The 6 Best Online Knitting Classes (For All Skill Levels) (2024)

If you’re looking to become a better knitter, look no further. We’ve compared the best online knitting classes for beginners and advanced knitters in this list of six top knitting courses that are actually worth taking.

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Learning how to knit has never been easier. Whether you’re casting on your first project or expanding into advanced techniques, you can become a better knitter in a matter of hours by signing up to a simple online knitting class.

Today, you can find step-by-step knitting instructions and video tutorials almost anywhere – but which online courses are actually worth it?

We’ve tested the most popular virtual knitting classes from online knitting experts and enthusiasts to find the knitting courses that actually work.

In this guide, we’ve compared the best knitting classes in 2023based on clarity of instruction, price, duration, the number of lessons included, and more.

Summary: The Best Online Knitting Classes in 2023

  1. Best Overall: Domestika Online Knitting Courses
  2. Best for Beginners: Nancy Queen’s 30-Day Growth Course
  3. Best for Advanced Knitters: “Intarsia Knitwear Design” by Laura Dalgaard
  4. Best Professional Class: “Learn How to Knit” by the School of Stitched Textiles
  5. Best Classes Hub: Skillshare Knitting Classes
  6. Best Free Knitting Class: “Knitting 101” by KnitPicks

All of these knitting courses have been tested by us first-hand or come highly recommended by our readers. Put simply, we do not recommend knitting classes we don’t truly believe are worth completing.

Keep reading to find out exactly why we recommend these classes, or skip straight to our top-rated course. If you’re just getting started with knitting, why not check out our curated knitting kits, too.

What’s In This Guide?

  • The 6 Best Online Knitting Classes
  • What to Look for In a Knitting Class
  • Alternative Knitting Classes
  • Do You Need to Take A Knitting Class?
  • How Much Do Online Knitting Classes Cost?
  • What Materials Will You Need?
  • Further Reading for Beginner Knitters

Tip: If you want to get better at knitting quickly, we recommend signing up to Domestika for free. You’ll find years of knitting expertise condensed into hundreds of bitesize, easy-to-follow video tutorials on stitching techniques, tools, and materials.

The 6 Best Online Knitting Classes for All Skill Levels

In the rest of this guide, you’ll find our recommendations for affordable online knitting classes that will make you a better knitter from the comfort of your own home. You can learn anywhere, any time, and on any device.

We’ve labelled each class with the key information you need to decide which one fits you best. You’ll find details on the instructor, skill level, duration, and price, as well as the specific techniques included in each course.

For now, here’s a table comparing each knitting class based on those key factors:

Online knitting classes compared by instructor, price, and duration.
Class NameInstructorSkill LevelNo. of LessonsCheapest PriceWebsite
Domestika Knitting CoursesDomestika InstructorsBeginner to Advanced12 Courses$18.99Domestika.org
30 Day Growth CourseNancy QueenBeginner to Intermediate53 Lessons$99NancyQueen.com
Learn How to KnitSchool of Stitched TextilesBeginner34 Lessons$205sofst.org
Intarsia Knitwear DesignLaura DalgaardIntermediate to Advanced19 lessons (3h 25m)$18.40Intarsia Knitwear Design
Knitting Classes OnlineSkillshare InstructorsBeginner to Intermediate100+ Classes1 Month Free TrialSkillshare.com
Knitting 101KnitPicksBeginner50+ ClassesFree ($0.00)KnitPicks.com

Without further ado, here’s a more detailed overview of each knitting course and why we recommend it:

1. Domestika Online Knitting Courses

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: $18+
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
  • Duration: 12 Courses (10-30 Lessons Each)
  • Instructor: Domestika Instructors
  • Best for: Overall
  • Go to Course: Domestika.org

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Basics of Knitting
  • Knitting With Straight Needles
  • Seamless Knitting With Circular Needles
  • Knitting for Children and Oversized Garments
  • Knitwear Design
  • Arm Knitting and Wool Dyeing

Domestika is our top choice because it’s affordable, community-based, and useful for knitters of all skill levels and backgrounds.

The platform’s knitting classes are run by established knitting professionals carefully chosen by Domestika’s team, which means you can trust the techniques you learn along the way.

You can choose to learn the basics of knitting or take a specialized class in pattern design, arm knitting, seamless knitting, and much more.

Each course is professionally produced and planned by a team of experts, including dozens of lessons, additional resources, and a clear course plan for every class. A particular course might run from one or two hours to 10 hours or more, all split up into simple segments that we found easy to digest.

Domestika differs from other knitting classes thanks to its focus on community. In addition to video and written tutorials, each course hosts its own forum where you can interact directly with your instructor and other students. You can share your projects, inspiration, and ideas – and get direct feedback from your teacher.

We enjoyed how each knitting class helps its students to actually finish a project from the very beginning, following step-by-step instructions and applying the new techniques learned in previous lessons.

Unlike other knitting classes, Domestika doesn’t require a membership fee or subscription cost, either. You can create a Domestika account for free and start your profile, where you can showcase your work and final projects in an online portfolio.

Once you’ve created a free Domestika account, all you have to do is purchase a course you’re interested in to enjoy unlimited access forever. There are no additional fees, expiration dates, or hidden costs – you simply pay for the content you want, when you want it.

Once you’ve finished a class, you can even keep connecting so you can carry on learning from other students in the community.

The price per course typically varies between $10 and $50, though there is almost always a discount on offer. If that’s not quite enough, you can also use our exclusive code KNITTINGKNOWLEDGE-10 to get 10% off all knitting courses.

2. Nancy Queen’s 30-Day Growth Course

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: $99
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Duration: 45 Lessons
  • Instructor: Nancy Queen
  • Best for: Beginners
  • Go to Course: NancyQueen.com

What You’ll Learn:

  • Casting On & Off
  • Knit, Purl, and Stockinette
  • Rib, Seed, and Basketweave Stitch
  • Knitting in the Round
  • Knitting on Double Pointed Needles
  • Increasing & Decreasing
  • Fixing Mistakes & Dropped Stitches
  • Yarn Weights & Measurements
  • Knitting Needle Types & Tools
  • Why Knitting Gauge Is Important
  • How to Read Knitting Patterns & Charts
  • Seams & Finishing
  • Continental Knitting

Nancy Queen’s 30-Day Growth Course is the best choice for knitters looking to progress from the beginner stages of knitting. Nancy is a veteran knitter, published author, and blogging pro who has taught thousands of knitters over the last few years with an average course rating of 4.81 out of 5.

We were impressed by how comprehensive and well-organized the 30 Day Growth Course really is. Nancy has condensed 3+ years of knitting expertise into 53 bitesize, easy-to-follow video lessons on stitching techniques, tools, and materials.

The course contains all of the foundational knowledge you need to accelerate your skills and graduate from the beginner stages of knitting quickly. You’ll learn about circular and flat knitting,the continental knitting style, reading patterns, fixing mistakes, selecting yarns, and tools you can use to make knitting easier.

It’s not just video instruction, either – this class comes with 7 beginner knitting patterns, printable cheat sheets, recommended products, expert tips, and actionable next steps. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an extra push to try advanced techniques and create your own patterns.

Students can comment and ask Nancy or other knitters questions at any point in the course, which means you can always find help if you get stuck. If life gets in the way, you’ll also have lifetime access so you can review each lesson as many times as you need.

3. “Intarsia Knitwear Design” by Laura Dalgaard

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: $18.40
  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Duration: 19 lessons (3h 25m)
  • Instructor: Laura Dalgaard
  • Best for: Advanced Knitters
  • Go to Course: Intarsia Knitwear Design

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to Knit Intarsia
  • Intarsia Tips and Tricks
  • Intarsia in the Round
  • Finishing & Binding Off
  • How to Knit a Cowl & Hat
  • Fixing Mistakes in Intarsia
  • Choosing Materials for Intarsia
  • How to Design Intarsia Patterns

If you’ve mastered the basics of knitting, learning to knit intarsia is the next logical step in your knitting journey.

Used to add motifs and multiple colors to knitting patterns, intarsia is an advanced knitting technique that opens up a whole new world of patterns. This advanced knitting course by Laura Dalgaard will teach you to do just that.

Discounted to just $18.40 on Domestika, the “Intarsia Knitwear Design and Creation” class will teach you how to confidently knit in two colors by following an exclusive knitting pattern. By following 19 lessons with 16 downloadable resources, you’ll learn to design your ownintarsia patterns, work intarsia flat, in the round, and more.

The class is taught by Laura Dalgaard, a knitwear designer and qualified knitting instructor who has created her own brand and developed a huge following. Over the last 20 years, she has designed yarns and patterns for several knitting brands and even published a book on Intarsia.

Best for advanced knitters looking to develop their skills, Laura’s class also includes tips for organizing your yarn, maintaining knitting tension, substituting yarns, and more.

If you do decide to take the next step, you can also get 10% off Laura’s course using our code KNITTINGKNOWLEDGE-10.

4. “Learn How to Knit” by The School of Stitched Textiles

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: $205
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Duration: 34 Lessons
  • Instructor: Sally Hart
  • Best for: Professional Class
  • Go to Course: Sofst.org

What You’ll Learn:

  • Knit and Purl Stitch
  • Casting on and Off
  • Transferring Stitches to a Holder
  • Moss, Woven, and Mattress Stitch
  • Ribbing
  • Picking Up Stitches
  • Blocking
  • Increasing and Decreasing
  • Cord and Embroidery
  • How to Read a Knitting Pattern

Based in the UK, the School of Stitched Textiles is the country’s most popular accredited provider of remote textiles learning courses. We were impressed by the production value and professionalism involved in the creation of its courses.

“Learn to Knit” is a self-paced class designed specifically for beginners. With full access for 12 months, you’ll learn how to master the basic knit and purl stitches, cast on and off, increase and decrease, block your knitting, and read patterns. You’ll also practice a range of stitch patterns including moss stitch, woven stitch, mattress stitch, and more.

The course’s instructor is Sally Hart; a qualified tutor and 30-year knitting expert who has designed her own patterns and taught hundreds of students how to develop their knitting skills.

We like how this course teaches new knitters how to make something actually useful, rather than knitting basic squares. You’ll learn key techniques by knitting, blocking, and embellishing a bag, purse, and case from start to finish.

All of the lessons are taught online through tutorial videos on a dedicated platform with a private learning dashboard. You’ll be able to mark each lesson as complete and track your personal progress through the class.

What’s more, left-handed knitters will find an alternative set of video tutorials taking them through the process from start to finish. If you’re unhappy with the class, you can get a full refund in the first three days.

For more advanced knitters, the School of Stitched Textiles also offers a range of advanced knitting courses with expert tutors.

Tip: We know that some beginners want a more affordable class to teach them the absolute basics. If that’s you, we recommend taking a look at Knitting I: Learn the Basics With a Simple Scarf by Davina Choy, which you can get for free on Skillshare.

5. Knitting Classes by Skillshare

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: 1 Month Free Trial
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
  • Duration: 100+ Classes
  • Instructor: Skillshare Instructors
  • Best for: Classes Hub
  • Go to Course: Skillshare.com

What You’ll Learn:

  • Basic Knitting Stitches
  • Advanced Knitting Stitches
  • Knitting Flat
  • Knitting in the Round
  • How to Read Knitting Patterns
  • How to Knit a Sweater
  • How to Knit a Scarf
  • How to Knit a Hat
  • Brioche Knitting
  • Casting on and Off
  • Much, much more!

Standalone courses are great for learning particular knitting projects, skills, and beginner techniques. But what if you want to learn a little bit of everything?

If you want to find pattern walkthroughs, knitting 101 lessons, and advanced techniques all in one place, you’ll need a hub of classes. That’s where we recommend Skillshare.

Skillshare is an excellent, centralised resource of tutorials for knitters of all skill levels. With one subscription, you can get unlimited access to every knitting class, all of which are taught by popular knitting professionals, experts, and enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for beginner knitting classes, you’ll be able to choose from dozens of lessons covering the basics. If you’ve been knitting for a while, you’ll find hundreds of tutorials for exclusive knitting patterns, advanced stitches, and new techniques that will help you hone your craft.

Unlike other knitting courses, you can choose your instructor and join thousands of other students in the community to help speed up your progression.

We’ve followed several knitting classes on Skillshare (for knitting and other crafts). In our experience, the platform is incredibly easy to use and the quality of content is excellent.

For learning on a budget, you can get access to every Skillshare class completely free for 1 month, and for $32 per month afterwards. You can also use the code aff40dtp to get 40% off an annual membership.

Tip: If you’re an absolute beginner looking into learning with Skillshare, we recommend checking out Davina Choy’s Knitting I: Learn the Basics with a Simple Scarf. It’s a friendly, 45-minute lesson that will teach you all the fundamentals of knitting.

6. “Knitting 101”: Free Knitting Classes by KnitPicks

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Key Facts About This Knitting Class

  • Price: $0.00 (Free)
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Duration: 100+ Lessons
  • Instructor: KnitPicks
  • Best for: Free Classes
  • Go to Course: KnitPicks.com

What You’ll Learn:

  • Casting on and Off
  • Knit and Purl Stitching
  • Managing Knitting Gauge
  • Needles and Yarn 101
  • Knitting in the Round
  • Reading Patterns and Charts
  • Knitting Lace, Cables, and Brioche
  • How to Knit Sweaters and Socks
  • Introducing Colorwork
  • Blocking
  • How to Wind Yarn
  • Stitching Techniques

There are dozens of free learning centers available for newbie knitters. We like KnitPicks’ free knitting classes because they’re simple, comprehensive, diverse, and all in one place.

In the “Learning Center”, you’ll find step-by-step guides, video tutorials, a podcast, and free downloadables covering the fundamental knitting techniques every knitter needs to know.

There is a glossary for absolute beginners, and there are also extended sections covering “tools of the trade” so you can learn how to choose yarn and needles for your projects.

In the classes and series section, you’ll also find detailed instructions for specific projects and techniques including sweaters, socks, lace knitting, and colorwork.

KnitPicks’ Learning Center is an excellent free resource, but you won’t find the same level of personal attention, expertise, and detail that’s on offer in premium knitting lessons. If you’re just getting started and you don’t want to commit to a paid knitting course, it’s still an excellent option.

What to Look for In a Knitting Class

There are several attributes we look for in a knitting course to determine if it’s worth purchasing. We’ve tried all of the knitting classes in this list and checked for the following criteria.

If you’re really interested in getting better at knitting, these are things you should look out for too:

1. How Experienced Is The Instructor?

If you’re going to learn quickly, then you need to learn from a real expert. When making our recommendations, we considered the experience level of the instructors as well as other reputational factors such as reviews and rewards.

Nancy Queen, for example, is a well-known author of knitting and crochet books who has been knitting for several decades.

2. Which Course Offers the Best Value for Money?

A low price is always always a plus, but value for money is even better. We considered the payment model and cost of each knitting class and compared it to the number and quality of lessons on offer.

Ideally, the top classes should offer a free trial or easy cancellation so you’re not locked into a course that doesn’t work for you. You should also have unlimited access to the course and its contents, with no unexpected additional payments.

3. How Many Lessons Are Included?

Course duration is a key factor. If you want to get comfortable with knitting patterns of all shapes and sizes, you’ll need a class that’s long enough to cover the basics. However, too long and you’ll lose interest.

We’ve recommended courses that are packed with information but still concise – as many lessons as necessary, and no more!

4. Are the Lessons Valuable, Diverse, and Engaging?

Of course, the best online knitting courses are the ones with the most valuable information. We considered how unique and genuinely useful the classes are to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck.

We make sure there are detailed instructions on all of the most important beginner techniques, concepts, and terminologies. We also look out for community involvement and a diverse range of classes covering advanced knitting techniques, too.

Choosing the Right Knitting Class For You

No matter how excited you are at the prospect of improving your knitting, there are a few more personal factors you should consider before purchasing a course.

Before reading our list of recommended classes, think about the following questions:

  • How much are you able or willing to spend on lessons?
  • Would you rather pay once, or are you willing to pay a monthly subscription?
  • What are your personal goals, and how quickly would you like to reach them?
  • Can you easily purchase the required materials for your chosen class?

Alternative Knitting Classes We Considered

There are hundreds of knitting courses on the market, and each one offers something unique. The six courses we recommend in this guide meet our criteria for a wide range of knitters, but there are other excellent alternatives out there, too.

Here’s a brief look at other top knitting classes we recommend:

  • Classes by Annie’s Craft Store: A collection of online knitting classes offering close-up video demonstrations of key knitting techniques. Preview each class for free, or sign up for $14.99 per class.

  • Free Knitting School by Nimble Needles: A completely free, step-by-step knitting tutorial for absolute beginners. The classes are broken down into friendly, bitesize lessons with pictures and slow-motion demonstrations.

  • Video Tutorials by We Are Knitters: We Are Knitters has an excellent YouTube channel with clear videos covering dozens of stitch patterns and advanced techniques. It’s not necessarily a knitting “class”, but it’s a great source of information for beginners.

  • Knitting Classes on Craftsy: If you’re not won over by Skillshare, Craftsy is a great alternative. You can find dozens of knitting classes by expert instructors, all for one subscription.

Do You Need to Take a Knitting Class to Improve Your Knitting?

Truthfully, you don’t need to sign up to a knitting class to get better at knitting. The basics of knitting are relatively easy to learn – if classes aren’t an option for you, you can develop your skills using regular practise and free tutorials alone.

However, knitting classes do provide a structured, fun way to learn to knit – especially if you don’t have any prior experience. By following the advice of trained instructors, you can avoid common mistakes, get tips on your technique, and learn about materials in order to progress much faster.

Knitting classes are also a great way to centralise information. Most courses include free patterns, recommended materials, and step-by-step instructions, which means you’ll have everything you need in one place to knit your first sweater, scarf, hat, or whatever your preference might be.

If you’re an absolute beginner, a structured knitting course is a great way to master the basic knitting stitches and progress to advanced techniques in a matter of weeks. If you’ve already got some experience, classes are great for mastering specific techniques that can be frustrating without guidance.

Finally, knitting classes usually come with a community of like-minded knitters who are learning along with you. It’s great for boosting your motivation, sharing your successes, and asking questions if you come across a problem.

In short, you don’t need a knitting class to learn to knit, but they do make it a lot easier!

Is Learning to Knit Hard?

Learning the basic fundamentals of knitting is easy. You’ll usually start by practicing basic knit and purl stitches – often by knitting a square with a pair of straight needles and some chunky or worsted yarn.

It usually takes a week or two to master the knit, purl, stockinette, and garter stitches – all of the basic techniques you’ll need to knit your own scarf. In fact, you can learn to knit your first project without any prior experience in textile crafts at all.

The basics of knitting are easy, but it can be more difficult to master advanced techniques like German Short Rows, Intarsia, and lace knitting. You’ll come across these methods as you progress to more complicated patterns. Most knitters look to classes and video tutorials when trying them out for the first time.

When comparing knitting and crochet, some people find it easier to learn crochet. There are less tools involved in crochet in the early stages, but the two even out as you progress to intermediate and advanced techniques.

How Much Do Online Knitting Classes Cost?

The cost of online knitting classes usually varies depending on the number of lessons, quality of instruction, and the teacher. Accredited courses from qualified tutors can cost up to $200, while subscriptions to learning platforms like Skillshare can cost as little as $40 or less.

If you’re not ready to commit to a premium course, you can find hundreds of free tutorials on YouTube that work well for knitters with some previous experience. If you’re planning on signing up to a learning hub, you’ll usually be able to save in the long run by paying for an annual subscription.

What Materials Will You Need for An Online Knitting Class?

The main benefit of virtual knitting classes is their flexibility and simplicity. The only materials you’ll need to get started are your laptop or smartphone, a pair of knitting needles, and some yarn.

Of course, every knitting class is different. Most classes include follow-along instructions for specific patterns or projects, so you’ll need to ask your instructor or check the course’s description to find out exactly what you need.

Knitting doesn’t have to be expensive – you can find all of the materials you need at your local store or using an affordable online retailer like KnitPicks.

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