In Portugal most people knit in a way that looks strange to anyone seeing it for the first time. They tension the yarn around their neck or a special pin and throw the yarn with their left thumb. This technique makes purling faster and easier than knitting, which is why circular knitting is always done facing the wrong side of the work.

In this class we will learn what makes Portuguese knitting different, experiment with the basic stitches and move on to explore Portuguese style stranded knitting. Students will cast on and work on a hat pattern created for this class and will also have the opportunity to learn about Portuguese knitting tools, traditions and motifs.

Existing knowledge required:

• students should have basic knitting skills and be confident knitting in the round.

Students will need:

• Two Portuguese knitting pins (will be available to purchase in the shop if required)
• Two contrasting shades of Brusca (dk weight; 50g = 125m/136yd) or similar yarn. Students should choose a yarn that is suitable for colorwork (preferably woolen spun).
• A set of 3.5 and 4mm circular needles or DPNs (choose you preferred technique for working short circumferences in the round.) Students can bring a range of sizes from 3.25 to 4.5mm so that you can adjust gauge during class.
• Stitch markers, small scissors and blunt needle for darning in ends.

About the Teacher

Rosa Pomar has been a knitter all her life, learning from relatives, books, old ladies in remote villages and trial and error. For over ten years she has been roaming her country – Portugal – collecting information on wool and knitting wherever she can find it, making friends with transhumant shepherds in the mountains of Serra da Estrela, knitting socks with umbrella spokes in Alentejo and spending long hours in the library in Lisbon. Some of her research resulted in the publishing of the first book on the history and traditions of knitting in Portugal (Malhas Portuguesas which will soon be available in English) Rosa’s work has also been about raising awareness for the interest and value of wool from native Portuguese sheep breed through the development of her own locally sourced and manufactured line of yarns.

Rosa lives in Lisbon with her three children and is a proud backyard farmer.

Cancellation Policy

When booking your ticket, please make sure you are able attend on the date selected. If you wish to cancel your booking we can offer refunds on purchased tickets up to two weeks  (14 days) before the class date. After that time, refunds will be dependent on whether we can re-sell your ticket to someone on a waiting list. For date change requests please contact us at least 10 days before your workshop date. Please email us for more details.