Learn to Knit Colorwork

We teach this lesson plan at our recurring Intermediate & Advanced Knitting Class. Sign up for your first session here to get started on this project!

Ready to conquer colorwork and create something truly stunning? Join us for a colorwork hat workshop! In this two session class (with a couple free make-along sessions in between), you'll get hands-on guidance to help you master this intricate skill and knit a cozy, eye-catching hat. 

We'll be making The Ruthven Hat together, a pattern from Saskie&Co (previously ThePetiteKnitter). It's a beautiful pattern that is a perfect place to start your colorwork journey. After this class you'll have all the skills you'll need to tackle any size colorwork project you dream up! 

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate. If you know everything in the required experience section below, you know enough to take this class! You can read about how we determine skill levels here.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
You must be comfortable casting on, knitting, purling, working in the round, and making simple decreases (knit two together/k2tog). If you have knitted a one color hat (or something similar) before, you have enough experience to take this class!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Stranded colorwork techniques, why yarn choice matters for colorwork, controlling yarn dominance, corrugated ribbing (optional). 

LESSON PLAN

Session 1: Learn the basics of colorwork, cast on your project and learn corrugated ribbing.

Session 2: Learn shaping techniques, troubleshooting, make a pom pom for the top (optional) and how to finish your hat.

REQUIRED PATTERN
The Ruthven Hat by Saskie&Co. This pattern does not belong to the shop so you'll need to purchase it before your first class! 

REQUIRED YARN - available for purchase at the shop
Heavy fingering / sport weight yarn. Sample in photo used WoolDreamers Cautiva (186 yards / 50 grams). We recommend using an animal fiber, non-superwash yarn for this project. Other yarns are difficult to use for stranded colorwork (we will talk about why in class).

Total yarn needed: 195 [225, 250] yards / 180 [205, 230] meters.
Main color approx: 120 [130, 140] yards / 110 [120, 130] meters.

The amount of colors needed will vary depending on the number of colors chosen and how you choose to arrange your colorwork patterns.

REQUIRED TOOLS - available for purchase at the shop
US 6 (4 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular needle and matching double pointed needles (or your preferred needles for working in a small circumference in the round, like magic loop or FlexiFlips).