- BEADS:
- BRACELETS:
- BRAIDING:
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- KNITTING:
- LACE:
- SPINNING:
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Hi, I'm Debbie Coyle and I love learning and teaching fiber arts!
I've been involved with fiber arts for over 40 years. My interests
include: Needlepoint, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, needle tatting,
embroidery, spinning, weaving, bobbin lace, braiding, and much more.
I enjoy teaching fiber arts to people of all ages, either individual
students on in classes. Over the years as I taught, I developed kits to
supply my students with proper written instructions and materials to allow them
to successfully complete the class project.
My husband Tim and I started Unicorn Fiber Arts to sell those kits as well
as to provide classes. Our kits are Fun, Accessible, Pretty AND Useful!
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Want me to teach online at your meeting or event?
Contact me at:
UnicornFiberArts@gmail.com
for prices and info
What I Teach
I specialize in historical and cultural common and rare forms of
fiber art; providing people with a fun new hobby and also helping connect them
to the rich history of fiber arts and how they apply to today's world.
My current classes include:
Beading,
Biscornu,
Bobbin Lace,
Cross Stitch,
Inkle Weaving,
Knitting With BEADS!,
Kumihimo: Japanese Braiding,
Lucet Cord Making,
Needlebooks,
Needle Tatting,
Ribbon Braiding,
Spinning,
Spool Knitting,
Weave a Pouch.
Where I Teach
I am based in the Southern California area and
teach regularly at group meetings and:
* Griffin Dyeworks events
* USC Experimental Anthropology classes
* Southern California Living History (SCA) events
(where I'm known as Lynnette de Sandoval del Valle de los Unicornios)
*
My Creative Outlet
I have also taught at:
*
Pasadena City College Extension
* The Braid Society (England):
Multi cord Lucet Workshop (2022) via Zoom
* Elementary & Middle school demos
* Conventions
* Local craft fairs
Recognitions
At the LA County Fair, I have received blue ribbons for
knitting and weaving, and red ribbons for spinning and crafting.
Within the SCA, I have been awarded
* Local arts awards for practicing and teaching: kumihimo, lucet, and inkle
* Regional awards for practicing and teaching: herbal arts and brewing
* An advanced regional award for practicing and teaching weaving
* A regional award for teaching. The award states that I "freely and skillfully
shared your knowledge with [your students] and kindled in them the same passion
for knowledge that you exemplify"
Would you like me to teach at your meeting or event?
Contact me at:
UnicornFiberArts@gmail.com
for prices and more information
Beadwork Fun! Daisy Chain Strands
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Beadwork Fun! Daisy Chain Strands
Class Covers | Bead weaving in the daisy chain pattern |
Description | Learn to make beaded daisy chains for bracelets,
necklaces, decoration on clothing or pillows, or where ever your fancy
takes you.
It's a fun and easy way to play with beads! No experience at anything
necessary (although being able to thread a needle would help)!
|
Skill Level: | Beginner. |
Options | Colors can be customized for holidays or seasons —
Advance notice may be required |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep,
everything needed for the class project: Beads, thread, needle, and
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Bead Weaving: Triangles and Cartwheels
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Bead Weaving: Triangles and Cartwheels
Class Covers | Bead weaving triangle and cartwheel
patterns |
Description | Learn how to make beaded strands that can be
used for trim, necklaces, bracelets, circlets, earrings, and more!
No experience at anything necessary (although being able to thread a
needle would help)! We’ll work on Triangle and Cartwheel patterns.
| Skill Level: | Beginner. |
Options | Colors can be customized for holidays or seasons —
Advance notice may be required |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep,
everything needed for the class project: Beads, thread, needle, and
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Make a Biscornu for Beginners
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Make a Biscornu for Beginners
Class Covers | How to make a tufted biscornu |
Description | A biscornu is an interesting eight-sided
stuffed pincushion or ornament. They are very quirky and fun! Biscornus
can be used for pin cushions, ornaments, and jewelry. They also make
great gifts! No experience at anything is needed, but knowledge of
hand sewing is a plus.
|
Skill Level: | Beginner. Hand sewing involved, and will be
taught in class. |
Options | Can be customized for holidays or seasons —
Advance notice may be required |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Fabric, thread, stuffing, buttons, needles,
and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Cross Stitch a Biscornu for Beginners

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Cross Stitch a Biscornu for Beginners
Class Covers | The how tos of counted cross stitch and make a
stuffed biscornu |
Description | A biscornu is an interesting eight-sided
stuffed pincushion or ornament. They are very quirky and fun! Biscornus
can be used for pin cushions, ornaments, and jewelry. They also make
great gifts! No experience at anything is needed, but knowledge of
counted cross and/or hand sewing is a plus.
In the 1st class we'll cover how to cross stitch and start stitching
the biscornu covers. You'll finish the cross stitching at home between the
classes.
In the 2nd class we'll sew, stuff and finish the Biscornu. And you'll take
home your own cross stitched Biscornu! |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Cross stitch (14 stitches to the inch)
and hand sewing involved, and will be taught in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | Two 2 hour classes, with homework between |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Cross Stitch fabric, embroidery thread,
stuffing, buttons, needles, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Beginning Bobbin Lace
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Beginning Bobbin Lace
Class Covers | How to make bobbin lace |
Description |
Come join us as we play with thread and make LACE! Bobbin lace is a relatively
simple method of making beautiful lace. It uses 2 stitches in various combinations
to produce many different patterns.
|
Skill Level: | Beginner, no experience at anything is
required. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, all
the materials they need to make lace: 12 bobbins pre-threaded with several yards of
size 20 cotton thread, large head and small head pins, pattern for a sampler and 2
other patterns, written instructions.
|
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
Teachers | Co-taught with Tim Coyle |
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Beginning Counted Cross Stitch
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Beginning Counted Cross Stitch
Class Covers | The how tos of counted cross stitch |
Description | Cross stitch is a fun and easy way of
decorating fabric. Too impatient for embroidery? Then cross stitch might
be for you! This is a hands-on class. You’ll get your hands busy stitching
a small project! |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Cross stitch (14 stitches to the inch)
involved, and will be taught in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Cross stitch fabric, thread, needle, and
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Cross Stitch a Pin
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Cross Stitch a Pin
Class Covers | The how tos of counted cross stitch and creating
a decorative pin |
Description | Cross stitch is a fun and easy way of
decorating fabric. Too impatient for embroidery? Then cross stitch might
be for you! This is a hands-on class. You’ll get your hands busy stitching
a small project! Then we'll cover how to make that into a pin! |
Skill Level: | Beginner or Intermediate. Cross stitch (14 stitches
to the inch) involved, and will be taught in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Cross stitch fabric, thread, needle, pin form,
pin back, sewing thread, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Cross Stitch a Biscornu for Beginners

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Cross Stitch a Biscornu for Beginners
Class Covers | The how tos of counted cross stitch and make a
stuffed biscornu |
Description | A biscornu is an interesting eight-sided
stuffed pincushion or ornament. They are very quirky and fun! Biscornus
can be used for pin cushions, ornaments, and jewelry. They also make
great gifts! No experience at anything is needed, but knowledge of
counted cross and/or hand sewing is a plus.
In the 1st class we'll cover how to cross stitch and start stitching
the biscornu covers. You'll finish the cross stitching at home between the
classes.
In the 2nd class we'll sew, stuff and finish the Biscornu. And you'll take
home your own cross stitched Biscornu! |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Cross stitch (14 stitches to the inch)
and hand sewing involved, and will be taught in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | Two 2 hour classes, with homework between |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Cross Stitch fabric, embroidery thread,
stuffing, buttons, needles, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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<
Cross Stitch Needlebook Cover

Needlebook Page
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Cross Stitch a Needlebook for Beginners
Class Covers | How to cross stitch and make a Needlebook
|
Description | Tired of losing your sewing needles? Looking for an
elegant and convenient way to store them? Looking for a great gift idea? We’ve
got you covered! This is a hands-on class; you’ll be making your own needlebook.
No experience at anything is needed. Experience at hand sewing is helpful, but
knowledge of counted cross and/or hand sewing is a plus.
In the 1st class we'll cover how to cross stitch and start on the stitching
the needlebook cover. You'll finish the cross stitching at home between the
classes.
In the 2nd class we'll sew, and finish the Needlebook. And you'll take home your
own Needlebook! |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Cross stitch (14 stitches to the inch)
and hand sewing involved, and will be taught in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | Two 2 hour classes, with cross stitch completed at home
between classes -OR- One 2 hour class with needlebook assembled at home after
class |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Cross Stitch fabric, embroidery thread,
ribbon, needles, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
| Kits available for sale at
Unicorn Fiber Arts |
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Inkle Weaving
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Beginning Inkle Weaving
Class Covers | Project planning, warping the loom, weaving,
completing the project |
Description | Just beginning to Inkle? This class begins at the
beginning. We’ll cover all the basics of designing a pattern, warping up
the loom, and weaving.
Students are encouraged to bring their own equipment and yarn so they know
how to use their own loom; but loaner looms will be available and the
instructor will have yarn available for sale.
**If you are bringing your own loom and it’s already warped up with
an old project … don’t remove the project from your loom, do bring
new yarn (as below) but don’t remove the project before class.**
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Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 4 hours -or- two 2 hour classes |
Materials | I will provide written instructions, heddle yarn, loaner looms
(to be used in class only), and yarn for sale. |
Students Bring | Inkle loom, shuttle, 2 colors of size
3 or 5 crochet cotton |
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Inkle Weaving
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Intermediate Inkle Weaving — Next Steps: Beyond the Basics
Class Covers | Inkle techniques beyond the basic plain weave
|
Description | A lecture and discussion class covering weaving
techniques that go beyond warp based designs. We'll talk about: bead work;
adding loops, bells, and fringe; brocading; pickup work; using multiple
shuttles; and more. There will be no hands on activity in the class but
there will be descriptive written instructions and demos. |
Skill Level: | Intermediate. Inkle weaving experience in not
necessary as we won't be weaving, but it is helpful. I'll be discussing
ways to augment and modify inkle weaving and a familiarity with weaving
terms and concepts will be helpful. |
Format | Lecture, demo, and Q&A |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide written instructions and a demo inkle loom |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Inkle Patterning
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Intermediate Inkle Weaving: Creating Your Own Inkle Patterns
Class Covers | How to read and design warping patterns for
your inkle weaving with Brocade and Pick Up |
Description | If you've been getting all your inkle warp
patterns from books, the internet, or friends ... come on down and learn to
create your own patterns. Warp in lines, chains, bars, piano, keys, and more.
This will be a lecture class, so your level of inkle weaving abilities does
not matter. Beginner or expert weavers are all welcome. |
Skill Level: | Intermediate. Inkle weaving experience in not
necessary as we won't be weaving, but it is helpful. I'll be discussing
ways to augment and modify inkle weaving and a familiarity with weaving
terms and concepts will be helpful. |
Format | Lecture, demo, and Q&A |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide written instructions, graph paper, and colored
pencils |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
|
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Intermediate Inkle Weaving: Brocading and Pickup Work
Class Covers | How to add design elements to your inkle
weaving with Brocade and Pick Up |
Description | Tired of only using warped in inkle patterns? Learn
how to add patterns as you weave using pickup work and brocading. We'll cover
how to add brocading to your weaving, and how to warp up for and do 2 types of
pickup works. This will be a lecture and demo class. But instructor will have inkle
looms warped up for students to play with the different techniques. |
Skill Level: | Intermediate. Inkle weaving experience in not
necessary as we won't be weaving, but it is helpful. I'll be discussing
ways to augment and modify inkle weaving and a familiarity with weaving
terms and concepts will be helpful. |
Format | Lecture, demo, and Q&A |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide written instructions and demo looms |
Student Bring | Note taking materials |
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Swag Bookmark

Swag Bookmark
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Knitting with BEADS! Knit a Bookmark
Class Covers | How to add beads to your knitting while
knitting a beaded bookmark |
Description | Knit a beaded bookmark to learn the basics
of knitting with beads. This is not a beginning knitting class; we will be
knitting with Size 0 needles, using only the knit stitch. We will also be
using the long tail cast on, it’s a plus if students know that ahead of
time, but it will be taught in class. |
Skill Level: | Intermediate. This is not a beginning knitting
class; students need to know the knit stitch and be comfortable using
Size 0 needles. We will also be using the long tail cast on, it’s a plus
if students know that ahead of time, but it will be taught in class.
|
Options | 1 of 2 different beading techniques: Heart or Swag
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Knitting needles, yarn, beads,
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
| Kits available for sale at
Unicorn Fiber Arts |
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Angel Pin

Christmas Tree Pin

Heart Pin
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Knitting with BEADS! Knit a Pin
Class Covers | How to add beads to your knitting while
knitting a beaded pin |
Description | Make a fun piece of holiday jewelry!
This is not a beginning knitting class; we will be
knitting with Size 0 needles, using only the knit stitch. We will also be
using the long tail cast on, it’s a plus if students know that ahead of
time, but it will be taught in class. |
Skill Level: | Intermediate. This is not a beginning knitting
class; students need to know the knit stitch and be comfortable using
Size 0 needles. We will also be using the long tail cast on, it’s a plus
if students know that ahead of time, but it will be taught in class.
|
Options | 1 of 3 different patterns: Heart, Angel, Christmas
tree |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Knitting needles, yarn, beads, pin,
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
| Kits available for sale at
Unicorn Fiber Arts |
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Kumihimo on a Disk

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Beginning Kumihimo — on a Handheld Disk
Class Covers | How to braid on a handheld kumihimo disk
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Description | Learn how to do Kumihimo (Japanese braiding) on a
handheld disk! It’s a fun and portable way to create cords! The Kumihimo
cord is useful for drawstrings, necklaces, trim, ribbon, bracelets, shoe
laces, and more. For beginning kumihimo braiders. |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Options | 1 of 3 different braid styles: Round cord, Flat cord,
or Square cord. With advance notice I can customize for holidays, seasons,
or event theme colors. |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for class project: Yarn on bobbins attached to Kumihimo disk and counterweight, and
written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
| Kits available for sale at
Unicorn Fiber Arts |
|
Kumihimo on a Marudai
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Beginning Kumihimo — on a Marudai Braiding Stand
Class Covers | How to braid on a kumihimo marudai |
Description | Learn how to do Kumihimo (Japanese braiding)
on a Marudai braiding stand! It’s the same technique as on the handheld
cards, but more elegant and faster! The Kumihimo cord is useful for
drawstrings, trim, ribbon, bracelets, shoe laces, and more. For beginning
kumihimo braiders, or for experienced kumihimo braiders who are beginning
marudai users. |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Options | 1 of 3 different braid styles: Round cord, Flat cord,
or Square cord. With advance notice I can customize for holidays, seasons,
or event theme colors. |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Yarn on bobbins attached to Cardboard Marudai
(braiding stand) and counterweight, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Beaded Kumihimo


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Make a Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet or Anklet
Class Covers | How to braid a flat braid on a handheld kumihimo
disk, add beads, and attach a clasp
|
Description | Want to know learn kumihimo (a Japanese braiding technique)?
Want to learn how to add beads to your kumihimo? This is the class for you!
No experience at anything is necessary. You'll learn how to make a flat braid,
how to add beads to it as you braid, and how to attach a clasp to finish your jewelry.
It’s fun and portable!
|
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Options | Class can cover adding beads down the center or along the edges.
I can customize colors for holidays, seasons, or event color themes. |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for class project: Beads pre-strung on yarn wound on bobbins which are
attached to Kumihimo disk and counterweight, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
| Kits available for sale at
Unicorn Fiber Arts |
|
Lucet with 1 cord
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Beginning Lucet with 1 cord
Class Covers | How to start, work, and finish a standard
lucet cord |
Description | Lucets are totally portable and fun to use! Lucet
made cord is an alternative to kumihimo, icord and crochet chains. The cord can be make
from any yarn and can be used for drawstrings, trim, frogs, shoelaces, and
any other cord uses. No experience at anything is required. |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Options | I might be able to customize for holidays or season
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Lucets, yarn, bobbin, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Lucet with 2 cords
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Beginning Lucet with 2 cords
Class Covers | How to start, work, and finish a 2 color
(double thread) lucet cord |
Description | Lucets are totally portable and fun to use! Lucet
made cord is an alternative to kumihimo, icord and crochet chains. The cord can be make
from any yarn and can be used for drawstrings, trim, frogs, shoelaces, and
any other cord uses.
Class will cover a method of lucet cordmaking that uses 2 threads, allowing
for two color cords, button holes, and other fun stuff. No experience at
anything is required. |
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class.
|
Options | I might be able to customize for holidays or season
|
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Lucets, yarn, bobbins, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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4 Prong Lucet
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Using a Four Prong Lucet to make a two color square cord
Class Covers | How to start, work, and finish a square 2 color
(double thread) lucet cord on a four pronged lucet |
Description | Lucets are totally portable and fun to use! Lucet
made cord is an alternative to kumihimo, icord and crochet chains. The cord can be make
from any yarn and can be used for drawstrings, trim, frogs, shoelaces, and
any other cord uses.
Class will cover starting, working, and ending a square two color cord on a four prong lucet.
A four nail spool knitter can be substitued for double or four pronged lucet. |
Skill Level: | Beginning, but experience with the single cord lucet is a plus. |
Options | I might be able to customize for holidays or season |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Perquisite | None. But "Beginning Lucet with 1 cord" is a plus |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Spool knitter (to be used as 4 pronged lucet), yarn, bobbins,
and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
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Beginning Spool Knitting / Round cord, and flat fabric

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Beginning Spool Knitting -- Make Round Cord or Flat Fabric!
Class Covers | How to make a round cord or flat fabric on a four prong spool knitter |
Description | Spool knittters (French knitters, knitting Nancys, corkers, etc.) are a fun and very portable
method of making a round cord or flat fabric. They are actually just a small version of the knitting looms that are so
popular today.
The cord made on the spool knitter is basically an i-cord. It can be used as drawcord, decoration, to make a "braided" rug.
The flat fabric can be used for decoration, edging, and more.
We'll use a spool knitter to make both the round cord and flat fabric, and cover how to start and end the project.
|
Skill Level: | Beginner. Everything will be covered in class. |
Format | Hands on, with some lecture |
Length | 2 hours |
Materials | I will provide, and students will keep, everything
needed for the class project: Spool knitter, thread wound on a bobbon, and written instructions |
Students Bring | Note taking materials |
|