Classes

Free Beginning Knitting and Crochet Classes!

At Northwest Yarns, we are fairly certain that everyone would like to know how to knit and crochet, and if they do not yet know how, it is only because of lack of opportunity. To help populate the world with knitters and crocheters, we offer free beginning knitting and crochet classes!

If you would like to get your knit and crochet on, please drop by for one of the classes below. Needles, hooks and yarns for class are available for purchase at our store -- or feel free to bring your own.

If you already know how to knit or crochet, but have questions about your project that you would like some assistance with, feel free to stop by as well!
Starting 7/8, our in-person classes at the shop are back, too. So, click on the links below, grab your needles or hooks and some yarn, and join us!

  

Kids are great, and we love teaching the next generation all about fiber arts! Kids that are 13+ are welcome to participate in our classes unaccompanied by adults. Kids younger than 13 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult that will also be participating in class so the adult can provide support both in and out of class.

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Macramé Mondays
June & July

hands macrame-ing

These classes will get you started on your macramé journey! Take one, or take both to learn some sweet macramé techniques for just $15 plus the cost of materials.
Mondays 4-5pm 

Technique Tuesdays
June & July

Hands knitting and balls of yarn with knitting needles


Check out these bite-size knitting technique classes, lasting just 1/2 an hour, on Tuesdays at 12:00pm. And they are just $10 each! Check out the classes below.

  

Thread Thursdays
June & July

Hants embordering

Get your thread on! These weekly classes will give you the techniques you need to level up your embroidery and thread-working skills. Each of these classes is just $10 each!

Thursdays 4-4:30 pm 

Beginning Basketry - Weaving a Round Basket
June 3rd

Join Heather Seevers for a class in beginning basketry! In this comprehensive class, you will learn everything about how to weave a simple basket from the base up. A perfect class for dipping your toes (and fingers), into this fascinating craft!
Class Day & Time: 6/3, 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Cost: $60 + $12 materials fee
 

Rigid Heddle Weaving
June 4th

Looking a great way to use yarn besides knitting and crochet? Sign up for this rigid heddle weaving class! In this one day introductory class, John will show you how to warp the loom, weave, and discuss finishing methods. If you don't yet have a rigid heddle loom of your own, let us know prior to class. We have rigid heddle looms available to rent.
Class Day & Time: 6/4, 11-1
Cost: $50
  

Introduction to Needle Felting
June 10th

Needle felting involves working wool fibers together using special, barbed needles to create a flat or two, or three-dimensional textile or sculptural form. This 2 1/2 hour class will teach you all the basics of needle felting: the processes, supplies needed, and the possibilities. You will leave with at least two finished needle felted pieces PLUS the knowledge and you'll need to continue creating at home. Enrolled students will receive 10% off materials purchased for the class.
Class Day & Time: 6/10, 2:30-5
Cost: $30
 

Ice Dyed Fabric
June 11th

Love the look of ice dyed fabric? It is easy to learn how to make your own! Join us us for this two-hour class and learn a skill that will set you on your way to making gorgeous, hand-dyed fabrics at home.
Class Day & Time: 6/11, 11-1
Cost: $60

Toe-Up Two-at-a-Time Socks (2-part class)
June 17th & 24th

Learn to knit your very own stylin' socks! Using the easy toe-up two-at-a-time technique, you will learn how to knit a pair of socks that fit your feet perfectly. Solids or stripes, matching or not - customize to suit your own sense of style!
Class Day & Time: 6/17 & 6/24, 11-1
Cost: $60
  
 

Beginning Spindle Spinning (2-part class)
June 18th & 25th

Learn the ancient art of spindle spinning and spin yarn wherever you are! This is a great class if you have been meaning to learn how to spin on a drop spindle - all you need is wool and a spindle to spin pretty much anywhere.
Class Day & Time: 6/18 & 6/25, 11-1
Cost: $95 (plus materials)
  
  

Beginning Wheel Spinning (2-part class)
June 18th & 25th

Learn to spin your own yarn! Heather is an experienced spinning teacher and is excited to share her passion for spinning with you. Join us for a two-part class to learn the basics of wheel spinning. You are encouraged to bring your own wheel if you’ve got one– but if you don’t, we’ve got your back! Get in touch with us to learn about renting a wheel for this class and beyond.
Class Day & Time: 6/18 & 6/25, 1:30-3:30
Cost: $60 (plus materials)
 

4 Harness Weaving
July 1st & 2nd

Join Heather Seevers for this 4-harness weaving class and start becoming a weaver! Heather will lead students through warping, weaving and finishing to create a series of elegant mug rugs. Looms are available for loan for students who do not already have a loom.
Class Day & Time: July 1st 9-4, July 2nd 10-4 (with a 1 hour lunch break)
Cost: $120

 

Beginning Spindle Spinning
July 23rd & 30th

Learn the ancient art of spindle spinning and spin yarn wherever you are! This is a great class if you have been meaning to learn how to spin on a drop spindle - all you need is wool and a spindle to spin pretty much anywhere.
Class Day & Time: 7/23 & 7/30, 11-1
Cost: $60 (plus materials)

Introduction to Darning
July 16th

Got a bunch of worn-out sock and holey sweaters in your mending pile? Join sustainable sewist and mending advocate Noah Hirsch in learning to darn knit garments and get them back into use. This class will teach a basic darning technique that can be used on socks or sweaters to achieve either a subtle mend that blends in or a decorative visible mend that stands out! 

Materials needed for each student:

  • Yarn, sashiko thread, or embroidery thread in color of choice, either matching the garment for subtle mends or contrasting for visible mending.
  • Darning egg (if mending a sock) or embroidery hoop (if mending a sweater)
  • Tapestry needles
  • Thread scissors
  • A knit garment in need of mending: Medium thickness is easiest to darn, so not super-thin ankle socks or your finest knit sweater but also not your thickest socks or chunkiest sweater! If you have questions as to what would be a good garment to bring, please feel free to contact me.

*Students receive 10% off materials purchased for the class

Date and Time: July 16th from 1-3 pm
Cost per student: $30
Minimum number of students: 2
Maximum number of students: 6

Beginning Wheel Spinning
July 23rd & 30th

Learn to spin your own yarn! Heather is an experienced spinning teacher and is excited to share her passion for spinning with you. Join us for a two-part class to learn the basics of wheel spinning. You are encouraged to bring your own wheel if you’ve got one– but if you don’t, we’ve got your back! Get in touch with us to learn about renting a wheel for this class and beyond.
Class Day & Time: 7/23 & 7/30, 1:30-3:30 pm
Cost: $60 (plus materials)

Sheepy Steeky Coasters with Michele Lee Berstein of PDXKnitterati
July 30th

Is steeking on your knitting bucket list? Why would you knit something in the round to knit a flat object? How can you keep your cut knitting from falling apart? So many questions, and Michelle Lee Berstein has the answers! This coaster class is gentle introduction to crocheted steek reinforcement. You’ll knit the homework, and then you will reinforce, cut, and finish your coasters in class. A great class with a great instructor!
Class Day & Time: 7/30, 1-3
Cost: $55
 

Natural Cordage & Basketry (2-part class)
August 6th & 20th

round basket woven from light brown, green, and red cord.

Get back to nature this summer with a class on natural cordage and basketry! Join basketry instructor Joi Weaver to learn how to make cordage from several natural materials such as corn husks and grass, and incorporate them into your very own handwoven seagrass basket.
Class Dates & Times: 8/6 & 8/20, 1-3
Cost: $90