Class - Intro to Stranded Colorwork

Give stranded colorwork a try and make a cup or mug cozy.  This is a one time class for intermediate or adventurous beginners .  You must be able to knit, purl, and knit in the round. Pre-class homework is required.  Make a simple version, or push your boundaries and make a cozy that can be steeked in the upcoming Intro to Steeking class. 

Looking for a learning journey? These classes work well together and may be scheduled alongside each other:

• Intro to Stranded Colorwork (this class)
• Colorwork Doodles
• Intro to Steeks

Skills Required to take this class:  Students are expected to be able to complete the pre-class homework unassisted.  The homework includes knitting in the round, knit, and purl. Students may use double pointed needles, two circulars, or magic loop at their discretion.

Class Project: Make a cup cozy that incorporates stranded colorwork. (Please Note - If you are taking the Intro to Steeks class, the pre-class homework for the steek class is a special version of the cozy made in this Intro to Stranded Colorwork class. Follow the "Steeked" version of the class project and pre-class homework if you plan to register for the Intro to Steeks class.)  Finished Cozy Size:  Small fits 9″-9.5″ (Large fits 10″-10.5″) cup/mug circumference.

Pattern: Stephanie has designed a pattern just for class. The pattern for the class project is included in the class fee. A printed copy of the  pattern instructions will be distributed at class.

Yarn: Two colors worsted weight wool yarn. Use stash yarn or get 10% off regular priced yarn purchased for your class project.

• For best results, go for grabby non-superwash 100% wool or sticky wool blends. Consider yarns like Plymouth Galway, Plymouth Homestead, or similar.   
  
• Superwash wools can also work. Most of Stephanie's samples are made with Malabrigo Rios (a superwash merino), Plymouth Worsted Superwash Merino, and Plymouth Galway. 
• Blends like Berroco Vintage are also good options.

You will need about 25 grams total of yarn.  Use scraps if you have them.  Mix and match colors as much as you want.  For the best learning try to use two colors of the same yarn rather having 2 colors from 2 different yarn bases that seem to be the same weight. Avoid non-wool for this class (you can experiment with non-wool yarns after class).  Avoid smooth and slippery fiber blends. Wool, and high wool content blends will work best. If you have a choice between superwash and non-superwash wool, lean towards the non-superwash.

NO ALPACA - Please. Your instructor is allergic to Alpaca and may not be able to continue teaching if a reaction occurs. 

Gauge: 22 sts x 28 rows = 4″ x 4 ” in stockinette with stranded colorwork knitted in the round.

Needles: US 7 or size needed to obtain gauge.  Use double pointed needles or your preferred method for knitting a small circumference in the round. You can use a 9" circular, magic loop, two circulars at a time, or flexible double points like Addi FlexiFlips. This class will focus on techniques to juggle 2 strands of yarn at the same time for stranded colorwork, not methods for knitting small circumferences in the round, so choose the circular knitting method you feel most comfortable with.

Notions: Stitch markers.

Pre-Class Homework: There are 2 options below. The default option is for a simple cozy that is knit in the round. Those planning to join the Intro to Steeks class following this Colorwork Class, may choose to make the homework for the steeked version. (Get a printable PDF of pre-class homework here.)

Homework for Simple Version (Default, Non-Steeked)

Cast On 48 (52) stitches with your main color.  If you are using DPNs, divide your stitches across 3 or 4 DPNs for easy knitting.  Place a stitch marker to indicate beginning of round. Join in the round. Place stitch marker to denote Beginning-of-round and work 1×1 ribbing as follows:

Round 1 (RS):  (K1, P1) to end. Repeat Row 1 four more times. This results in 5 rounds of knitted 1×1 rib.  You may choose to extend your ribbing if you have an extra tall cup or mug. 48 (52) sts on needles.

Come to class with pre-class homework on the needles and ready to continue in class. Yarn should be ready to knit with. Please plan to have yarn wound ahead of time if needed. SEE YOU IN CLASS!

 

Homework for Steeked Version (for those who are taking the Steek class also)

Cast On 47 (51) stitches with your main color.  If you are using DPNs, divide your stitches across 3 or 4 DPNs for easy knitting. Do not join in the round. Work 1×1 Ribbing as follows (Ribbing is worked flat back and forth!)

Row 1 (RS):  (K1, P1) to the last stitch, K1.

Row 2 (WS):  (P1, K1) to the last stitch, P1.

Row 3 (RS):  (K1, P1) to the last stitch, K1.

Row 4 (WS):  (P1, K1) to the last stitch, P1.

Row 5 (RS):  (K1, P1) to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. 46 (50) sts on needles.

This results in 5 rows of knitted 1×1 rib.  You may choose to extend your ribbing if you have an extra tall cup.  If you extend your ribbing, be sure you always work an odd number of rows (i.e. finish with a RS row.)

Come to class with all colors of yarn wound and ready to knit with.  Although your homework is flat, you will be working in the round in class, so don’t forget your DPN’s, or circular needles, as well as your stitch markers. SEE YOU IN CLASS!

 

Abbreviations:

K             Knit

P             Purl

K2tog    Knit two together

RS           Right Side

WS         Wrong Side

DPN       Double Pointed Needles

STS         Stitches

CC          Contrast Color

MC         Main Color

Skill Level:	Intermediate
Skill Details:
Instructor:	Stephanie