The 7 Best Online Knitting Classes of 2023

Best Overall: Wool and the Gang

Wool and the Gang is a free, one-stop shop for knitters. Not only does it sell almost every knitting material under the sun, but it also provides a ton of education and how-tos. We picked Wool and the Gang as the overall best for online knitting classes because of its vast selection of yarn, tools, patterns, and tutorials, and its use of sustainably sourced materials.

The company's manifesto asserts, “Our mission is to inspire the next generation of makers through a reinvention of the craft experience.” Whether it’s straightforward knitting, crochet, or macrame, Wool and the Gang has come up with designs and patterns, so you can tackle any project.

And, better yet, its YouTube channel features a variety of free tutorials. You can choose from a series of playlists, whether it’s by skill level (Easy, Beginner, or Intermediate), a dedicated Beginner series, knitting how-tos (demonstrating herringbone, hexagon, purl, moss, garter, stocking stitch, and more), crochet and macrame how-tos, or an A to Z playlist.

The A to Z playlist features more whimsical projects. While there is a straightforward How to Make a Blanket tutorial, you can also learn how to crochet your very own dog mat, arm knit a blanket, DIY your own macrame plant hanger, and make denim yarn from a pair of old jeans.

Best Introduction to Casting On: Sheep & Stitch

This is where it all starts. If you’ve got the yarn and needles and are ready to begin your knitting journey, mastering the cast-on will set a solid foundation for nailing the craft.

We picked Sheep & Stitch as the best introduction to casting on because of the simple and expert guidance from founder Davina Choy. With Choy's help, you'll learn about knitting tutorials, patterns, and general knitting inspiration. She starts her free beginner's series with How to Cast On, designed to be simple enough for those who haven’t picked up a set of needles before.

In its most basic form, knitting consists of three steps: first, casting on, then the stitch, and finally, casting off. The cast-on technique Choy demonstrates in the video is the thumb method cast-on—a method regularly used by pro knitters as well. Casting on transforms your loose yarn into actual stitches; you’ll then be able to build upon them for whatever you’re creating.

In addition to breaking down each individual step in casting on, Choy also recommends that beginners use a chunkier yarn, as well as thick needles, to get a handle on this technique—they’ll both be easier to grip.

Best Hat Tutorial: Skillshare - Learn Knitting in the Round With a Slouchy Hat

In addition to her own website and YouTube channel with tutorials, Davina Choy of Sheep & Stitch also shares her expertise on Skillshare. This is a one-hour class designed for intermediate knitters. It earned our pick as the best hat tutorial because of the easy-to-follow directions by Choy and her skilled instructions in teaching new knitting skills.

In addition to creating a cool slouchy hat to add to your accessory wardrobe, you’ll also be picking up some new key skills. Over the course of 13 video lessons, you’ll learn four techniques to add to your knitting knowledge: knitting in the round, working with double-pointed needles, decreasing stitches, and how to create your very own pom-pom.

If you don’t have a Skillshare membership yet, you’ll be able to take the class for free during the platform’s two-week, free trial period. Their membership tier is $32 per month or $14 per month billed annually.

Choy also has a series of other classes on Skillshare depending on your comfort level, including Knitting I: Learning the Basics with Simple Scarf, Knitting II: Learn Stitch Widths with a Triangle Scarf, and Knitting IV: Learn Advanced Techniques with a Trendy Headband.

Best Needle Breakdown: Studio Knit

Knowing your tools is key to mastering your knit. As a part of Studio Knit’s Absolute Beginner series on YouTube, Kristen McDonnell, an independent knitting teacher, walks you through the entire process of selecting which needles are suitable for not just your level of skill, but also the current project you’re working on, which is why we selected Studio Knit for best needle breakdown.

First, McDonnell breaks down the variety of knitting needle shapes (whether they’re straight, double-pointed, circular, or cable). Then, she goes through the array of knitting needle sizes and what to look for. Pairing your knitting needle size to your yarn weight is key—and larger needles are best for beginning knitters. (McDonnell recommends size 11 U.S.) She then moves on to the benefits of knitting with larger needles.

Not only will the right needle be easier to handle overall, but your knitted piece will “knit up” faster, as heavier weighted yarns make for larger items and quicker assembly time. Finally, McDonnell discusses the pros and cons of all knitting needle materials—wood (bamboo is her preferred choice), but also aluminum and plastic. The lesson is free, and you can also browse a wealth of other tutorials on her website.

Best Knitting Basics: Instructables

Created by Becky Stern, a designer and content creator at Instructables who has been knitting for almost 20 years, this free online course will give you all the tools to feel confident in your knitting skills. This Instructables course was chosen as best knitting basics online class because of the helpful directions in learning the foundation for knitting.

With 11 lessons in total, over the course of the class, you’ll get acquainted with the language of knitting patterns and make a basic scarf, a stretchy, ribbed scarf, a striped hat in the round, and a pair of mittens—all on your own. Complete with close-up images and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, Stern explains all the intricacies of each project.

You’ll start with a foundational lesson outlining the class and what tools and materials you’ll need before moving to casting on and perfecting the knit stitch, binding off (securing all your stitches), and learning the purl stitch.

One crucial point in the class is Lesson 6: Fixing Mistakes—addressing how to handle any errors and streamline your technique. You’ll then continue onto understanding pattern abbreviations and knitting gauge, knitting in the round, stitch decreases, increases, DPNs (double-pointed needles), and finally, picking up stitches.

Best DIY Dyeing: Skillshare - Hand Dyeing Wool Yarn

Customizing your own yarn is a great way to lend your projects a unique twist. In this course, taught by fiber artist Alexander Reynoso, you’ll get a quick tutorial in hand dyeing wool yarn in three fun techniques: speckles, space-dyed, and an ombre/gradient pattern. Winning the place for Best DIY Dyeing online class by our experts, this course not only makes it fun but provides what you need to know and learn to dye your own yarn.

The whole point of the class is to get you to loosen up and get playful with dye—and it will surely reflect that feeling in whatever piece you create with your transformed yarn. Reynoso’s recommendation is to download the PDF of class materials first, as it also includes a variety of helpful tips. Then, before attempting a technique, watch all the demonstrations. Then choose one before re-watching and executing.

This will help you get comfortable with the process before taking the plunge. Like the other class mentioned above, if you don’t have a Skillshare membership yet, you’ll be able to take this class for free during the site’s two-week trial period. There is a monthly subscription charge beyond that.