Knitting 101               Thursdays, January 28 & February 11    6:00 – 7:30 pm                 $35

Want to learn how to knit! Join us for this 2-part class. You will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off as well as many other knitting basics. There will be homework between the two classes!Materials: All materials will be provided. Skill level: No experience necessary.

Bianca Wrap Knit Along       Tuesdays, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 8, & Mar 22 6:00 – 8:00 pm

FREE as long as you purchase your materials at Backstitches

Slip this wrap around your shoulders and you will instantly feel elegant. This wrap from Blue Sky Alpaca is perfect for Spring and if you knit it along with us, it will be ready just in time! This makes a great Mother’s Day or Best Friend gift. Yarn will be in by February 1 so you can choose your color combination prior to the first session. On February 9, we’ll discuss the pattern and get started knitting and during the remaining classes, you work at your own pace. You will enjoy seeing the different color combinations come to life. We’ll even have a fashion show at the end to show off your finished projects. Materials: 5 skeins total of Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino (2 each for 2 contrasting colors for stripes, 1 color for bold edging) pattern, US 7 24” circular needle, and basic knitting supplies. Skill Level: Beginner, must be comfortable with knit and purl.

Cute Colorwork Hat!                         Saturday, January 30  10 am – 12 Noon                              $25

Have you ever wanted to try working with 2 colors but found it intimidating?  This hat is for you!  With a simple pattern, a short repeat and only two colors to work with the hat is an adorable and practical introduction to stranded colorwork! Materials: Pattern will be provided, size 6 - 16 inch circular and double pointed needles, 2 colors (1 skein each) of HiKoo Simplicity Yarn in contrasting colors, stitch marker and needle for weaving in ends. Skill Level: Beginner, must be proficient with knit and purl. Homework:  Cast on 112 stitches, place marker and join in the round. Using the main color work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) until piece measures 1.5” from cast on edge. Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 2.5” from cast on edge.

Shadow Cable Cowl                          Wednesday, February 3   10 am – 12 Noon                                    $25

Beautiful cable cowl knit in Malabrigo Rasta. During this one-session class, you will create a cowl with shadow cables that look like they are braided.  This quick knit will keep you warm this winter! During class we will review cable cast on, knitting in the round, joining your yarn, and knitting cables. Materials:  2 skeins Malabrigo Rasta Yarn, size 17 and size 19 - 24” circular needles, stitch markers, cable needle, and tapestry needle.  Pattern will be provided. Skill level:  Advanced Beginner, must be proficient with knit and purl. Homework: Using US17 needles, cast on 48 stitches using a knit cast on or cable cast on. Place marker for the beginning of the round and join being careful not to twist stitches. Work in garter stitch for 6 rounds as follows: Rounds 1, 3 and 5 Purl all stitches; Rounds 2, 4 and 6 Knit all stitches.

Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho  Wednesdays  Feb 3, 1-2pm; Feb 10 & Mar 2  1–3pm            $45

You will love to wear this fun to knit Poncho! This versatile ribbed poncho is constructed from a rectangle and is twice reversible – both the fabric and shape can be flipped - it can be worn inside out as well as with the point in front for a relaxed “boho” style or point in back for a little more polish.  Learn how to invisibly join yarn and join seams using a hybrid graft for true reversibility. Materials:  Pattern, 6 skeins (for size small/medium) or 7 skeins (for size large/xlarge) of Cascade 128 Superwash Yarn, size 9 straight or circular needles, and tapestry needle.  Skill level:  Advanced Beginner, must be proficient with knit and purl.

New Beginnings Shawl       Thursdays,  Feb 4   6 – 8 pm & Feb 18   6 – 7 pm                   $35

This elegant shawl is a relatively quick knit in worsted weight yarn!  This shawl starts simply and becomes a bit more complex as you work your way out.  This warm shawl can be grown into a larger triangle if desired.   This is the second class in the Boo Knits series and is a great beginning lace project. You will learn chart reading and basic lace knitting in this informative class. Materials: Pattern from Boo Knits, size 9 40 inch circular or longer, 656 yards of worsted weight yarn- preferably in a solid, semi-solid or tonal colorway (Cascade 220 Superwash or Malabrigo Rios works well), stitch markers (at least 4), and tapestry needle. Skill Level: Advanced beginner, must be proficient with knit, purl, and increases.

Building Blocks – 6 Block Afghan (24”x 36”)                                                                       $65

Feb 10, Mar 2, Mar 16 & Apr 6  10 am-12 Noon

If you are a brand new knitter or a long time knitter who wants to branch out to learn new skills, and would like to have a hands-on guide as you navigate new territory, this series is for you! This 4 session block series is a perfect skill builder to grow your confidence as a knitter while you have someone looking over your shoulder. You’ll learn how to read charts, increases, decreases, cables, etc.  This blanket is constructed of six 12” blocks. You will learn new stitches and techniques including blocking and finishing, Learn 2 blocks in each of the first 3 sessions and learn finishing techniques in the 4^th one. Materials:  5 skeins Malabrigo Rios Yarn, US10 24” circular needles, Building Blocks pattern book, cable needle, stitch markers, and tapestry needle.  Skill level:  Beginner, must be comfortable with knit and purl. Homework:  Knit a gauge swatch by casting on 24 stitches and knit until 5” long. Bring to class

My First Hat . . . Saturdays, Feb 13  10:30 – 11:30 am &  Feb 27 10:30 – 12:00 Noon      $25

This simple hat is a perfect project for knitters who are just beginning or anyone wanting to make a practical, timeless topper. If you haven’t knit a hat yet, here is your opportunity to expand your skills and learn how to knit in the round and how to use double pointed needles. Materials: US 8 16” circular needles, 1 skein of Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Yarn, and a stitch marker. Pattern will be provided. Skill Level: Beginner must be comfortable with casting on and the knit stitch. Homework: Cast on 90 stitches on circular needles and bring to class.

Crochet Booties for Baby                 Saturday, February 13   12 Noon – 2:00 pm                       $25

What a unique pair of 2-color baby booties! The way they are constructed, they are almost like shoes. The sole is crocheted first and then the top and sides and finished with a cute flap to match the color of the sole.  Materials: 2 colors of HiKoo Simplicity yarn (1 skein each color), size E crochet hook, and split ring markers. Pattern will be provided. Skill level: Must be comfortable with single and half double crochet. 

Magic Loop Technique Class                          Wednesday,  Feb 17  10 am – 12 Noon                 $25

The Magic Loop method is a great alternative to using DPNs and enables you to work projects that are knit with a small diameter on one long circular needle.  Make a Drink Cozy while learning the Magic Loop technique for circular knitting.  Materials:  1 skein of Crème de la Crème cotton yarn, size 7 40” circular needles, stitch marker, and tapestry needle.  Pattern will be provided.  Skill level:  Advanced Beginner, must be proficient with knit and purl.

Highland Fling Shawl             Wednesdays, Feb 17, Mar 9, & Mar 30  1-3pm                   $45

Knit this stunning garter stitch wrap with tapered ends.  This Shawl is worked in one piece, knit sideways and features bobbles and a sawtooth border.  Learn how to understand and organize a pattern and knit bobbles. Materials:  Pattern, 2 skeins of Malabrigo Arroyo Yarn, size 7 straight or circular needles, stitch markers, and tapestry needle.  Skill level:  Intermediate.  Homework:  Knit swatch. Cast on 24 stitches and knit until 5” long.

Crochet 101                Thursdays, February 18 & 25    6:00 – 7:30 pm                               $35

Many of our customers have expressed interest in learning to crochet – so now is your chance!  No crochet experience necessary and we will provide everything you need for the class!  In this 2-part class, you will learn to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet. As part of the homework between classes, you will complete a coaster for your coffee mug – better known as a “mug rug!” Materials: All materials will be provided. Skill level: No crochet experience necessary.

Experience Socks: Malabrigo Style                                                                                      $45

Saturdays, Feb 27 , Mar 5, & Mar 26             10 – 12 Noon           

These are basic socks, using a worsted weight yarn (so the knitting goes faster!!) , knitted top down, one at a time, on double pointed needles. This class is always fun & fills up quick. Knitters will be introduced to basic sock construction. Materials: 1 skein of Malabrigo Rios, # 6 7.5” double pointed needles, markers and basic knitting supplies. Pattern will be provided. Skill Level: Intermediate, must be proficient with knit and purl. 

Blocking Your Knits – It’s Not Finished Until It’s Blocked                                                              $20

Saturday, February 27  1 pm – 2:30 pm

So many of our customers have asked for a detailed blocking technique class, so here it is. You will learn why it is important to block your knits, 3 primary blocking techniques and in which situations to use them, the do’s and don’ts of blocking, and how to use today’s blocking tools for your project. There will be time for Q&A to answer any questions you may have about blocking. If you have a specific case you want to ask about, bring the garment and ball band with you to class.

Magmatic Boom  Shawl        Thursdays, March 3  &  17  6:00 - 8:00  pm                         $40

This fun and exciting shawl shows off any fingering weight yarn and is especially dynamic with the kit from Sweet Georgia and lots of sparkling beads!  The lace pattern is ever increasing to grow this shawl to any size you desire.  So pick a bright color and think of spring or plan for something warm around your neck in this cold weather but try this great shawlette! You’ll learn chart reading, basic lace knitting techniques and bead placement.  Materials: Pattern,  size 5, 40 inch circular or longer needles, 1 Party of Five Mini Skein Set from Sweet Georgia Yarns, 7 packages of Mill Hill Beads, steel crochet hook to place beads, and tapestry needle. Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner, must be proficient with knit and purl.

Embrace Lace Crochet Shawl                       Saturday, March 12 & April 2             10 – 12 Noon                        $ 40

What a great design! This triangle shaped shawl has pineapple lace accents that look fantastic with the Malabrigo Colorways. Also, it’s refreshing to crochet a lace pattern with the larger DK weight yarn. You’ll learn how to create the pineapple motif, create crochet clusters as well as adding a picot edge on the finishing end. In the first class, we’ll practice a couple repeats of the pattern and in the second class we’ll add the picot edge. Materials: Crochet Hook H; 2 skeins of Malabrigo Arroyo. Pattern will be provided Skill level: Intermediate.