Learn to Machine knit with with our workshops and private lessons.

Workshops using the Domestic Machines

We are now very excited to announce that we offer group workshops to learn how to machine knit. From the very basics and set up of the machine through to garment making, partial knit and even a sock workshop where you will leave with a knitted pair of socks. These workshops are perfect for those who are interested in getting a knitting machine but no idea where to start, students who would like to delve further into techniques or those who just which to learn a new craft.

These workshops will be held every Thursday evening between 6pm and 9pm on Pollard Yard in the community hub. Run by Victoria, she will introduce you to the topic of the workshop, demonstrate how the machine runs or the specific techniques of that day and then allow you to delve into the wonderful world of machine knitting.

She will have available both Silver Reed knitting machines and Brother knitting machines, so you can either choose which machine you wish to learn on.

Depending on how popular the workshops are, weekend workshops may then soon become available.

All workshops are also available as a private 1-1 lesson. Please email hello@anotherknittedthing.com for more information.

  • Learn the very basics of machine knitting right from the beginning. Learn to cast-on, cast-off , stripe, adjust the tension and about needle placement. With this three hour session, you will leave with a new found confidence in working a knitting machine for the very first time.

    All materials are included within the workshop. Look at dates here.

  • Delving deeper into the workings of the machine, we will work with the punch card function of the machine to work with Fair Isle (floating Jacquard) patterning, Tuck, Slip and Weave techniques to give your textiles pattern, colour and some structure.

    An existing knowledge in the basics of machine knitting is needed for this workshop.

    All materials are included in the workshop. To look at dates, click here.

  • One of my absolute favourites, this beauty is the start of never ending possibilities! We will start with the very basics of partial knit and how it is used to then go on to develop more creative ways of thinking about the knit and it's potential. We can start to look into three dimensional knitting techniques also. Like I say.. never ending possibilities.

    An existing knowledge in the basics of machine knitting is needed for this workshop.

    All materials in this workshop are included. For dates click here.

  • One for you all who would like to learn how to make garments with your chosen techniques. With this lesson we will go through calculating tensions and drawing up a pattern and calculations for that desired shape.

    This workshop does not cover basic pattern cutting, however we do have a few patterns in house that you can use if you wish to put your new found knowledge to the test. To start we will work with smaller shapes that a full garment. It's quite some maths, but it's very logical when you put your mind to it!

    An existing knowledge in machine knitting is needed for this workshop.

    All materials are provided for this workshop, however only for small samples. If you wish to begin knitting a garment, the materials will be at an extra charge payable on the day. You are welcome to bring your own yarns.

    For dates please click here.

  • Learn the basics of lace and open needle structures with this three hour lesson. Learn how transferring stitches allow for lace to be incorporated into the knitting and create your own gorgeous lace techniques. Explore the technical elements of rebuilding stitches and working with floats across out of action needles.

    An existing knowledge in machine knitting is needed for this workshop.

    All materials will be provided. To see dates click here.

  • Learn how to knit a full pair of socks with this sock workshop, and head home with them pretty much ready to wear. This three hour workshop will introduce you to the mock hem, and teach you how to work the shaping over the heel and toe.

    Whether you wish to stripe or incorporate a punch card, your socks are completely customisable to you.

    An existing knowledge in machine knitting is needed for this workshop.

    All materials are included in this workshop. For dates please click here.

  • The gateway to programming knit at home. This little program will give you options to create all types of surface pattern from Fair Isle, Tuck, Slip, Jacquard (if you have a double bed) and shaping for garments and other shaped knitted pieces.

    There's a huge amount to it!

    Please note, this is currently only available as a 1-1 lesson and not a workshop. Please enquire directly if you wish to learn DesignaKnit.

Private 1-1 Shima Lessons.

Private 1-1 lessons working on the Shima Seiki machine and Apex programming software is now available. These lessons are beginner friendly and run over a whole day within my studio space. I am able to currently offer 3 different lesson types, from basic programming through the automatics of the software, to manual programming including an introduction to PAK files through to garment development and knitting out using the automatics.

Basic Programming

Starting with the basic layout of the software we will explore together the basics of the programming working through and knitting out some basic structures including Jacquards, ribs, link processes, cables, lace and tuck structures. These are worked with the automatics.

Basic Manual Programming

Here we will begin to develop some manual programming skills looking into (but not limited to) partial knit and the basics of PAK files to develop structures and Jacquards.

Garment Development

Within this 1-1 day we will program and knit out a whole garment for you to then take home. Starting with a swatch, we go through the process of calculating the garment notations before programming and knitting. Garments are knitted from block patterns I have provided therefore are currently more limited. If the garment is not finished by the end of the day, it will be finished by myself and posted to you.

All yarns will be included in the day’s 1-1 session along with all tea, coffee and biscuits.

You can see available dates for the Shima 1-1 programming here along with pricings and Terms and Conditions.

Just some boring Terms and Conditions about the lessons. Give it a read... just so you know.

  • Payment methods will be given at time of booking. An email is needed to send a confirmation email that the lesson has been booked. A second confirmation email will be sent once the full payment has been received with more information on the lesson you have booked.

  • Lessons need to be paid in full at least 24 hours before the lesson begins. If the lesson has not been paid for before the start, the lesson will not go ahead.

  • Cancellations of domestic machine lessons needs to be made at least 24 hours in advance. If less that 24 hour in advance, a 50% cancellation fee will be taken from the refund of the lesson. 

  • Deposits will be taken for full day domestic machine lessons with myself at 20% of the total value. Deposits will be taken at the time of booking and the lesson will only be confirmed once the deposit has been paid.

  • Students can receive 15% off any booking with a valid student ID or confirmation of studies letter. Student discount is only valid for domestic machine knit lessons.

  • All times are in GMT, UK time and will be confirmed with UK times. You are responsible for working to UK time if you are based in another time zone.

  • An additional £5 an hour will be included for working outside of the standard UK working hours (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). I will not accept bookings before 7am and after 7pm. Weekend bookings (Saturday and Sunday) are possible, however very limited times. They will include the extra £5 an hour. 

  • Yes I provide the biscuits with in person lessons. If I do not, you get £5 off your next lesson. All other expenses (travel, stays, etc) are not covered by myself.