How do I learn how to knit or crochet?
Fall is a great time to pick up a new hobby, and what better zero-waste activity is there than learning how to knit or crochet? While knitting may bring to mind unshapely beanies and holiday sweaters, there’s no doubt that knitwear’s moment is still happening, and there are a lot of beautiful designs out there.
My love of crocheted items began in 2020 during the pandemic. I saw an Instagram post featuring a friend of mine wearing a blue crocheted halter top. I soon found out that one of my other friends had made it, so then I commissioned them to crochet me the same top.
The top fit me perfectly and I wore it on its own during the summer and layered over turtlenecks in the winter.
If you do not have time to take classes, then I would recommend supporting your friends who knit or crochet. Don’t have friends who create or sell knitwear? We’ve done the research for you, so scroll down to check out some of our new fave knitters and crochet craftspeople.
Four knitwear and crochet classes offered in NYC & virtually
Brooklyn General Store
The Brooklyn General Store on Union Street sells fabric and yarn in their store with old wood floors and full wall shelves. The store offers beginning knit and crochet classes as well as Learn to Knit classes for $100 per month. Do you live outside of NYC? Their classes are also available online for the same price.
Purl Soho
Purl Soho offers a vast library of free patterns on their website. They also offer free virtual 1-on-1 Project Help. These advice sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes so you will have plenty of time to get all of your questions answered.
Their NYC location is permanently closed, but their location in Irvine, California is still there.
Downtown Yarns
This East Village yarn shop is consistently leading projects on the cutest shrugs, hats, and sweaters. These are not your grandmother’s knitting classes. Many up-and-coming and successful young knitwear designers have taken classes and sourced their yarn from here.
Downtown Yarns offers 2-week classes for $65 and 4-week classes for $130. They have classes for Beginner Crochet, Beginner Knitting, as well as knitting project classes such as knitting socks, hats, or your own knitting project.
Annie and Co
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Annie and Co offers a wide range of classes at different skill levels. Their classes include Beginner Crochet, Beginner Knitting, Crochet II, and Knitting II for $75. Their intermediate and advanced classes such as Crochet in the Round and Sedona Top range from $90 to $125.
Where Can I Shop Cool Indie Knitwear Designers?
If you don’t have time for classes, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are five knitwear and crochet brands for you to check out, all crafting with ethically sourced yarn and of course, TLC.
Judy Turner
One of our 3 fave CFDA finalists of 2022, Judy Turner designer Conley Averett has fishnet-like knit tops as well as checkered sweater vests and colorful pullover sweaters.
$$$-$$$$
Crandall Duffy
No Kill readers might be familiar with Crandall Duffy from our article on 5 Young Designers Reviving Made to Order Clothes. And all generations can appreciate Crandall Duffy’s work which is romantic, whimsical, and feminine. Their custom knit tote bags can be customized with your name or a photo. They also sell midi skirts, tank tops, fingerless gloves, and super cute hats like this yellow number.
$$-$$$
Glitch Stich
Cass Payne is the crochet designer behind Glitch Stitch. The designs are a meeting point between cozy and sexy, coming in the form of sweaters, hats, tops, and mini skirts. Find them on Depop.
$$-$$$
Kara
This Los Angeles-based, one-woman run brand sells knit mini skirts, shrugs, and cropped sweater vests that strike a balance between youthful vitality and delicate femininity.
$$-$$$
Soft Shell Knits
Soft Shell Knits has vibrant and playful knitwear from scrunchies and halter tops to thongs. The electic designs are courtesy of Jaynell Aggrey, a California-based multimedia artist.
$$-$$$
Whether you choose to knit, crochet, or responsibly buy your knitwear, you are helping out by investing in zero-waste products. Happy knitting!
-Sammie Wilhoit
RELATED ARTICLES
Sex, Punk & … Knitwear? Yes! says designer Tati
10 Small Knitwear Designers with Sex Appeal
Knitwear is Having a Major Moment
Our Favorite Ethical Sweaters + a DIY Option
