Workshops

Learn how to knit with our workshop that is perfect for complete beginners! You'll learn all the basics: how to knit, purl, put stitches on your needle (cast on), finish up (cast off), change yarn in the middle of your project, weave in your ends, and how to read the information that comes on a ball of yarn.

You will then progress to basic increase and decreases, and learn how to read a basic pattern.

By the end of the session you'll be able to knit a scarf and basic hat. Honest! You will!

Beginners will learn all the basics, “warts ‘n’ all” including the “knitty gritty” stuff, plus tricks of the trade and cheats.
Learn how to:

• make foundation chain
• crochet with straight edges
• crochet in the round
• make pot holders
• make traditional granny squares
• change colour expertly and
• lots more!

By the end of the course you’ll be crocheting fluently & with confidence, reading patterns and hooking like a pro

A 6 hour class held over two consecutive Saturdays 

Learn the basics of knitting: 
How to cast on. 
Basic stitches such as knit and purl. 
How to cast off. 
Increasing and decreasing. 
How to add new colours to make stripes. 
Stitch patterns such as rib, basket weave and garter eyelet. 
Some basic pattern reading. Also, start your first knitting project! 

Texture can be applied in all aspects of crochet and is a great way to make an otherwise plain design more interesting. This workshop will inspire and teach a variety of creative ways to bring appeal to your crochet using a selection of textured stitches and elements. During the day we will be working on a sampler bag incorporating a variety of different cables and stitches to use as an accessories case or purse after the workshop is finished.

Heike is a tutor, designer and blogger, who specialises in both knitting and crochet.

All materials are included as part of the workshop to complete the purse.

A special 10% discount voucher is also included. This can be used once in store off any purchases.

This is a fun workshop with the aim of helping participants to have the confidence to play with their crochet techniques and work in a more freeform way. Participants will make a small crochet piece without the aid of a pattern, which they could use as a key charm, bag decoration or brooch. Various techniques will be shown including bullion stitch, frills, loops and beading.

Get hooked on crochet with Helen Jordan.  You’ll learn the basic stitches in order to make your very first granny square in this fun and informal workshop.  You’ll have lots of time to practice and benefit from Helen’s expert tuition.

Included: all materials & crochet hooks, light refreshments 

You need to bring: yourself & your lunch! There are lots of food outlets within very short walking distance of the shop if you prefer to buy your lunch

: Learn how to do felting the easy way.
Felt is ideal for bags, cosy slippers, table mats
Knit a tension square. Felt it by sticking it in the washing machine at 40 or 60 degrees and see how much it shrinks. It’s a great way to use up loads of yarn! (although not all of it felts)
On this course you’ll learn how to choose suitable yarn, work out patterns and have loads of fun.
Bring 10mm needles if you can find them (don’t worry we have some in stock). Techniques to make slippers, matts or bags.
 

We are absolutely delighted that Nathan Taylor aka ‘The Sockmatician’ is coming back to Craft Days! We had a fabulous workshop with him earlier in the year and had to disappoint many of you as it filled up so quickly. Now is your chance to try the technique of Double Knitting for yourself!

Double Knitting is worked using two colours and you end up with a double thick fabric with the pattern worked in the reverse colours on the other side e.g. if you create a pink heart on a white background, the other side will have a white heart on a pink background and the two sides will be connected. During the workshop you will make a coaster and you will need to bring about 20g each of 2 colours of dk yarn and size 3.75mm and 4mm needles. (Your tension may be different from normal). You need to be confident with knitting stocking stitch and it is a good idea to practice the ‘two colour long tail cast on’ before the class! (See Nathan’s YouTube video)

Nathan is great fun and a brilliant teacher. He was leaping around making sure everybody was happy. He posts a popular knitting blog and is determined to teach everybody Double Knitting, one knitter at a time! We will also be running an Advanced Workshop on Saturday November 4th.