Knit Tricks Class Plan

By Rebecca Wat

This lesson plan includes outlines for seven classes, each focusing on one stylish yet simple project.

  1. Easiest Way to Knit Designer Gloves #1
  2. Easiest Way to Knit Designer Gloves #2
  3. Easiest Way to Knit a Designer Bag
  4. Easiest Christmas Gift
  5. Knit the Most Versatile Poncho: Ruffled Poncho
  6. Cardigan Poncho
  7. Knit the Easiest Vest: Big Border Vest

Easiest Way to Knit Designer Gloves #1
Fur Cuff Gloves

Class description:
In this class, you'll learn everything you need to know to knit a pair of stylish fingerless gloves. The stitch pattern is simple and the finish is quick and easy. Basic knitting skills required (cast on, bind off, knit, purl.)

Approximate class time:
One two-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students would probably finish one glove in class and be able to make the other one at home.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 1 ball Jaeger Matchmaker, 1 ball Plymouth Foxy, One pair size US 5 (3.75mm) and US 15 (10mm) needles.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers should make a sample (at least one glove).

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p. 68-69, demonstrate how to:

  1. Knit the stitch pattern
  2. Knit the fur cuff
  3. Finish (where and how to sew)

Easiest Way to Knit Designer Gloves #2
Picot Edge Gloves

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to knit a pair of stylish fingerless gloves. The stitch pattern is simple and the finish is quick and easy. Basic knitting skills (cast on, bind off, knit, purl) required.

Approximate class time:
One two-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students would probably finish one glove in class and be able to make the other one at home.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 2 balls Rowan Harris 4 Ply in different colors, one pair size US 3 (3.25mm) needles.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers should make a sample (at least one glove).

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p.72, demonstrate how to:

  1. Knit the Picot Edge
  2. Continue the pattern with contrasting color yarn
  3. Finish (where and how to sew)

Easiest Way to Knit A Designer Bag
Check Pattern Bag

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to knit a stylish designer bag. The stitch pattern is simple and the finish is quick and easy. Basic knitting skills (cast on, bind off, knit, purl) required.

Approximate class time:
One one-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students will learn the very basics of knitting a bag and be able to expand that knowledge to design and knit a bag in any size they want.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 1 ball of any yarn with 3.0 gauge, One pair size US 11(8mm) needles, one pair bag handles 6” x 5”

Advance Preparations:
Teachers should make a sample.

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p. 78-79, demonstrate how to:
Note that the bag can be easily converted to a different size. Teachers can briefly mention how to make the bag bigger.

  1. Knit the stitch pattern
  2. Sew on the bag handles
  3. Finish (where and to sew)

Easiest Christmas Gift
Ruffled Neck Scarf

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to knit a stylish neck scarf that can be worn with or without a brooch. The design is very clever and the pattern very easy to learn. Basic knitting skills required.

Approximate class time:
One two-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students would probably finish half of the project in class and be able to do the other half at home.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 1 ball Manos del Uruguay Wool OR 1 ball Rowan Kid Classic, One pair size US 9 (5.5mm) and US 11 (8mm) needles, a stitch holder.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers should make a sample.

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p. 64-66, demonstrate how to:

  1. Knit and join the layers of ruffles
  2. Make the two keyhole openings

Knit the Most Versatile Poncho #1
Ruffled Poncho

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to knit a stylish poncho that can be worn in many different ways. The Ruffled Poncho is knit like a rectangle and shaped by simply changing from larger to smaller needles. Basic knitting skills required.

Approximate class time:
Two 1½-hour sessions.

What each student will get:
Students will learn how to make ruffles, borders, button-holes in the first session, work as much as they can at home, and learn to finish the project in the second session.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 3 balls Cascade Pastaza, 1 ball Tahki Stacy Charles Donegal Tweed, One pair size US 6 (4mm) and US 8 (5mm), US 10 (6mm), and US 11(8mm) circular needles.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers can choose to make a full-size or miniature sample.

During the class:

Session 1:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p.16-17, instruct and demonstrate how to:

  1. Knit the ruffles (make a small sample with fewer stitches)
  2. Knit the borders
  3. Make buttonholes

Session 2:

  1. Answer questions and trouble shoot any problem students have
  2. Knit neck ruffles
  3. Finishing (where and how to sew)

Knit the Easiest Poncho #2
Cardigan Poncho

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to create a stylish poncho from a knitted rectangle. This pattern is so simple and easy. Any beginner knitter can do it.

Approximate class time:
One 1½-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students will learn how to make ruffle borders, buttonholes, and simple finishing techniques.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 3 balls Anny Blatt Fine Kid, one pair size US 6(4mm) and US 11 (8mm) needles.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers can choose to make a full-size or miniature sample

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p.12-13, demonstrate how to:

  1. Knit ruffles (by changing needles)
  2. Make buttonholes
  3. Finish the garment

Knit the Easiest Vest
Big Border Vest

Class description:
In this class you'll learn everything you need to know to create a stylish vest. The Big Border Vest is knit like a rectangle and shaped by simple single ribbings. Basic knitting skills (Cast on, Bind off, Knit, Purl) required.
Any beginner can do it.

Approximate class time:
One 1½-hour session.

What each student will get:
Students will learn how to create a vest from knitted rectangles and some basic finishing techniques.

Project supplies:

  • Required text: Knit Tricks! by Rebecca Wat
  • Material: 3 balls Malabrigo Merino, 3 balls Filatura di Crosa, One pair size US 11 (8mm) and US 15 (10mm) needles.

Advance Preparations:
Teachers can choose to make a full-size or miniature sample.

During the class:
Following the instructions in Knit Tricks, p.52-53:

  1. Show how the vest is constructed
  2. Show how to knit border
  3. Show how to knit single ribbings
  4. Finishing (where and how to sew)

!