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Purl Scouts: Beginner Knitting for Middle Schoolers - Lesson 2

In this one-time class, students will continue their knitting journey from where we left off in Lesson 1, by learning how to cast off and make their first swatch.
Teacher Lizzie (ThD, TESOL)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(33)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this lesson, students will continue on their knitting journey by learning how to make and finish their very first swatch of fabric in garter stitch!

This is a fun and relaxed series of classes to introduce young learners to the world of knitting. I've listed the different sections as one-time classes so learners can easily join at whatever point they may already be at and move on to the next section whenever they feel ready.
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Class structure:

In this class we will be covering how to cast off and make a swatch, then we will knit our own swatch in garter stitch together. As students practice what they've just learned, they are welcome to ask questions or just talk to me or to each other. Knitting is more fun with friends!

If there is time left near the end of class, anyone who wants to can show off their work to everyone. (If they want to show off their knitting, but don't want to be on the big screen, they can step to the side and hold their work in front of the camera.)

I have a Canva slideshow with step-by-step pictures if anyone needs it at any point during class. If students prefer that, I can put it on screen. I also use a second camera focused on my hands, but the slideshow makes it pretty small because of screen space. Students are welcome to refer to either. Just ask and I will focus on whichever they feel helps them most! I will also provide a pdf containing the slides from the slideshow as well as some extra information on beginner knitting in the classroom page after class is over.
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My Teaching Style:

Demonstration and communication are my favorite tools to use in class. Knitting is a very hands-on skill, and I feel this class would work well for homeschoolers and unschoolers, as well as any student who just learns better kinesthetically.

I generally try to keep students unmuted, except in the case of noisy backgrounds, and all students are welcome to ask questions at any time. I do ask that they use the "raise hand" button, rather than calling out, but if there are only one or two students in the class, they're welcome to speak up as they wish.

I also have a second camera, which will be pointed at my work surface, to give students a clear view of what I'm doing. But if they'd like to see it from another angle, by all means, just ask!
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Class expectations:

As is Outschool policy, I do not allow bullying or teasing. Everyone is welcome in my classroom and learning is always something to be encouraged.
I do not ask students to remain on camera for more than the initial class check-in required by Outschool policy, but being able to see will help me help them with the trickier parts of this subject.
If your learner has any unique needs to be accomodated, please let me know! I'm happy to help and want this class to be as fun and imaginative as possible for every student.
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Required Experience:

Before starting this lesson, students should be able to:
     ○ Move their fingers individually
     ○ Use a pair of scissors safely
     ○ Make a slip knot
     ○ Cast on
     ○ "Undo" a cast on stitch
     ○ Make a knit stitch
     ○ Pause in the middle of a knitting project

If a student is not quite dextrous enough to move each of their fingers on its own, they are still welcome to join us. Practice makes perfect, after all! But, if they are not able to use scissors without accidentally cutting themselves, a parent or guardian should be closeby to help them.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their fine motor, mathematics, and social skills as they learn and practice:
     • Holding their knitting needles
     • Making a knit stitch
     • Casting off (decreasing stitches)
     • Making a swatch in garter stitch
     • The meaning of "swatch" and "garter stitch"
     • The diference between rows, stitches, and stitch patterns
     • Interacting with other, young knitters
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Students will be using scissors to cut yarn. Younger students and students with difficulties that could make this a danger to them should have an adult closeby for assistance. (Please remember that Outschool policy requires parents and guardians to stay out of view of the camera.) I will also be using a Canva slideshow to break down all the steps and information we'll be learning so it's easy to see, but no account is required as I will be sharing it in a screenshare.
Supply List
• A pair of single-pointed knitting needles (The ones with a point on one end and a stopper of some sort on the other end, NOT the ones with points on both ends.)

     • A skein of yarn in any color

     • A pair of scissors
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I recommend the knitting needles be no smaller than 3.0 and no larger than 4.0 for beginners. (The size can usually be found on the blunt end of the needles.) Please also keep in mind that wooden or bamboo needles are easiest to start with, while metal needles are more slippery and difficult.

I also recommend the yarn have a weight of 4. The weight of the yarn - the thickness of it, - can be found on the back of the wrapper. It will be a small picture of a skein of yarn with a number on it. Most Red Heart yarn is size 4. You should also avoid glittery, glossy, fluffy, or dark-colored yarn at first, as it is more difficult to work with.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Canva
Joined April, 2022
5.0
33reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from Carolina College of Theology
I have been knitting since 2013 and have been in love with it ever since. I have taught several of my friends how to knit and have even written my own patterns. I look forward to seeing your learners grow their confidence in this new skill.

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$15

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-4 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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