Arts, Crafts & Hobbies

Knitting Courses: Learn to Knit and Take it up as a Hobby

Considering a Knitting Course? 

If you want to take up a hobby that will allow you to relax and escape your mind, while also creating beautiful crafts, a knitting course may be the perfect choice for you. A knitting course will teach you all you need to know to knit beautiful garments. It allows you to get creative and meet new people too. The good news is there are tons of knitting courses currently available. They offer great flexibility for those leading busy lives too. Knitting courses are available in part-time and evening class options, in person and online.  

A Brief History of Knitting 

Knitting is believed to have originated in the 5th Century in the Middle East and travelled to Europe with wool traders soon afterwards. Interestingly, the examples of early knitting from Egypt are actually made from cotton fibres as opposed to wool. Most of them have Arabic blessings knitted into them or symbols to ward off bad luck. In the 14th Century, the knitted textile form was used by fishermen to make warm, weatherproof, woollen jumpers for tips to sea. By the 16th Century, knitting machines were used to knit hosiery for the elite classes.  

Soon, knitting became a local industry in the Highlands and Scotland, hiring men in factories to knit stockings that were exported to the rest of Europe. Soon, jumpers, bags, shawls, hats and other kinds of knitwear were available in the market. The first knitting loom was built in 1816 and woollen mills were set up to create more expensive garments. The first woollen textile factory was set up in 1853 by Eugene Rodier. By the 20th Century, knitwear began a staple of mainstream fashion. With the introduction of cardigans, jersey dresses and jumpers by fashion labels, knitwear was regarded as fashionable, practical and a modern choice for both men and women. 

What Will I Learn? 

Each knitting course varies depending on the course provider and the level of the course, however, there are some topics you can expect to learn about in almost any knitting course. Therefore, you will learn the difference between the various man-made and natural fibres and how to choose the appropriate fibre and yarn. Also, you will also learn how to read a yarn label so that you can easily and correctly choose yarn for your knitting. You will be introduced to the tools used to knit and learn how to identify the correct tools for various projects. In addition, you will also explore how to make stitch markers, how to cast yarn onto your needles and about cast. You will learn different kinds of stitches and different knitting techniques. Not to mention, you will learn how to finish your knitting neatly by weaving in the ends. The course may also cover how to do crotchet and make felt. Your course may also provide you with a knitting kit. 

If you’re serious about doing a knitting course, check out courses near you in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.