Masters Program or Professional Knitter Certification?
The primary difference between the Master Hand Knitting Program (MHK) and the Professional Knitter Certification (PKC) course is that the MHK is not a course. The Co-Chairs and Reviewers are not teachers and while the participants are learning, they are not students. They are our peers, proving to us that they are Masters. The Co-Chairs assist and advise, but do not do the leg work for participants, nor hold their hands through the learning process. It is the participant’s responsibility to research the material. When participants have completed all three levels, they receive their pin and join the ranks of Master Knitters.
The PKC is a course. When students register they receive a Reference document along with the Assignment document. They are provided the contact information for their instructor who, as a mentor, will work with them to understand the material. If students do not understand the material, the instructor is available to help them through areas of difficulty. The assignments are designed to test their mastery of the materials. When the student has completed all three modules, they receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation from their instructor. Should they desire, they are ready to work in the knitting industry.
Research, writing and design are important parts of the MHK program. Participants are required to research and analyze all techniques in the program in addition to demonstrating mastery of those techniques. Research reports and book reviews are as much a part of the program as design and pattern writing. The Master Hand Knitting page provides specific details on this program.
The PKC requires no writing, research, or design. To graduate students must demonstrate their knitting skills as well as their ability to accurately interpret and follow patterns within a timely fashion. The final module prepares the knitter for a professional career as a sample or test knitter. The Professional Knitter Certification page provides specific details on this program.
Another difference between the two programs is the deadlines. MHK requires that participants must submit each level within a prescribed time period once the level is ordered. If they do not, they must pay an extension fee when they are ready to submit their work. Also, all work submitted after the suggested time frame must be done according to the most recent set of instructions. There is no limit on the number of times participants can get updated directions.
For the PKC program, work must be submitted within one year of purchase. If the deadline is missed, the course must be repurchased. The next module must be ordered within 6 month of completing the previous module. An important part of this program is time management.