Domestic Machine Knitting for Beginners (two days)

Thursday and Friday 10 am - 4 pm, two days (July course)

Monday and Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm, two days (August course)

Indicative maximum class size: 8

This course offers intensive instruction on domestic knitting machines.

It’ll introduce you to thinking creatively about using a machine at home or at work, and how to exploit the equipment to produce a range of samples.

Secure your place with a deposit

If you're booking two months or more before the course starts, we can accept a £100 deposit to secure your place.

The balance is due one month before the course starts.

Course Description

The course will focus on producing work with a contemporary perspective. 

It’s ideal for people just starting out or in a need of a refresher.

It is also useful for anyone considering our more advanced Ribber for Domestic Machine Knitting course.

You might be returning to machine knitting after a break, or a student/graduate looking to add machine knitting to your CV and portfolio.

Anyone who is interested in textiles and crafts and considering investing in a domestic machine will be very welcome.

During this course you will:

• learn the basics of machine knitting, and experiment with yarns
• be introduced to more advanced stitches to explore texture, colour and weight
• receive personal attention to ensure your skills are developing
• access our stores so that you can work with yarns that might be new to you.

What will you gain?

By the end of the two days, you will have created a number of samples for fashion or home projects, and have the inspiration to continue knitting for pleasure or professional development.

Level: Beginner

Entry requirement: No experience is required.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the Bonington building at the City Campus, our dedicated art and design hub.

You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the knitwear studio and yarn store, using our domestic machines.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Here's what our previous attendees said:

‘I wanted to learn the basics as I've never used a knitting machine before. I've learnt different techniques I hadn't expected to cover and I feel that I could attempt some projects on my own now too. Thank you to Jane, she is very friendly and patient - I didn't feel daft asking about the basics!' LC

‘I'm interested in possibly getting a knitting machine and have learnt what the machines are capable of - I most enjoyed the practical applications of the project. Good course, well instructed and enjoyable. Thank you!' ML      

‘I chose this course as I wanted a refresher in the basics and learn better ways of doing things. I enjoyed all of it and would do it again if I had the time. Perfect course for beginners and those needing a refresher' AU

‘I've had a knitting machine for over 30 years but have never got to grips with the complexity of it. I now understand how to cast on, cast off, do a mock hem, stripes and punch card knitting.' AH

‘I got to know the machine knitting basics and found out which machine I'd like to buy. I have now got the skills to get started' MH  

Tutor profile: Dr Jane Taylor has been teaching knitwear design for 17 years, initially at UWE in Bristol and more recently at NTU.

She moved up to Nottingham in 2010 to embark on an MA course at NTU, impressed by the universities’ extensive  knitwear resource - and never left, going on to do a PhD.

Jane has developed her knitting skills to be able to programme and run computerised, industrial machinery; however, she relishes the opportunity to get back to working with her hands on domestic machines.

Any questions?

Contact the short course team:

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2813