Designing with Kniterate is presented as a series of 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. Learn more below.
Session 4
Shaping 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. (Note that you can continue to access lessons for the earlier version of the Kniterate design app at this time.) Both edge shaping and fully fashioned shaping with the Kniterate design app are presented.
One of the many features of the updated design app is the ability to export 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. 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 originates in the design app.
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 provides instruction for using the Kniterate tools and presents a strategy for decreases and increases with 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 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 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 with Original Pattern Drafting (1:03)
- Loading the DesignaKnit Text File in the Kniterate Design App (2:38)
- Simple Edge Decrease for Jersey (3:46)
- Basic Fully Fashioned Decrease for Jersey (8:45)
- Advanced Fully Fashioned Decrease for Jersey (4:54)
- Fully Fashioned Decrease for Cardigan Stitch (7:44)
- Setting Up for Increases (2:52)
- Simple Edge Increase for Jersey (0:58)
- Increase for Jersey with Kickback (3:58)
- Simple Edge Increase for Cardigan Stitch (1:34)
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.
You're not covering the information I need. Will there be other sessions?
In depth lessons covering advanced techniques will be offered at a later time. Please use the contact form and let me know what you're interested in learning.
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. You will also have access to updates. This is not a membership site, so there's no monthly fee, and you'll have access for the life of the course.
Which version of the design app does this course cover?
Updates for this course are in progress to reflect the newest version of the Kniterate design app located at editor.kniterate.design. For now you'll also find the lessons from the older version of the course for preview.kniterate.com. Latest updates for all DwK Sessions will be posted here. What's important to remember is that though many new features have been added to the updated design app, the principles of knit design remain the same.
Will you be providing kcode of various stitches?
No, I'll be guiding you through the process of making your own stitch patterns in the design app using design principles and proven strategies. I include selected native files (.buck) and cstack examples along the way.
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, and I've provided hours of private Kniterate instruction to these individuals and institutions.
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.