Male knitting class fights feminine stereotype

Male knitting class fights feminine stereotype

Knitters have many stereotypes, including generalisations that the only people who can successfully master the needles are female or elderly.

But this is certainly not the case, as the craft undergoes a resurgence, appealing to young professionals keen to find a creative and practical outlet.

It's definitely not just for girls either, with many men learning how to knit one purl one.

This includes a new all male knitting class at Prema Arts Centre in Uley, Gloucestershire.

Run by experienced knitter Nina Kirkwood, it aims to break down stereotypes and encourage more men to get involved with making their own garments and accessories.

It also harks back to centuries gone by when men historically took up the needles before women.

Speaking to Stroud Life, the publication's senior photographer Simon Pizzey, explained how he decided to give the class a go after watching his partner knitting impressive items.

"My partner is a keen knitter, she creates bags, gloves and booties in front of my eyes while watching TV. I wanted to share something creative with her and knitting seemed the obvious choice," he explained.

Mr Pizzey then went on to say that his first attempts were not so good, describing them as "dismal and frustrating".

He even said that the idea of people being able to talk, watch TV and knit at the same time "is beyond me".

"However, I'm appreciating the relaxation it brings and addictiveness of it as well as the endless complexity of possible creations. I'll stick at it," Mr Pizzey admitted.

Knitting is a craft which certainly takes practice, but once you've mastered the basics, such as casting on and off and being able to do simple knitting and purling, you're well on your way to making items such as bookmarks, scarves and blankets.

Then you can try increasing and decreasing, allowing you to make round-shaped patterns, before moving on to new stitches and techniques such as cabling.

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