“Design & Make Your Own Granny Square Sweater Course” is a 4 week masterclass which allows you to create a unique garment.
The course covers layout, shape, sizing and colour placement. Design your own sweater using the classic granny square pattern. We’ll cover different types of joining techniques from Join-as-you-go to the continuous Japanese method. Using either DK or 4ply/fingering weight yarn, you’ll learn how to get the right fit – whether you’re making the sweater for yourself or someone else.
Skill Level
Must be confident with basic crochet stitches and techniques – not suitable for complete beginners.
Course Location
Riverhouse Barn Art Centre
Studio (in courtyard at the back of the Riverhouse)
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PF
Course Dates
This is a 4 week course, running on Monday daytimes.
Week 1 – Monday 18th March 2024 12:30am-2:30pm – Introduction & preparation
Week 2 – Monday 25th March 2024 12:30am-2:30pm – Introduction & preparation
No classes for 2 weeks – EASTER HOLIDAYS – this time allows you time to get all your motifs made.
Week 3 – Monday 15th April 2024 12:30am-2:30pm
Week 4 – Monday 22nd April 2024 12:30am-2:30pm
Cost
- £85 for 4×2 hour sessions & exclusive online resources.
Please note : the cost of materials are not included in the course fees.
Expectations
The purpose of the course is to teach you how to plan out and implement the design, get you started with the project, as well as cover some of the other key elements of making a granny square sweater. It is up to you whether you go at your own pace or attempt to complete the sweater over the 6 week time span. It goes without saying, that you will need to spend time outside of the class making the motifs and other elements of the sweater.
Below is a rough guide to the curriculum, this may vary depending on how quickly we get through things and how much help people need for their individual designs.
Week 1 : Introduction and overview of the types of sweater you can make. Joining techniques. How to swatch.
Week 2 : Using your swatch to plan & design your sweater layout.
2 Weeks over Easter: no classes – you’ll be using this time to make the bulk of your motifs.
Week 3 : Neck shaping & seaming
Week 4 : Cuffs and hems. Finishing techniques.
Materials Required
How much yarn will I need? – Unfortunately, it is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. If you already know what yarn you’re using, please bring it to the first class. If not, the first class will help you decide. During week 2 we work out the precise quantities.
How many colours? – I recommend at least 5 colours, but you can use more or less depending on your personal preference.
Yarn thickness – my preferred yarn thickness for these kinds of sweaters is 4ply/fingering or sock weight yarn because they are very wearable and have good drape. However, you can use DK weight yarn but please be aware that this will create a reasonably bulky and very warm garment. I do not recommend yarn thicker than DK as it makes a very bulky, boiling hot sweater that has no drape.
Yarn composition – I would strongly recommend natural yarns such as wool or cotton or blends thereof. Or at least yarns with less than 20% nylon/synthetic material. Acrylic yarns do not work very well in these types of garments because the yarn has no stitch memory and poor drape. Additionally, I try to discourage the use of acrylic since it’s a product of the petro-chemical industry, is toxic to manufacture and leaches microplastics in to the environment.
What to bring to the first class? – When you sign up, you’ll receive more information about what’s required on the first session.
Hooks – You’ll need the correct hook size for your yarn. This will range from 2.5mm to 4mm depending on your yarn choice, personal gauge and again, this is discussed in the email when you sign up and the first class.
Course Size
Currently the course size is limited to a maximum of 8 students.
Student Resources
I have a dedicated student resource page with a login (which you’ll receive once you’ve signed up) where you’ll find all the class notes and useful videos to watch at your leisure.
Course Sign Up & Payment
Bookings are only secured with the receipt of a full payment. If you have any problems paying, please message me through the “Contact Me” page.
SOLD OUT
Please email me if you want to be placed on the waiting list.
Important – Cancellation Policy
I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy otherwise I am no longer able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 11/03/24, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to the venue or me cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.