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!
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
December & January

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. Sessions take place Mondays from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm.

Technique Tuesdays
December & January 

Hands knitting and balls of yarn with knitting needles

Thread Thursdays
December & January

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! Join us for classes every Thursday from 4:00 pm-4:30 pm.

Beginning Nålbinding
December 2nd

One hand wearing a purple hand warmer.

 

Learn the ancient art of nålbinding with our fabulous instructor Joi Weaver! This fiber art predates both knitting and crochet, and is sometimes called "Viking knitting." In this class, you will learn a basic nålbinding stitch and make a set of hand warmers. You will need a nålbinding needle and a skein of yarn that is anywhere from worsted to bulky -- the Leviathan bulky yarn is especially well-suited to this class. 100% wool is best. Make sure it is not super-wash, as this will make your yarn difficult to splice.

Day & Time:  December 2nd, 1:00-4:00 pm
Maximum nålbinders: 5
Cost: $40

Punch Needle Rug Hooking
December 3rd

This beginners' punch needle rug hooking class covers all aspects of a small rug project! It will introduce you to a step by step process that may be used for other wool rug projects, like pillows, table runners, purses, and more. Whether you are inspired to design your own project or purchase a pre-made kit, this class will give you the tools you need!

In this class, you will learn how to select and prepare foundation cloth, how to trace patterns on tulle netting, what tools will work best, how to select and cut wool or yarn, how to hook/punch needle, and how to finish your project.  

Materials needed*:

  • 1 square foot of monk’s cloth & tulle,
  • 7” Morgan hoop,
  • punch needle (fine or regular for worsted or bulky yarn),
  • worsted or bulky yarn,
  • scissors,
  • sharpie 

*Students will receive 10% off of materials purchased for the class. All items can be found in our shop!

Class Dates & Times: December 3rd, 1:00-4:00 pm

Cost: $55

Maximum class size: 3

Beginning Spindle Spinning
December 9th & 16th

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: December 9th and 16th, 11-12:00 pm
Cost: $60 (plus materials)

Beginning Wheel Spinning
December 9th & 16th

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: December 9th and 16th, 1:30-3:30 pm
Cost: $95 (plus materials*)

*Students receive 10% off on materials purchased for the class.

Rigid Heddle Weaving
December 10th

Looking for a great way to use yarn besides knitting and crochet? Sign up for this rigid heddle weaving class! In this one day introductory class, Heather Seevers will show you how to warp the loom, weave, and discuss finishing methods. Don't have a rigid heddle loom of your own? Northwest Yarns has rigid heddle looms available to rent.

If you would like to bring your own loom, please bring it into the shop prior to class so that we can confirm that it functions correctly. For the sake of time, we will be using worsted weight yarn, a dent of 8-10 EPI and attempting to finish our weave before class is over. Let's party!

Materials: 2 balls of worsted weight yarn.

Class dates and time: December 10th, 11:00 am -1:00 pm
Cost: $50
Maximum weavers: 3

Felted Dryer Balls
December 17th

4 wool dryer balls in a horizontal line in a woven basket. Three are multicolored and one is white with a pink heart.

Need a last minute gift? Come to Northwest Yarns and learn to make Felted Dryer Balls!
 
Felted dryer balls are a perfect handcrafted gift to share with friends and family, or to just keep for yourself! These handy and beautiful dryer balls help soften your clothing without a dryer sheet and can reduce the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes by up to a third. Do you like lightly scented clothing? Adding a drop of two of lavender or another favorite essential oil on your dryer balls will also keep your clothes smelling nice and fresh!
 
Learn how to make your very own set of felted dryer balls in this class with Heather Seevers.  This class is perfect for crafters of all skill levels - no previous knowledge of felting is needed.
 
Materials: Students will need to purchase a dryer ball kit ($14 - includes enough materials for 4 dryer balls) at the shop before class.
 
Date & Time: December 17th, 1:00-2:00 pm
Cost: $10 + a dryer ball kit

Beginning Spindle Spinning
January 6th & 13th

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: January 6th and 13th, 11-12:00 pm
Cost: $60 (plus materials)

Beginning Wheel Spinning
January 6th & 13th

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: January 6th and 13th, 1:30-3:30 pm
Cost: $95 (plus materials*)

*Students receive 10% off on materials purchased for the class.

4-Harness Weaving
January 7th & 14th

Eight woven "mug rugs," or coasters, laid out in a diamond shape. The bottom point is a white sticker with the Shirley Bird Cafe logo. On the center coaster there is an orange mug filled with coffee.

Join Joi Weaver for this beginning 4-harness weaving class and learn how to weave your own fabrics! Joi will lead students through warping, weaving and finishing to create a series of elegant mug rugs. All materials are 10% off for students (please remind your cashier at checkout!), and looms are available to loan for students who do not already have a loom.

Materials: 2 balls Pymouth Galway Sport in contrasting colors.

Dates: January 7th and 14th
Times: 10 am-4pm with a 1hr lunch break
Cost: $120
Maximum weavers: 4

Sashiko Sewing Kit
January 20th

       

Are you always losing your needles and notions? Do you love the look of Sashiko embroidery? Join Heather Seevers to learn how to make your own Sashiko Sewing Kit, perfect for holding the bits and bobs you need on the go. 

This class is beginner friendly with materials provided for an additional $10 fee.

Dates: January 20th
Times: 
12:00-2:00 pm
Cost: 
$40 + $10 materials fee paid at the time of the class

 

Wet Felted Merino Wool Purses
January 27th
 

Blue and yellow wool handbag with blue and yellow strap.

Katy Rothert would like to invite you to make your own felt purse through the wet felting technique. This handbag will be made with Merino wool and a variety of unique embellishments incorporated into your own one of a kind design. You will be creating a 7 x 8 in purse, large enough to allow room for your phone and a few small essential items. Pick your favorite colors and let's get rubbing! 

Materials provided.  

Dates: January 27th
Times: 
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: 
$45

The Ancient Art of Sprang
January 28th
 

Small green cotton bag made using the Sprang technique.

Learn the ancient art of sprang with experienced instructor Joi Weaver! This netting technique has been found on Bronze Age bog mummies, and was once highly prized for use in military sashes. In this class, we will learn the basics of sprang and make a small bag. 

Materials: You will need a skein of cotton yarn. Berocco Pima cotton, Queensland United, and Ella Rae Pretty in Pima are all good choices.* 

Dates: January 28th
Times: 
12:00-2:00 pm
Cost: 
$30

*Students receive a discount of 10% on yarn purchases for the class.