A4336 - Creative Essentials: hand knitting - foundations

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Start Date: 03/11/2026      End Date: 01/12/2026        Start Time: 18:30      End Time: 20:30        Hours per Week: 2.00      No of Weeks: 5
Fees:      £80.00 (tuition)     £141.00 (overseas)     £34.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Martha Garland        No of Places: 5
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
This short five week course introduces the core structures and techniques used in hand knitting through clear, step‑by‑step instruction. Learn how to cast on and cast off, knit and purl, and work basic increases and decreases, practicing each technique through structured sampling and small, manageable projects.
You will learn how knitted fabric is formed, and practice accuracy and build confidence through repetition. You may choose to develop a personal stitch reference library for future use or apply techniques to simple items such as garments, decorations, toys, or household textiles.
The course also introduces the practical and community value of hand knitting, exploring how handmade items can contribute to charity or community projects in a considered and purposeful way.
This course forms part of the Essentials Repeat Pathway, allowing you to return to consolidate techniques, build confidence through repeated practice, and progress steadily to more complex knitting skills and patterns.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Use basic hand‑knitting techniques confidently, including casting on, knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing, and casting off.
* Recognise and create common knitted structures, such as stocking stitch, garter stitch, ribbing, and simple textured patterns.
* Produce small knitted items suitable for personal use, gifting, or charitable and community projects.
* Develop a personal stitch library by recording stitch patterns, techniques, and notes for future creative reference.
* Apply basic pattern‑making principles to design a simple knitted item, understanding size, shape, and stitch choice.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
None – this course is suitable for all levels of learners
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
You will need to bring a note book and pencil to the first lesson.
Basic equipment and materials will be provided. Your tutor
will give your more information on materials you will need
to bring for future classes, such as a wider range of yarns, colours or needles and therefore should be prepared to purchase some of your own should you wish.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and where you can set your own learning goals and monitor your own progress.
You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.
Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
Prosp User 12
At the beginning of the course the tutor will carry out an initial assessment to help identify the level of experience, knowledge or skills in this area.
The tutor will also carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.
You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning and end of the course.
Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course to you will help you work to your full potential.
At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
This course forms part of the Essentials Repeat Pathway, allowing you to return to consolidate techniques, build confidence through repeated practice, and progress steadily to more complex knitting skills and patterns. Please see our website 'Idea Store - Learning' for further information or speak with your tutor.
Your tutor will support you in researching these and other courses outside of Idea Store Learning.
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
We have high expectations regarding attendance and punctuality. We expect 100% attendance for all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to start learning at the start of the class.
We acknowledge the rare occasions when that will not be possible, please inform us before the class by emailing ideastoreadmin@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.
If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course.
If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email.
Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
Prosp User 14