Knitting & Crochet Classes Chicago: Cozy-Season Workshops & Private Lessons Near O’Hare
Learn • Create • Chicago + Suburbs
Knitting, crochet & Tunisian classes near O’Hare—beginner-friendly workshops, private lessons, yarn winding, and in-store materials at AriYARN.
When the air turns crisp, makers turn to soft yarns, warm textures, and projects that feel like a hug. At AriYARN Shop & Studio—just a short hop from O’Hare in Park Ridge—you’ll find welcoming classes for knitters and crocheters at every level: beginner 101s, Tunisian crochet, quick 15-minute drop-ins for project rescue, and private one-on-one lessons. Bring your curiosity; everything else—from materials to yarn winding—lives right here in the studio.
Welcome to Your Cozy-Season Classroom
There’s a special kind of energy in the studio when wool and alpaca drift out of totes and the first stitches of a new project slide onto the needle or hook. Our classes capture that energy and turn it into progress you can feel: a brim that suddenly clicks, the first set of cables that behave, a granny square that lays flat—finally. We teach knitters and crocheters, so you can bring a friend or learn both crafts over time.
Whether you’re brand new or circling back after a break, you’ll get clear explanations, practice time that sticks, and a plan for what to make next. Think of AriYARN as your neighborhood craft campus—friendly, modern, and stocked with beautiful materials.
What You’ll Learn (Beginner to Beyond)
Knitting 101 • Foundations
Cast on, knit and purl with confidence, read your stitches, and shape simple accessories. We’ll talk needle sizes, fiber choices, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Crochet 101 • Foundations
Chain, single, half-double, and double crochet; increase/decrease; read a basic pattern; and make your first squares, scarves, or cozy beanies.
Tunisian Crochet • Textures
Discover knit-like fabrics worked with a Tunisian hook. Learn the simple stitch family (TSS, TKS, TPS), colorwork, and how to keep edges from curling.
Return students love our 15-minute drop-ins—a quick, low-commitment way to get unstuck while you’re here. We can fix a dropped stitch, untangle a mystery row, offer finishing or blocking tips, or help decode a tricky chart—whatever’s keeping you from moving forward. Need more time? Book a private lesson for deeper, pattern-specific help.
Signature Fall & Winter Projects
Cozy season is all about pieces you’ll reach for daily and gifts that feel handmade in the best way. In class you can make a ribbed hat that actually fits, a textured cowl that looks great with a winter coat, a chunky scarf that works up in a weekend, or a stack of granny squares destined to become a tote or cushion. Prefer small dopamine hits? Crochet amigurumi ornaments and little characters that are ridiculously charming.
How Our Classes Work
Tip: Many students follow-up a workshop with a private lesson to cement new skills. It’s the perfect “learn it, then personalize it” combo.
Materials Made Simple (Yarn, Tools & Winding)
No scavenger hunts. Every class includes time to select the right yarn and tools for your project. If you already have a pattern in mind, bring it—we’ll match fiber weight, yardage, and needle/hook size. If you’re starting fresh, our curated kits remove the guesswork. And because winding hanks at home can be… an adventure, we offer in-store yarn winding so you can start immediately.
Service note: Yarn winding is available for purchases made at AriYARN and as a paid service for outside yarn. Quick consultations and project troubleshooting are often complimentary; extended or specialized assistance may incur a fee based on time—ask us for details. We will wind yarn up to 4 hanks for free and after that there is a small fee per hank. If your project needs deeper help, book a private lesson and we’ll tailor the session to your exact goals.
Crochet Classes Chicago (Granny Squares, Amigurumi & Tunisian)
Crocheters are fully at home here. Our crochet pathway starts with the building blocks—chain, single, half-double, double—and then invites you into motifs and texture. You’ll master tidy edges, and pattern reading. For the curious, Tunisian crochet blends the best of both worlds: knit-like drape, crochet speed. It’s spectacular for scarves, wraps, and contemporary home goods.
- Granny Square Lab: Color planning, join-as-you-go, borders, and turning a handful of squares into something wearable or giftable.
- Amigurumi Basics: Magic ring, invisible decrease, shaping spheres and simple animals—adorable results.
- Tunisian Textures: Simple Stitch (TSS), Knit Stitch (TKS), Purl Stitch (TPS), plus tips to manage curl and keep an even gauge.
- Finishing & Care: Weave ends invisibly, block acrylic vs. natural fibers, and choose the right wash method for lasting pieces.
Perks & Cozy-Season Promos
Join our weekly Stitch N’ Craft Night—a relaxed, community meet-up where makers bring a work-in-progress, sip something cozy, and stitch alongside friends. It’s beginner-friendly, welcoming to knitters and crocheters, and a great way to stay motivated between classes. Check our Workshops page or calendar for the next date/time and come say hi!
Private 1:1 Lessons (Knitting, Crochet & Tunisian)
Why go private?
You’ll get deep focus on your pattern, yarn, and skill barriers—exactly where your progress lives. We can fix, teach, and roadmap in one session.
- Decode a pattern or chart, line by line.
- Size adjustments that keep your gauge honest.
- Colorwork floats, cables, lace, or motif joining.
- Finish work: seaming, picking up stitches, button bands, blocking.
Some longer consultations may have a fee based on time required. We’ll outline options up front.
Why AriYARN (Near O’Hare, Easy from the Northwest Side & Suburbs)
We’re unapologetically obsessed with beautiful yarn and good teaching. You’ll feel it the moment you step through the door: a bright studio, colorful yarn cubbies that makes decisions joyful, and a team that cheers for your wins. Our location in Park Ridge is convenient to the O’Hare corridor and nearby neighborhoods like Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Rosemont—plus we’re steps from great snacks for a post-class treat.
How to Book
- Browse the schedule: Head to the Workshops page and choose your class or private lesson.
- Pick your project: We’ll help you choose yarn + tools on arrival (or purchase online beforehand via the Store).
- Learn + make: Come ready to stitch. We’ll guide, troubleshoot, and cheer you on.
- Finish strong: Use our finishing and blocking advice so your piece looks phenomenal.
See classes and save your seat Shop yarn, needles, hooks
FAQs
Do I need any experience?
No. Our 101s start from the absolute beginning, and skill-builder workshops meet you where you are. Private lessons are tailored to any level.
Can I bring my own materials?
Yes, and many students do—but most prefer to choose class-ready materials in the studio so everything works together. We carry needles, hooks, notions, and a curated yarn selection.
Do you offer yarn winding?
Yes. We’ll wind yarn purchased at AriYARN and can wind outside yarn as a paid service. Pricing and turnaround depend on quantity—ask at the counter.
What if I get stuck between classes?
Drop by for quick questions, or book a short private session for deeper help. We’ll point you to the best option when you reach out.
Is there kids or teen instruction?
Yes. We periodically run youth-friendly sessions and can schedule private lessons for motivated makers. Check the workshops page for current options.
Ready to Learn, Make, and Gift?
Cozy-season pieces become heirlooms when they’re finished with care. We’ll get you there—one stitch, one repeat, one tidy seam at a time. Grab a seat, pick your yarn, and let us handle the rest.
