From Gauge to Garment: Calculating Patterns with Julia Wilkens

Join Julia Wilkens for this hands-on workshop where you learn about calculating patterns throughout the garment process.
About this Event

When:

• SESSION 1: Saturday October 3rd from 18:00-19:30 (1.5 hours)*
• SESSION 2: Sunday October 4th from 17:00-18:30 (1.5 hours)*

*Both sessions must be attended to complete the workshop

Length: 3 hours total (two 1.5 hour sessions)

About the workshop:
Our knitted jumpers, hats, mittens and socks are made up of stitches and rows. Knowing how to calculate the right number of stitches gives you the freedom to adapt patterns to your own measurements, use alternative yarns or design fully developed knitting patterns for multiple sizes.

In this workshop, we look at how to measure a swatch accurately and how these measurements form the basis for calculating yarn usage, different sizes and design details. We learn how to calculate stitch and row counts for different sizes based on a knitted swatch.

We learn where to find reliable standard body measurements and delve into various grading methods such as percentage grading and ease-based grading, and when each method is most suitable. We also pay attention to sleeve construction details, including calculating the ratio for picking up stitches along armholes. Of course, we also look at how to calculate how much wool you will need for a project.

The workshop can be expanded with Sweater Design and Pattern Publication. Together, these three workshops form a solid foundation for designing your own sweater patterns. 

Class Level:

This workshop is intended for experienced knitters and beginner designers who wish to deepen their skills in seamlessly knitted sweaters or gain more confidence in designing their own sweaters.

Students are a somewhat experienced knitter, enjoy experimenting and are able to read and follow patterns. They are familiar with knitting swatches and use this (occasionally) for their knitting and crochet projects. Basic experience with Excel is an advantage.

What you will need :

• Notebook for notes and sketches

Between Sessions :

Between the two session, participants have the opportunity to do homework which can be discussed in the second session. This allows knowledge to be deepened further and participants to go home with a concrete result.

Cancellation policy:

Full refund up to and including the 28th September 2026. 50% refund up to 72 hours before the event. Less than 72 notice or no-show will be charged at full fee.

Location: Haarlemmerdijk 132-A, 1013JJ, Amsterdam. (Get directions here)

Stephen & Penelope reserve the right to cancel should the minimum capacity not be reached. In which case you will receive a full refund for the workshop. Stephen & Penelope are not responsible for any travel plans you make.