With the advent of YouTube and other sites that offer instructional videos for free, it’s easy to find directions online to do just about everything, including how to knit and crochet. Not everyone can learn from a photo or video, however, and you might do better with one-on-one instruction -- someone to literally hold your hand as you learn the basics stitches.
If you’re one of those who would prefer some hands-on instruction with a live person rather than trying to learn from a computer screen, there are several ways you might find possible sources of tutoring in your town. With a little detective work, you should have no trouble finding someone that would love to help you learn to knit or crochet.
Crafting groups
Knitting and crocheting are crafts that can be done in solitude, but they can also be enjoyed in a more social setting. Groups of people who knit or crochet will get sometimes get together on a routine basis just to chat while their fingers are flying, or perhaps they knit or crochet items to donate to local charities. To find such a group, watch your local newspaper or other periodical that announces upcoming activities for the week. Churches also often have groups of women who get together to knit or crochet, so ask at your own church and let friends and family members know too.
Grandma makes more than granny squares
Although knitting and crocheting have made a huge comeback for all age groups in recent years, we often still picture someone who works with needle or hook as a little old lady in a rocking chair, with a cat at her feet. With that in mind, there are probably a number of women in nursing homes or assisted living centers who keep busy by knitting or crocheting, and who would love to share their craft with you. Look in your local phone book or online to see what facilities are in your area, and ask if there is an activities coordinator who might be able to help you set up a tutoring session.
Online sources
You can also find local groups by looking on Ravelry, which is an online social networking site for those who knit and crochet. Crafters post patterns and photos of their works there to share with others, but there are also groups set up for people with like interests, or based on location, etc. Even if you’re not ready to participate to that level yet, a quick search will tell you if there are any groups of people in your area, and you could ask if any of them would be interested in teaching you how to knit or crochet.
Etsy is another online resource that might help you locate a teacher. Etsy is a site where crafters list their handmade items for sale, but you could put your town or state and the name of the craft (knit, crochet, etc.) in the search box to see what items are available to purchase in your area. You can also type knit or crochet in the search function, then look in the left sidebar to limit to your location. Once the items pop up, click on any of them and then look in the right column and click on the blue button to contact the shop owner.
Craft stores
Some craft stores offer free classes in various types of crafts, or might be able to put you in touch with someone who does. Check the Jo-Ann’s, Michaels, Hobby Lobby or AC Moore in your area to see what they might have available.
With little effort, you’ll probably soon have a list of people who would love to share their love of knitting or crocheting with you. Make it known to everyone in your circle of family and friends that you want to learn, and you’ll likely have a number of enthusiastic candidates lined up for the job.
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