Workshop for anyone at UCL: How to Knit

Tuesday 16 November 2021 10:00am - 11:30am

Book from Friday 5 November at 4pm

In this workshop for complete beginners, you will learn how to knit. At its most basic, knitting is a textiles technique which creates fabric by repeatedly looping a single thread with two needles.

You will learn the following skills:
- how to cast on (start a knitting project)
- how to knit plain and purl (the two different knitting stitches)
- how to find free knitting patterns online
- how to read knitting patterns
- how to select yarn for your project
- how to find learning resources online to continue your knitting journey

This making workshop is organised in recognition of UCL's self-care week, and is open to anyone at UCL. In recent years knitting has been studied, particularly by occupational therapy research, for its health benefits, which are thought to include strengthened social bonds, reduced anxiety and low mood, relief from chronic pain, and improved communication skills. Many knitters recommend the rhythmic making process for its calming and meditative nature.

Don't be fooled by the fuzzy nature of knitted materials however; knitting communities are far from a soft touch. These textile makers have a reputation for activism, including environmental action, anti-Trump protests, anti-racist action and community support. Cultures all over the world have their own knitting traditions and the process dates back at least one millennium, with the earliest knitted materials found in Egypt.

HOW TO BOOK: You will need to register as a member of the Institute of Making in order to book this workshop, which is open to all staff and students at UCL. Once registered, you can book this workshop. You will also receive email notification of upcoming events and news, which you can opt out of at any time.