Best online knitting classes: Knitting 101 for beginners and up

Like crochet, the art of knitting has made a comeback and is here to stay!

Apart from being a super fun, creative hobby, knitting has been coined as one of the most soothing pastimes you can take up to stimulate artistic expression and well-being.

And while in the past, learning how to knit usually meant sitting down with a family member who would guide you through your first scarf, today, there’s a collection of affordable, engaging online knitting classes available to learn at your own pace.

That said, check out our comprehensive guide to the best knitting classes to start your next needlecraft project!

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How to choose the best online knitting class for you

Are you excited about the prospect of becoming a knitting wiz but need help figuring out where to begin?

The good news is that knitting doesn’t require an immensity of tools or expensive materials — it’s all about mastering technique and style!

Read also: 100+ creative hobbies to try, and how to get started

Before going through our list of knitting classes, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Domestika, Creativebug, Udemy, Skillshare, and Craftsy: which platform offers the best prices, subscription plans, and/or free trials?
• Which class projects motivate you to reach your goals? 
• Can the materials required for your preferred class be easily accessed at your local store or online retailers?
• Do instructors provide appealing content and include Q&A sections?
• Does course duration seem realistic to stay engaged?
• Will you have time to go over practice drills to perfect your skills? 
• Will you have unlimited access to course content and extra resources after purchase? 

To find the best online knitting classes for beginners, consider the above to ensure your learning experience is everything you want and more!

Best knitting classes online

There are numerous online knitting classes you can start enjoying today; continue reading to find out which is the best fit for you! 

Knitting 1: Learn the Basics with a Simple Scarf

The first course on our knitting classes list is featured on Skillshare and presented by talented Sheep & Stitch founder Davina Choy! 

Davina’s website, Sheep & Stitch, is a learning platform designated for all levels of knitters, making her an experienced instructor and a great choice if you’re discovering knitting for the first time. 

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During this class, you’ll be going through the basics of this craft, focusing primarily on four fundamental techniques: casting on, casting off, knitting, and curling. Your instructor will also share helpful yarn and needle recommendations and tips.

Once you feel confident about starting your project, Davina will give you step-by-step instructions to create your own scarf — a timeless knitwear classic!

To take this class, you must sign up for Skillshare Premium, a yearly subscription plan that gives you open access to all of the platform’s content — a great way to unlock more of Davina’s knitting classes. Or, instead, click below to access a free, month-long trial!

Knitting and Crochet Basic Techniques

Needlecraft wizards Bárbara Bremer and Carolina Herrera, founders of Binge Knitting, come together in this Domestika course to teach you all about the basics of knitting and crocheting.

Although this class doesn’t focus solely on knitting, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of both needlecraft styles and learn about their similarities and differences. You may even realize you’re inclined to incorporate both in future works!

Read also: Best crochet classes

Before diving into your class project, your teachers will show you how to create a concept, design a mood board, refine your vision, and define the right color palette for your work. And, of course, you’ll learn the most crucial knitting and crocheting techniques!

Your project will revolve around making a cushion cover from scratch using knitting and crocheting techniques — a great challenge if you’re a beginner exploring needle crafting for the first time. However, this is also a fun project if you already have some experience and are looking for a refresher.

Classes on Domestika can be purchased individually or in bundles, if you sign up for the platform’s Domestika Plus subscription — this will allow you to enjoy more knitting classes with great discounts!

Introduction to Knitting with Circular Needles

Taught by Carmen García de Mora, this bestseller Domestika class is ideal if garment-knitting is your passion. 

Carmen will show you how to select the best yarns and needles, how to master left-to-right and backward stitching, and propose lots of practice drills! At this point, you’ll be preparing for your class project: creating a top-down seamless garment. 

Read also: Skillshare vs. Domestika

As you develop your project, you’ll be sketching your design, learning how to read knitting patterns, determining proportions, and getting lots of tips on personalizing your piece. 

To learn more about this approach to knitwear and garment-making, Domestika also features these circular knitting classes: Design and Creation of Seamless Knitwear with Circular Needles also hosted by Carmen García de Mora and The Secrets of Flat and Circular Knitting.

You can purchase these knitting classes individually on Domestika or sign up for Domestika Plus to enjoy bundle discounts and perks. Click below to find out more! 

Startup Library: Knitting

Susan B. Anderson takes the lead during this Craftsy beginners class — the first of her Startup Library series. Apart from the basics, you’ll learn two different knitting methods: Continental and English styles. 

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To ensure you get the most out of your experience, Susan will guide you through every step, from yarn selection to stitching techniques. In addition, casting on knit stitch and purl stitching will be taught, serving as a foundation for any future knitting projects that come your way.

During four hours of lessons, you’ll learn how to knit mitts, a cowl, and a hat — with pompoms! Another great perk about this class is that Susan will review common knitting mistakes and share easy workarounds to solve them. 

Craftsy includes both subscription and individual course purchase options; a Premium subscription is definitely worth it for under $100 a year. You’ll also be able to access other knitting tutorials when signing up for a membership!

The Complete Guide to Knitting

This Udemy class is one of the most comprehensive options on our knitting classes guide, with over eight hours of content, giving you a thorough overview of this craft through the teachings of Lily Love. 

During this time, Lily will guide you through fundamental techniques and steps to get you knitting confidently: casting on/off, making simple knit stitches, increasing/decreasing stitches, material selection, and more.

Read also: Udemy vs. Skillshare

Your teacher will also exemplify how to follow a knitting pattern, use an extra needle, and incorporate multiple yarn colors into a project.

Although mainly for beginners, Lily also shares more advanced techniques and complex skills to demonstrate how far you can expand your knitting horizons in the long run.

Udemy works primarily on an individual course purchase basis and unlocks content forever once you’ve signed up. This is a great class packed with resources to have unlimited access to!

How to Knit: Essential Skills for Getting Started

Executive editor for Vogue Knitting magazine Carla Scott presents this Creativebug class and invites knitting newbies to learn the essentials to become future experts in this craft.

With 30 years of experience in the industry, one thing is certain: Carla knows a little something about knitting!

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Her experience has proven that there are no set-in-stone rules to knitting, however, mastering a couple of basic techniques is crucial to get started. You’ll learn the long-tail cast-on method, how to garter stitch, and find quick solutions for common mistakes.

One of the most important sections of this class covers gauges: be sure to pay particular attention when you get to this part! Lastly, you’ll learn a fun technique to add fringe to garments such as scarves or sweater bottoms. 

Creativebug offers a free 60-day trial to newcomers, allowing you to access multiple knitting classes and more. Once your trial is up, you can sign up for a yearly subscription at a very low price; find out more by clicking below!

Intarsia Knitwear Design and Creation

As you explore knitting further, you’ll realize that many different approaches and techniques can be used to weave just about anything!

In this Best Seller Domestika course, knitwear designer Laura Dalgaad will teach you how to apply the intarsia technique to make wearable, fashion-forward pieces.

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Intarsia knitting is a colorwork technique that focuses on knitting with blocks or sections of color, no matter shape or form. That said, this is an excellent course for you if you’re into artistic, singular garments!

Your teacher will review all the materials needed for your project, show you how to cast on and off, and teach you ribbing and stockinette stitches. You’ll also learn to correctly measure gauge for a perfect-fitted sweater — which you’ll make for your class project!

This is an ideal course if you’re looking for exciting beginner knitting projects, love fashion, or simply want to transition into something new if you’re a seasoned knitter with experience. Want to learn more? Check out this Domestika class: Intarsia Knitwear: Create Unique Patterns.

Design and Creation of Knitwear with the Fair Isle Technique

Speaking of knitting styles, this Best Seller Domestika course features Jandi Gardiazabal, who covers the Fair Isle technique — a classic knitting style that involves working two or more yarn colors into a single row.

Throughout three hours, Jandi will teach you how to design and make a round yoke sweater of your own, from start to finish. You’ll learn how to search for inspiration, choose your color palette, and apply the technique with your toolset.

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Although this is a beginner course, I would recommend it to crafters who are already familiar with basic knitting techniques, as this is a more ambitious project. However, if you’re up for the challenge, this is a fun place to start learning!

If you’re looking for a different approach to knitted garment-making, Domestika’s Top-Down Knitwear: Create a Raglan Sleeve Sweater course is a great option to look into.

Design and Knitting of Bags with Silk Cord

Beatriz González puts a different spin on this craft, showing you how to make sophisticated bag designs with knitted silk cords during this Domestika class!

Focusing on the importance of combining functionality and aesthetics, your teacher and Olvido Madrid founder will cover all you need to know to create stunning bags and accessories sure to make every head turn. 

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Before taking on your class project, you’ll analyze different bag styles, study proportions, and practice a two-needle knitting technique to create your silk cord.

For your class project, you’ll make a bag from scratch! Also, expect to get some great tips on lining the interior of your bag to make your item durable for years to come!  

Apart from bag creation, Beatriz will also provide guidelines to market your work on social media and inspire you to create appealing packaging to make your designs stand out. 

Arm Knitting: Make a Throw Blanket

There’s nothing like snuggling up on the couch with a cozy throw blanket on a cold winter day. If this intro caught your attention, you’re in for a treat!

Arm knitting aficionado Anne Weil will be your instructor for this Creativebug class and will teach you how to make an incredible, expensive-looking blanket through a technique called arm knitting. 

Read also: Best chunky yarn for arm knitting blankets, pillows, and more

This technique does not require needles  — surprise, surprise! —  you’ll be letting your arms do all the work! Anne will share all of her knowledge on casting on, binding off, arm knitting movements, purling, placing stitches on hold, and more.

Creativebug is a fantastic platform for craft-lovers and is currently offering a 60-day free trial. This Introduction to Arm Knitting and Wool Dyeing class on Domestika is another great alternative to learn more about this unique method!

Top-Down Knitwear: Create a Raglan Sleeve Sweater

The top-down method is a popular knitting technique; luckily for you, you can learn all about it through Simone Ryan’s Domestika class!

During this time, your teacher will share her expertise to get you to knit a top-down sweater with raglan sleeves. Working with increases, double stitches, short rows, and how to interpret patterns and design will all be covered.

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Simone will also show you how to make your own knitwear patterns by using the online tool Stitch Fiddle. Finally, toward project completion, you’ll learn how to further customize your garment for signature touches.

This is an excellent opportunity to knit a chunky high-neck sweater filled with unique details from scratch while guided by an expert! However, although recommended for beginners, I would recommend this class to crafters who are familiar with fundamental knitting skills.

You can purchase this course individually on Domestika and enjoy unlimited access to content once you’ve signed up.

Knitting for Children’s Garments

Creative Atelier website creator Marta Porcel Vilchez will show you how to make precious, unique garments for young fashionistas!

While focusing on knitting techniques for toddlers, Marta will give you a comprehensive overview of the essentials: two-needle stitching techniques, instructions on garment design, how to study sample measurements, and apply finishings. 

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An aspect that differentiates this course from others on our knitting classes list is that you’ll learn how to create custom-tailored clothes for different ages and sizes— a great opportunity if you’re already experienced with adult garment-making. 

To put your skills to the test, Marta will challenge you to knit a baby-sized kimono with the two-needle technique; a wonderful project if you’re a soon-to-be parent or have a special someone you want to make something special for. 

If you’re aiming for the complete opposite, this Introduction to Knitting for Oversized Garments class on Domestika is a fantastic course worth checking out!

Cozy House Socks: An Introduction to Sock Knitting

Whitney Hayward is at the heart of this intermediate-level sock knitting class and will get you in the mood to start making cute, cozy socks for cold winter evenings!

During this course, your instructor will teach you how to knit a gauge swatch, cast on, make a turned heel, knit a sock gusset with picked-up stitches, and graft live stitches together (with a Kitchener stitch). 

Since this is an intermediate class, you might want to start with the more introductory knitting classes on our list before taking this course. That said, if you’re already on a Skillshare subscription, this is a great lesson to add to your list!

This course is fun if you’re looking for unique projects to apply your knitting skills, much like these unique knitting courses on Domestika: Introduction to Creative Knitting Techniques and Tapestry and Knitting for Garments and Accessories!

Startup Project: Cable Knit Hat & Headband

To ensure you don’t miss out on creating timeless cable knit hats and headbands, we’ve included this as the last of our knitting classes! 

During this Craftsy course, your teacher Allyson Dykhuizen will show you the steps toward creating modern knitting items through traditional techniques.

Read also: Looking for a creative gift? Try these hobby and craft kits

Besides actual knitting, skills you’ll learn during this time include reading a cable chart, fixing common mistakes, and changing colors as you work. 

With this know-how, you’ll be creating colorful, luxurious-looking items in no time — whether to sell, gift, or wear! 

Craftsy offers the option to purchase courses individually or as a subscription. Click below to learn more about how you access this course on the platform. 

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That’s it for our list of best online knitting classes! Do you have any more recommendations? Let everyone know in the comments below!