This page provides a description of skill levels and techniques used in our classes and patterns. There are many ways you could breakdown techniques into skill levels; note that the way we determine skill levels is different than most other websites, designers, etc.
First, we’ve listed common techniques and broken them down into four levels. Following that are the descriptions of skill levels, including which techniques are used/taught in our patterns and classes for each skill level.
Level 1 Techniques
- simple cast ons
- long tail cast on
- backwards loop cast on
- knit-on cast on
- the knit stitch
- adding a new ball of yarn
- binding off
- weaving in ends
- simple seaming (the whip stitch)
Level 2 Techniques
- simple decreases
- knit two together (k2tog)
- simple increases
- knit front back (kfb)
- yarn over (yo)
- the purl stitch
- using knit & purl in the same row/round
- working in the round
- intermediate seaming
- mattress stitch
- three-needle bind off
- picking up stitches
- understanding the basics of gauge
Level 3 Techniques
- intermediate increases
- make one increases
- lifted increases
- knit front back front (kfbf)
- etc.
- intermediate decreases
- slip, slip, knit (ssk)
- knit 1, slip 1, pass slipped stitch over (k1, sl1, psso)
- center double decrease (cdd)
- etc.
- working in the round on smaller circumferences
- using double pointed needles
- using the magic loop method
- fixing simple mistakes
- fixing twisted stitches
- picking up dropped stitches in stockinette stitch
- tinking (unknitting, going back one stitch at a time)
- frogging and putting stitches back on needle
- putting stitches on hold
Level 4 Techniques
- advanced cast ons
- provisional cast ons
- stretchy cast ons
- tubular cast ons
- short rows
- wrap & turns
- german short rows
- grafting (the kitchener stitch)
- combining techniques to create patterns or lace
- cabling
- adjusting or designing patterns
- fixing complex mistakes
Skill Levels
Absolute Beginner
Patterns: Only uses level 1 techniques.
Classes: No experience necessary. Level 1 techniques will be taught.
Advanced Beginner
Patterns: Uses level 1 techniques, plus one or two techniques from higher levels.
Classes: You should be comfortable with all level 1 techniques before taking this class. Some techniques from level 2 will be taught.
Intermediate
Patterns: Uses both level 1 and 2 techniques, maybe also one or two from higher levels.
Classes: You should be comfortable with all level 1 and most level 2 techniques before taking this class. Techniques from levels 2, 3 and 4 will be taught.
Almost Advanced
Patterns: Uses level 1, 2 and 3 techniques, maybe also one or two techniques from level 4.
Classes: You should be comfortable with all level 1 and 2 techniques, as well as a few from level 3 before taking this class. Techniques from levels 3 and 4 will be taught.
Advanced
Patterns: Uses level 1, 2, 3, and 4 techniques and beyond!
Classes: You should be comfortable with all level 1, 2 and 3 techniques before taking this class. Some experience with level 4 techniques will help but is not necessary. Techniques from levels 4 and beyond will be taught.