Class - Intro to Cocoknits Sweater Method (Emma)

Pair this class with the Sweater Ready Basics class starting in October for in depth sweater planning and making journey. Find out more about Sweater Ready Basics class here.

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Join Stephanie for an introduction to the Cocoknits method. You must own a copy of the book Cocoknits Sweater Workshop, which is referenced in every Cocoknits sweater pattern. 

We will be using the Emma sweater/cardigan pattern (Versions A, B, or C) as a framework to practice and explore the techniques used by Cocoknits. Emma is a chunky or light bulky weight sweater that will work up fast and provide an excellent overview for any future Cocoknits patterns you may do in the future.

Who can take this class:

• First time sweater knitters are welcome.
• Experienced sweater knitters will find the Cocoknits method an interesting new approach to construction and will have the chance to further refine fit, size, and ease with Stephanie as the sweater progresses.
• Knitters must know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off confidently without assistance.
• Experience reading and following knitting patterns will be helpful.

Class Project:

Choose from:

• Emma Version A, a v-neck pullover
• Emma Version B, a boatneck pullover
• Emma Version C, a v-neck cardigan with a long hem (optional buttons, and optional lined pockets

Book & Pattern:

• REQUIRED - pattern book - Cocoknits Sweater Workshop
• If you do not own the book yet you may purchase the book and the class as a package and save $5.00 on the book (regularly $35). Please register by Oct 12 so that we can order enough copies.
• You can save even more on the book if you take advantage of our ongoing buy 1, get 1 half off print media sale. Mix and match with any book, magazine, pattern leaflet, or Doodle Deck to get 50% off one. (Discount applied to items of equal or lesser value.)
• If we are out of stock, we will be happy to apply the print media discount to a special order if you are also purchasing an applicable print media item at the same time. Order by Oct 12 so that have a copy for you by the time class starts.
• RECOMMENDED - supplemental Ravelry pattern Emma A & Emma B
• includes optional ribbed neckline finish for Emma version A (V-neck). 
• includes extended sizes (33.25-73.25” / 84.5-186.5 cm bust) 
• Extended sizing for version C is not explicitly included in the supplemental Ravelry pattern however the extended sizing can be applied to Version C (cardigan).

Class Schedule

Please note that the first 2 class meetings are held on a Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend. You will want to attend BOTH the Saturday and Sunday classes that weekend. (It will be easy to adapt to any missed classes after the first weekend.)

Also recognize that the first class meeting is a long one. Please pack a lunch or bring snacks to fuel you for the day. We will start at 10am and plan to stay as late as 3:30pm. A lunch break will be given sometime around noon depending on when it is logical to pause our progress. There are several steps that we want to be sure to get through on this first day.

Sizing

Emma Sizes in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop Book

S (M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)

A & B: Finished Bust: 33.5 (37.5, 41.5, 45.5, 49.5, 53.5)”
A & B: Finished Length: 17.75 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 22, 22.5)”

C: Finished Bust: 35 (39, 43, 47, 51, 55)”
C: Finished Length: 25.5 (27, 28, 28.5, 29.5, 30)”

Emma Sizes in Ravelry Supplement, Extended Sizes in Bold

1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10, 11)

A & B: Finished Bust: 33.25 (37.25, 41.25, 45.25) (49.25, 53.25, 57.25) (61.25, 65.25, 69.25, 73.25)”
A & B: Finished Length: 18.5 (20, 21.25, 22.75) (23, 23.5, 24) (25.5, 25.75, 26.75, 27.25)”

C: Extended sizing for A & B can be applied to Version C in class with help from Stephanie.
C: Finished Bust: Add about 1.5” to the Finished Bust of A & B.
C: Finished Length: Add about 5”-8” to the Finished Length of A & B.

Gauge

12 sts and 18 rows = 4” / 10cm square in St st on largest needles

Yarn

The Emma pattern is suitable for a wide variety of yarn types and yarn thicknesses.

There is only one stipulation, and that is, You must like the fabric your yarn creates when knit at a gauge of 12 stitches and 18 rounds = 4" in stockinette. We will discuss in class what to do if your gauge isn’t exact.

Yardage for Pullover Versions A & B

Long Sleeves

420 (490, 565, 645) (710, 764, 825) (915, 970, 1050, 1110) yds of chunky weight yarn (or any yarn you like that gets gauge)

Short Sleeves

315 (380, 450, 520) (575, 635, 695) (780, 830, 900, 965) yds of chunky weight yarn (or any yarn you like that gets gauge)

Yardage for Cardigan Version C:

Long Sleeves

720 (840, 960, 1150, 1250, 1350) yds of chunky weight yarn (or any yarn you like that gets gauge)

Some examples of yarns and yarn combinations to consider:

• Chunky weight or light bulky weight held alone. Similar to:
  • Universal Yarn, Deluxe Bulky Superwash - 100% superwash wool, 106 yds / 100g.
  • Plymouth Chunky Merino Superwash - 100% superwash merino, 123 yds / 100g.
  • Malabrigo Chunky - 100% merino, 104 yds / 100g.
  • Malabrigo Mecha - 100% superwash merino, 130 yds / 100g.
• Worsted weight or aran weight held double
• Worsted weight or aran weight held with mohair
• Worsted weight or aran weight held with suri alpaca
• Thinner yarns worked at a very loose gauge on large needles to give a gossamer or net like appearance. You can hold strands together or alone. Open and airy yarn choices like this are especially great for a short sleeve Version B worn as a layering piece over a camisole.

Remember that if you are holding multiple strands together you will need the yardage listed for each of your component yarns.

You can find additional yarn recommendations and view completed projects on Ravelry at the links below:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/emma-version-a

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/emma-version-b

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/emma-version-c

Needles

US 11 / 8 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge) circular needle 40” / 100 cm or longer (all Versions)
US 7 / 4.5 mm needles for working bind-off (all Versions)
US 0–3 / 2–3.25 mm dpn or any length circular needle for picking up stitches (all Versions)
US 2 / 2.75 mm circular needle, 40” for picking up Front band (Version C)
US 9 / 5.5 mm circular needle, 40” for Front band (Version C)

Notions

6 stitch markers in different colors
2 spare circular needles, scrap yarn, or stitch holders to hold Sleeve stitches
Tape measurer
Row counter(s) or counting chain(s) (optional)
11 buttons (optional), diameter: 3⁄4–1” / 2–3 cm (Version C)
1⁄2 yd / 1⁄2 m lightweight cotton fabric for pocket lining (Version C) (quilting fat quarters will work)

Pre-class Homework for Overachievers

Come to the first class with a gauge swatch.

Stephanie’s Recommended Swatch Instructions for Emma Sweaters:

1. Cast on no less than 24 sts. (more stitches = better swatch)
2. Knit no less than 6 rows to create a garter stitch edge on the bottom. 
3. Begin repeating Rows 1 (RS) and Row 2 (WS) until you have at least 7" of stockinette.
• Row 1 (right side): Knit to end.
• Row 2 (wrong side: K3, Purl to last 4 sts, K3.
4. Knit 6 rows to create a garter stitch edge on the top. Break yarn.
5. Block it - Wash or soak your swatch. It's best to handle your swatch the way you plan to launder and care for your finished sweater.
• Soak your swatch for 20-30 minutes. Use whatever washing product you will use to clean your sweater (we like Soak, a rinse-free delicate wash). Swish, squeeze, or agitate in the water bath the way you will when you clean your sweater. Rinse if required. Remove from bath. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Lay flat on a clean towel or garment drying rack. Reshape as needed while damp (do not use pins). Let the swatch dry completely! Leave it to dry another 24 hrs after you think it might be dry. "Almost dry" is not dry enough. Gentle air circulation can help speed drying.
• Machine wash only if you plan to machine wash your sweater. Please read your yarn label for care instructions and use your best judgement.
• Machine dry only if you plan to machine dry your sweater. Please read your yarn label for care instructions and use your best judgement.

Related Pattern Errata for the Book:

Version A (errata are corrected in the Ravelry Version)

SHAPE WAIST

On p. 64 in the Next Round (Hip Inc Rnd) paragraph

the second sentence should begin: “Repeat Hip Inc Rnd”

Version B (errata are corrected in the Ravelry Version)

To work the neckline

On p. 67, delete the stitch count from end of the Rnd 2 paragraph and add the following to last paragraph on page:

• After completing Worksheet, there will be 42 (48, 54, 60, 66, 72) Front sts and a total of 136 (156, 172, 192, 212, 232) sts.

SHAPE WAIST

On p. 68

•          Next Rnd (Hip Inc Rnd) should read 4 sts inc'd.

Version C - no Errata