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
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 transfers and the stitch arrangements necessary to transition from the Kniterate start (waste yarn) module to successful 1x1 and a 2x1 rib welts. The next steps are transferring to a plain jersey and developing garter ridges in the design app.
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. In this class we use the Kniterate design app located at preview.kniterate.com. This class is currently being updated to reflect the newest version of the app located at editor.kniterate.design.
The original version of this first session was presented live over Zoom and recorded on Saturday, February 12, 2022.
Garter ridge, 2x1 and 1x1 rib welts are covered in Session 1
Session 1 Topics
- Introduction (4:29)
- Starting a New Design in the App (9:14)
- Stitches for 1x1 Rib and the Transfer to Jersey (8:39)
- Painting in Stitches for Garter Ridge (4:04)
- Changing the Settings for Speed, Roll Distance, and Stitch Size (5:51)
- 1x1 Rib, Garter Ridge Settings (Screen Capture, Notes, Buck File) (0:42)
- Validate, Compile, Save (1:19)
- Discussion (8:13)
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 serving as a Kniterate "ambassador" providing demonstrations of the machine online .
For almost 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 design app located at preview.kniterate.com and is being updated to reflect the newest version of the Kniterate design app located at editor.kniterate.design. Just as the older version of the design app will remain available, the current version of this Session 1 will remain available as the session is updated. Latest updates for all sessions will be posted here. What's important to remember is that 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?
Yes, double jacquards are relatively easy with this machine and most people start designing and knitting those first. In fact, the Kniterate start module has the perfect setup for a double jacquard. If you need guidance with double jacquard, take a look at this video and this one, too.
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.
In the future I will do sessions on single jacquard with floats (a.k.a. Fair Isle), preparing designs for jacquard, and on double jacquards with alternative backings.
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.