Swatchbuckling (a.k.a., “Applying Ergonomics to Knitting”)
With Carson Demers
This program is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America
Avast ye mateys! With the help of author, knitter, and physical therapist Carson Demers, bring improved ergonomics to life in your knitting technique.
This class identifies ergonomic risk in knitting and teaches you how to reduce or eliminate it.
We’ll examine yarn tensioning techniques, and all phases of stitch creation and practice optimal methods of making them.
You’ll practice ways to…
- Improve seated posture.
- Better understand needle choices and options to find the right fit for you and your project.
- How to avoid stiffness and injuries caused by disuse.
- Even walk and knit!
Let’s rethink the idea of “swatching” and make it something that is actually fun and useful in ways you’ve probably never imagined.
Note: Class is appropriate for students who are comfortable with basic knit purl stitches. This is not a beginner knitting workshop.
Students joining us for this workshop receive free admission to Carson’s lecture, Knitting Sustainably. You will receive details on how to register for the lecture with free admission upon signing up for this workshop.
- Skill level Beginner +
- Age appropriate 10+ (minors must have a parent on site)
- Materials fee None
- Students should bring
light colored worsted weight yarn (4 oz. is
sufficient) and needles appropriate for yarn, a bath sized towel, and materials to take notes if
they wish to do so.
Instructor
Carson DemersCarson is life-long knitter and a physical therapist with 30-years of experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and ergonomics. He literally wrote the book on ergonomics for knitters and fiber enthusiasts, “Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting.”
Carson continues to teach knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other textile enthusiasts internationally at events large and small about the ergonomics of their crafts. He has contributed articles to numerous fiber and crafting magazines and has been a consultant to writers for Martha Stewart Living and other publications. Carson has appeared on podcasts and vlogs including Fruity Knitting. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community.
