The company’s manifesto asserts, “Our mission is to inspire the next generation of makers through a reinvention of the craft experience.” Whether it’s straightforward knitting, crochet, or macrame, Wool and the Gang has come up with designs and patterns, so you can tackle any project. And, better yet, its YouTube channel features a variety of free tutorials. You can choose from a series of playlists, whether it’s by skill level (Easy, Beginner, or Intermediate), a dedicated Beginner series, knitting how-tos (demonstrating herringbone, hexagon, purl, moss, garter, stocking stitch, and more), crochet and macrame how-tos, or an A to Z playlist. The A to Z playlist features more whimsical projects. While there is a straightforward How to Make a Blanket tutorial, you can also learn how to crochet your very own dog mat, arm knit a blanket, DIY your own macrame plant hanger, and make denim yarn from a pair of old jeans. We picked Sheep & Stitch as the best introduction to casting on because of the simple and expert guidance from founder Davina Choy. With Choy’s help, you’ll learn about knitting tutorials, patterns, and general knitting inspiration. She starts her free beginner’s series with How to Cast On, designed to be simple enough for those who haven’t picked up a set of needles before. In its most basic form, knitting consists of three steps: first, casting on, then the stitch, and finally, casting off. The cast-on technique Choy demonstrates in the video is the thumb method cast-on—a method regularly used by pro knitters as well. Casting on transforms your loose yarn into actual stitches; you’ll then be able to build upon them for whatever you’re creating. In addition to breaking down each individual step in casting on, Choy also recommends that beginners use a chunkier yarn, as well as thick needles, to get a handle on this technique—they’ll both be easier to grip. In addition to creating a cool slouchy hat to add to your accessory wardrobe, you’ll also be picking up some new key skills. Over the course of 13 video lessons, you’ll learn four techniques to add to your knitting knowledge: knitting in the round, working with double-pointed needles, decreasing stitches, and how to create your very own pom-pom. If you don’t have a Skillshare membership yet, you’ll be able to take the class for free during the platform’s two-week, free trial period. Their membership tier is $32 per month or $14 per month billed annually. Choy also has a series of other classes on Skillshare depending on your comfort level, including Knitting I: Learning the Basics with Simple Scarf, Knitting II: Learn Stitch Widths with a Triangle Scarf, and Knitting IV: Learn Advanced Techniques with a Trendy Headband. First, McDonnell breaks down the variety of knitting needle shapes (whether they’re straight, double-pointed, circular, or cable). Then, she goes through the array of knitting needle sizes and what to look for. Pairing your knitting needle size to your yarn weight is key—and larger needles are best for beginning knitters. (McDonnell recommends size 11 U.S.) She then moves on to the benefits of knitting with larger needles. Not only will the right needle be easier to handle overall, but your knitted piece will “knit up” faster, as heavier weighted yarns make for larger items and quicker assembly time. Finally, McDonnell discusses the pros and cons of all knitting needle materials—wood (bamboo is her preferred choice), but also aluminum and plastic. The lesson is free, and you can also browse a wealth of other tutorials on her website. With 11 lessons in total, over the course of the class, you’ll get acquainted with the language of knitting patterns and make a basic scarf, a stretchy, ribbed scarf, a striped hat in the round, and a pair of mittens—all on your own. Complete with close-up images and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, Stern explains all the intricacies of each project. You’ll start with a foundational lesson outlining the class and what tools and materials you’ll need before moving to casting on and perfecting the knit stitch, binding off (securing all your stitches), and learning the purl stitch. One crucial point in the class is Lesson 6: Fixing Mistakes—addressing how to handle any errors and streamline your technique. You’ll then continue onto understanding pattern abbreviations and knitting gauge, knitting in the round, stitch decreases, increases, DPNs (double-pointed needles), and finally, picking up stitches. The whole point of the class is to get you to loosen up and get playful with dye—and it will surely reflect that feeling in whatever piece you create with your transformed yarn. Reynoso’s recommendation is to download the PDF of class materials first, as it also includes a variety of helpful tips. Then, before attempting a technique, watch all the demonstrations. Then choose one before re-watching and executing. This will help you get comfortable with the process before taking the plunge. Like the other class mentioned above, if you don’t have a Skillshare membership yet, you’ll be able to take this class for free during the site’s two-week trial period. There is a monthly subscription charge beyond that. Creator Staci Perry is a knitwear designer and teacher, and in addition to being spotlighted in The New York Times, she’s also had feature articles in Vogue Knitting and Yarn Market News. At the heart of Perry’s online teaching is creating patterns with video tutorials that are easily digestible and, according to her site, will “ease knitters into advanced techniques.” These clear and concise instructions, along with the expert knowledge from Perry, won this course the spot as the best introduction to knit socks. At the completion of this free class, you’ll have a pair of worsted-weight socks. To make them, you already need to be comfortable with how to knit and purl. You’ll start with the cuff, then move onto the heel flap, gusset, foot, shaping the toe, and finish with the Kitchener stitch. No matter what happens during the process, Perry will guide you every step of the way.
How Much Do Online Knitting Classes Cost?
The majority of classes on this list are free to take and streamable via YouTube or the Instructables platform. A premium membership on Skillshare costs around $14 per month (if you prepay for annual membership), but you can access classes at no cost with a free trial.
Will I Need to Buy Materials for an Online Knitting Class?
To get started, all you’ll need is your computer, starter yarn, and knitting needles. Each class will detail additional materials depending on the project at hand.
What Will I Be Able to Create in an Online Knitting Class?
With an online knitting class, you’ll be able to make fun accessories, items for your home, and gifts for family and friends. Wool and the Gang’s tutorials demonstrate how to make a blanket, macrame plant hanger, and even denim yarn from old jeans. On Skillshare you will learn how to knit a slouchy hat, simple scarf, and headband. And you’ll walk away from the Instructables course with a striped hat and pair of mittens.
What Is the Difference Between Knitting and Crocheting?
While both these techniques use yarn to make scarves, hats, afghans, and other items, knitting involves using two long pointed objects, called knitting needles, and crocheting requires using one, which is called a crochet hook.
Methodology
We carefully researched the web for online knitting classes and came up with these seven for our top picks. The knitting classes were evaluated for price (we’ve provided both free classes and courses with a price point), instructors’ experience and expertise, course variety, and skill levels offered.
