Designing with Kniterate is presented as a series of individual sessions, each focusing on stitch design fundamentals and core knitting concepts as they relate to the Kniterate knitting machine. Each session will encourage a couple hours of independent study and exploration.
Session 1
The newly updated Session 1 introduces the basic principles of knitting technology; that is, how the fundamental knitting stitches are made on the machine. We then move onto yarn weight, yarn conversions, and selecting the correct yarns for the Kniterate.
After a walkthrough of the design app, we set up the stitch arrangements necessary to create a 1x1 rib and a basic garter ridge stitch pattern. Transferring stitches from the front bed to the rear and back again and adjustments to settings are presented. We cover cast-on, waste knitting, and dropping the swatch from the machine.
This newly updated session with its videos, technical notes, and reference file, provides a solid introduction to Kniterate's command stack and practice designing in layers. It also introduces importing a text file from DesignaKnit 9.
This first session is especially for those with little or no machine knitting experience. It's also a good fit for those with a machine knitting background but lacking experience with machine knitting software.
The original version of this first session was presented live over Zoom and recorded on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Lessons for the older version of the design app remain available at this time.
The garter ridge stitch, 2x1 rib welt, and 1x1 rib welt are presented in this course.
Session 1 Topics
- A Quick Walkaround (3:42)
- Basic Knitting Operations (13:33)
- Yarn Weight (8:43)
- Starting a New Design in the App (3:06)
- Stitches for 1x1 Rib and the Transfer to Jersey (6:49)
- Stitches for Garter Ridge (7:01)
- Adjusting Settings and Repeats (8:47)
- Waste Knitting and Cast On (4:04)
- Drop Off, Checks, and Compiler Settings (2:41)
- Command Stack and Reference File
Hello, I'm Olgalyn Jolly. And yes, I knitted my sweater on my Kniterate!
With decades of experience in machine knitting, ranging from design work to sweater production to teaching at the college level, I'm still learning new things. My specialty is taking the complexities of machine knitting and breaking them down into readily understandable, core concepts.
I've taught knitwear design and machine knitting at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Parsons School of Design in New York City. I enjoy providing online demonstrations of the Kniterate and answering the questions of potential purchasers.
For three years I've applied my prior machine knitting knowledge to the act of developing stitch patterns on the Kniterate. I can honestly say Kniterate is my favorite machine!
I look forward to teaching you what I've learned about designing and knitting with this machine.
Your Questions Answered
I need help setting up and threading my Kniterate. Will you cover that in the class?
No. Though I'll help with machine settings that may have an effect on your knitting, we'll be working primarily in the Kniterate design app. Information on setting up and threading the machine can be found on the Up and Running playlist on Kniterate's YouTube channel.
Which version of the design app does this course cover?
This course covers the updated design app located at editor.kniterate.design. Lessons for the older, still active, design app remain available within this session. Updates for all sessions are posted here. What's important to remember is though many new features have been included in the updated design app, the principles of knit design remain the same.
You're not covering the information I need. Will there be other sessions?
Yes, there will be other sessions, once updates have been completed.
I thought double jacquards were easy to knit on the Kniterate. Why aren't jacquards the topic of the first session?
Lessons for double jacquards, as well as single jacquards with floats (a.k.a. Fair Isle) are currently being updated.
I selected the topics of this first session based on the questions I receive the most from those who've already developed and knitted double jacquards and from those who don't want to knit a double jacquard.
How long will I have access to the lessons?
Once a session is posted, you'll be able to review it at your own pace at any time. This is not a membership site, so there's no monthly fee. I plan to update the sessions after the design app is updated. There are no plans to remove the course.
Will you be providing kcode of various stitches?
No, that would defeat the purpose of the class! I'll be guiding you through the process of making your own stitch patterns in the design app using design principles, proven strategies, and screenshot and native file (.buck) examples.
Do you work for Kniterate?
I am not an employee of the company. I was an early bird backer on Kickstarter and was later contracted by the company to provide virtual tours of the machine and the design app to potential purchasers.
Over the last couple of years several Kniterate owners and users have approached me requesting lessons, and I've provided hours of private Kniterate instruction to these individuals and groups.
I created Designing with Kniterate independently to help Kniterate owners who may need help getting started with their designs. The Kniterate is an awesome digital knitting machine and I'm still learning and exploring the possibilities. I believe it's not necessary to take advantage of all the machine's capabilities, but it's wonderful if you have the foundation and a set of skills to do so.
Not ready to register? Waiting for an upcoming session?
I'll keep you updated and let you know when the next session opens. Sign up here.