Top-Down Jumper KAL

In my recent post Top Down Jumpers I shared my love of knitting jumpers using this method. I am now planning a new KAL Top Down Jumper course for the Autumn.

Over a series of 5 workshops, I will teach you step by step all the different techniques needed for knitting a jumper. Knitted seamlessly from the neck down, in-the-round, means there are no individual pieces needing to be sewn together at the end. You are also able to try on the jumper as you go, therefore enabling you to adjust the final fit.

Cardoon by Isabell Kraemer

For this project I have chosen a beautiful pattern called Cardoon, which also features a stunning colour-work yoke, from one of my favourite knitting designers, Isabell Kraemer. Her collection of patterns can be found on Ravelry, a wonderful networking website for patterns and designers.

NB For this KAL you will need to purchase the pattern directly from Ravelry Cardoon  for your PDF download.

 KAL (knit-along) Course

 This course is not for beginner knitters and although you may not have knitted a jumper before, you must be able to knit, purl and rib with confidence. If you are not sure if this course will be the right level for you, then please email or call and I will be happy to talk over the project with you.

Session 1 – Getting Gauge (tension)

  •  Knitting a tension square for getting accurate tension (gauge)

  • Introducing Colour-work techniques and ways to hold 2 yarns.

Session 2 – Starting Neck Shaping

  • Cast on using Longtail cast on technique
  • Joining in the round
  • Yoke ~ Working Short Rows with German Short Rows, a method used to add shaping and dimension to your knitted fabric.

Session 3 –

  • Dividing for sleeves. Sleeve stitches are placed on hold to work the body top down.

Session 4 –

  • Picking up stitches for sleeves using Magic Loop technique or double-pointed needles
  • Sleeves are worked top-down, decreasing the stitches to the cuffs.

Session 5 –

  • Blocking and finishing techniques

Cardoon KAL Course £85 (5 sessions)

YARN

This jumper has been knitted in  Rowan Felted Tweed Dk, a  soft wool & alpaca yarn which comes in a range of beautiful tweedy shades.

I will be putting together yarn kits with your choice of 2 contrasting coloured yarns.

NB Yarns are not included in the course fee.

When you have booked your place, I will send you info with advice for choosing contrast shades for colour-work, stranded knitting.

Cardoon Yarn Kit: 

Size 1 & 2 £45

Size 1 35.25″ bust  Size 2 38.5″ bust

Size 3 & 4 £52.50

Size 3 42.50″ bust  Size 4 46.5″ bust

The pattern recommends 4″ of ease which describes the fit of the final jumper in relation to the size of the body wearing it. E.g. if you have a 34” bust and you knit a sweater with 4″ ease, the resulting piece will measure 38″ at the bust.

When you have purchased and downloaded your Cardoon pattern, you will be able to see more information about sizing.

OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

  • Needles

Size 3.75 mm 16″ (40 cm) and 32″ (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for neck CO, body and sleeve ribbing.

Size 4 mm 16″ (40 cm) and 32″ (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for body and sleeves.

The needle sizes are just suggestions and it may be necessary to adjust needle size to achieve correct tension (gauge)

  • Stitch holders or waste yarn,
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle
  • Blocking tools.

 

Dates and Booking Details will be coming shortly….