The Evolution of Fusion & Fission Knitting
Fission and Fusion Knitting are two reversible techniques developed by Mary Martin.
Mary started designing when she was knitting chemo caps for a friend with breast cancer. She wanted to make a reversible hat for her friend but was unable. This sparked her curiosity about the possibility of creating cabled motifs on both sides of the fabric.
Mary will be speaking about the Evolution of Fusion & Fission Knitting. It is a story of how each development in knitting poses further questions about what is possible. Her inspiration is drawn from from life events, her knitting and the knitters around her.
This presentation is suitable for large groups. The presentation is approximately 45 minutes followed by a 15 minute question/answer period. In person presentations will have samples to examine (this really helps in understanding the fabrics created).
Fission Knitting
Fission Knitting is a reversible colourwork technique where the fabric is worked with two yarns held in a marl. The design elements are slipped stitches placed on both sides of the fabric. The marl is broken apart to work these stitches. The resultant fabric has a marled middle layer and an overlaid design on each side. Creating a different cabled design on each side of the fabric is possible.
In class, you will work a small Fission Knit swatch to learn the most used stitches and cables. The emphasis will be on reading your knitting and applying the 3 Rules of Fission Knitting. You will learn the properties of Fission Knit fabric, why the technique works, how to manage your yarn and choosing suitable yarn/projects.
Class length: 2-3 hours
Skills required: must be comfortable cabling
No homework.
Materials: small amounts of 2 colours fingering to DK weight yarns
Fusion Knitting
Fusion Knitting is a reversible colourwork technique. Design elements are created with slipped stitches placed on both sides of the fabric. The motif on one side of the fabric is mirrored on the other side.
In this class, we will be working a small swatch in the round to practice the stitches and cables. Emphasis will be on reading your knitting, understanding why the technique works and applying the 4 Rules of Fusion Knitting.
Class length: 3-4 hours
Skills required: must be comfortable cabling and working a small circumference project in the round.
Homework will be given before class.
Materials: small amounts of 2 colours of DK to Aran weight yarns
Next Steps in Reversible Knitting
This class is suitable for knitters who have taken one of my Fission or Fusion Knitting classes or who have previously knit my designs.
In this class, we will further explore what makes these designs reversible. Topics include: the notation, efficient chart reading, fixing cables/mistakes, frogging and yarn selection. This class is lecture style with time for discussion and question/answer.
Class length: 2-3 hours
Skills required: some knowledge of Fission & Fusion knitting
No homework.
Materials: bring any Fission/Fusion wips or swatches to practice fixing mistakes (optional)
Two-Pass Woven Knitting
Woven knitting creates bold, graphic designs using surprisingly small pattern repeats! It’s a powerful technique that revolutionizes how you think about colorwork! Master the Two-Pass concepts and extend your skills to one-pass & four colour designs!
In this class, we will work a small swatch in the round to add a second colour to a one colour woven cable pattern. Emphasis will be on reading your knitting and understanding what happens with each kind of design element.
This class requires proficiency with cables and working small circumference in the round. A Homework and Skills Required document will be provided. If the student is comfortable with the homework, the class is suitable for them. Note: the homework may take 30 minutes – 2 hours to complete.
Class Length: 3 hours
Fission Knitting for Yarn Store Teachers
Note: The class is only available to yarn stores.
Offer a unique and exciting technique to your knitters! Registration to this class includes:
- a comprehensive 3-hour workshop designed specifically for yarn store knitting instructors. Up to 3 teachers from each store can join!
- Permission to teach the same class, using the teaching pattern and notes, in your virtual and in-person LYS classes
- Access to a class recording for 6 months.
- PDF copy of the slides I use in class (for you to use when you teach)
- PDF copy of the notes I give to students (for you to distribute to your students); includes the class pattern and links to additional resources
- Suggestions for running a class or KAL with the Flowing River Cowl & Comet Trails Scarf
- Ravelry download codes for 1 copy each of the Flowing River Cowl & the Comet Trails Scarf for LYS use
- Downloadable pictures and videos to advertise your classes.
Please email me at MaryWMartinKnits.LYS@gmail.com for more information or available sessions.
Fission Knitting for Designers & Knitting Teachers
Unlock an innovative approach to colourwork with Fission Knitting: a technique that allows you to create stunning reversible fabrics with different cabled motifs on each side!
Who the workshop is for: This specialized workshop is designed for knitting teachers looking to expand their repertoire with a cutting-edge technique and designers eager to explore the unique possibilities of reversible Fission Knitting in their creations.
Why I am offering this class: When I develop a technique, I believe its full potential is unlocked when shared and explored by a community of creative minds. This workshop is an invitation for you to learn Fission Knitting, contribute your own ideas, and help shape its future. I encourage you to teach, design, and adapt this technique – I’m excited to see what you’ll create!
Next session (two 3-hour classes): September 23 & October 7; register here.
Please email me at MaryWMartinKnits@gmail.com for more information or future dates.
Mary W Martin 