Intensive Machine Knitting Introduction Course - 18 and 19 April 2026

In this Intensive Introduction to Machine Knitting course, we aim to familiarize students with the basic operating principles of domestic knitting machines and provide them with knowledge that will enable and enhance future learning autonomy.
This training includes direct contact with the machines and their accessories, manuals and worksheets with suggested exercises to support the training, yarns for making samples, and simple pattern suggestions designed for commercially available yarns. It also includes a general manual that includes a general description of the knitting machines and a detailed explanation of how punch cards work for creating fancy patterns.
A series of books dedicated to machine knitting will be available for consultation, some already out of print and others published more recently.
With over a decade of experience in machine knitting, Maria David Castro developed the Oficina das Malhas project, built around domestic knitting machines and aimed at practical training and the production of very limited series of knitted pieces in 100% Portuguese wool.

Course programme:

- General operation of the machine and basic notions of maintenance and screening of possible technical problems;
- Introduction to the upper bed of the machine;
- Assembly and finishing of the meshes;
- Increases and decreases;
- Main fantasy stitches (jacquard/fair isle, accumulated knitting, passed knitting, weft stitch);
- Partial knitting (or shortened rows);
- Introduction to the lower bed;
- Assembly of the meshes with the two beds;
- Different types of ribbing (1 x 1 ribbing, 2 x 2 ribbing, double hem, double ribbing, ribbing with accumulated stitches, ribbed ribbing);

SABER FAZER is a training entity certified by DGERT and attendance of this course entitles you to a certificate of professional training hours.

Teacher: Maria David Castro
Days: 18 and 19 April 2026  (Saturday and Sunday)
Schedule: 9am-1pm and 2:30pm-7pm both days (16 hours duration)