Description ~ History of the Knitting Belt and Knitting Belt Class

This class begins with a talk on the general history of knitting belts, showing the straw and feather sheaths used before and how it is likely leather belts evolved. In this talk Janette will discuss their benefits and how they are used to allow walking and knitting, along with what life was like 100 + years ago when they began using leather knitting belts. Included in the talk are photos from the Shetland Museum and Archives Collection. Many thanks to the staff there.

The hands-on part of this class uses and step by step instructions on using the belt, first with 2 needles then moving onto knitting in the round with 3. Plus an opportunity to add a second colour to knit fair isle with the belt. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

Materials Needed ~ History of the Knitting Belt and Knitting Belt Class

• Knitting belt and long double pointed needles either 30cm or 40cm long. If you have both even better then you can work out which size is most comfortable for you. You can use any needle size and yarn you wish. Janette uses needle sizes 2mm up to 4.5mm.

• Yarn thickness of lace weight through to chunky. Feel free to use whatever you have to hand.

• Janette will be bringing 4ply equivalent Shetland wool yarn (jumperweight) for your 2nd colour to knit with.

• If using a different weight of yarn please bring your own 2nd colour.

• Let Craft Cruises know if you’d like to order a knitting belt or long DPN’s.  Belts cost £52 and can be ordered from Janette’s website from mid Nov 2023 onwards. Long DPN’s range in price from £3.80 for a set of 5 30cm needles to £8.80 for a set of 5 in the largest needle size in the 40cm length. International shipping costs are approx. £12-£18 tracked and £20-£26 tracked and signed (Global Economy if in Canada)  Shipping costs can be confirmed before ordering

Homework ~ History of the Knitting Belt and Knitting Belt Class

To see if using a belt makes a difference to your knitting tension or stitch definition, please bring a single colour piece of stocking stitch worked back and forth, 40 stitches x 20 rows, in whichever yarn weight and needles size you have to hand (either straight or circular but without using the knitting belt). Do not cast off the stitches.