Designing with Kniterate is presented as a series of individual classes, 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. During the week following class, participants can pose questions in the comments area of the course platform. A video follow-up providing answers will be posted inside the course the following week.
Session 2
Note: This class includes a follow-up session and bind-off clinic, recorded on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Special guests at this session were Robert Ingemarsson and Tim Walpole of EcoKnitware.
Session 2 focuses on what many consider to be the easiest knit structure to develop in Kniterate — the double jacquard. The Kniterate's built-in cast-on module is the perfect start to knitting colorwork, up to 6 colors on a row.
In this class we'll explore developing a double jacquard design in the app, importing designs from external applications, and preparing files for jacquard knitting. We also explore some of the possible backings available for double jacquard that are built into the application.
For those who knit scarves and blankets, the Kniterate bind-off module is a great asset. But as with any machine with an automatic bind-off, the settings must be adjusted for your particular yarn and knitting project. In this session, we'll slow down the bind off, so we can see exactly how the it's accomplished. Then we'll troubleshoot any issues that occur in the live follow-up session.
This class uses the Kniterate design app located at preview.kniterate.com and is currently being updated to reflect the newest version located at editor.kniterate.design. The class assumes familiarity with the basic knitting functions, in particular knit and transfer. (If you need a review, please visit Session 1 of this series.)
Double jersey jacquard
Session 2 Topics
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 2 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 are completed.
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.
Upcoming Sessions
(Tentative)
The Tuck Loop - Uses and Limitations
Working with Multiple Transfers
Increases and Decreases
Basic Patterns Using the Miss or Float
Advanced Jacquards
Increasing Texture with Ripples
Adding Texture to Colorwork
Racking Used in Stitch Pattern Development
Stitch Libraries and Translating Stitch Patterns to the Design App
Suggest a topic
List of currently available sessions
Racking used in stitch pattern development (upcoming)
Increasing texture with ripples (upcoming)
Working with multiple transfers (upcoming)