Our educational focus is what makes us stand out in the knitting world. We provide so many options to help you better your knitting, whether for fun or for pursuing excellence.
TKGA Correspondence Courses allow you to build your knitting skills. These courses cover a comprehensive topic in hand-knitting or knitting history. Courses are completed in more than one lesson or level, and are conducted via mail and/or email. You’ll study at your own pace with Master Knitters serving as instructors and mentors. You will be provided written materials that you will work from, and send completed lessons to the instructor for a personalized written evaluation.
Cost includes instructional materials, and in some cases, postage from instructor to student as well. You’ll need to furnish your own knitting supplies and you are responsible for the postage to the instructor. Unless otherwise specified, courses have a one-year time limit. All courses are limited to English only. Knitters receive a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course, and their names will be listed in the K2TOG monthly newsletter.
Let TKGA help you expand your knitting skills!
Click on a Correspondence Course below to learn more!
HAND-KNITTING CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
With one-on-one instructor guidance, this course is an excellent way to learn to knit properly, which brings more joy to your knitting and expands the number of knitting patterns available to you. In this self-study introduction to hand knitting, written instructions and illustrations help you learn – and can be kept for handy reference for years to come. You will learn common abbreviations, how to use basic knitting tools, how to cast on and hold yarn in various knitting styles, and basic stitches.
Once you’ve practiced and gained some confidence, you will send your swatches to the instructor for review.
Instructor: This course is taught by Mary Forte, certified Master Knitter.
Who should take this course? New knitters wishing to learn to knit.
Skill Level: Beginner.
Course Structure: Twelve lessons
Course Requirements: If you wish (not required), you may submit eight swatches as described in the course materials for feedback.
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $65. An additional fee of $20 is applied for non-US residents to cover additional processing charges.
This excellent course (originally authored by Barbara Scott) can serve as a preview for the Master Hand Knitter Program. It teaches the proper knitting techniques and basic format you will need to know as a Master Knitter Program enrollee, which reduces time spent with resubmissions once you begin Level 1 of the Program. Even if you do not enroll in the Master’s Program, you will gain valuable knitting knowledge and skills that improve your own knitting and make the craft more enjoyable. By working small swatches, you will experiment with various types of edges, increases, and decreases. You will become aware of the importance of gauge and how it varies with different stitches. At course completion you will understand basic techniques and their uses.
Instructor: The instructor for this course is Arenda Holladay, Certified Master Knitter and President and Executive Director of TKGA.
Who should take this course? Knitters wishing to expand their basic skills, as well as knitters thinking about pursuing the Master Hand Knitter program.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
Course Structure: Three lessons.
Course Requirements: Written work, as well as several knitted swatches.
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $85. An additional fee of $20 is applied for non-US residents to cover additional shipping charges.
What course graduates are saying about TKGA’s Basics, Basics, Basics Course
“After finishing the Basics course with you earlier this year, I am now working through Level 1 of the MHK. Nearly all techniques are new for me and I am learning so much. I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful Blog and YouTube videos. It is so generous of you to share all this knowledge and expertise. “
— Karen from Edinburgh, Scotland
Does your stockinette stitch fabric have ridges and gutters? Are the edges of your fabric even or are there alternating large and small stitches? Is your ribbing even or is one column of knit stitches larger than its neighbor? Are there enlarged purl stitches directly to the left of the cables? Does your seed stitch have holes in it? If you answer yes to any of these questions, your tension may need taming. The goal of this course is to provide you with the tools needed to fix your tension and produce even stitches as you knit. Proper tension makes finished projects look more professional, ensures more accurate finished garment sizes, and rewards you with pride and confidence.
Instructor: The instructor for this course is Binka Schwan, Certified Master Knitter and Co-Chair Emeritus.
Who should take this course? Knitters who would like personalized feedback on what tension problems are present in their knitting, and what they can do to try to fix the problems.
Skill Level: All levels! (Any knitter with tension problems!)
Course Structure: Three lessons.
Course Requirements: Written and knitted work is submitted throughout the course.
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $150. An additional fee of $20 is applied for non-US residents to cover additional shipping charges.
What course graduates are saying about TKGA’s Taming Tension Course
“The Taming Tension class led by Binka Schwan was instrumental in solving various knitting issues I had when I was practicing swatches for the MHK course. Binka gave me tips and techniques to resolve tension problems and enabled me to knit with confidence.”
— Lennice L. from Mason, OH
“Taming Tension with Binka Schwan was an excellent class, well organized, included lots of information, and Binka was helpful and quick to respond. But most importantly, my tension has improved!”
— Sharon S. from Walnut Creek, CA
The goal of this course is to help you understand the concept of gauge and how you can use it to knit garments that fit. You will learn how to properly knit a gauge swatch, measure and calculate gauge, and use that information to work an existing pattern or create a new one. This course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to knit projects to the correct dimensions as intended in patterns.
Instructor: The instructor for this course is Arenda Holladay, Certified Master Knitter and President and Executive Director of TKGA.
Who should take this course? Knitters wishing to learn more about gauge.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
Course Structure: Three lessons.
Course Requirements: Written and knitted work.
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $150. An additional fee of $20 is applied for non-US residents to cover additional shipping charges.
Good garment finishing is the mark of a good knitter and a quality garment. Learn scores of hints and tips while you work with a number of finishing techniques designed to take your finishing skills to a professional level. This course is an excellent way to perfect your finishing skills before being tested in Level 2 of the Master Hand Knitting Program. The techniques covered in this course are the same ones tested in Level 2 of the Master Hand Knitter Program, including seaming, picking up stitches, and buttonholes. Each lesson includes a reference section and instructions for sample swatches which illustrate the techniques covered in the lesson. A sweater is required for the fourth lesson to demonstrate that the knitter can apply the skills learned in the course. A pattern is provided for a doll sweater, but any sweater which meets the criteria may be submitted. Sample knitters will gain confidence that their garments and accessories are correctly and professionally finished, which sets them apart as true professionals.
Instructor: The instructor for this course is Arenda Holladay, Certified Master Knitter and President and Executive Director of TKGA.
Who should take this course? Knitters wishing to improve their finishing skills, sample knitters, as well as knitters working through the Master Hand Knitter Program.
Skill Level: Intermediate and above.
Course Structure: Four lessons.
Course Requirements: Swatches and written work, as well as a sweater as the final project.
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $195. An additional $20 is applied for non-US residents to cover additional shipping charges.
What course graduates are saying about TKGA’s Professional Finishing Course
“The finishing course was the key that unlocked the small mysteries of successfully finishing a project requiring advanced finishing skills. I feel much more confident as a knitter, and I attribute that directly to the skills I learned in the finishing program. My knitting has a much more refined and professional look, which was not the case prior to taking the course. I absolutely recommend anyone that knits take this course.”
— Charles D. from Chesapeake, VA
This class explores techniques for working Shetland Lace to allow you to produce quality Shetland Lace garments and accessories. There are three lessons. The first packet of each lesson includes information specific to Shetland Lace and lace in general, while the second packet of each lesson walks you through a Shetland Shawl Sampler. The sampler is worked in three stages and has you work lace techniques, such as provisional cast on, grafting lace seams, picking up stitches in lace, beginning and working an edging, grafting an edging, and dressing the shawl. Video links are included, as are tutorial photos for techniques. When you are done you will have a mini shawl measuring 12 – 14 inches.
The instructor is available to answer all questions should you need help. The class is conducted using photos sent by email. If you live in the US and need the instructor to look at your work in person, arrangements will be made for you to send the work.
If you love lace, you’ll love learning more about this unique type of lace knitting, which brings enjoyment as well as lace skills to your knitting.
The General Information packet that accompanies the course will provide information for sourcing materials needed for this class. You will be working with Shetland lace weight wool and size 4 needles.
Instructor: The instructor for this course is Leslie Gonzalez, Certified Master Knitter, TKGA VP of Certification, and Advisor to the MHK Committee.
Who should take this course? Knitters who want to learn more about Shetland lace knitting.
Skill Level: Intermediate and above. You should have some experience working from charts and some basic experience working with yarn overs. You do not need to have extensive lace experience.
Course Structure: Three lessons.
Course Requirements: Work a mini shawl sampler
Course Fee: The fee for this course is $115.
What course graduates are saying about TKGA’s Shetland Lace Workshop
“I enjoyed my experience with TKGA’s Shetland Lace Class. I hit the books and TKGA’s website for articles. Had some great discussions with my knitting instructor. It was a great way to learn about a Shetland Lace and the community of Shetland Lace. A Shetland trip is being planned for 2026 with my knitting friends.”
— Constance B. from Seattle, WA
“The Shetland Lace course was wonderful. The directions were step-by-step and easy to follow. After completion of the course, I had enough confidence to design a wedding shawl for my daughter. With the leftover yarn I completed a scarf available on Ravelry as Knox Dogwood Scarf.”
— Georgette J. from Seymour, TN