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 most
common stitches and cables. Emphasis will be on reading your knitting, understanding what happens
with each kind of stitch and applying the 4 Rules of Fusion Knitting. You will learn the properties of Fusion Knit fabric and why the technique works.
Class length: 3 hours
Skill 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-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)
Mary W Martin 