Modular Knitting workshop

Black, white and grey sample from Modular Knitting workshop

Modular Knitting workshop – new dates

I am running my Modular Knitting workshop in January next year. Let me tell you about this workshop.

When do the Modular Knitting workshops take place?

This workshop takes place from 10:00–16:00 Saturday, 27 January 2024.

Where are the venues?

The Being Knitterly Studio is in Loughborough, Leicestershire. I shall send you full details and directions after you have booked.

Why should you come to this workshop?

Modular knitting (also known as mitred or domino knitting) involves knitting modules one at a time. Modules can be a variety of shapes: usually squares and hexagons.

You are intrigued by modular knitting projects and would like someone to show you how to knit mitred squares. You want to experiment with colour combinations but use a simple technique. You are intrigued by modular knitting because you have seen some stunning designs. You would like someone to show you how to knit mitred squares before you begin a project. Maybe you have tried to knit mitred squares but struggled to pick up stitches neatly. Or you may want a fun day out with like-minded individuals.

As long as you can knit, you can learn modular knitting techniques. And when you use the tips I teach you, you will find that modular knitting is calming and relaxing, with enough interest to keep you knitting one more square. Modular knitting works wonderfully with variegated yarn. It is also a fun technique for playing with different colour combinations. And creating beautiful colour combinations is also great for our well-being.

Detail of scarf worked in mitred squares using a varigated yarn.

You will have refreshments all day, a home-cooked vegetarian lunch (for all dietary needs), as well as delicious home-baked cake in the afternoon.

“I can fully recommend this course. I am a relatively inexperienced knitter  but Nicki explained the technique very patiently and supplied written instructions too. After a most enjoyable day, I came away with a very attractive sample and the ability and enthusiasm to try different effects at home.”

Diane
A sample of modular knitting with nine squares knitted in  one colour.

How will you learn?

I demonstrate techniques, both to groups and individuals. The first few times that you try something, I shall talk you through the process as you do it. I demonstrate each technique as many times as necessary and let you practice.

We’ll discuss how to turn your ideas into projects. You will finish the workshop inspired and want to try out different colour and stripe combinations when you get home.

There are now two levels in my Modular Knitting workshop.

  • Level 1 is for knitters new to modular knitting.
  • Level 2 is for knitters who have knitted basic mitred squares (in garter stitch with one mitre).

Modular Knitting Level 1: What will you learn?

You’ll learn to:

  • Knit a mitred square in rows using garter stitch.
  • Work a centred double decrease.
  • Start a new mitred square by picking up stitches from an existing one.
  • Knit striped mitred squares.
  • Add a simple border to a mitred square sample.
  • Plan a project using mitred squares.

If you are new to modular knitting you will learn how to knit a mitred square in rows using garter stitch: this will have just one set of decreases or mitre.

During the workshop, you will make a sample comprising four mitred squares. You will learn the basic technique by knitting your first square using one colour. Then you will learn how to pick up stitches and knit more squares. During the workshop, you will make a sample comprising four mitred squares with a border worked in rows. You will learn the basic technique by knitting your first square using one colour. Then you will learn how to pick up stitches and knit more squares. This time you can use more than one colour for each square. The decreases in a mitre cause the stripes to bend around a corner rather than straight lines. You can use different stripe patterns for your other squares before adding an easy border. It is easy to knit something that looks great and is relaxing to make!

You will leave the workshop having knitted four mitred squares and started or even finished the simple border. You will have your knitted sample, instructions for the techniques covered, and plenty of ideas to try at home. You’ll be ready to make your first modular knitting project, for example, a cushion cover, bag, scarf or throw.

“I would recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to learn how to start out on modular knitting. The day was well paced and very well taught. Home made flapjacks, lunch and cake were wonderful.”

Mary
Sample of modular knitting with nine squares knitted in stripes of undyed wool yarn in different colours.

Modular Knitting Level 2: What will you learn?

You will learn to:

  • Knit a mitred square in the round using garter stitch.
  • Work a variety of decreases.
  • Start a new mitred square by picking up stitches from an existing one.
  • Knit mitred squares with concentric squares.
  • Add a border, knitted in the round, to a mitred square sample.
  • Plan projects using mitred squares.

In this workshop, you will learn how to make a “concentric” mitred square. You will knit it in the round using garter stitch: this square will have four sets of decreases or mitres.

During the workshop, you will make a sample comprising four mitred squares with a border worked in the round. You will knit your first square, then learn how to pick up stitches and knit more squares. You can use more than one colour for each square. The decreases in these mitred squares cause the stripes to form concentric squares rather than straight lines. You can try different stripe patterns for your squares before adding a border, which you will knit in the round. I think you will find it absorbing to watch how each new colour changes the appearance of your sample.

What do you need to know beforehand?

Level 1: You can cast on, cast off, and work in garter and stocking stitch.

Level 2: You can knit a basic mitred square (in garter stitch with one mitre). You are confident with casting on, casting off, working in garter and stocking stitch, and knitting in the round. 

Knitters attending the workshop may be all at the same level or have different experiences. Knitters new to modular knitting enjoy seeing what someone with a little more experience can do. Those with more experience benefit from seeing how far they have progressed since they started. And improvers who did not learn with me pick up tips about the techniques I teach at Level 1.

After you book, I shall email you to ask you about your experience with modular knitting. You may feel that you are between “Level 1” and “Level 2”; it doesn’t matter. Your answers will help me know which techniques and projects will be most suitable for you.

Upcoming knitting and crochet workshops

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Anne Cartwright

    Modular Knitting Workshop: 17th August – that was the diary entry. Having been a knitter for 67 years I’d learned one important thing … you have more to learn than you already know and this workshop was a case in point. Nicky is very well qualified and her teaching is excellent.
    There were four of us and we were made very welcome. Warm drinks arrived quickly and Nicky introduced herself and the course. Mitred squares had been a spectacular failure for me years ago so I never tried again, but once Nicky started explaining things it made me want to start knitting them with confidence. It was fun.
    Nicky gave us beautiful flapjacks for elevenses, and home made soup and bread for lunch – delicious. It was a chatty occasion (sorry girls, I know I’m a chatterbox) and we shared experiences. The course ended at 4 pm with me feeling far from the idiot I felt beforehand, that I’d achieved something special. In fact, I booked another course while I was there.
    Thank you Nicky and Andrew.

    1. Being Knitterly

      I’m really glad you enjoyed the workshop Anne.

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