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 several hours of independent study and exploration. Click here for the Designing with Kniterate bundle or scroll down for more info on Session 4.
Session 4
Shaping is the process of making the width of a knitted piece wider or narrower. It is an essential part of knitwear design and is considered an extensive topic. The newly updated Session 4 introduces shaping using the Kniterate design app located at editor.kniterate.design. Both edge shaping and fully fashioned shaping with the Kniterate design app are presented.
One of the many features of the Kniterte design app is the ability to import shapes directly from popular design program DesignaKnit 9 (DAK9). Session 4 covers this new capability as well as the other preparatory steps for knitting a sweater, such as determining gauge.
Next, we build the stack of commands required to knit a sweater in the Kniterate design app. With videos, technical notes, and reference files, we cover the sequence of shaping and bind-off macros for the neckline, underarms, and sleeves. This sequence will apply whether the sweater is drafted in DAK9 or the newly introduced Kniterate Template Editor.
Session 4 assumes familiarity with the basic knitting operations on the Kniterate. While this class cannot provide shaping for every stitch pattern and every situation, this class offers instruction on using the Kniterate tools and introduces a strategy for decreases and increases in single knit and basic rib fabrics. Please expand the Session 4 Topics below to view the full list of lessons.
Collared v-neck, set-in sleeve sweater (one-third scale) fully fashioned on the Kniterate, using the shaping commands in the Kniterate design app
Hello, I'm Olgalyn Jolly. And yes, I knitted this 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.
Be sure to expand the Session 4 Topics menu to view the preview lesson Shaping the Armhole and Neckline with Jersey Decreases.
Session 4 Topics
- Preparing a Gauge Swatch with a Stitch Pattern (3:30)
- Calculating and Entering Gauge (1:18)
- Integrating Stitch Design and Sweater Pattern with Stitch Designer (2:21)
- Exporting a Plain Sleeve Pattern from DAK Original Pattern Drafting (1:03)
- Loading the DesignaKnit Text File in the Kniterate Design App (2:38)
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 editor.kniterate.design. Just as the older version of the design app will remain available, the older version of Designing with Kniterate will remain available for the time being. Latest updates for all sessions will be posted here. What's important to remember is that though many new features are added to the design app, the principles of knit design remain the same. Designing with Kniterate will provide a solid foundation.
You're not covering the information I need. Will there be other sessions?
Yes. Currently, The Racking Workshop offers advanced racking tutorials for intermediate and advanced machine knitters, providing specific information for Kniterate knitters, along with downloadable files.
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 as 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, tool guidance, proven strategies, along with screenshots and native file (.buck) examples. In many cases, you will need to modify the files for your particular yarn and needs before compiling them into kcode.
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 few years, several Kniterate owners and users have approached me requesting lessons. I've provided hours of private Kniterate instruction to 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 continue learning and exploring the many 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 strong 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.