At Yarnia, you can choose from a variety of knitting and crochet classes, to suit any skill level -- whether you've never picked up a hook or pair of needles, or are already a seasoned knitter or crocheter looking to build some new skills and learn some fun new projects!
Sign up for our weekly class newsletter so you'll be alerted once new class descriptions and schedules go live.
***PLEASE NOTE: We are taking a summer break from our classes to give you all a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine! We will be resuming with a jam-packed schedule come early August, but if you can't hold out until then, please send us an email and let us know what you're interested in learning. If there is enough interest, we can put together a group class on the fly -- or we can always schedule a private lesson if you'd prefer.***
Yes, please register me for one of your classes! (Full descriptions and materials lists below.
Class Descriptions
(Click on any class to view full description)Knitting Classes
Beginner's Knitting
You know who you are -- you see people knitting everywhere you go, and think to yourself that you've always wanted to learn, but haven't had the time…or patience…or skill.
Well now's your chance! In two short hours you'll learn how to cast on, and how to do the knit stitch, which is the basis of all knitting. We’ll also talk about how to choose the right yarn and needles for your project, share some resources for finding free and simple patterns, and how to combing knitting and purling to make different textures in your knitting.
You'll leave knowing all you need to be able to do it on your own, and pretty soon you'll be the one people are watching in awe on the bus!
Cost: $25 for a 2-hour workshop
Materials Needed
- 200 yards worsted weight yarn
- Size 8 straight needles
Fiber 101
Have you ever wondered the difference between alpaca and cashmere? What animal does mohair come from? Why do some fibers feel itchy? What’s the best project for cotton?In this class, we will cover:
- Classic fiber types: Learn benefits, uses, project ideas and classic combinations;
- See samples of raw fiber as well as finished knit sample;
- Gain a better understanding of animal and plant fibers.
Cost: $15 for a 1.5-hour workshop
Materials Needed
Bring your questions, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning!
Knitting in the Round: Seed Stitch Hat
Skills needed: Cast on, Knit, Bind off, Purl.
Skills learned: Using circular needles, creating patterns with knitting and purling.
Don’t be intimidated by circular needles! Put down your straight needles & start knitting in the round. Advance from basics by combing your skills to learn new techniques.
In this class, you will learn circular knitting basics through a timeless twist on the classic beanie using a seed stitch pattern. Also, learn about creating your own patterns using K & P, how to graph your designs, and see knit sample patterns created using solely K & P. Start your seed stitch beanie in class and see an example of the finishing steps demonstrated.
Cost: $25 for a 2-hour workshop
Materials Needed
- 130 yards worsted weight yarn
- Size 7 double pointed needles
- Size 7 circular needles
Bunny Nuggets (great beginner skill builder!)
All skill levels welcome!Skills needed: Cast on, Bind off, Knit
Skills learned: Using DPNs, making a pompom, tapestry needle/embellishment, stuffing
Perfect for spring!
Sharpen your dpn skills or use this project as a great introduction to becoming confident working with multiple needles.
Learn to make this cute mini bunny and apply these skills to future knit projects!
Cost: $25 for a 2-hour workshop
Materials Needed
- 60 yards worsted weight yarn
- Size 7 double pointed needles
- Size 7 circular needles (any length)
Dishcloths 3 Ways
One of the quickest, simplest, and most functional projects out there, the basic knitted dishcloth is timeless. Use up yarn scraps, take a breather in between long-term projects, and create quick and easy gifts or accessories for your kitchen!
In this class, you'll learn 3 fun and easy dish cloth patterns and do mini-versions of each so you can go home with a whole set. Also, learn about creating your own patterns using K & P, how to graph your designs and see knit sample patterns created using solely K & P.
Cost: $25 for a 2-hour workshop
Materials Needed
- 300 yards worsted weight yarn
- Size 7 straight needles
Crochet Classes
Beginner's Crochet
Put down the needles and pick up the hook! This class is designed for the very beginning crocheter. We'll learn how to "cast on" (make your first chain), as well as what a "single crochet" is, and may move on to more complicated stitches like double and triple crochet if time permits.
You'll have the option to either make a rectangular-shaped project (i.e. scarf, potholder, etc.) or a small bag that will whip up in no time!
Cost: $25 for a 2-hour workshop
Materials Needed
- 200 yards worsted weight yarn
- Size H crochet hook
Lace Diamond Cuff Bracelet
This cuff bracelet is crocheted out of fine cotton, linen, or hemp thread with an optional sparkly strand. The pattern was adapted from a lace pattern from the 1940s. A wide single crochet border was added around the edge, and it is accented with buttons. The buttons are sewn on after the bracelet was finished. This would be a great way to display a collection of vintage buttons. Leave the buttons off for a simpler look. It is clasped with two buttons and buttonholes. This bracelet can also be made in larger sized thread, with a few simple modifications.
To make this cuff you will need a basic knowledge of crochet, along with some intermediate skills. Experience with fine thread and small sized hooks is also helpful. The crochet stitches we will be using are chain, slip stitch, foundation single crochet, single, and double. If you are familiar with most of these stitches the class will go smoothly. If a few are unfamiliar or troublesome, this will be a great opportunity to gain some new skills. You will also need basic hand-sewing knowledge, for sewing on the buttons.
Materials
- 1-2 oz fine cotton, linen, or hemp thread
- Size 6 steel crochet hook
- 7-9 buttons for accents and closure
- sewing needle & thread to match
Total cost for one 2-hour workshop: $25 plus materials
Empire Waist Openwork Lace Top
Skill level: Intermediate
The Empire waist and gently shaped skirt of this top are very flattering. The crochet construction is forgiving and does not need to be fitted perfectly to look fabulous. It has ribbon laced through the waist and on the square neckline.
Besides decoration, the ribbon reinforces the straps, since crochet has a tendency to stretch out of shape. Use a ribbon of complementary or contrasting color for different effects. The back is low, slightly higher than bra level. The skirt uses a pretty openwork pattern and is edged with scallops.
The medium-weight of the yarn and the simplicity of the lace make this design quick to work up. To make this top you will need a basic knowledge of crochet, along with some intermediate skills. The crochet stitches we will be using are chain, slip stitch, foundation single crochet, single, half double, double, and treble.
If you are familiar with these stitches, the class will go smoothly. If a few are unfamiliar or troublesome, this will be a great opportunity to gain some new skills. You will also need basic hand-sewing knowledge, for sewing the neckline ribbon in place.
Make one for yourself or a friend in time for warm weather, and layer it with a long-sleeved t- shirt when the temperature cools down. Be as modest or as coquettish as you like using what you wear underneath!
Materials Needed
- medium/worsted weight cotton (S/M/L/XL), (8,9,10,11 ounces)
- H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
- 3-4 yards ½” to ¾” wide ribbon
- Sewing needle & thread to match ribbon
Total cost for two 2.5-hour workshops: $50 plus materials
Crochet Bikini Top
Get in the mood for warmer weather and create a custom-fit crochet bikini top! This bikini top is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect project for beginner and intermediate crocheters. In this class, you will learn how to work around a foundation chain, create a custom-fit using double crochet increases and add a beautiful picot edging. You will also become familiar with how to work in the round by creating two decorative flowers.
Materials
- Sport or DK weight cotton yarn, about 200 yards
- Small amounts of two contrasting colors for flowers
- Size 3.5 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain a tight weave)
- Tapestry needle for sewing on the flowers
- One of your bikini tops to use for size comparison
Cost: $25 for one 2-hour workshop
Crochet Throw Pillows
Go beyond the basics and learn how to create texture in your crochet projects! This
class is a 2-part series and will guide you through the process of making a decorative pillow
cover. This Diamonds-in-the-Rough pillow cover has a visually-striking crisscross pattern that
sits above the work. Topics covered in this class include: how to read a crochet pattern, how to
use front- and back-post stitches to add depth to your work and how to create decorative
edging with the reverse single crochet.
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn, about 450 yards (10 oz)
- Size 4.5 mm crochet hook
- 4 buttons, about 1” in diameter
- Square pillow form, 14” wide
- Tapestry needle
- Sewing needle and thread that matches the buttons
Intermediate, knowledge of how to make a foundation chain, single crochet and double crochet is recommended
Part 1 of 2: Diamonds-in-the-Rough Pillow Front
This class you guide you through the process of creating the front of the Diamonds-in- the-Rough pillow cover. You will learn how to create a crisscross diamond pattern that sits above the work using front-post triple crochet.
Part 2 of 2: Pillow Back
This class will focus on completing the back pillow cover, attaching it to the front cover and adding a reverse single crochet edging to complete the look.
Total cost for two 2-hour sessions: $50.00 plus materials
Private Classes
We do offer private lessons by the hour, on any topic or project of your choosing. Private lessons are $45/hour, and may be scheduled in 1-hour increments. Please email info@yarniapdx.com if you'd like to schedule a private lesson.







