Join a group of knitters from around the world, while you all knit one of Aleks’ new patterns together in a knit-a-long, also called a KAL for short. It’s being part of a global knit group where we help and inspire each other working on the same gorgeous knitting pattern.

What is a knit-a-long?

A knit-a-long (KAL) is a group of knitters all working on the same pattern together. In these knit-a-longs, we will be knitting a specific pattern by Aleks Byrd with a group of knitters around the world over 2 months.

The knit-a-long happens virtually with 3 recorded Zoom sessions and a dedicated chat area on Discord to engage with your fellow knitters and Aleks. You can ask questions and share your project progress. It’s like having a global knit group with virtual knit nights.

Aleks will be sharing tips and tricks on the techniques used in the pattern over the Zoom sessions. Knit-a-longs are great for meeting other knitters as well as getting help from the designer herself!

How does a knit-a-long work

  • 1. PURCHASE YOUR PATTERN

    First things first, you need to have a copy of the pattern to be ready to knit! Buy a copy of the knit-a-long pattern from Raverly or here

  • 2. SIGN UP FOR THE DEDICATED NEWLETTER

    Sign-up for the dedicated newsletter for the specific knit-a-long- there is a separate mailing list for each knit-a-long. You will get emails with details about joining our 3 zoom sessions, links to the recordings of each zoom session, how to join our Discord chat, plus summaries of helpful tips and tutorials shared. It’s a treasure trove of helpful details in your inbox.

  • 3. JOIN DISCORD CHAT

    Discord is a free community chat platform that will be used for the KAL.

    On Discord, KAL knitters can chat between zoom sessions to share yarn choice, progress and tips plus ask questions.

    It is a free app you can download on your phone, iPad or computer. Details of your kits will be shared on Discord in a special channel for yarn and kits.

  • 4. GET YOUR YARN READY

    Time for some yarn shopping!

    Stash dive , purchase a kit or visit your local yarn shop to create your winning yarn and colour combo.

  • 5. ZOOM SESSIONS

    There will be 3 zoom sessions for each knit-a-long. Here is typically what happens in each zoom session.

    1st zoom session:

    Intro to the pattern, some inspiration for yarn and colour ideas, casting-on

    2nd zoom session:

    Details on specific techniques used with small demos and answering any questions

    3rd zoom session:

    Finishing plus showing off our finished or nearly finished projects

    All zoom sessions are recorded with the recording links sent the day after the session to all knit-a-long participants only.

  • 6. KNIT

    And now the best part- knitting!

    Knit at your own pace as we learn new techniques in the company of fellow KAL knitters. We will work our way through each step and technique in the pattern.

Lovely words from knit-a-long knitters

  • Really enjoyed it Aleks thankyou - gave me the confidence to do my first steeked project.

    Marie (Saar vest knit-a-long knitter)

  • I’m enjoying this pattern and it was a really good one for a KAL with new and different techniques to master, and a push to use a colour changing yarn I have had in my stash for years! I’m looking forward to the next one!

    Gemma (Saar vest knit-a-long knitter)

  • I loved it! Very friendly, informative and motivating.

    Molly ( Saar vest knit-a-long knitter)

FAQs

  • All patterns for the knit-a-longs will have details about the techniques used in the pattern notes to give you an idea what to expect. It is not suitable for absolute beginners but definitely knitters who are already comfortable knitting and purling in the round.

  • You need a copy of the knit-a-long pattern plus all the materials listed in the patterns - yarn, needles and notions.

    If you want to take part in the virtual meet ups and chats, make sure to download Zoom and Discord.

    Knitters signed up to the KAL, will receive an email after signing up for the dedicated newsletter with a list of what they need to be ready to cast-on.

  • Yes you can! You can sign up to join the KAL at any time while it is running.

    You will receive all the emails for the KAL including access to recordings of the virtual Zoom sessions that have occurred.

  • No. The KAL is about having fun and knitting together in a supportive group. There is no need to stress knit to be done by the end of the KAL as you should enjoy knitting the pattern and the finished project. So knit at your own pace.

  • Discord is a free community chat platform that will be used for the KAL. On Discord, KAL knitters can chat between zoom sessions to share yarn choice, progress and tips plus ask questions.

    Discord can be downloaded on to your phone, tablet / iPad or computer. In Discord you can share photos and write messages to share with fellow KAL knitters.