Designing with Kniterate

Session 1 introduces the basic principles of knitting technology; that is, how the fundamental knitting stitches are made on the machine. We'll then move onto yarn weight, yarn conversions, and selecting the correct yarns for the Kniterate.

After a walkthrough of the design app, we'll 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 will be 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.

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 assumes familiarity with the basic knitting functions, in particular knit and transfer. (If you need a review, please visit Session 1 of this series.)

The tuck is one of machine knitting's basic operations. In Session 3 we'll cover the tuck loop's properties, its effects on knitted fabric, and how to use the tuck with Kniterate.

We get started with two basic tuck patterns — the cardigan and half cardigan stitches. We'll move on to two-color variations of the cardigan stitch. Next we'll combine a couple of basic stitch structures to create a couple of advanced stitch patterns.

Included with this session are transitions from the Start Module to the new stitch patterns and I introduce a new welt for one of the advanced patterns. We end with a strategy for working around the tuck stitch limitations on the Kniterate.

Tucks can indeed add wonderful texture to your knitting. For even more depth, instructions for using Kniterate's plating slit are also included.

This class assumes a basic familiarity with the design app. If you need a review, please visit Session 1 of this series.

Shaping is an essential part of knitwear design and is considered an extensive topic. One of the many features of the updated 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 command stack necessary for knitting a sweater in the Kniterate design app. With videos, technical notes, and reference files, we cover the sequence of fully fashioned 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.