Introduction to Arm Knitting and Wool Dyeing
A course by Javiera OrtizCostume designer and photographer
A course by Javiera Ortiz, Costume designer and photographer
Learn how to dye wool and knit XL pieces using your arms
Inspiratemirando began as the travel blog of photographer and designer Javiera Ortiz, a place where she wrote and shared photographs of all the things she liked. But her constant search for inspiration led her to discover XL knitting, and it became her new obsession. She learned this new technique almost accidentally, and as a result, she turned her travel blog into a page dedicated to XL knitting. Today she is an expert in this technique and leads XL knitting workshops.
In this course, Javiera will introduce you to the arm knitting technique, which consists of using your arms instead of knitting needles. First, you'll dye your own fleece wool and with it, weave different pieces such as an XL blanket.
What will you learn in this online course?
11 lessons & 13 downloads
What will we do in this course?
1 minute, 4 seconds
Ball vs fleece and micronaje of the wool
5 minutes, 51 seconds
How much wool do I need to make my blanket
3 minutes, 46 seconds
Preparing for the dyeing of the fleece
4 minutes, 21 seconds
Fleece Dyeing
8 minutes, 52 seconds
Fleece Drying
5 minutes, 19 seconds
What's included in this course?
Javiera will introduce herself and her project, Inspiratemirando. She’ll tell you about her professional career, her blog and the people that inspire her.
Next, she’ll show you the materials and tools necessary for the course and will explain the differences between wool ball and fleece, reviewing the advantages of each one.
You'll prepare everything to start dyeing your fleece following Javiera’s instructions. She’ll teach you a classic dye and how to do something more daring with two-colors or even three! Then, you'll discover how to dry the material and start knitting.
The first thing you will do is a sliding knot - remember that in this technique you weave with your arms, so they should be free in order for the wool to run smoothly. Then you'll learn the chain stitch, and knit your blanket with the jersey stitch (which has two sides - one being right side up). You'll see that if you make a mistake in the process, you can easily disassemble the knit.
Once you're done, you'll see how to hide the wool tails that were loose at each end. That’s it! Being a delicate piece, you'll have to learn the basic caring instructions to protect and wash it. Lastly, Javiera will propose possible uses for you to show off your piece.
What is this course's project?
Knit an XL blanket using the arm knitting technique. Learn how to work the fleece to be able to dye it at home and achieve the color you want, and finally decorate any space with this unique and contemporary piece made by you.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in weaving and crafts, who wants to explore their creativity using a contemporary technique.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge necessary to take this course. For materials, you'll need 2 kg of knitting fleece, a large pot, kitchen burners, anilines, vinegar, gloves, access to a top-loading washing machine (optional), scissors, teaspoon and an apron to cover your clothes.
Reviews
- 2 years ago
Hermoso conocimiento, ahora sí a experimentar con la lana
- 3 years ago
excelente!
- 3 years ago
Excelente curso!!
- 3 years ago
Muy bueno
- 4 years ago
Me encantó el curso! He aprendido mucho!
Inspiratemirando was born as a travel blog in Australia, where Javiera wrote and photographed all the things she liked. While seeking inspiration, she found XL fleece knitting and became obsessed with learning this new technique. That opened a whole new world of possibilities and unintentionally, transformed her travel blog into a page dedicated to knitting.
Javiera teaches XL knitting workshops and today has some of her blankets exhibited in Australia, as well as having her own online shop.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- What will we do in this course?
- U2
Materials and tools
- Ball vs fleece and micronaje of the wool
- How much wool do I need to make my blanket
- Preparing for the dyeing of the fleece
- U3
Dyeing and weaving a blanket XXL
- Fleece Dyeing
- Fleece Drying
- XXL blanket fabric
- U4
Uses and care
- Care
- Uses for your tissues
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to arm knitting and wool dyeing
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
XL arm knitting with roving is a textile technique that uses thick wool fibers and can be done with your arms or crochet hooks. It lets you create large blankets, rugs, and decorative pieces with a unique texture and size.
This course is aimed at people with intermediate knitting skills but covers everything from choosing materials to dyeing techniques and assembling XL pieces, so it’s accessible if you have basic knowledge.
You’ll need wool roving (ideally merino), anilines or natural dyes, sturdy gloves, containers for dyeing, water, vinegar, and your arms or XL crochet hooks depending on your chosen project.
You’ll learn how to select and dye roving wool, calculate wool amounts, make blankets, cushions, and XXL wall hangings, work with arms and crochet, and professionally photograph and document your textile creations.
The course teaches you how to calculate the wool you need using proportional formulas based on area, roving thickness, and stitch type, so you won’t run out of material for your XL project.
Yes, the course includes techniques for dyeing roving at home using anilines or natural dyes, mixing colors, and setting the dye with vinegar, plus tips to prevent felting.
Roving is unspun fiber; a skein is spun and wound wool. Roving is perfect for XL projects because of its volume and texture, while skeins are better for finer, more regular knitting.