Workshop: Upcycling clothes with Yarn & Knitting Techniques
How long is the class? 2.5–3 hours
Who is the class for? Beginners to intermediate knitters, eco-conscious makers, craft enthusiasts
Your instructor: Emily Jackson, a self-taught knitter, with a degree in bookarts, specialising in recycling and upcycling knitting materials. Based in SouthEast London, but lived all over the world, nearly always with a project on her knitting needles in her purse. If you would like to get in touch with her to book a private or group class, her contact info: instagram: @inkyclouds and website: https://emilytjackson.xyz
Objectives of the class: Introduce participants to the concept of upcycling and how yarn and fabric can be introduced to create new uses or repair of garments. Demonstrate how everyday textiles (old clothes, fabric scraps, leftover yarn) can be transformed into useful and decorative items.Teach simple knitting techniques that are accessible to all skill levels.
What you need to bring: Bring an item or two to embellish or remake into a new object, as well as any embellishments/sparkly thread etc you want to use, some will be provided as well.
What we'll do during class:
- Cut t-shirts into continuous yarn strips.
- Tear fabric into strips for “yarn.”
- How to weave yarn to fix a hole or embellish a shirt
- Unravel an old knitted item.
- Participants prepare their own upcycled yarn to use in the workshop/ prepare their object to be embellished
- Cast on and knit stitch review (with a focus on chunky yarns for quick progress)
- Troubleshooting common mistakes
- Tips on combining yarn weights/colours when using scraps yarn
Participants choose from a simple project:
- Coaster/placemat – using t-shirt yarn.
- Headband/scrunchie – using mixed yarn scraps.
- A hanging plant holder – using t-shirt yarn and macrame techniques
- Make pom-poms from leftover and scrap yarn
- Hanging candle holder
- Embellishment or repairing of a garment (Darning, Tassels, fringe)
100 percent of proceeds will profit Under One Sky, a charity supporting the homeless in London: www.underoneskytogether.com , check them out to see how you can be involved as a volunteer!
