They’re not just for gauge any more: swatching and blocking are two of the most essential elements of couture knitting and are used to manipulate knitted fabric, to effect its hand, drape and texture, to refine the fit of the knitted garment and to ensure its longevity. This workshop explores how the individual knitter’s tension, the information gleaned from swatching, and the use of non-traditional blocking techniques combine in couture knitting to create knitted fabric with characteristics similar to those of its woven cousin. Discussion also focuses on how swatching and blocking serve as the knitter’s analogue to the dressmaker’s fitting muslin and steam iron in refining the fit and appearance of the garment.
In large measure informational rather than focused on skill acquisition, the workshop does, however, require considerable knitting in preparation for the session; the prepared swatches then form the basis of the class discussion.
1 day / 8 hours per day
Fee: $165
Scheduled: by special arrangement only.