1×1 Rib Wonders

When learning to knit, the progression is often garter stitch, then stockinette, then 1×1 ribbing. We know what garter and stockinette do, but have you really explored the hidden potential of 1×1 ribbing? We will discover it is the basis for a variety of astonishing reversible fabrics. We will explore splitting and twisting techniques that create unusual 3-D sculptural shapes. We'll discover how to pick up to create ruffles and flaps, perfect for zipper insertions. We’ll learn the Y-increase, a knitting heresy that is bilaterally symmetrical with no leaning direction. And we will end by looking at the special properties and reversible nature of this ribbing, including cables, lace, intarsia; and its relationship to double-knitting. Come unlock the potential of a stitch pattern you already know!

Skill level is intermediate or adventurous novice.
Prerequisite: Students should already know how to work 1×1 ribbing.

What you will learn:
dividing and combining
reversible intarsia
ruffles & flaps (useful for zipper insertions)
Y-increase
a little bit of combination knitting (if time permits)

Maximum 20 students.

½ day workshop

Students receive a handout in booklet form. There is no pattern or project for this class.

No materials fee.

No homework.

Supplies:

• class yarn (smooth, non-splitting, light or bright or medium color)
• appropriate needles for working this yarn
• double-pointed needles

No special needs for the room set up. A whiteboard or flip chart is nice to have but not need to have. I have a projector if the facilities can accommodate it. Room set-up should be tables and chairs either facing forward or in a U-shape.

This class has been taught at
South Carolina Knit Inn, Greenville SC, February 2018;
Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Fletcher NC, October 2018;
Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, Pittsburgh PA, March 2019;
Unwind, Blowing Rock NC, November 2021;
Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival 2023, Pittsburgh PA.

Elements of this class were taught in "A Feast of Reversible Knitting," John C. Campbell Folk School, May 2024.