CAD for Domestic Machine Knitting

CAD for Domestic Machine Knitting

This course will develop your approach to creating knitwear designs, focusing on the skills required to make your own patterns and punch cards using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

After first gathering visual imagery you’ll then move on to drawing, collaging and developing your designs, using the Shima Seiki Apex 3 CAD system, before translating them into digital CAD files.

You’ll then see your ideas come to life on the knitting machine.

On this course you will:

• learn how to digitise your designs using CAD
• design and make a series of punch cards
• use the latest digital knitwear technology
• visualise a variety of colourways
• experiment with pattern repeats
• be introduced to techniques through group demonstrations and benefit from one-to-one tutorials to aid your development
• learn about different pattern repeats, styles and layouts
• create virtual simulations of patterns for knitwear
• research current trends in knit design
• experiment with colour and texture on the knitting machines
• receive personal attention to ensure your skills are developing
• access our stores so that you can work with yarns that might be new to you.

You’ll also have the chance to experiment with commercial punch cards.

What will I gain?

By the end of the course you’ll have the skills to make exciting knit samples and be well on your way to developing your individual style.

You’ll have learnt how to design patterns for punch cards and applied the pattern on the knit machines successfully.

You’ll also know how to develop your ideas using CAD, and leave with visuals, samples and exciting swatches that you can develop into further projects after the course.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the Bonington building at the City Campus, our dedicated art and design hub.

You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the knitwear studio and yarn store.

You will be taught using the Shima Seiki Apex 3 CAD system to design your patterns and use Silver Reed knitting machines to apply your designs (you have the option to bring your own machine if you prefer).

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Tutor profile: Dr Jane Taylor has been teaching knitwear design for 17 years, initially at UWE in Bristol and more recently at NTU.

She moved up to Nottingham in 2010 to embark on an MA course at NTU, impressed by the universities’ extensive  knitwear resource - and never left, going on to do a PhD.

Jane has developed her knitting skills to be able to programme and run computerised, industrial machinery; however, she relishes the opportunity to get back to working with her hands on domestic machines.

Need accommodation for the summer?

You can book a self-catered, single room with private bathroom on our city campus, right next door to our studios and classrooms. 

Accommodation can be booked online via the course homepage.