Have you ever tried on a newly-finished sweater only to discover that the fit is terribly off, even though its measurements match the pattern perfectly? Do you refrain from beginning a sweater just to avoid a potential disappointment? Do you wish you could know how a finished garment will fit and hang before you cast on the first stitch? This workshop will give you the analytical skills and practical tools to do just that.We'll begin with a consideration of the interdependence of garment design, the knitted fabric and the human body in terms of garment fit. Of prime importance is how a garment sits on the body: where do its construction lines fall? how does its design affect the way it stays on and moves with the body? how does the knitted fabric itself influence garment fit and movement? From this initial discussion we’ll formulate a set of general principles for garment fit based on construction and design elements.We'll then shift our focus to the knitted fabric itself: how to create a swatch that will duplicate as closely as possible the fabric in the garment; why this is a critical step in anticipating garment fit; and what information can we extract from a knitted fabric’s basic characteristics of structure, texture, hand and drape that is essential to the process of assessing garment fit.Lastly, we'll turn our attention from these more general principles to the process of individualizing and personalizing them. Using information from the homework, each member of the workshop will develop a set of personal guidelines and practical tools that will assess any design in terms of preferences for garment shape and fit. You'll then put all of this into practice using a pattern of your choice as you complete the class project during the interval between the two workshop days.This class is ideal for knitters who would welcome a more considered approach to pattern selection and for designers in search of more thoughtful parameters for their designing process. Please note: the focus of the workshop is garment fit, not garment modification. This is a virtual workshop. Skill level: Intermediate knitter with an understanding of garment construction and experience knitting garments.Homework is required. Directions for the homework and a list of materials you will need will be delivered via email once you have registered for the workshop.The handout will be delivered via email three days before the first session along with the link to join the workshop. Workshop sessionsSeptember 19: two 3-hour sessions; 10 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 6 PM EasternSeptember 26: 2-hour informal problem-solving, question and answer session; 2 PM - 4 PM EasternOctober 3: one 3-hour session; 10 AM - 1 PM EasternRecordings: the three workshop sessions will be recorded and will be available through Saturday, October 17. The informal session on September 26 will not be recorded. The Fine PrintEnrollment is limited. If the workshop fills before the end of registration, you will be able to sign up for a Wait List.Cancellations will be accepted until the end of enrollment for a full refund less a $50 cancellation fee. If a minimum number of registrants is not met by the end of registration, the workshop will be canceled and those registered will be issued a full refund. REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
