Swing Knitting with Expert Brigitte Elliott was our topic today and we love that she shared this with us as well as so many other things!
Swing Knitting was actually developed by someone else and Brigitte gives credit to Gabrielle Kluge https://www.strickrausch.de/ (Intoxicated Knitting) and was trademarked by Heidrun Liegmann-Halama https://swing-knitting.com. There is a workshop course in German (if you open it with Google, it can be translated) by Heidrun that Brigitte recommends. https://magischemaschen.blogspot.com (Magical Stitches) Brigitte deserves credit though, too, for translating to English (we think!) and showing us how truly fun it is! There are several patterns that are really popular that uses this technique, most familiar is the Dreambird Shawl (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreambird-kal), the Hitchhiker Shawl (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hitchhiker) to name a couple…
Brigitte met Patty McDonald who communicated by e-mail, who shared a scarf that they both found incredibly inspiring that was in German. That was Gabrielle Kluge! Brigitte took that course linked earlier in summer 2010, then she went to Germany for a live course, four days in a castle and met teacher Heidrun. Brigitte found it so exciting, and later Heidrun sent her a packet for Brigitte's help to translate it into English. Brigitte really loved this style of knitting that she thinks of as German Short Rows. She devised a mathematical formula of explaining Heidrun's musical way of writing.
This is one of her designs: The Autumn Fusion Shawl has been well received. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swing-knits-autumn-fusion-shawl There is a series of workshops in German and in English in Ravelry. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swing-knittingtm-workshop-5—swingy-hitchhiker There's also been some additonal designs from Heidrun placed in Ravelry in German and with Brigitte's help, English! https://www.ravelry.com/stores/magische-maschen-designs Brigitte's also had some designs published, most of us may have seen in the Knitter's magazine. Here's the link to her Ravelry Designer page to remind us: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/brigitte-elliott
Brigitte also recommends the Ravelry group for Swing Knits https://www.ravelry.com/groups/knitting-the-swing—swing-knittingtm
Don't forget to check out Brigitte Elliott's website: https://www.bzknitter.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is swing knitting?
Swing knitting (also called short row knitting or bias knitting in some traditions) is a knitting technique that uses short rows to create shapes and curved, three-dimensional fabric. By turning mid-row and working back and forth on progressively longer or shorter sections, you create ruffles, waves, curves, and sculptural shapes that straight knitting can't achieve. The result can be dramatically three-dimensional… garments that follow the body's curves, shawls with beautiful scalloped edges, and accessories with built-in sculptural form.
Who is Brigitte Elliott?
Brigitte Elliott is a knitting designer and educator known for her expertise in swing knitting and short row techniques. She's a specialist in a specific area of knitting that requires particular knowledge and skill, which is why she's featured as an “expert” on the blog. Guest features like this one bring specialized knowledge to Marly's audience that goes beyond any single person's expertise… the knitting world is broad and deep, and specialists enrich everyone's understanding.
What kinds of projects use swing knitting techniques?
Swing knitting creates incredibly beautiful results in: ruffled shawls and wraps where the short rows create natural waves and scallops. Curved hem cardigans that follow body shapes. Three-dimensional flowers and sculptural decorative elements. Socks with custom heel shaping. Garments with intentional drape and movement built into the construction. The technique allows designers to create shapes in knit fabric that would otherwise require sewing or pattern manipulation… the shaping happens in the knitting itself.
Is swing knitting appropriate for beginners?
It's intermediate to advanced territory. You need to be comfortable with basic knitting AND with short row concepts (knowing how to turn mid-row and pick up wraps or work German short rows to prevent holes). The spatial thinking required to understand how short rows create three-dimensional shapes takes some practice to develop. Start with a basic understanding of short rows from a simpler project before tackling complex swing knitting designs. Brigitte Elliott's teaching specifically is known for being clear and accessible… a good instructor makes all the difference for complex techniques.
Where can I learn more about swing knitting?
Brigitte Elliott's own books and workshops are the best source for deep swing knitting learning! Search her name for her publications and any online courses she may offer. The Marly Bird blog post may contain additional resources. Ravelry has projects and groups dedicated to swing knitting where you can see many examples of finished work and ask questions of experienced practitioners. Once you see beautiful swing knit shawls and garments, you'll understand why this specialized technique has a devoted following.
These knitters need some sock alternatives: creative, stylish ways to use sock yarns for things other than socks. 
Listen as Marly and Sharon discuss the choices made of yarn weights, techniques and more this book has to offer! The