. Knowing simple increases, decreases, how to work in the round, and how to work in a rib are also helpful to know before you start, but not necessary. NUMBER OF VISITS Students have the option of a 6 or 12 visit pack for this sweater workshop. We recommend a 6 visit pack if most of the following applies to you: you are an intermediate knitter you are making a very simple sweater pattern you are a quick learner you don't make mistakes super often when knitting We recommend a 12 visit pack if most of the following applies to you: you are a beginner knitter you want to make a more complex sweater pattern it takes time for you to learn new techniques/understand new concepts you tend to make mistakes more often and want help fixing them LESSON PLAN This is just a suggestion/overview for each session. Each student will receive individualized help tailored to their pace and skill level. Session 1: 1–2 hours: learn how to read a pattern, pick out the right yarn & needles for your pattern & size, make a gauge swatch and block it if necessary, and cast on! Required homework before next session: finish neck hem. Session 2: 1–2 hours, scheduled 1–7 days after first session: set up markers, learn make one increasing, optional short row shaping. Required homework before next session: finish raglan increases. Session 3: 1–2 hours, scheduled 2–4 weeks after second session: put sleeve stitches on hold, cast on for underarms, try on your sweater so far! Required homework before next session: knit at least 2" of body, ideally you finish the whole body section before your next class! Session 4: 2 hours, scheduled 1–14 days after third session: pick up sleeve stitches, work in the round on 16" circulars, sleeve decreasing, optional sleeve modifications. Required homework before next session: decrease on sleeves until stitches are too tight on 16" needles. Session 5: 1–2 hours, scheduled 1–2 weeks after fourth session: switch to magic loop, or double pointed needles for end of sleeve, sleeve cuff modification options, stretchy bind off options. Required homework before next session: work at least 3" on each sleeve, ideally you finish your whole sweater before the last session! Session 6: 1–2 hours, scheduled 1–2 weeks after fifth session: seaming underarm holes, weaving in ends, and blocking advice. SUGGESTED MATERIALS We typically help students choose the best yarn for their project in their first class session! Each pattern below requires a different weight of yarn and several different needle sizes/lengths. Follow each pattern link to see details, or let us show you our favorite options in the shop when you come in! PATTERNS listed in order of difficulty, starting with the easiest/quickest Pattern Yarn Weight Notes Classic Cropped Pullover by Cleo Malone Bulky This pattern is knit with bulky weight yarn so it goes quickly and it's somewhat easier to fix mistakes, plus Cleo designed it so they know it very well and can easily help you modify it! You also get this pattern for free with the workshop & yarn purchase. Worsted Pullover No. 1 by Cleo Malone Worsted This pattern is knit with worsted weight yarn so it won't knit up as quickly as the pattern above, but still a great weight of yarn to learn with, plus the fabric won't be quite as bulky as the one above. Cleo designed this one too so they know it very well and can easily help you modify it! You also get this pattern for free with the workshop & yarn purchase. Cumulus Blouse by PetiteKnit Worsted This pattern has a deep V-neck and an I-cord edging instead of ribbed hems. It's pictured with two strands of mohair held together but can be knit in any worsted weight yarn for a warmer fabric (likewise, any of the worsted weight patterns above can be knit with mohair too, but this is not for the faint of heart!) No Frills Sweater by PetiteKnit DK This pattern is very similar in construction to the recommended patterns above but it's knit at a smaller gauge so it will take longer to knit. We recommend this pattern only if you have lots of time to knit the homework between classes, or if you're an especially fast knitter! Flax by TinCanKnits Worsted This pattern is similar to the Worsted Pullover No. 1 pattern above but includes some simple stitch pattern blocking along the sleeves and has a wider neck. It's great for first-time sweater knitters. It's also free! It's Not a Sweatshirt by Pernille Larsen DK/Worsted This pattern is similar to the above but includes a folded hem collar and short row neck shaping. This is a great pattern for those who have maybe knit a sweater or similar project before but want a refresher and to learn a couple extra things.
