Discover the Best Crochet Classes Online
Crochet is a type of needlework similar to knitting in its use of yarn to create garments and accessories such as hats, mittens, scarves, bags, and blankets. Unlike knitting which uses two large needles to create stitches, crochet uses a single hook to create loops that stitch together to form what resembles a chain of knots. Some of the basic stitches used in crochet include the cross stitch and the single, double, and treble stitches. Crochet is a great beginner-friendly fiber craft since it is relatively easy to learn and doesn't require an abundance of supplies, mainly just a crochet hook, yarn, and scissors (although, there are other tools that can be useful such as a digital row counter to keep track of your stitches). It's important to buy the right crochet hook for your project since they come in a variety of sizes and materials. Larger hooks will be required for larger projects that require thicker yarn, such as afghans and rugs; while smaller hooks are good for delicate textiles like lace and doilies.
Why You Should Learn Crochet Online
Do you want to learn a fun, relaxing hobby that allows you to create beautiful and useful items? Learning to crochet is a great way to put your creative skills to use and produce textile items such as blankets, scarves, mittens, hats, bags, or toys for yourself and others. The repetitive motion of crochet can even be a type of meditation or therapy for some individuals. Crochet may be a better option for your mental health than other things you do in your free time, like scrolling endlessly through social media. Some people have even found ways to profit from their crochet projects by selling items on websites like Etsy and Amazon Handmade or to local stores. If you're not interested in selling, you can always gift your items to friends and family or local charities.
Additionally, learning to crochet will plug you into a larger community of fiber artists and crafters. You may be able to find local crochet clubs through your local library or Facebook Groups that meet regularly to crochet together and share tips and tricks to improve their skills. This can be a great way to meet new people while bonding over a similar interest. There are other types of crochet clubs you can join online that give you subscription access to crochet kits that will be delivered to you or to pattern libraries online.
Crocheters may want to join The Crochet Guild of America, a national nonprofit that provides members the opportunity to learn more about crochet while connecting with a large community of fiber artists. Joining this organization will give you access to unique designs and patterns, and the opportunity to improve your skills through educational programs. Local chapters provide members the chance to connect with crocheters in their area by attending informative meetings and workshops. Joining a local chapter also provides members the opportunity to donate items like crocheted afghans and clothing to charities, as well as participate in local craft fairs.
Virtual Crochet Classes
While in-person crochet classes are usually held at local craft stores, art workshops, or community centers, online crochet classes are conducted virtually and can be taken from anywhere. In a virtual crochet class, you learn from an instructor live online through a video conferencing platform (Zoom being one of the most popular). Since virtual classes are conducted live online, you can ask the instructor questions in real time when you need assistance. The ability to learn from the comfort of your own home or any other location is appealing to many individuals, especially since it saves you time by not having to commute to class. Additionally, you may have more options to choose from since you are not limited to only classes within your location. The drawback to taking an online class is that you will likely have to provide your own crochet supplies and materials.
Brooklyn Craft Company offers a Virtual Workshop: Crochet a Croppe Granny Jacket where individuals will learn how to crochet a jacket out of granny squares. The class is conducted over five sessions and is open to all skill levels, yet is recommended for those who have mastered the basics of crochet. For beginners, the class Absolute Beginner Crochet: Granny Squares would be a better option, offered by CraftJam, where students learn the basics while crocheting fun little granny squares. After mastering the basics in this workshop, students can move on to Intermediate Crochet: Sunburst Granny Squares. Another beginner option is Crochet for Beginners, offered by 92nd Street Y, where students learn basic skills and crochet a cell phone pouch and a stitch sampler scarf.
If none of these classes are available or you are looking for other types of fiber arts virtual classes, you may want to check out The Art of Contemporary Embroidery for beginners ages 16 and older. In this class, individuals will learn how to embroider an original piece using techniques such as mending, darning, sashiko, couching, and quilt blocking. The class can be attended as a lecture or students can embroider along with the instructor – a list of necessary supplies is provided. You can also attend Introduction to Weaving, a beginner class for ages 18 and older to learn how to weave traditional tapestries on a loom they already have, or one the instructor will help you make out of cardboard. No experience is necessary and a supply list will be sent ahead of class.
Another virtual fiber arts class is Sewing 101: Basics which is geared toward individuals who have sewed in the past but need to refresh their basic skills. In this class, students will learn essential sewing knowledge such as: how to read a pattern, choose the right fabric, make bags with professional closures, set in a zipper and waistband, and over six types of stitches and seam finishes. Projects to be completed in this class include a drawstring bag, zippered pouch, and a skirt or drawstring pants. Students must provide their own sewing supplies (a list will be given in advance) and equipment, such as a sewing machine. Finally, Sashiko Mending is being offered virtually to teach students how to use sashiko, an ancient hand-sewing technique originating in Japan, to repair old or worn-out clothing. In this class, students will learn how to apply sashiko techniques to patch a hole in a piece of scrap fabric and walk away being able to apply their newly found skills to their own garments.
Private Online Group Crochet Classes
Are you looking for a fun team-building opportunity for your business or organization? CourseHorse's private online group crochet classes for businesses are a great way to build camaraderie in a group while doing something fun and interactive. CourseHorse has a variety of private online sewing and textile classes for your work team or group. Even if there are no crochet classes currently listed on their website, you can reach out to CourseHorse through their contact form to see what is available.
For another interactive fiber arts class, groups can attend the Virtual Macrame Workshop and learn more about the art of macrame – tying fabric together in knots to create beautiful textiles – as they create a hanging planter for their home. Believed to have originated with 13th Century Arab weavers, macrame is a fun, low-pressure fiber art that individuals with no previous knowledge can learn in this one-hour class. Groups can also attend the Virtual Macrame Moon Dream Catcher class offered through CourseHorse where they will learn how to macrame a dream catcher by tying knots onto a crescent frame. No previous knowledge or skills are needed for this 90-minute class either. All materials are provided in advance for both macrame classes.
CourseHorse also offers Virtual Modern Embroidery Art, an enjoyable two-hour class for students to learn how to express their creativity through the art of embroidery – using a needle and thread to create beautiful patterns onto textiles. Basic embroidery skills are taught in this beginner-friendly class such as how to prepare your hoop, how to select the best thread, and how to start and finish your project. Attendees will learn basic stitches as well as stitches used to create beautiful floral patterns such as woven wheel roses, french knots, fishbone leaves, and stem stitches. Materials will be sent to each participant including a colorful selection of threads, embroidery tools, and a floral wreath pattern.
Booking with CourseHorse provides you with several benefits, such as not having to pay booking fees, receiving confirmation within 24 hours of booking your class, and the ability to change your group size after scheduling. CourseHorse is also flexible in its videoconferencing accommodations and is willing to work with other platforms besides Zoom such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, and Webex. Moreover, you have the benefit of hearing from an event provider before class who can answer any questions you have and provide you with details. You don't have to worry about gathering materials as they are often provided by CourseHorse and mailed to each participant.
Online vs. In-Person Crochet Classes
While crochet is fairly straightforward to learn, it does require specific hand movements to complete the various stitches that will form your textile. Some people may find it easier to learn in person since they can easily see the instructor as they demonstrate how to crochet. Also, the instructor can walk around and ensure that students are completing the stitches properly or assist them if they are stuck. However, virtual classes conducted live online also offer students the opportunity to ask questions and instructors can show their projects and hand movement through the screen. If this is sufficient for your learning, then online may be best for you. But, if you find it hard to see through a computer screen, you may want to attend an in-person class instead.
