SWIFTS (Scottish Women's Institutes’ Framework for Textile Skills) is an exciting new skills development workshop and assessment programme. Designed as a modern and dynamic replacement for the old-style proficiency tests, SWIFTS aim to support textile skills development across various levels and disciplines.
We are launching this Beginners’ Knitting (pilot) to test the programme and gather feedback. Participants will not only learn key knitting techniques and skills but have the opportunity to help shape the future of SWIFTS as we develop intermediate and advanced levels and expand the programme to include additional skills.
We look forward to welcoming you to the SWIFTS Beginners’ Knitting (pilot) and working together to build a vibrant skills development programme!
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Beginners’ Knitting (pilot) schedule |
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In-person Session 1 Led by Pat Cooper, one of the SWI’s national judges, you will learn basic knitting techniques such as cast on, cast off, increasing and decreasing. |
Location: Strathbrock Community Centre (Youth Room), 189A West Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5LH. |
10:30am–1pm, 15th February |
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Q&A Session 1 This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or help solve any problems you have encountered while knitting. You will also be able to talk to other attendees and share tips and tricks, supporting each other through your learning journey. |
Location: Online via Zoom.
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7:30pm–8:30pm, 26th February |
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In-person Session 2 Led by Pat Cooper, you will continue your learning, developing your skills further with techniques such as buttonhole bands, blocking and pressing, and general finishing of articles. |
Location: Strathbrock Community Centre (Youth Room), 189A West Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5LH.
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10:30am–1pm, 15th March |
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Q&A Session 2 Held via Zoom, this session will provide the opportunity to work through any queries you may have ahead of submitting your finished article for assessment. |
Location: Online via Zoom.
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7:30pm–8:30pm, 2nd April |
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Assessment to be carried out by Pat Cooper. |
Completed assessment items to be sent to or delivered to SWI central office. |
By 25th April |
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Feedback Provided by Pat Cooper. |
Location: Online via Zoom.
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1st May 2025 |
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Fee for workshops, online sessions, assessment and feedback |
£30 |
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Beginners’ Knitting (pilot): What to expect
The pilot course is designed for participants who can already produce a basic stitch using two needles. This workshop will enhance existing skills and cover a range of key techniques required to develop confidence and competence in knitting. Please note that this is not a ‘Learn to Knit’ class.
Learning outcomes
The following skills will be covered during the in-person sessions:
Session 1
Cast on (3 ways)
Cast off (2 ways)
Increasing (2 ways)
Decreasing (3 ways)
Tension – How to get correct tension
Joining seams (3 ways)
Button/Buttonhole bands on a cafetière cosy
Blocking and pressing
Session 2
General finish of articles
Class requirements
Participants will be required to bring the following materials and tools:
Participation benefits
How to register
This pilot programme is now fully booked, however if you would like to still register your interest for future opportunities, please email: beth.spencer@theswi.org.uk or call 0131 225 1724
The Scottish Women's Institutes Team