Discover the Best Knitting Classes Near Me
Knitting is a process by which a series of loops of yarn are continuously interlinked or knotted together to create a finished product. It is believed to be one of the oldest methods of making clothes, with some knitted artifacts from ancient Egypt dating back to the 5th century CE. Knitting is a unique craft because it is accessible, requiring only needles and yarn to get started, and it also allows people to create something functional such as a sweater, a scarf, or any number of other items. Whether you are interested in flat knitting or circular knitting methods, it is a great way for people of all ages to flex their creative muscles.
Why You Should Learn Knitting
Picking up knitting as a skill can be beneficial in a number of different ways. For example, knitting could be a fun hobby that helps to relieve the stress of daily life, or gives you something to do with your hands during your free time. It might feel good to be able to make something tangible, including an end product that you could gift to a friend or family member.
When you start learning knitting as a hobby, you will also discover that you can join a larger community of people who are all interested in the craft. Once you have nailed down the basics of knitting, it is easy to research local knitting clubs, groups, events, or organizations that will allow you to meet others that like knitting too. This makes knitting not just a fulfilling hobby, but a way to get out and be social.
Lastly, knitting doesn’t have to be just a hobby. This is a valuable skill that may open up career opportunities. Starting a side hustle selling your knitted creations online or in-person at craft fairs could allow you to earn some extra cash. You could even start a part-time business repairing and mending certain types of clothing.
5 Ways to Learn Knitting
Learning how to knit might seem overwhelming at first, but it does not have to be difficult and you do not have to do it on your own. Figuring out the specifics of how to loop yarn together can be tedious, even with a pattern to follow, and many new knitters get discouraged when they ruin their first purl. This makes in-person knitting classes the ideal option, not only because they allow you to see a demonstration in greater detail, but because you’re able to feel the end result with your hands and gain a greater understanding of how it was made. An in-person knitting class also allows your instructor to see your work in the same way, and they can offer you real-time feedback and advice about your project as you go.
Live online knitting classes are also a great way to learn knitting. They are accessible to almost anyone, which is good because not everyone has an in-person class that is close to them. And despite taking place online, they feature a live instructor who can answer your questions and give you feedback in real-time. While they will not be able to touch and feel your project and you will not be able to do the same to theirs, it is the next best option to learning knitting in-person simply because you get to enjoy the real-time feedback that you cannot find with any of the other methods of learning knitting.
Self-paced or on-demand classes such as those found on YouTube, can also be a good option especially if you do not want to invest money in knitting right away beyond purchasing needles and some yarn. These self-paced or on-demand classes allow you to learn as quickly or as slowly as you want, and you can utilize them around your schedule rather than having to attend a class on a certain day, at a certain time. Many people who have full-time jobs or children find self-paced or on-demand classes to be helpful for this reason.
Learning knitting from someone you know who knits, like a relative or friend, may be a good idea. This is largely dependent on your schedule as well as the schedule of the other person, and whether the way that they knit aligns with how you want to learn. Since there are so many different ways to knit, the method that your friend or loved one knows may not match up with what you were expecting to learn. That being said, this can be an excellent way to learn while also allowing you to spend time in the company of someone you are close to.
You could attend a knitting group as a beginner, but go into it knowing that many people in knitting groups are looking for socialization, not to teach someone else. Knitting groups can be a good place to observe the techniques of others, or even get new ideas for projects, but they are not necessarily the best place to learn knitting when you are just starting out, unless the group specifically states that they welcome beginners.
In-Person Knitting Classes
If you want to learn knitting and you are in New York City, CourseHorse can help you book in-person classes at Brooklyn Craft Company, located in the borough of the same name. Knitting 101 is a beginner level course that is perfect for any aspiring knitters, or those who have knitted before but have not picked up their needles in a while. The class covers the basics of turning yarn into fabric, all with a pair of needles, some yarn, and basic knowledge. Another knitting class offered at Brooklyn Craft Company is Knit a Striped Summer Top, which is an intermediate level course that instructs learners how to take their knitting beyond scarves and sweaters. Instead, in this class you will make a sleeveless tank top or vest entirely from cotton yarn. At Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan on the Upper West Side, Basics of Knitting is another great option for beginners who want to learn knitting. In this class you will learn casting on, binding off, and simple stitches that can allow you to make a variety of projects with all supplies included.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, CourseHorse can connect you to in-person classes at The Knitting Tree in the neighborhood of Inglewood. Beginner Knitting Thursdays is a four-part course that guides learners through three projects total: a scarf, a hat, and a shawl. Skills that are taught include how to cast on, how to form knit and purl stitches, and how to read a pattern. The same class is also available as Beginning Knitting Mondays, Beginning Knitting Thursdays, Beginning Knitting Wednesdays, and Beginning Knitting Fridays if you cannot attend the weekend class. Knitting is a class for beginners held at Los Angeles City College that welcomes all genders to learn to knit. You will be introduced to needle and string types, stitching patterns, and more.
For those close to the Chicago area, there is an Intro to Knitting class for beginners available at the Irving Park Discovery Center. This course is designed for absolute beginners at knitting and pairs proper knitting terminology with hands-on learning and visual aids. If you enjoy the first class, you can return to the Discovery Center for Intro to Knitting II, which is a continuation designed for students who know how to create a slip knot, cast on, and work a knit stitch. Beginning Knitting is another beginner level class, offered at Knit Nirvana in the neighborhood of Forest Park. If you have always wanted to learn knitting, this class will teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and pick up dropped stitches.
In the area, the McLean Community Center offers a course called The Knitting Circle. This five session course is designed for participation from all skill levels, with beginners learning the basics while experienced knitters can learn new skills. You can either bring your own supplies or purchase a beginner’s knitting kit to help you get started. Meanwhile, The Art League in Alexandria hosts a class called Knitting Projects: Beyond Square, which is ideal for intermediate knitters who have a more advanced project in mind. This course teaches knitters how to read a pattern, fix mistakes, and figure out gauge and sizing issues. Herringb1Cowl is a class offered at Finch Knitting + Sewing Studio in Leesburg that teaches you how to make a cowl using a herringbone stitch, which you can then finish off at home.
In Charlotte, Beginner Knit Class at Charlotte Yarn in Dilworth is an ideal place to learn the foundational knitting skills. This class teaches you the basics of knitting, with the first project being a dishcloth. You will need to purchase your own supplies, but a list of the required items is provided. If you are an advanced knitter, there is another class at Charlotte Yarn in Dilworth called Stone Point. This is a project based class that requires previous knitting knowledge such as the ability to knit and purl comfortably and an understanding of basic knitting terminology. And for advanced knitters, there is Brioche Cowl, a class that teaches a knitting technique that creates a richly textured double-sided fabric for your reversible cowl.
Around the Atlanta area, the Beginning Knitting class at Sugarfoot Yarns in Peachtree City provides students with an introduction to the world of knitting. This class is designed for those who have never knitted before, or perhaps have not knitted in a while and need a refresher. You can also check out Knit Beginner 1: Cowl or Braided Headwarmer at Michaels Atlanta in Buckhead. This beginner class will teach you how to cast on, knit stitch, cast off, and read a pattern, among other skills. Materials must be purchased prior to the class, but there is a list of what is required. Three Ways to Cast on & Bind Off is offered at Sugarfoot Yarns in Peachtree City, and helps knitters of any experience level learn three different techniques for finishing the edges of their projects.
In the Boston area, head over to Auntie Zaza’s Fiber Works in the Easton neighborhood for an all-levels Knitting class that offers an array of diverse patterns. You can learn beaded knitting, improve your finishing work, or develop knowledge and skill in other techniques. At the Braintree Community Arts Center, you can take Beginner Knitting, a class that will teach you the continental knitting technique, long tail cast on, and basic stitches. As you progress, you will learn additional skills that will aid you on your knitting journey. How Do I Fix This? is a class offered for all levels at Newbury Downs in Boston’s downtown. In this course you will learn a variety of techniques that can be used to fix common mistakes and knitting hang-ups that may be stalling your project.
If you’re near San Diego, check out Basic Succulent Knitting at Mint Studio in the Carmel Valley neighborhood. This class covers the basics of knitting, from how to hold needles to casting on stitches and garter stitches. The end product is a knitted succulent that you can use to decorate your home. Also at Mint Studio is Angora Scarf: Basic Knitting, a class that teaches you a knit and purl stitch plus a simple bind-off in a two-hour session. Learn to Knit Class & Beginner’s Knit is a basic class in which you will learn about knitting materials, stitch gauges, how to cast on, knit and purl, and how to bind off. Once the three-hour session is complete, you leave with a scarf pattern and the knowledge to construct two different knitting stitches.
Virtual Knitting Classes
Taking an online knitting class might seem daunting at first, but like in-person classes, they have their pros and cons. One good thing about taking a virtual knitting class is that you can attend it from anywhere. That means you can work on your knitting project in the comfort of your own home, at the beach, or even in a coffee shop. You also do not have to commute to a classroom, which saves both money and time. The biggest con about taking an online knitting class is that you generally have to supply your own materials and equipment.
If you are interested in online knitting classes, CourseHorse has options that will work for you. For example, Knitting is a class that takes place via Zoom and will teach you how to make a scarf with no prior experience, though all skill levels are welcome. Beginning Knitting is a three session course where you will learn the basics of knitting, including casting on, knitting, and binding off. The projects you will make in this course include an infinity scarf and a hat. And Knitting for Beginners (Online) is a beginner-friendly course that will teach you the basics of knitting in a virtual environment over the course of six sessions. Basic Cables is a virtual knitting class that will teach you the basics of how to knit a cable stitch, as well as showing you how to make a fashionable scarf or neck warmer. Knitting Stitch Exploration is a virtual five session class that explores the various types of stitches that you can learn in knitting. These stitches include but are not limited to knit/purl patterns, cables, lace, slip-stitch colorwork, and how to incorporate beads into your knitted fabrics. You will also learn how to combine these various types of knitting into several projects, including scarves, shawls, and blankets.
Private Group Knitting Classes
Do you want to schedule a knitting class as a fun team-building event for your business or organization? CourseHorse offers live knitting classes for private groups that you and your colleagues can enjoy together. If you do not see a knitting class listed publicly right now, it is something that CourseHorse can provide for a group. Reach out through the contact form on their website to learn about the options that are available to you.
There are a variety of benefits when you book your next group knitting activity with CourseHorse. Your group size can be changed after booking if necessary, a confirmation is sent within 24 hours, and there are no additional booking fees. They also support multiple platforms, so you can join in on the fun of a group knitting class from just about anywhere.
What Will I Need to Learn Knitting?
To learn the basics of knitting, you will need a variety of materials. Knitting needles, yarn, scissors, stitch markers, stitch holders, and a measuring tape are all helpful items to have when you start learning to knit. If you take a knitting class, these materials are usually provided, but if not then the instructor will provide you with a list of what to buy.
Is It Difficult to Learn Knitting?
Learning knitting is not necessarily difficult, but learning to be great at knitting requires a lot of hard work. While you may face some unique challenges and experiences in your knitting journey, knitting is a craft that is ultimately accessible to everyone. The biggest thing to remember when you are learning knitting is that you need to be devoted to the craft to succeed at it.
