The Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructor Program gives you the skills, structure, and support to confidently teach classes in yarn shops, community programs, and beyond.
Since 1982, more than 20,000 students have completed the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructor Program—many now teaching in yarn shops, community programs, and classrooms.
Is This Program Right for You?
This flexible, self-paced program fits your schedule and is designed for knitters and crocheters who are ready to share their skills—whether you’re teaching for the first time or want to feel more confident in the classroom.
See What You’ll Learn
Click Here to Sign Up!
Watch this short video to learn how the program works, what’s included, and how it helps you become a confident knitting or crochet instructor.
What You’ll Be Able To Do
After completing the Certified Instructor Program, you’ll be prepared to:
- Teach knitting or crochet classes with confidence
- Create clear, structured lesson plans
- Help students learn successfully at their own pace
- Teach in yarn shops, community programs, and workshops
- Build credibility as a certified instructor
- Continue growing your skills as a teacher and maker
About the Program
The Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructor Program is designed to help knitters and crocheters become confident, effective teachers. Through guided coursework, hands-on assignments, and support from experienced evaluators, students build both technical and teaching skills.
The program is self-paced and divided into Level I and Level II. Students may enroll in one level or both at the same time, but Level I must be completed before submitting Level II assignments.
Students have six months to complete each level.
What Instructors Gain
More confidence in the classroom
“I feel much more confident and comfortable in the classroom.”
— Jennifer O., Richmond, KY
Stronger teaching skills
“The program gave me a better understanding of teaching techniques and how to communicate with students.”
— Maria K., Gardena, CA
New opportunities
“It opened doors for my career and helped me share my skills with others.”
— Gina H., Pine Hill, NJ
Support and guidance
“The support from my evaluator was incredibly valuable.”
— Julie H., Luling, LA
Certification Levels
Choose the certification path that best matches your experience and goals.
Level I: Crochet Instructor
Best for: New instructors or crocheters ready to begin teaching
Covers teaching basics, writing a lesson plan, a review of basic stitches, increases and decreases, pattern stitches and crocheting in the round. In addition to a review of their homework assignments and testing by their evaluator, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of student teaching to receive a digital Craft Yarn Council Instructor certificate.
Level I: Knit Instructor
Best for: New instructors or knitters ready to begin teaching
Covers teaching basics, writing a lesson plan, a review of basic techniques and stitch combinations, cables, increases and decreases and circular knitting. In addition to a review of their homework assignments and testing by their evaluator, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of student teaching to receive a digital Craft Yarn Council Instructor certificate.
Level II: Crochet Instructor
Best for: Experienced instructors looking to expand advanced teaching skills (Prerequisite - Level I Crochet)
Covers crochet meshes, stitch and color variations, Tunisian, Aran and other techniques, finishing, pattern writing and lesson plans. In addition to a review of their homework assignments and testing by their evaluator, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of student teaching to receive a digital Craft Yarn Council Teacher certificate.
Level II: Knit Instructor
Best for: Experienced instructors looking to expand advanced teaching skills (Prerequisite - Level I Knit)
Cover multi-color knitting, short rows, assembling techniques, embellishment, picking up stitches, buttonholes, pattern writing and lesson plans. In addition to a review of their homework assignments and testing by their evaluator, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of student teaching to receive a digital Craft Yarn Council Teacher certificate.
Click Here to Sign Up!
Flexible Learning
- Study at your own pace
- Complete coursework from home
- Six months to finish each level
- Support from experienced evaluators
Learn From Experienced Evaluators
Our evaluators are skilled instructors with deep knowledge of knitting and crochet—and a passion for helping others learn.
They bring:
- Extensive knowledge of their craft
- Years of teaching experience
- The ability to guide students in clear, supportive ways
Their experience includes:
- Teaching at major events like TKGA, CGOA, Stitches, and Vogue Knitting Live
- Running successful class programs in retail yarn shops
- Publishing books and teaching workshops across the country
Students also gain access to a supportive community of fellow instructors and graduates in the CIP Facebook Group.
Craft Yarn Council Certificate & Pin
At the successful completion of each Level, students will receive a digital certificate sent via email and may request to purchase a pin to wear with pride.
Program Costs
Each level includes coursework, evaluator review, testing, and certification upon successful completion.
Knit or Crochet Level I: $150
Knit or Crochet Level II: $150
Ready to Start Teaching with Confidence?
Whether you want to teach in a yarn shop, lead community classes, or share your skills with others, the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructor Program can help you take the next step.
Apply Today! To register for the flexible, self-paced online program, complete the Application for the Craft Yarn Council's Certified Instructor Programs.
Please allow 3-5 business days to receive the certification material via email after you have signed up.
International Requests: At this time, the Certified Instructor Program is available to students in the United States and Canada.