Overlocker techniques for Machine Knitters Workshop

We will work through the following topics:-

• Threading up for a 4 thread seam

• How to set the perfect tension
• Understanding the blade, stitch length and cutting width
• Finishing off techniques and unravelling
• Understanding how to use differential feed including gathering and working on machine knitted garments
• Wide and narrow 3 thread stitch and rolled hemming 
• Sewing round circles and curves
• Sewing round corners and slits

Time permitting, we may also try 2 thread if available on the overlockers on the day, flatlocking and tips for using machine knitting yarns on your overlocker including making trims, or you may decide to have a second more advanced day at a later date, once everyone has had time to put into practice all they have learnt.

Knitted Wire Jewellery Workshop

Spend a whole day creating unique machine knitted wire jewellery. You can choose to make earrings, a bracelet or a necklace – in fact there will be enough time to make all 3!

I will show how easy it is to design and make the jewellery and you will go home with your finished individual creations. Ideal for presents and light and easy to send through the post too.

Wire in all colours will be available for you to experiment with, as will be a huge range of findings to finish off your jewellery. Why not bring along a favourite outfit to make matching jewellery?

Although it would be best if everybody could bring their own machine (any single bed standard gauge), they can be shared (1 between 2). I can provide 2 machines if needed.
There will be a small charge for wire and findings used on the day.
Other related items will also be available for purchase on the day.
There is no requirements list, so just turn up on the day and enjoy yourself!

Sewing Machine Techniques for Machine Knitters

Spend a day learning a great deal about your sewing machine. Find out more about feet, accessories, needles, twin needles and thread and how to make your machine more user-friendly.

We will work through a series of practical examples including -

• assembling or altering garments showing different ways to stabilise and seam,
• cut and sew techniques using fusible nylon,
• combining fabrics with knitting,
• making buttonholes in knitwear.

Time permitting, we may also try some decorative techniques.

All examples can be done using a basic zig-zag machine.
Students will gain most by bringing their own sewing machine, however if this is not possible they can share with a friend.

Some preparation will be required and a requirements list will be sent.
There will be haberdashery and sewing machine related items for sale during the day.

Trims, Tassels and Tiebacks

Spend a day having great fun making tassels on your knitting machine!
Very quick and easy to make and the techniques learnt can be applied to other projects.
Erica will also bring her sewing machine and show you how to make trims from yarn which can be used to decorate your tassels and machine knitted garments.

All requirements will be available on the day except the yarn, so bring a selection with you.
Yarns which drape well work best, and chenille and viscose knitting ribbon will be useful too.

You could choose to select by colour eg. to match décor in your house eg curtains, cushions, paint colours etc.

• natural, neutral shades
• Xmas colours and some sparkly Lurex
• bright colours for children
• many shades of one colour

These are just some ideas - experiment!!

Knitting machines can be shared (1 between 2) - any standard gauge single bed machine.
No preparation required. A requirements list will be sent.

There will be a small charge for printed instructions and wooden shapes.
Other related items will also be available for purchase on the day.

See some tassels made during Erica's one day Tassel Workshop at Undy Yarns, November 2000, click here.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further details - I would be very happy to tailor-make the workshop for your club. Numbers are limited to 10 for all workshops.