Fixing Mistakes in Knitting: A Most Elementary Investigation 2026

Class Time: Friday, April 24, 2026, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Science West, Room 210

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Instructor: Shaina Bilow

“To err is human; to fix is divine”—and what better way to hone your sleuthing skills than by learning to solve the mysteries that so often lurk within our knitted fabric? In this workshop, you shall be trained in the fine art of forensic knitting, uncovering errors with the keen eye of Sherlock Holmes himself and learning to set them right with calm precision.

Together, we will examine the most common knitting misdeeds and their elegant solutions, including:
- Identifying the telltale signs of a twisted stitch
- Rescuing a dropped stitch in both stockinette and garter stitch
- Three distinct methods of ripping back—each suited to a particular type of calamity
- Using a lifeline, that most excellent insurance policy against future mishaps

By the end, you will stride forth with the confidence of a detective who knows that no stitch—however wayward—can escape your understanding or repair.

Skill Prerequisite:  

• Be proficient in basic knitting skills (casting on, knitting, purling)
• Comfortably execute yarnovers, slip stitches, and knit-two-together variations
• Have some experience following written instructions or charts

Ages: High School, Adult

Supplies Included in Class Cost: None.

Additional Supplies Needed

• 50 yards smooth, medium-colored worsted weight yarn (for your homework swatch)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) or US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles
• Large eye tapestry needle
• Fingering-weight scrap yarn
• Size H crochet hook
• Circular needle US 4 (3.5 mm) or smaller

Homework:

With US 7 or 8 (4.5–5 mm) knitting needles and a medium-colored worsted weight yarn:
- Cast on 20 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): knit all sts
- Row 2 (WS): purl all sts
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the swatch measures 4 inches, leaving stitches on the needles. Do not bind off. Bring the knitted piece on the needles to class with you.

Extra credit: Knit a second swatch in garter stitch as follows
-Cast on 20 stitches.
-Row 1 (RS): knit all sts
-Row 2 (WS): knit all sts.
-Repeat rows 1 & 2 until the swatch measures 4 inches, leaving stitches on the needles. Do not bind off. Bring the knitted piece on the needles to class with you.

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 6 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.