Domestic Machine Knitting for Beginners
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£295
- Start Date(s): 4 August 2025, 4 October 2025, 21 February 2026, 18 April 2026
- Duration: Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm, for two weeks or Monday and Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm, two days
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
4 - 5 August 2025, Monday and Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm
4 - 11 October 2025, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
21 - 28 February 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
18 - 25 April 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
This course offers intensive instruction on domestic knitting machines.
It’ll introduce you to thinking creatively about using a machine at home or at work, and how to exploit the equipment to produce a range of samples.
The course will focus on producing work with a contemporary perspective.
It’s ideal for people just starting out or in a need of a refresher.
You might be returning to machine knitting after a break, or a student/graduate looking to add machine knitting to your CV and portfolio.
Anyone who is interested in textiles and crafts and considering investing in a domestic machine will be very welcome.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
‘I wanted to learn the basics as I've never used a knitting machine before. I've learnt different techniques I hadn't expected to cover and I feel that I could attempt some projects on my own now too. Thank you to Jane, she is very friendly and patient - I didn't feel daft asking about the basics!'
‘I'm interested in possibly getting a knitting machine and have learnt what the machines are capable of - I most enjoyed the practical applications of the project. Good course, well instructed and enjoyable. Thank you!'
‘I chose this course as I wanted a refresher in the basics and learn better ways of doing things. I enjoyed all of it and would do it again if I had the time. Perfect course for beginners and those needing a refresher.'
‘I've had a knitting machine for over 30 years but have never got to grips with the complexity of it. I now understand how to cast on, cast off, do a mock hem, stripes and punch card knitting.'
‘I got to know the machine knitting basics and found out which machine I'd like to buy. I have now got the skills to get started.'
'I enjoyed the whole course! I think it was well balanced and I’ve learnt enough to do on my own.'
'I have a knitting machine at home, and I've always wanted to learn how to use it. From doing this course I've gained confidence, and it was really great to have a knowledgeable tutor on hand to answer queries and troubleshoot.'
'Excellent course! The tutor’s enthusiasm was evident and she explained the concepts very well. I have already bought a knitting machine and am looking forward to its arrival and a lot more learning!'
What you’ll study
During this course, you will:
- learn the basics of machine knitting, and experiment with yarns
- be introduced to more advanced stitches to explore texture, colour and weight
- receive personal attention to ensure your skills are developing
- access our stores so that you can work with yarns that might be new to you.
By the end of the two days, you will have created a number of samples for fashion or home projects, and have the inspiration to continue knitting for pleasure or professional development.
Here's an overview of what you'll cover:
E-wrap cast-on
Casting on in waste yarn and making a turned-up hem
2-coloured stripes
Introducing textured stripes through changing stitch tension
Creating stitches manually
Creating shape by decreasing and increasing
Partial knitting
Binding off
Creating tuck stitches using the ‘Russell levers’
Creating tuck stitches using a punch card
Punch card patterning: Fairisle, mock lace, slip and weaving
Lifted stitches
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University City Campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 10 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
After the course, you will be able to progress onto the Domestic Machine Knitting for Improvers course.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the knitwear studios, with domestic knitting machines and space to work on your projects.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No experience is required.
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £295.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first day:
- Notepad and pen
- Scissors
- Any images or examples of knitted fabric that inspire you, for discussion
- Knitting machines (Brother or SilverReed) are provided but you can bring your own machine and manual if you prefer.
Let us know by email before the course if you already have a domestic machine, and if so, what make it is.
If you have a preference on the machine you use on the course, pelase let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
4 - 5 August 2025, Monday and Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm
4 - 11 October 2025, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
21 - 28 February 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
18 - 25 April 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all fashion, textiles and costume short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813