Best Places For Knitting In Pittsburgh

There's no better time than winter to take up knitting. This winter, visit a local knitting shop to learn how to make your own hats, socks, mittens and sweaters. Knitting classes and supply stores are plentiful in Pittsburgh, but these are the best to meet all of your knitting needs.

Located in the North Hills, Dyed In The Wool is a one-stop shop for learning to knit and getting all of the supplies you need to keep you knitting all winter long. Check the website for this shop's class fees and calendar that is very full of knitting-related classes, including spinning classes to make your own yarn to use for your personal knitting projects. Fun fact: The shop bills itself as a retreat for women and makes a point of carrying products sourced by women-owned companies.

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Natural Stiches is minutes from the new Target in the bustling and revitalized East Liberty neighborhood. It promises to be a place that is calm and educational. Note that the class instructors insist students turn off all cell phones to make the environment as calm and open to learning as possible. Group knitting classes for knitters of all levels are held frequently. Check the calendar for all of the events and class fees, and get ready to be a part of a peaceful learning experience with one of Natural Stiches' expert teachers.

The 9th annual Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival takes place March 15, 16 and 17 at the Four Points by Sheraton north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township. Don't be intimidated by the vast size of exhibits and classes offered at the festival. The exhibitors and organizers want beginners to feel just as welcome as advanced knitters. With 32 teachers already signed up to teach classes, the festival promises to offer a wide variety of class topics for everyone. A registration cost of just $25 gets you admission to all three days of the festival.

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If you're not sure if knitting is for you, or if you're shy about taking a group class, visit Knit One. The owners of this Squirrel Hill shop offer private, one-hour knitting lessons for $25. After a private class, if you decide knitting is your new favorite pastime, opt for a two-hour group class to network with like-minded knitting lovers. Then, sign up for a special project class in which the focus is a specific project like how to make fingerless mittens.

After taking classes and learning knitting techniques, stop by Yarns by Design to pick up luxury knitting yarns. Bonus: You can shop online. Take a break from all of the post-holiday bustle by browsing Yarns by Design's online store, and have the best, high-end knitting yarns delivered right to your door. When you're ready to brave the world again, stop by the shop to explore all of the goods, and sign up for one of the popular free group knitting classes.