STITCHED UP // Knitting for beginners [January 2026]

Always wanted to learn how to knit and whip up your own knitted project that isn’t a scarf?

Join Stitched Up for a 4 week beginners course learning how to knit to make your own scrap busters vest top. Over the weeks you will learn basic knitting skills for beginners including casting on and casting off, garter stitch, and how to knit stripes/changing colours.

Tues 13th Jan 6:30-8:30pm

Tues 20th Jan 6:30-8:30pm

Tues 27th Jan 6:30-8:30pm

Tues 3rd Feb 6:30-8:30pm

Week one will focus on the basics of casting on and off, tension, sizing, knitting terminology and making a start on your vest top. The remaining weeks will be spent under the expert guidance of Stitched Up facilitator Charlotte, following written knitting instructions and putting together your personalised vest top.

Some homework is advised to keep on track.

This workshop is all about using up scrap yarn and we will have a limited amount of wool available during the course but if you have a specific look in mind we encourage you to bring the correct wool for the project. Details can be found under the “Bring” section.

PLEASE NOTE this workshop takes place in the Spinning Room on the 3rd floor at Bridge 5 Mill, Beswick Street, Ancoats. This room has step free access and accessible by the lift on the premises.

Skills: Casting on techniques, tension, garter stitch, decrease stitches and shaping, changing colours, casting off and sewing up a completed knitted garment.

Level: Adult (aged 17+), Absolute Beginner. We also welcome beginners who have already started the basics but want to keep practicing with guidance.

Bring: We will provide some materials/wool required to create your project but as we rely on donations we can not guarantee enough for a complete garment - we recommend using multiple colours to bring in the scrappy element. Knitting needles will be available to buy however again we can not guarantee we will have enough for everyone prior to the workshop. **You will need** one pair of size 8mm (size US 11) knitting needles and a selection of CHUNKY/Double Knit (DK) wool (check the label for suggested needle sizes and match to 8mm).

CANCELLATION POLICY and FAQs

Where to find your wool;

Charity shops are a great resource for inexpensive wool for beginner projects but local craft shops also supply wool and can give advice on what they think would be best. Good places include Abakhan’s in the Northern Quarter, or Manchester Wool & Yarn in Stockport.