Yarndale, the annual festival of yarn and woolly creativity, has announced its 2026 workshop programme.
The largest event of its kind in the north of England, Yarndale takes place on 26th and 27th September, welcoming knitters, crocheters and crafters to Skipton from around the world.
More information and tickets to the event, held at Skipton Auction Mart, can be found here.
This year’s workshop programme offers an eclectic mix of classes designed to develop skills, introduce new techniques and provide inspiration for future projects.
Crochet enthusiasts can explore a variety of techniques with renowned tutor Sharon Carter, from ‘Tunisian Crochet for Beginners’. ‘Tunisian Mosaic Crochet’ to ‘Foundation Crochet Stitches’.
More experienced crocheters can build on their skills with Anniken Allis’s ‘Filet Crochet’, while Carley Daniells of Unicorn Puffs and Rainbows will introduce the popular ‘Corner-to-Corner Crochet’ technique, ideal for blankets, cushions and graphic designs.
In Merrian Holland's ‘Try Thread Crochet & Make a Vintage Style Lavender Bag’ workshop, participants will learn how to crochet a beautiful motif to embellish a handmade lavender bag.
Louise Goult's ‘Crewel Work Sheep’ workshop combines embroidery and wool, while Charlotte Battersby's ‘Beginners' Drop Spindle Spinning’ class offers participants the opportunity to learn the basics of spinning and turn wool into a plied yarn.
For knitters, the programme includes a variety of workshops designed to build skills and inspire future projects. Participants can create striking shapes and textures with Kath Andrews’ ‘Stacked Stitches’, discover the art of creating reversible fabrics in Ann Kingstone’s ‘Introduction to Double Knitting’, or gain confidence with colourwork in Annah O’Leary’s ‘Make Your Colourwork Stand Out’ session.
Other workshops include ‘Two Colour Brioche’, ‘Knit Mitred Squares’ and ‘Continental Knitting with Norwegian Purl’, providing plenty of opportunities to learn new techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Joanna Hunter's ‘Polymer Clay Button Making’ workshop offers the chance to create handcrafted buttons, while Sophie Hurden's ‘Woolly Wire Creations’ demonstrates how to transform yarn into striking decorative pieces for the home or a gift.
Kate Beard, Yarndale organiser, said:
"There is something for everyone in this year's workshop programme, whether you're a beginner or looking to develop more advanced skills. We're delighted to be welcoming such talented tutors, all of whom are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
"In a world where so much learning happens online, there's something really special about sitting alongside an expert tutor and being able to see techniques demonstrated in person and ask questions face-to-face. Our workshops are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with small class sizes that allow for plenty of hands-on learning and individual support. Many sessions include materials and take-home notes, so visitors can continue practising new techniques and developing their skills long after the show has come to an end."
Yarndale takes place at Skipton Auction Mart on 26th and 27th September 2026.
For more information, to book show tickets and reserve workshop places, visit www.yarndale.co.uk.
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