Knitting & Crochet - Finger Crochet for Beginners

Course intent

Combine the simplicity of finger crochet with the sustainability of making your own yarns from recycled materials. Finger crochet is an easy technique which does not require any tools. Learn how to make your own fabric and plastic yarns to make a small household object or accessory. Most fabrics can be cut up to make unique and personal yarns that interweave the narrative of their past life into a new work.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to:

• make your own yarns from fabric, recycled clothing and plastic bags
• basic finger crochet techniques, including tying a starting knot, making a simple chain, securing and casting off
• develop the technique, making a solid flat structure, a circle and three dimensional shapes
• take it further, stripes, overlapping and adding new materials into the structure
• use new skills to create a small accessory or household object, such as a water bottle holder, placemat, or hanging basket for a plant. It should be possible to finish the afternoon project in class but you will have a clear idea on how to complete the piece at home if not

There will be a presentation on other artist’s work, plus ideas on how the technique can be developed further. Experimentation with materials and techniques is encouraged.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

This course is for beginners, including complete beginners. You may already have some experience of hand knitting or crochet, or be a complete novice to the art. To do finger crochet you need to be reasonably agile with your hands, although the recycled yarns can also be worked using larger knitting needles and crochet hooks if preferred.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring:

Essential

• Closely woven fabrics and/or garments, such as simple cotton or viscose shirts, jeans and other garments. T-shirts and knitted jersey materials make especially good yarns. Finger crochet uses a lot of material, please bring at least 6 large items to recycle.
• 6x plastic bags, these can be carrier bags, bin liners, or food wrappers.
• Dressmaking scissors or sharp scissors for cutting fabric, plus older scissors for cutting yarns and plastic.

Optional

• Chunky or Super Chunky yarn.
• String, twine, ribbon or cord – anything which could be used as an experimental yarn.
• Crochet hooks and knitting needles.

What can I do when I finish the course?

Progress onto other knitting workshops, or try embroidery or sewing.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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