Knitwork Design Workshop – Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
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WORKSHOP INFO

Location:
Colaisde na Gàidhlig/ The Gaelic College, 51779 Cabot Trail, St. Ann's, Nova Scotia
Date:
June 13, 2026 - June 13, 2026
Instructor(s):
Barbara Kelly-Landry
Fee(s):
Fee: $60.20 + HST (Members) | $70 + HST (Non-Members)

Knitwork Design Workshop

Knitwork Design Workshop
Date: June 13, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Instructor: Barbara Kelly-Landry
Fee: $60.20 + HST (Members) | $70 + HST (Non-Members)
Location: Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College (51779 Cabot Trail St. Ann’s, Nova Scotia)

In this one-day design workshop, students will learn how to make intentional design decisions, understand the relationship between materials and structure, and apply general design principles to a wide range of knitted garments. They will learn how to make modifications and receive an introduction to pattern-making and design software. The workshop uses a toque style hat in natural fibres as the foundation for exploring knitwear design.

**All students should be proficient in basic knitting techniques, including: cast on, knit, purl, K2tog (right-leaning decrease), and SSK (left-leaning decrease)

Schedule:

  • Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
  • One-Hour lunch provided by the Gaelic College
  • Two 15 minute breaks

Materials to bring:

  • Participants must provide their own needles and yarn
  • Needles:
    • 3.5mm, 3.75mm, and 4mm circular needles (16″/40cm)
      • OR equivalent sizes in double pointed needles (5″ or longer)
  • Yarn:
    • Natural fibres preferred
    • DK or worsted weight (standard weights 3 or 4)
    • Solid colours only (no variegated yarns)

Topics Covered:

  • Wool size and needle size
    • Understanding tight vs. loose knitting and the importance of gauge
  • Basic knitwear design principles
    • Design as a series of decisions
  • Target hat wearer
    • Design constraints, head circumference, hat depth, positive/negative ease
  • Choice of yarn
    • Matching fibre characteristics to the wearer and the design
  • Yarn characteristics from a design perspective
    • Variegated yarn, colour pooling, drape
  • Stitch motif selection:
    • Lace, cables, plain, rib, textured patterns
  • Physical structure of the hat
    • Cast on options, ribbing choices, body structure, decrease styles
  • Modifying preexisting designs
    • Making designs that work for you and your yarn
  • Introduction to pattern making and design software
    • Tools for personal use

A one hour virtual followup session will be offered two weeks after the workshop for participants who would like additional guidance

Barbara Kelly‑Landry is a professional knitter, designer, and spinner specializing in historic knitting and spinning techniques. She has worked for over 40 years with Parks Canada at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, where she brings traditional textile arts to life through hands‑on demonstrations and historical interpretation. Her passion for historical textile arts is reflected in her published work in Spin Off Magazine and Piecework Magazine. Barbara is also the designer and pattern maker for the Cape Breton Sweater Project. 

(How to become a member with Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design)

Advance registration for members begins April 7

General registration for non-members begins April 20

To register, email jocelyn@capebretoncraft.com or call 902 539 7491 ext. 111

For more information, email rhonda@capebretoncraft.com

Payment can be made in person, by phone, or e-transfer to info@capebretoncraft.com with password: capebretoncraft