Presenting James Cox (2)

Course dates:
  • 23 August - 30 August 2025
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Magic Knots

James Cox is a knitwear designer from the USA who has been creating original patterns for 45 years. He has been tutoring students for decades, teaching classes at major knitting events, lecturing for Knitting Guild chapters across America, and was showcased in Vogue Knitting Magazine. During his week here, Jim will share with you the secrets of magic knots and reversible stitches. You’ll work with him on two specially designed projects featuring these techniques. All the yarns will be provided free.

The magic knot is based on an old sailor’s knot used to securely attach two lines. It is typically used by knitters to attach two skeins of yarn without leaving any yarn tails. But when Jim discovered this magical technique he was inspired to use it in special ways to create a variety of original designs. On the right you can see examples of his work.

“A magic knot is used to attach two strands of yarn without tails. In our class project we will be using it to co-design a scarf in the color of your choice with three accent colors. You will decide when to introduce a dash of color and how long each dash will be.” 

Reversible stitches

Jim has always been sensitive to how knitted garments look on the “wrong side”, especially scarves, wraps, shawls and cowls. So he has always liked working with reversible stitches that look beautiful on both the right and wrong side. He has also enjoyed combining a variety of stitch patterns in a single project. In his class at The Watermill Jim will be teaching you how to combine numerous reversible stitches with different stitch gauges to create a beautiful cowl.

Jim shared: “In this project the students will learn eight different reverse stitch patterns, from my collection of several hundred. Students will be creating a reversible cowl that showcases a total of 16 stitch patterns.” An example of a variegated grey and yellow pattern is on the right.

A comprehensive handout will be provided, so note taking may not be necessary.

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