Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Now is a great time! Join me, my friends at Lion Brand, and makers from around the world for Crochet Academy, a 7-week event for aspiring crocheters!
This post contains affiliate links that support the content on TLYCBlog.com. All opinions are my own. Find my Privacy & Disclosures Policy here.
UPDATE: Crochet Academy 2023 is the third annual presentation of Crochet Academy content. This year’s event will feature content from previous years, as well as original content.
Check out the Crochet Academy highlights in this announcement video:
What Is Crochet Academy?
I’ve always loved doing crochet alongs (aka CALs). Crochet Academy builds on the idea of a crochet-along by designating a period just for learning.
To keep it simple, Crochet Academy is a 7-week event designed to help guide new and returning makers through the fundamentals of crochet. Beginning May 1st, we’ll explore the basics of shopping for yarn, choosing the right tools, and how to crochet from the very start. The second half of the event is a crochet along with 3 brand new summer-ready designs I created especially for Crochet Academy. You can also look forward to live events and giveaways!
Here’s a breakdown of important dates:
- Sourcing Materials, now through May 1st. Kits for this fun event are available through Lion Brand beginning April 20th, or source your own yarn, hooks, and notions (keep scrolling for the project supply lists and links for each design).
- Weeks 1-3, May 1st-20th. Learn the basics of crochet from understanding yarn fibers, how to complete the basic stitches, and much more. We’ll wrap up Week 3 with our first project, a practical crochet basket.
- Weeks 4-7, May 22nd-June 16th. Join the Crochet Academy Crochet Along. Choose any of the 3 new designs (or any previous year’s designs!) and make them alongside the other Academy participants.
Follow along & share your progress using the CAL hashtag on Instagram – #CrochetAcademy2023
Who Is Crochet Academy For?
There are so many reasons to learn crochet. Avoid the mass-produced crochet in the stores – MAKE IT YOURSELF! Here are just a few reasons to learn crochet and join Crochet Academy:
- You’ve always wanted to pick up a hobby.
- You learned some basic crochet recently and now you’re ready to go all in.
- You’re a knitter that wants to “get” crochet.
- You used to crochet but you’ve lost some of the knowledge.
- You want to try crochet as a stress reliever.
- You’re interested in starting a side business with crochet.
- You saw someone on Tik Tok crocheting and thought “I could do that!”
- You want a more productive way to binge-watch your favorite shows.
There’s no wrong reason to learn crochet. Crochet Academy is for YOU if you want to get better with a hook and string! Sign up for Crochet Academy HERE.
Crochet Academy Important Dates
Get your calendars out and set some alerts for these important Crochet Academy dates:
- April 18th – Crochet Academy enrollment opens + live Q&A on Instagram (3pm ET) and YouTube (4pm ET)
- April 20th – Pattern kits available from Lion Brand – SHOP KITS HERE!
- May 1st – Crochet Academy kicks off with content daily Monday-Saturday
- May 22nd: Crochet Along starts (4 weeks), and Crochet Academy patterns available for purchase
Crochet Academy Posts
Check here daily to see which new post just went live!
Week 1
- Day 1: The Best (and WORST!) Yarns for Beginners LINK
- Day 2: The Skinny on Yarn Weights LINK
- Day 3: A Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Hooks LINK
- Day 4: Essential Tools + Notions for Crochet Success LINK
- Day 5: Learn How to Crochet, Step by Step LINK
- BONUS: Independent Study – Granny Squares LINK
Week 2
- Day 6: Yarn Substitutions Made EASY LINK
- Day 7: Basic Crochet Increases & Decreases LINK
- Day 8: Must-Know Crochet Color Changes LINK
- Day 9: 4 Easy Crochet Seaming Techniques LINK
- Day 10: Don’t Skip These 3 Crochet Finishing Steps LINK
- BONUS: Independent Study – Granny Squares LINK
Week 3
- Day 11: How to Read Crochet Patterns for Total Beginners LINK
- Day 12: 15 Stitches for Beginner Crocheters to Try LINK
- Day 13: Crochet Borders & Trims LINK
- Day 14: 10 Common Mistakes Crochet Beginners Make LINK
- Day 15: Making the Starlight Basket LINK
LEARN TO CROCHET NOW –
ENROLL IN CROCHET ACADEMY TODAY!
3 New Free Crochet Patterns
It wouldn’t be a TLYC event without some brand new patterns! I designed each of these summer-ready patterns as an opportunity to challenge your new skills and help your wardrobe transition for warmer weather.
These designs will be available as kits from Lion Brand beginning April 20th, and the individual patterns will be available free and for purchase on May 22nd from TLYCBlog.com.
Let’s explore each design to help you pick your favorite for the crochet along:
1 // Tobago Bag FREE PATTERN | TUTORIAL VIDEO
When you’re ready to set sail on a summer adventure, drop your essentials in the Tobago Bag and go! Made from three simple motifs, this modular bag is a perfect marriage between form and function. We’ll explore beginner stitches, working in the round, and adding adornments.
Materials List: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (#4 worsted weight) in 4 colors (A – Jade, 40 yards; B – Creamsicle, 60 yards, C – Pink Lemonade, 80 yards, and D – Ecru, 170 yards), 3.5mm crochet hook, 4mm crochet hook, scissors, tapestry needle, and two 15mm wood beads (optional, not included in Lion Brand kit!).
2 // Montego Shawl FREE PATTERN | TUTORIAL VIDEO
Stave off the chill during a summer night stroll when you wrap the Montego Shawl around your shoulders. Rhythmic double and treble crochet stitches are finished off with a sweet picot border to compliment any casual look.
Materials List: Lion Brand Truboo (#3 DK weight) in the color Coral (775 yards), 4mm crochet hook, scissors, tapestry needle, and one locking stitch marker.
3 // Aruba Tunic FREE PATTERN | TUTORIAL VIDEO
From the beach to the boardwalk, you’ll be ready for anything in the Aruba Tunic. Two panels of breezy Tunisian crochet stitches are jazzed up with simple stripes for a lightweight layer you won’t want to take off.
Size Guide: The pattern includes the sizes listed below. Note: Choose the size most suited to the fit you want. The finished tunic is designed with 6-12″ of positive ease (meaning it is designed to be oversized).
- XS/S. Finished bust 40″. Sized for bust 28-34″. A – 425 yards; B – 270 yards.
- M/L. Finished bust 48″. Sized for bust 36-42″. A – 525 yards; B – 345 yards.
- XL/2XL. Finished bust 56″. Sized for bust 44-50″. A – 665 yards; B – 445 yards.
- 3XL/4XL. Finished bust 64″. Sized for bust 52-58″. A – 765 yards; B – 500 yards.
Materials List: Lion Brand Coboo (#3 DK weight) in Lichen (A) and Tan (B), 5.5mm Tunisian crochet hook with 40″ cord, scissors, tapestry needle, locking stitch markers, tape measure, blocking supplies.
Past Year’s Crochet Academy Patterns
Looking for more options? I’ve got you! You can participate in the Crochet Academy 2023 crochet along using patterns from 2021 and 2022! Get the full details on the Joan Granny Sweater, Toni Cuffed Cardi, Lynn Fringe Vest, Maya Striped Tank, Marlo Hat + Scarf Set, Kima Cardi, Omar Wrap, and the Avon Throw Blanket, including free patterns + tutorial videos.
How To Get Involved
Ready to take your relationship with crochet to the next level? Follow these steps to prepare yourself for Crochet Academy!
Step 1: Enroll. Getting enrolled in Crochet Academy is fast and easy. Join this email list and you’re in! You can expect a welcome email with important information and links to follow. Then, when Crochet Academy starts on May 1st, look for daily emails to direct you to that day’s content so you can learn to crochet.
Step 2: Get the Swag. Commemorate your crochet discovery with an official Crochet Academy Enamel Pin! Designed in collaboration with Twill & Print, these hard enamel pins make the perfect accent for project bags, jean jackets, and maker backpacks. Quantities are limited, so don’t wait! Snag your pin HERE.
Step 3: Share the love. Here’s your first lesson from Crochet Academy – crocheting is always better with friends! Share that you’re joining Crochet Academy and encourage others to participate. Save the badge below, share it on your social accounts, and direct makers to TLYCBlog.com for more information.
Crochet Academy 2023 Questions
What is a CAL?
A CAL, or crochet along, is a virtual event where makers worldwide work on the same project(s) together. For Crochet Academy, we’ll launch into the crochet along in week 4, after the education portion of the event is over.
I already know how to crochet. Can I just join the CAL in Week 4?
Absolutely! The CAL is open to everyone. Feel free to jump in anytime and be sure to share your progress using the CAL hashtag #CrochetAcademy2023 on Instagram, and post your updated in the TL Yarn Crafts Facebook group.
Will there be videos for the new patterns?
Yes! Each new pattern will have a full tutorial video to teach you how to make the design stitch-by-stitch. Find there here on my YouTube Channel!
Can I use my own yarn for the crochet along?
Yes! Use the information from the materials list to swap in any of your own supplies. We’ll talk about gauge and yarn substitutions during Crochet Academy, so you can determine if you have a suitable substitution.
What are the best crochet hooks for beginners?
We’ll talk more about hooks when Crochet Academy kicks off. For now, I recommend a full set of Clover Amour hooks. The pack is pretty pricey, but you’ll waste money on cheap hooks anyway. You can find the larger sizes of the Clover Amour hooks in plastic here.
Do I need any supplies other than what is listed?
Yes and no. We’ll talk more about finishing supplies during Crochet Academy, and while they’re not 100% required, I do recommend keeping finishing supplies on hand. If you want to get a jump on the event, check out these blocking boards (get 2 packs, trust me) and this garment steamer.
Will the posts and content from Crochet Academy be available after the event?
Yes! All Crochet Academy content will be linked in this post so you can learn to crochet anytime. You’re welcome to come back anytime and learn at your own pace.
Can I get the Lion Brand kits in [insert your country]?
Lion Brand does offer international shipping. Shipping costs and times vary by location. Please note that additional fees may apply, such as customs, duties & taxes (including GST/HST/VAT), etc. If you have specific questions about Lion Brand’s shipping policy, email them – [email protected].
Hey Tony I would like to join your crochet academy I’ve been watching you on YouTube and that’s where I’m learning right now I am working on a baby blanket doing Tunisian crochet that I’ve been learning from you please right back to me I wanna join your academy I want to learn how to read parents
Hi Toni! I love your videos and am excited about the Crochet Academy but I wonder if I can follow it because I’m left-handed. I have done a bit of crochet with basic stitches but I’ve never even thought of making a garment because it seems like I’d need to reverse the pattern. I know this is a big ask, but will you be addressing this at all in your course?
Hi Linda! Great question. I won’t have any content specific to lefties, but I encourage you to join along. I’ll be going at a slow enough pace and talking through the steps so I think it’ll be ok. When it comes to the cardigan, I went very simple with the design, so there will be no difference for a left or right handed crocheter, promise 🙂
I am a lefty too ! I am happy to know this cardigan will work for me. I have never tried to make one for this reason . I look forward to making this. Thank you!!
Thank you so much! I signed up this morning and am really looking forward to losing my fear of crochet.
Hi Linda, I’m left-handed too and came across this resource when I first started crocheting: https://www.mirrorthevideo.com/ It was invaluable for me as a beginner to be able to flip all the right-handed tutorial videos on YouTube to make them left-handed! x
This is a genius resource! Thank you for sharing this 🙂
That is the MOST amazing thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing that, it will change my crochet life!
Good day, Toni! Just a short question. If I am already subscribed to your emails, do I need to sign up again for the Crochet Academy emails? Am really looking forward to the Academy, and also want to start working on your Tunisian Crochet instructions/videos. Thank you.
Hi Nerissa! Great question. I don’t want to overload my main list with Crochet Academy emails, just in case there are folks that aren’t participating. So I made a separate list just for this event. You can join HERE.
Hi Toni, I’ve been watching your videos for at least a year and have purchased several patterns. I’ve made the Daphne Blanket several times. Your yarn reviews are great and tutorials are so helpful. I look forward to Crochet Academy for help reading patterns, guidance on more complicated stitches and encouragement making my first clothing item other than scarves.
I’m so glad you’ll be joining in, Jenny! There’s always more to learn 🙂
So it was probably in the information above and if so I’m so sorry but what is the cost of the crochet academy (no way is this amazing thing free lol)
Hi Allison! Crochet Academy is 100% free (aside from any materials you choose to buy). So glad you’re interested 🙂
Hi, I’m basically a beginner. I want to learn more about crocheting. I did take some lessons, but the instructor had a problem teaching me. I’m left handed, she had never taught a left handed person before. Will this course be difficult for me?
Hi! I won’t have any left handed content in this course, but there is a plethora of content for leftie crocheters on YouTube, including some stellar “Learn How to Crochet” videos. Those might be a better fit for the actual crocheting, but we’ll learn some techniques that are not specific to being left or right handed in this course that I think could be helpful 🙂
This sounds great. Will this all take place on YouTube? Also, is there a cost to join?
Hi! This event is 100% free (aside from any materials you choose to buy). The majority of the event will take place through the posts here on my blog. There will be videos for just some of the topics. I’ll send all content updates via the Crochet Academy email list 🙂
Hi Tony,
I would like to know how much time do you estimate a beginner needs to dedicate each day/week for the course?
Hi! This event is all about going at your own pace. There’s not really a set amount of time you need to spend on any of the topics – just whatever you feel you need to practice. And the posts will always be there, so you can revisit them as you need to.
Hey! I’m a part time employee and mom to a 4 month old… can I join and work at it when I’m available to do so?
Sure can!
Hi Toni!
This sounds great! What if I’m left-handed- would this class work for me?
Hi Janice – I won’t be making left-handed content specifically, but there are a few resources you can use to flip the content horizontally. Flip This is a google chrome extension that allows you to flip a web page at the click of a button. MirrorTheVideo.com allows you to put in a youtube link and flip the video. Hope those prove helpful 🙂
That time doesn’t work for Me. Will the classes be posted online for viewing when it’s convenient?
Yes, they will
I would love to join the academy but I am scheduled for major surgery mid July, is it live or will I be able to catch up after my initial days of healing are underway? Sorry for the TMI but not sure if I’ll be up for much the first week or two
Hi! Crochet Academy is a series of blog posts, and all of the posts will be on my blog forever. You can check back on this post for links to the content as it becomes available and you can jump into the content when it’s most convenient for you. Good luck on your surgery!!
Hi Toni:
Can wait for your Crochet Academy, it sound like just the thing I’m looking for to get a refresher course in crochet. For the CAL are we suppose to make all 4 projects or just pick one?
Hi! For the CAL, you’re welcome to make as many projects as you like. Pick your favorite 1, 2, 3, or all 4. It’s totally up to you 🙂
Hi Toni,
Do you know the approximate costs the kits will be from Lion Brand.
I have already added my email to the list. Can’t wait!!!
Gerri
Hi! I’m not sure, but they’ll be out tomorrow 🙂
Hi Toni, I’m so glad you are starting this Academy. I’ve been crocheting for years but always have trouble getting gauge with yarn & stitch.. I think this will be a fun & informative class and I’m so excited to start..
Hi Toni,
Congrats on Crochet Academy. What an awesome way to teach others a new skill.
I have enjoyed your lives and look forward to many more.
Bennie
I don’t do Instagram (barely do Facebook). How much of a disadvantage will that be for the Academy classes?
None. All of the content will be on the blog, so you’ll still have access to all of it.
I’m a lefty too, but I think I will be ok following. I’m getting use to tutorials that I have to crochet the opposite side. Lol I just ordered my yarn for the Omar Wrap and the Kima Cardi. It was quite expensive for me as I am on a budget. I won’t be able to buy anymore yarn for the projects. Is that going to be a problem? All I have on hand is like 4 weight acrylic yarn🤦♀️
Hi! You don’t have to purchase new yarn for any of these projects. You are welcome to use what is in your stash 🙂
Hi, Toni,
I loooove your videos! They’re so clear (both in terms of the video and your narrations)!
I’m allergic to wool. Do you have recommendations for choosing non-wool yarns for these projects, other than matching thickness? Thank you for doing this series!
Hi! Matching the yarn thickness will be the most important part of swapping out any yarns mentioned for these patterns. I will be talking yarn subs later in Crochet Academy, as well 🙂
Hi Toni! Super excited about the Academy starting soon! I’ve been reading the emails and on the blog searching for a supply list for the weeks before the projects. Is there one?
I’m from Germany so thinking to would be best to purchase local for what I don’t already have.
Thanks!
Hi! There’s a materials list under the photo of each pattern in this blog post.
I’ve been crocheting for about 2 1/2 years…I bought the Kima Cardigan kit and can’t wait to make it along with others. I’m also interested in learning what I don’t know…I just kind of jumped in and figured things out as I went so this will be fun. Thank you!
Hi Toni, I am signed up for crochet academy and I already purchased the yarn for the project through your link from lion brand because I thought that’s what we were supposed to do, it didn’t include to pattern, can I still get it if I’m not ordering a kit? I ordered some hooks and pom pom maker through Amazon on your links on here also. I’m new to this and I’m confused 😕
Hi! Please check the confirmation email you received from Lion Brand – there will be a button that links to your PDF pattern. If you mean that you’ve purchased yarn separate from the Lion Brand kits, then you will have to wait for the patterns, which will be available August 2nd.
Hi Toni,
I am so glad to find a way to “start over!” I have been crocheting for about 5 years, and have learned a lot , but have made many yarn mistakes. Looking forward to learning from one of the bests!!
Hi, Toni! SO excited for this. Does buying the kits directly from your Lion Brand link support you financially at all? Just trying to figure out where I want to get my yarn! Thanks
Hi! Purchasing kits through the links I provide does generate a small commission 🙂
Hi Toni,
I realize it’s not part of the pattern, but would I be able to add some kind of closures (loops and buttons, or hooks, or??) after I’ve made, or while I’m making, the cardigan? Looking forward to advancing my crochet skills! After learning the basics by making lots of washcloths, including some with Tunisian crochet using your tutorials, I’ve just finished my first project – your stash basket in Thick & Quick “Hudson Bay” – and it’s gorgeous! I intended for it to be a gift, but I don’t think I can give it away lol.
Hi! So glad you’ll be joining the Crochet Academy CAL 🙂 Yes, you will absolutely be able to add closures to the cardigan.
OMG, just ordered my yarn and pattern for the cardigan in Haze. I’m excited to get started on this with you and the others!
Hi Toni.
My name is Andrew. I’m brand new to crochet although I’ve purchased some hooks, yarn and books in the past but still get a bit intimidated. I’m very excited to Crochet Academy. I love your videos and get so inspired to start my journey, so this is going to be great to actually start. Thank you for this, I can’t wait!!
Best,
Andrew
I’m so glad that you’re joining us, Andrew! Can’t wait to crochet with you 🙂
Hi Toni! I learned to crochet and knit as a child but turned out to be a better knitter than crocheted.I’m a Knitter but really want to learn to crochet better. My goal is to have straight and even edges, learn to read a pattern . Thank You for doing this! Looking forward to Crochet Academy!
Hi Toni,
I’m from Europe and had problems finding a yarn substitution that suits your projects and me. As I’m not good at the gauge calculation (yet 😉 ) I was looking for similar yarn (80% Acrylic, 20% Wool and for 10mm hook, for example) but couldn’t find it. So I was looking for Lion Brand over here in Europe and found lovecrafts.com. I purchased the yarn for all 4 projects (Yes, I’ll be trying to make all of them in August 🙂 ). I had to replace the “Mandala Ombre Yarn” with just “Mandala” (perhabs it’s the same anyway) but was able to find all the others. Maybe this is helpful for anyone else from europe. (Btw. they offer makers to sell their patterns there aswell, just in case you wan’t to expand 😉 ) Can’t wait for the acadamy and projects to start.
BR, Cornelia
Hi Toni 👋 – I am a totally new crocheter and so happy you are doing Crochet Academy!! I learned of this thru discussion threads on Eat Sleep Knit’s Ravelry Group as you are one of the featured designers for the Q3 CAL 😻😻😻 I will be making the Sweet Granny Square Blanket ( squee). I also took some inspiration from your Short’s Brewing beverage on the IG feed – had to try it, pretty tasty 😋. I see you are in Columbus; I am in Lexington, MI…we could have a “ maker meet up “ in Detroit for those in the vicinity, for a craft brew hop…just sayin’…it’s an option 🤪🍻
The anticipation builds each day when I get my email notifications!!!! I re-read the posts as each is filled with so much good stuff!!! can’t wait til tomorrow!!!!
I’m so very excited. I learned to crochet 35 years ago. I’ve made some beautiful blankets but never have been able to make baby items or learn Tunisian crochet. I still can’t seem to get started again. Thank you for take time and sharing your gift.
I signed up for you crochet academy to learn to Tunisian crochet. I know how to crochet. Although I am probable rusty because it’s been awhile since I crocheted. Also I just found your emails as they went into my junk mail for some reason . Is it to late to. Catch up? And I am not even sure if this is where I should be asking this question. Help!
Hi! You can absolutely catch up. All of the posts are available to view whenever you want to 🙂
I’ve been watching your Tunisian crochet and intro to crochet videos and I love them so much! I mostly knit and haven’t touched crochet since I was a kid, so having these videos as a resource has been great. I got ahead of myself and started working on the gauge swatch for the Avon throw, but it’s off by an inch, so I’m curious about if you have any tips for that. Of course, I can wait until the CAL to find out. Thanks!
Hi! So excited about your enthusiasm 🙂 When you say “off”, is it too big? Or too small? And in what direction? Feel free to email me and we can work through the gauge issue.
Tried to download the cardigan pattern from the initial Crochet Academy blog but I got this message:
This site can’t be reached
Check if there is a typo in kima-cardi-free-chunky-crochet-cardigan-pattern.
If spelling is correct, try running Windows Network Diagnostics.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
Hi! Thanks for letting me know the link was broken. The link is fixed and now goes to the free pattern, available on the blog.
Hey Toni! I’m going to do it again this year. Love the Crochet Academy! Question: I have signed up for Happy Mail from you about three times. I haven’t received any yet. Am I missing them or not checking in the right place?
Love you and Blessings!
Hope the kits go live before the discount code for Lion Brand expires!!! #CrochetAcademy2022 #LetsGoooo
Just wanted to say that these patterns are stunning! It amazes me that you created FOUR new patterns – and making more wearable items has been on my list! It’s going to be hard to choose which one to start with! I learned so much from Crochet Academy last year. Looking forward to this very much! Thanks for making such an amazing (free!) resource.
Hi, i have a potentially dumb question.. i was looking at the number of skeins to order for the different projects but im confused by the / i realize the first number is the number of skeins required for the main color and the 2nd number is for the accent color but for the granny square pull over does that mean i need 2 skeins each of the 3 accent colors for a total of 3 mc/6 ac skeins so 9 total skeins of yarn? I hope my question makes sense.
Not a dumb question at all! You are correct in your thinking. The second number is the number of skeins you need for EACH of the accent colors.
Hi Toni, Will there be an updated Pin for this year’s Academy? The one on the link shows the 2021 Pin.
Hi! Thanks for your question. There will not be an updated pin this year. The original pin says “Est. 2021”, which is the year of Crochet Academy’s inception.
Hello!
I am looking forward to the Crochet Academy and making the Joan Granny Square Pullover. However, Lion Brand is out of much of the required yarn. What other yarn should I order?
Thanks!
Hi Debbie! I’m so bummed to hear that Basic Stitch is nearly sold out now. There are a few Lion Brand yarns I’d recommend instead. Those would be – Schitt’s Creek, Touch of Alpaca, or Vanna’s Choice. Any of those would be a great substitute in this pattern.
Thank you for doing this for free. Like to create however most people are charging, a lot o people can’t afford it. Looking forward to learning.
Toni, I have been crocheting for more years than I remember! I am a lefty also but because I was so enamored with watching my Mom crochet right handed, I learned right handed and cannot begin to crochet with my left hand! I joined this group as you always have such great videos and teaching that I am excited to learn to crochet the granny sweater! Not to research the yarns to see if I want what you recommend or something different! Thanks for doing this class and teaching more people who will be yarn lovers for the next generation!
The kits you listed look intimidating for me as a beginner. Can i purchase one of your beginner kits to follow along instead?
Hi! You are more than welcome to use any kit that looks more approachable to you. Just note that I’ll be referencing the Crochet Academy projects throughout the crochet along.
I’m signed up for the academy, and am ordering my kit for the crochet along. What supplies do we need for the first 3 weeks for the learning portion and making the coasters?
Hi! I’m so glad you’re joining in on Crochet Academy 🙂 All details about products needed for the first week will come via email.
Hi Toni.
I am excited to be part of the Crochet Academy! Thank you for offering this opportunity.
I went to Lion Brand to purchase my kits, but to my dismay NONE of the Colors for the Joan Granny Sweater are available. and a check of the available swatches was not encouraging.
I’m new at this, and while I am willing to make the expense, I don’t want to end up with colors that don’t work well together.
Would you be so kind to provide alternative color suggestions for the Joan Granny Sweater?
Thank you in advance!
Hi! So bummed to hear that colors of the kit are sold out. If the colors available don’t inspire you, I’d recommend Lion Brand’s Schitt’s Creek, Touch of Alpaca, or Vanna’s Choice as alternatives. Choose any 4 colors you like. If you need some inspiration, search for color palettes on Pinterest – that’s always where I go 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Toni,
Signed up for #Crochet Academy 2022.
I ‘m looking forward to learning new skills, and improving on the skills I have already.
Participated in 2021 , loved every aspect and got the pin.
Thank you and #HappyCrocheting
Hi Toni! I am so happy to be joining your crochet academy. I live in Asia and I am having a hard time finding the right yarn for my project. What’s written on the yarn tag is not the same as most yarn come from other asian countries. There are no numbers for the type of yarn. Most yarn I find here it is written the type of fiber, the weight and sometimes the yardage. How do I know if it is the appropriate yarn if I don’t know much about yarn and it doesn’t say the a number (for ex.: DK light #3) like you refer too?
I love your videos but sometimes I wish you would go a little slower so we can follow along. Sometimes it is hard to see because it is too fast.
Thank you so much!! Can’t wait to start Crochet Academy!
Hi Claudia. Great question! If you have the yardage and grams, you can determine the weight. I like to use this article to help determine yarn weight by yardage. Hope that helps!
Hi !!
I am a beginner in crochet. I learn mostly from you, on youtube. Your video are always clear and I finaly understand !! I do only square wrap because I’m affread to start something else. I would like to understand patterns to be able to do many other project. p.s. sorry for my english… I’m a french Québécoise. Thank’s !!!
Hi Toni,
I’m in Australia. Signed up to the Academy and looking forward to learning all about crocheting! I couldn’t find the same yarn for the Lynne Fringe vest so I bought Lionbrand “Feels like Butta” 4 worsted yarn instead. Do you think this will be a good substitute? I wanted to stick to the same brand….
Thank you for creating this free course. Can’t wait!
Hi Saori, I’m so glad you’re joining Crochet Academy. We’re having so much fun so far! Feels Like Butta is slightly lighter than Pima Cotton, but still comparable. And I think it’ll work great in this pattern. Good choice!
Hi Toni, I love your videos. I signed up for crochet academy but havent received the email and i cant find the recordings of it. Keep up the great work!
Hi Megan! You can find links to all Crochet Academy info in THIS POST. Shoot me an email and let’s see if we can work on getting those emails to you – [email protected]
I just found this and it’s Sept 1 am I to late
It’s never too late 🙂 You can click through the lessons that have already gone out, and join the email list to you don’t miss the ones that are to come.
How can I buy the Joan granny sweater pattern alone? The kit doesn’t have enough yarn for my size, and I would rather use some beautiful yarn I have already.
Hi Tony, I learn mostly from you, on youtube. Your video are always clear and I finaly understand !!
I ‘m looking forward to learning new skills, and improving on the skills I have already.
Good Luck
Hi Toni,
Thank you for the crochet academy. I am a long time knitting nut and because of your easy, friendly way of teaching crochet, I have completed the academy, finished my Toni Cuffed Cardi, and purchased your Tunisian crochet book and some Gorgeous Knitter’s Pride Tunisian Crochet interchangeable hooks and have some projects to start and work on. Thank you so much. I don’t not have social media but, wanted to show you my cardi so I wanted to know where I can attach a copy. I am also subscribed to your website, YouTube blog, and follow you on Ravelry (Neatknitter56).
Bonita! Congratulations! Thanks a million for sharing your crochet success with me 🙂 And now you’re diving into Tunisian crochet, too?! I know you’re gonna love it. You can submit your photo here – LINK. I can’t wait to see it.
Can’t wait to make that Tobago Bag. Guess who is from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
Hey Toni!
Looking forward to the crochet alone since I’ve been crocheting for 6 years now and designing for 3 years thanks to your videos!
I finally started a temperature blanket because it’s a special year for me (high school graduation, finally being adopted into my foster family after 12 years of being told no by a tribal council, etc). I chose to make the Linen Pixel Temperature Blanket because I love how fast and easy linen stitch is.
You should list the best and worst yarns at stores like Walmart, Joanns, etc. I’ve worked with a lot of yarn and I have some recommendations for the best and worst to start out with.
Best: Loops and Threads Impeccable, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Pound of Love, Premier Yarns Just Yarn Worsted.
Worst: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, Mainstay Medium.
Toni, Will the videos be “parked” anywhere so we can access them on our own schedule/time? I really want to do this and so will my sister, but we’re dealing with health issues and it is very possible we will miss some of the “classes” when they are actually live. Hope that made sense.
Hi! Yes, all lessons will be linked here in this blog post. You can revisit the schedule as lessons are posted to find the link and take them on your own time.
Hi, Toni! I just signed up for the Crochet Academy and went to Lion Brand to get the kit for the Tunic and they are out of the tan yarn. What other color would you suggest I get to match the mint color? Thank you.
Lion Brand is sold out of many colors, so you may want to consider getting your yarns from a different source. JOANN or Michaels may have what you need.
Hi Toni,
Thanks for sharing your unique talents and encouraging others to be creative. I would love to learn more about choosing the right colors for my projects. Looking forward to Crochet Academy. You are a great teacher and I wish you much success.
Hi Toni!
I am wondering if we will be learning any Tunisian crochet at the crochet academy.
Thank you!
We sure will! There will be an independent study on Tunisian crochet in Week 2 🙂
I am so glad to be joining the academy. You are the one that taught me to crochet a few months ago through your YouTube video!!!! 40+ years of believing what other people said – that I would never be able to learn – I was hopeless. I am NOW CROCHETING!! I’ve started on one of your afghans and another afghan that my friend had a pattern for. Wooohooooo I love this craft and can’t wait to learn all I can.
Hi Toni
I just signed up and ordered the kit for the shawl.
Is there a kit for the Starlight Basket that we’ll make
Week 3, Day 5?
Thank you
Hi! No, there is no kit for the basket, but details of the supplies needed for the basket come in Sunday’s email 🙂
Awesome! Thank you!
Really looking forward to this event.
Just to let you know, the shawl I will be making I will donate to my church as we make prayer shawls to distribute to folks in the hospital or to anyone who just needs a loving”hug”. I hope mine turns out nice enough so that I can make my contribution.
With love,
Wendy
I signed up for the academy bit have not gotten an email with links for today, May 1st. I can’t find anything on your site. What am I doing wrong.
Hi! I just checked your email address, and it shows you as signed up for Crochet Academy. I encourage you to check your spam folder to make sure the email didn’t land there. Also, add “[email protected]” to your safe sender list. That will make sure my emails don’t get automatically deleted or marked as spam.
I cannot find the first video for the Crochet Academy. I looked on social media and could not find anything. Am I missing something?
Hi! There will not be videos every day. The email has a link to a blog post, and that is the lesson. SOME days will have video supplements, but not every day.
Hi Toni! LOVING these classes. I have a question about switching yarn colors at the end of a row. It looks like when you drop one color and pick up the former color along the edge, it leaves a long loop that doesn’t look all that great and seems like it could get snagged all the time. What do you do about that?
Hi! Those loops are called floats. You can leave them as is, or add a border around the project to hide them. If you don’t mind dealing with the ends, you can cut your yarn at each color change for a cleaner transition.
When does the starlight pattern go live?
Friday, May 19th.
I love everything about this academy. Thank you so much for helping me learn more about crocheting. It’s a way for me to keep my mother’s memory alive.