Create custom afghans by mixing and matching your favorite motifs. Join the one and only Laura Nelkin for her sixth Craftsy class, and discover how to create mitered squares and octagons using a toolkit of stunning stitch patterns. Then, learn to bring them together for your own custom projects.
Class Sessions
Smarter Swatching & Project Planning
16:36
Meet Laura Nelkin and start class with some helpful approaches to selecting your yarn, from weights for the stitches you want to hues that really pop. Then, get a refresher on swatching to make sure you're using your fiber efficiently. Finish this lesson with Laura's fun and flexible pattern recipe; it makes mixing and matching stitches easy!
Mitered Squares
14:01
Make friends with mitered squares! Laura demonstrates how these knit squares can help join and fill out an afghan, before sharing three different methods for making them. Plus, see how to jazz up your squares for more eye-catching color.
Octagon Basics
24:51
What do you get when you use the centered double decrease and asymmetrical decreases? Eye-catching octagonal motifs! See each technique step by step, then move on to slipped stitches, elongated stitches and working a double decrease at the start of a row. Laura even shares how purl ridges and slipped stitches can create incredible texture.
Intricate Octagons
18:32
Tackle a fun twist in the classic basket-weave motif. It all starts with cables worked two ways! Laura moves on to even more stitch pattern fun with an elegant leaf motif that floats on a bed of stitches. Want to add lace to your afghan? Make it happen with stellar guidance for the Star Lace motif.
Construction & Finishing Techniques
18:57
With all these new motifs, you've got enough for a versatile design! Take a detailed look at how to lay out the final design, before Laura explains how your colors and textures will interact. You'll bring it all together with two methods for joins, and give your afghan an inviting finishing touch with some tasteful border options.
Customization Options
13:05
Want to use Laura's mix-and-match recipe for multiple projects? That's what it's made for! Follow along in the final lesson for easy tips sure to save you time. And for even more variety, see how switching out texture in your mitered squares and octagon motifs can make all the difference.
Your Instructor
Laura Nelkin
Laura Nelkin lives in upstate New York, where the sunny season is short, leaving plenty of time for knitting indoors. Though she has a degree in apparel design, she took to knitting years ago and hasn't looked back. Today, she finds herself fascinated with beads and lace. Laura teaches all over the country, runs mystery knit-alongs and has her own line of knitting kits and self-published patterns. You can find them online, as well as in her book, "Knockout Knits."
Bonus Material
Knitting Texture - Patterns
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
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If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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