Knitting & Felting - Creating Texture Beginners Workshop [SSK]

Course intent

Knit and then ‘wet felt’ a collection of samples exploring a range of textural effects. You will be able to wet felt your pieces in class by hand, and there will be a discussion on using a washing machine at home to assist in the felting process, especially when creating Shibori felt. Take home some beautiful examples of felted wool and enjoy the process of transforming strands of wool into fabric.

What will I learn?

You will learn how the unique felting properties of wool can be used to create a range of textural effects. You will also learn

• Which yarns to use and how varying thicknesses and qualities affect the final result
• How to knit your samples using different materials
• Knitting open structures, such as eyelets, Wrap Knit One (WK1) and casting on-off mid row.
• Different sheep breeds and their felting properties
• Shibori felting process, by tying in marbles, buttons and rope to create bulges and ridges. NB, this can only be demonstrated through discussion, samples and slides, as the process works best in a washing machine and therefore cannot be completed in the class.

By the end of the session, you will have a collection of samples, or one larger piece that demonstrates a range of techniques.

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

The class is for beginners to felting. Being able to knit already (cast on, knit and cast off) would give you more time to felt, but beginners to knitting are also welcome. Felted knitting can be used to create garments, accessories, household objects or pieces of artwork.

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

Please br• Knitting needles to suit the yarn you are using, plus, if possible, larger needles to create open structures. You can often find knitting needles for sale in charity shops. Please transport safely to class with point protectors. As a general rule the diameter of the knitting needle is the same as the diameter of the yarn; using a larger needle creates an open structure, while a smaller needle creates a tighter structure.

• (Optional, but useful if you have one) Crochet hook
• Yarn suitable for felting. Not all wool will ‘felt’ - avoid Superwash wool. Check the label to see if it says it is suitable for felting. Wool Warehouse sell a range of felting yarns on their website: - https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarn?yarn_grouping=6375
• Any other type of yarn, including machine cotton, fine twines and embroidery threads, plus knitting yarns, which can be incorporated with your felting yarns that you might already have.
• Optional - Hand sewing needles and embroidery threads
• Scissors to cut threads.
• Washing up bowl.
• Soap: a bar of soap OR liquid soap.
• Towel to dry hands.
• (Optional) A waterproof apron
• Rubber gloves if you are likely to be sensitive to the soap.
• Shoes with a good grip in case of water spillage.
• A plastic bag or waterproof container to transport you work home which will still be damp.ing

What can I do when I finish the course?

We offer embroidery, patchwork and quilting, sewing and other knitting and crochet workshops throughout the year. You might like to enrol on a longer course such as sewing for home, sewing clothes.

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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