This class is part of our Mill Open Weekend celebrations.
Understanding the maths that goes into writing a knitting pattern can open up a whole new world of creative opportunities to modify patterns to better fit your body, or even turn your own design ideas into a fully graded knitting pattern. And you don’t have to be a mathematician to learn how!
A crash course in everything Sophie’s learned about pattern grading in her knitting design career, this workshop will delve into the maths behind top-down sweater patterns, from swatch to finished garment.
Beginning with the basics of knitting tension and industry sizing standards across an inclusive size range, we’ll then look at different top-down sweater construction methods ranging from compound raglans to modified drop shoulders. From there, we can play with different textural elements and pattern repeats to give you the tools to start translating your own ideas into your knitting. We will also explore different options for modifying existing patterns by adding short rows, waist shaping, and bust adjustments.
Date: Sunday 7th June, 2026
Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm - 3 hours. Please arrive 30 mins before event starts.
Location: The Mayor's Parlour, South Molton Town Hall, EX36 3AB
Price: £55.00 including materials
Skill Level Information: Ideally, participants will have experience knitting top-down sweaters and be familiar with different construction methods (e.g., raglan, drop shoulder, circular yoke). However, no prior knowledge of working out knitting tension or pattern grading is required.
What is included? Worksheets with the basic formulae for grading, along with schematic illustrations of different construction styles. You will also receive a voucher for a beverage of your choosing from the pop-up MOW café.
What do students need to bring? Participants will get the most from the workshop if they bring a laptop or tablet with spreadsheet software to set up a grading spreadsheet, but this is not required. A tape measure will be useful and if you have a specific idea you want help grading, please bring along a swatch but other swatches will be available to work from.
Tutor Bio:
Sophie is a full-time knitwear designer based in Hampshire, and knitting has slowly but surely taken over her life since she first picked up a set of needles in 2019. She loves playing with different textural motifs and construction methods, and finding new ways to express herself through knitting.
Instagram: @the_knit_purl_girl | YouTube: @the_knit_purl_girl | Ravelry: the-knit-purl-girl
