Level 2, 7822-13 course

Prepared in seven modules and consisting of two units:

Unit 1 - Design for Craft is common to all schemes at this level. It introduces you to design basics such as colour, texture, shape and style suitability, which you can incorporate into your craft.

Unit 2 - Craft. In this unit you will gain practical skills in the techniques, processes and materials involved in hand knitting and collate information on knitwear designers and current trends. You will sample the main stitch types along with the all-important finishing and making-up techniques. You will demonstrate these skills in two assessment garments, a sweater and a cardigan / jacket, which can be knitted from commercial patterns.

The C&G Level 2 Hand Knit Textiles course is ideal for those who have done some knitting and are keen to extend their skills and explore different stitch techniques.

You will begin to integrate design ideas in your knitting, e.g. using colour and texture to enhance stitch patterns and simple decorative paint techniques to enhance your presentation.

You will produce work for the following assessments:

Core unit - simple art/design work to enhance your knitting.

A folder of knitted samples and collected information.

Ten specific knitted samples.

Two garments: a sweater and a cardigan.

Each module is split into 'lessons', consisting of notes, photographs, step-by-step instructions (where needed) and exercises. The exercises ask you to sample different techniques / stitches and these usually leave the choice of yarn up to you.

You return your completed module work for assessment and will receive comprehensive and constructive written feedback on your work.

Hopefully you will get to meet your tutor at one of her informal student meetings at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London or City Gallery in Birmingham.

Module 1: Focusing on Texture, explored in yarn and stitch. Also sampling all the basic getting started techniques - casting on / off, selvedges, tension, blocking and pressing. You begin a study on fibres / yarns and outline the equipment used in knitting.

Module 2: Colour, from theory basics to using inspiration to devise unusual colour combinations for knitting stripes and slip stitches. Start collecting information on knitting trends and well known designer-makers.

Module 3: Increasing, decreasing, shaping and sampling a variety of different stitches that use these techniques. Explore mark-making and line and Swiss Darn and embroider onto knitting.

Module 4: Looking at shape and pattern and how these can be developed into design ideas for a cushion. Sample Intarsia (picture knitting) and Fair Isle stranding and weaving techniques. Use stitch-related graph paper to chart an Intarsia motif.

Module 5: Sample stitches that twist, cross, travel and cable. Experiment with 3-dimensional Form taken into knitting using I-cord, pom-poms and fringes. In preparation for assessment garments think about body shapes and style suitability

Module 6: Make simple working drawings and sample garment techniques including necklines and seams. Choose a pattern and yarn for the sweater assignment, then knit / make up the sweater and evaluate the process.

Module 7: Sample different methods of openwork and lace knitting. Sample buttonholes, bands and pockets in preparation for the cardigan assignment. Select pattern and yarn for the cardigan and knit this. Complete the Ten Samples for assessment. Collate the trends / designers information. Evaluate the course.

The average time to complete a module is eight to twelve weeks, depending on your personal circumstances and available time.

Payment Options: Pay £90 for the first module, work through it and pay for the next module when you submit module 1 for assessment, all subsequent modules are paid for in this way.

Level 3, 7922-06 course

Prepared in eleven modules and consisting of two units:

Unit 1 - Design for Craft is a general design unit common to all schemes at this level. Aimed at developing your creativity and giving you a working knowledge of the jargon and techniques used by designer-craftsmen. You will sample a variety of technique and media and design assessments are based on explorations of colour, texture, line, shape and form.

Unit 2 - Craft. You will produce samples of all the main stitch techniques and processes and build up a comprehensive reference portfolio. The emphasis with 7922 is on personal creativity and the assessment pieces (a sweater, a cardigan / jacket, an accessory and an item for interior use) will be made to your own designs and patterns. You will collate information on fibres and yarns and on knitwear designers and current trends.

The C&G Level 3 Hand Knit Textiles course is ideal for more experienced knitters who want to taketheir skills further and develop their own designs and knitting patterns.

There is a general design unit, it gives a good grounding in designand explains the jargon. Try a variety of materials and techniques and use these to explore and communicate your ideas.

You will produce work for assessment:

A portfolio of knitted samples.

A folder of knit-related information.

A fashion accessory (scarf, shawl, hat, belt, bag, jewellery).

An item for interior use.

A sweater.

A cardigan.

A folder of samples of art / design techniques.

Five design projects, based on Colour, Texture, Line, Shape and Form.

There are 11 modules, each split into 'lessons', consisting of notes, photographs, step-by-step instructions (where needed) and exercises. The exercises ask you to sample, and experiment with, a variety of techniques / stitches and these usually leave the choice of yarn up to you.

You return completed module work for assessment and will receive comprehensive and constructive written feedback on your work, as well as suggestions on how you might further progress your ideas.

Module 1: Focusing on Texture, explored in yarn, stitch and artwork. Sampling basic techniques - casting on / off, selvedges, tension samples, blocking and pressing; begin a study on fibres / yarns with wool; outline the tools / equipment used in knitting; Health & Safety.

Module 2: Colour - theory and exercises; using inspiration to devise unusual colour combinations; striped knitting; slip-stitches; hems; yarn study: animal fibres; start collecting information on knitting trends and well known designer-makers.

Module 3: Increasing, decreasing, shaping and sampling a variety of different stitch types that use these techniques; Swiss Darning and embroidery onto knitting; yarn study: silk; selecting inspiration; experimental mark-making; expressive Line; Rhythm and Movement in design; printmaking.

Module 4: Intarsia (picture knitting) and Fair Isle strand / weave techniques; using stitch-related graph paper; yarn study: cotton; explore organic / geometric shape and formal / informal pattern and use these to develop original design work.

Module 5: Sample Aran-type travelling and crossing stitches, understand how these are developed and can be adapted; added-on knitted embellishments; yarn study: linen; use PVA and paper manipulation techniques to explore 3-dimensional Form; look at body shapes and style suitability for designing knitwear.

Module 6: Modular / patchwork knitting; picking up stitches; short row shaped colour blocks; appliqué; decorative seams; yarn study: viscose; decorative paint effects - spattering, sponging, stencilling; etc.; creating void and removing colour; devising Design Briefs; Working Drawings; from inspiration to stitch - developing design ideas; assignment: Item for Interior Use.

Module 7: Sample different methods of creating openwork and lace knitting - ladders, elongated stitches, slits and slots, eyelets, faggoting, knitted lace; yarn study: man-made / acrylic; cut paper designs; storyboards and linking; the design process - from inspiration through experimentation to design ideas; using the Elements and Principles of Design; Space and Mass; Balance; begin the first design project.

Module 8: Taking measurements; drafting basic body blocks; toiles; exercises in writing knitting patterns; identification of sleeve styles; from inspiration to stitch and designing knitwear; sample techniques including round, V and square necklines; seaming, grafting; short row shaping shoulders; yarn study: yarn styles; design brief for garments; scale and proportion; Fibonacci; produce design work for the assessment sweater.

Module 9: Decorative / rever / shawl collars; plan / pattern-write / knit / make up the assessment sweater and evaluate the process; illustrating knitwear / presentation; photocopying as a design tool; perspective; second and third design projects.

Module 10: Drafting a raglan block; pattern-writing for raglans; buttonholes; buttonbands; pockets; reversible stitches; bead knitting; knitting with wire; decorative trims and edgings; fringes and pom-poms; Fashion Accessory assignment; fourth design project.

Module 11: Gores and godets; knitted pleats; knitted skirts; batwing sleeves; sideways knitting; cardigan / jacket assignment; fifth design project; collate the trends / designers information file; information on knit trade shows and colour / yarn predictions; evaluate the course

The average time to complete a module is eight to twelve weeks, depending on your personal circumstances and available time.

Payment Options: Pay £90 for the first module, work through it and pay for the next module when you submit module 1 for assessment, all subsequent modules are paid for in this way.