Knit Alongs

What is a Knit Along?

A knit-along (KAL) is a social event where knitters come together, in person or virtually, to work on the same knitting project simultaneously. KALs focus on a specific knitting project and agree to start and finish it within a designated timeframe. In our case, we’ll be starting on May 19th, 2024 and it will be ending on July 21st, 2024.

Throughout the KAL, participants share their progress, ask questions, offer advice, and support each other through online forums and in-person gatherings like our guild meetings. KALs are so fun, not only because you can create a finished item but because they provide an opportunity for knitters of all skill levels to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared passion for knitting.  

Knitted squares by Tonna S.

Projects

  1. Knitting 101 In Person Class: Little Notions Felted Purse.
    • Download the pattern HERE
  2. If you’re a complete beginner, don’t miss our in person class on Sunday 5/19 from 2:00-4:00. You will learn everything you need to know to make a felted coin purse and start the KAL.
  3. KAL: Project bag made of squares with various patterns. Every week, a new knitting stitch or tip will be revealed along with a tutorial video. Make sure to check the tabs named “week 1”, “week 2”, etc.

Details

  • Level: All levels welcome. Great KAL for beginner knitters or those wanting to refresh their knitting skills.
  • Start & End Dates: The KAL will start during our regular guild meeting on Sunday 5/19/24, 2:00-4:00PM and will end on 7/21/24.
  • Written instructions, charts, tutorials and a Q&A will be provided through our West Alabama Fiber Guild Discord server. Make sure you request to join if you haven’t done so.
  • New KAL participants can join anytime before 7/14/24 and get access to all instructions and tutorials.
  • We will do in person check-ins to answer questions and offer support during our regular guild meetings during social hour (1:00-2:00 PM).
  • Please contact us if you have any questions or need help joining our Discord server.

Knitting 101 Objectives

Through the knitting 101 in person class & KAL you will learn how to:

  • Cast-on and bind off
  • Basic stitches: Knit stitch, purl stitch, yarn over.
  • Basic increase: Knit 2 together.
  • Knit stockinette and garter patterns as well as other knit and purl patterns.
  • Learn how to knit an applied i-cord edging.
  • Adopt proper tension techniques.
  • Read your knitting
  • Measure your gauge
  • Follow a written pattern
  • Block your project
  • Join two pieces of knitted fabric together

Pattern: Felted Project Bag

You may find the entire pattern for the felted project bag here.

Materials

Yarn

Coin purse: 50 yards of worsted weight yarn in at least one light color (white, cream, beige or pastels). You may bring a contrasting color for the border.

Knit along tote bag: A total of 300 yards of 100% wool (non-superwash) worsted weight yarn in two different light colors. If you have questions about what kind of yarn to buy, please contact us.

Yarn Suggestions with links to purchase:

  1. Cascade 220 worsted yarn, NOT superwash, please.
  2. Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted. NOT superwash, please.
  3. Wool of the Andes Worsted NOT superwash, please.
  4. Kelbourne Woolens Germantown
  5. Sandnes Garn Peer Gynt

 Wool Yarn Alternatives

If you have a wool allergy or prefer to knit with plant fibers, you can still knit the projects and just skip the felting.

Note: A 100% cotton yarn will work but will be hard on the wrists. A cotton blend might work better. If knitting with cotton yarn, bring a pair of size 6 needles as well as gauge will likely be looser than when knitting with wool.

Wool Free Suggestions:

  1. Knit Picks Shine Multi Worsted  
  2. Valley Yarns Goshen

Needles

  • US #7 or #8 (4.5 mm) straight (preferred for complete beginners) or circular wooden needles. Note: Sturdy and smooth wooden needles are better for complete beginners as they’re less slippery and give you more control.
  • US #6 (4mm) straight wooden needles if you have a very loose gauge or are knitting with a cotton blend yarn.
  • Suggestions:
  • Straight needles: Best for complete beginners or those who don’t want to deal with circular needles. Knitpicks Radiant size US #7 for $8.99. They’re smooth and sturdier than most bamboo needles, the latter can bend and break more easily.
  • Circular fixed needles: Lykke Indigo 24” circular needles for $10.99 are a great option for a beginner. They’re sturdy, the wood is smooth, and the tips are pointy enough to easily grab stitches. Additionally, the cables are strong and do not tangle; the joins are smooth and strong. Good long-term investment. Knitters Pride Circular needles for $9.99 are another good choice.

Notions

  • Removable stitch markers
  • 1 tapestry needle.
  • Scissors

Image: Squares ready to be joined. Picture and work by LauFresa.