ROWAN CONNECT
SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
Design a Shawl
With Kate Atherley
This four week course with Kate Atherley is designed to guide you step by step through the process of creating your very own shawl design from first spark of inspiration to a beautifully finished piece. Whether you are an experienced knitter looking to deepen your design skills or an adventurous maker ready to explore your creativity, this course offers a supportive and structured space to experiment and grow.
We begin by exploring the rich world of shawl shapes, yarns and colourways, helping you find a good starting point. From there, we move into pattern stitches and design features, learning how to combine texture and structure in ways that bring the best out of your design ideas. As the course progresses, we focus on the technical foundations such as cast ons, shaping and increases, before moving into the finishing details that elevate a handmade shawl, including edgings, cast offs and blocking. We also discuss pattern writing and publishing.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP - LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLEShawl Design - Class Summary
Week 1: Design inspiration
We begin by exploring a wide range of shawl shapes, alongside a discussion of yarn types and colourways. You will be encouraged to make a mini shape that inspires you and begin researching stitch patterns you might like to use in your design.
Week 2: Patterns and design features
In week two, we look at stitch patterns and explore how they can be incorporated into different shawl shapes. We will discuss the garter tab versus casting on and look at various increases. After this session, you will begin planning your design in more detail, experimenting with how to start and different increases and swatching your chosen shape and stitch patterns.
Week 3: Technical details
This week focuses on cast offs and attached edgings. We will also review your developing ideas, including stitch plans, swatches and experiments, to help refine your design.
Week 4: Finishing details
This session brings your shawl design together into a polished, professional final piece. We review progress, address questions and discuss finishing in more detail including blocking and sewing in ends. We also discuss writing up and publishing your pattern.
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Dates and Times
Classes: Wednesdays 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th August 6.30-9.00pm BST
Q&A sessions: Fridays 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th August, 3.00-4.00pm BST
BST is the time zone we are currently using in the UK. Check your time zone here.
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Recordings
All classes and Q+A sessions are recorded and will be available to view on demand for 12 months.
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PRICE: £185
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