Machine Knitting: Experimental

When & Where

9 June 2023 - 7 July 2023 ( 25 hours, 5 weeks )
Day Time, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Josephine Thompson
Course Code W22TTSC06A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Have you ever machine knitted with monofilament, wire or lycra? Combined thick and thin yarns or felted your knits? Join this course to explore the potential beyond the more usual acrylics and wools that you may be more familiar with. Suitable for students with prior knowledge wanting to expand their knowledge beyond the more conventional techniques and materials. Students are encouraged to build a reference folder of techniques and yarns to take away and develop further at home.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Knit with solvron to create felted fabric using fairisle punchcards
Knit with monofilament and mixed fibres to create transparent and semi transparent fabrics
Knit with wire
Knit three dimensional fabrics in an organic fashion
Use the heat press to apply colour to your knits or distort the fabric
Experiment with yarn mixes of colour and texture

Cost

Full fee

£255

Concession fee

£190

This course may be available for free

Class format and activities

Students will learn through observing tutor demonstration followed by practical experience supported by technical handouts where applicable. There will be an emphasis on sharing knowledge and experience through discussion, show and tell and group critique. The tutor will facilitate group discussions and work with students one-to-one and in groups. In order to ensure that you make best possible progress on your course you will have regular and detailed feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

This course is suitable for students who have basic machine knitting skills

What you need to know before you enrol

The machine knitting studio is located in the Nancy Seear block on the second floor accessible by stairs or lift and chair lift. The machines are stored in cupboards and are fairly heavy. If you have any back problems please advise the tutor who will assist you in setting up and taking down the machine at the end of class. You need a moderate level of fitness to move the carriage back and forth across the needle bed. If you have any mobility support needs please contact ALS on 020 7450 1972 or Art and Design admin on 020 7450 1934 before enrolling.

What you need

The college supplies a variety of single bed standard gauge Brother punchcard knitting machines and a couple of chunky gauge machines. Although we have a range of yarns in the studio many are non repeatable. The college provides stitch related graph paper and blank punch card and punchers for making your own cards if needed. There will be a small charge of £1.00 for any extra cards if required. You will need a notebook plus pen and pencil. A small pair of scissors and tape measure are useful.

What you can do next

You may wish to enrol on any of the other Machine Knitting courses available or combine your skills with other textile subjects at Morley. Your tutor can advise you in class.