Knitting in the stitch below (K1B) can produce a variety of effects, including creating stunning vertical stripes with a thick, soft, and supple fabric while knitting with only one color per row or round. In this class, we will cover and practice the K1B technique to create the column stitch with both flat knitting and knitting in the round. The column stitch becomes vertical stripes when using two colors. Experimentation with variegated colors and textured yarns can add further interest and pizzazz. Suitable cast-ons and bind-offs for this soft, expanded fabric with be taught, as well as tips for attractive edges. Students will practice both versions of the technique, on a swatch for flat knitting and on a hat project for knitting in the round.
Two balls (25 grams each) of worsted-weight wool yarn in contrasting colors. One may be variegated if desired, with the contrasting color being totally different from any colors in the variegated yarn. DPNs 4mm/US size 6 (7” or 8” best) or 16” circular to practice technique in class. Bring another ball of worsted-weight yarn (10 grams) and US size 6/4mm needles to practice cast-ons. Also, one straight needle, US size 4 or size 3 needed. For hat, two balls (50 grams each) of worsted weight wool yarn in contrasting colors. 16” circular, size 6. 16”circular, size 5.
Optional: These swatches are for practicing bindoffs appropriate for K1B fabrics. The instructor will demonstrate the bind-offs; if students want to practice the bind-offs in class, they should prepare these swatches. Make five swatches. For each swatch: CO 20 sts, work 6 rows of stockinette stitch (Knit one row, purl one row, repeat these two rows three times). Leaving a 2-yard tail on swatch, place live stitches on stitch holder for easy transfer to working needle in class, or place all swatches on a long cable needle on size used to work them. "