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. This bundle includes the first 3 fundamental sessions plus one hour of private coaching with Olgalyn Jolly.
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.
The Designing with Kniterate bundle
includes the following three lessons plus a private coaching session.
1 — Intro to Knit Technology, Yarn Weight, and Programming a Welt
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.
The first session was presented live over Zoom and recorded.
2 — Basic Jacquards (Including Bind-Off Clinic)
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.)
3 — The Tuck Loop (Plus Plating Tips)
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.
Private Kniterate Coaching
A one-hour session is included in the Kniterate bundle to help you get started or clarify a particular technique or challenging area. A mutually agreeable time will be scheduled after purchase.
Your Questions Answered
I need help setting up and threading my Kniterate. Will that be covered in the class sessions?
Setting up and threading the Kniterate isn't covered in the regular class sessions. Information on setting up and threading the machine can be found on the Up and Running playlist on Kniterate's YouTube channel. Though I'll discuss machine settings that may have an effect on your knitting in the recorded classes, we'll be working primarily in the Kniterate design app. If you require extra help with setting up or threading after viewing the YouTube playlist, this can be covered during your private session.
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 hear there's an updated version of the Kniterate design app. Will we use that version?
At this time the Designing with Kniterate sessions primarily reference the design app located at preview.kniterate.com. What's important to remember is that though there will eventually be a more efficient way of programming some of the knitting operations, the principles of knit design remain the same.
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 examples.
Do you have any other session topics available?
Yes. The Decreases and Increases session is now available.
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.