Do you have strong basic crochet or knitting technique skills? Do you enjoy teaching others?

If you answered yes to these questions, then it’s time you considered the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program (CIP). Since 1982, working with a dedicated staff of evaluators, more than 18,000 students have completed the course and gone on to teach in retail stores, adult education programs, and to share their knowledge with friends, co-workers and family.

 

About the Program

The Craft Yarn Council's Certified Instructors Program (CIP) is rigorous and encourages students to continually improve. The CIP is offered via correspondence and is divided into Levels I and II. You may enroll in one level or both at the same time, however, you must pass Level I before submitting Level II homework assignments. Students have six months to complete each level of the Certified Instructors Program.

CIP graduates share their experiences

I feel like I'm a much better teacher and I feel more comfortable and confident in the classroom. Jennifer O. – Richmond, KY

You need to realize there is a time commitment in preparing the samples and the lesson plan. Terra T. - Tulsa, OK

…. The program provides you with the much better understanding of teaching techniques and how to communicate and instruct students/classes so they have the confidence to start. Maria K., Gatdena, CA

…. The program pushed me to make an advancement to improve my craft, open up doors for my career and share my craft and talents with others. Gina H. - Pine Hill, NJ

… The information available through the manual as well as support from the master teacher are incredibly valuable…. my evaluator, has been a great resource for crochet questions concerning certification as well as beyond the scope of the certification. Fortunately, through this entire process I have the bonus of learning and growing in my crochet through her. Julie H., Luling, LA

Program Levels

Level I-Instructor: Crochet Curriculum 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-Instructor: Knitting Curriculum 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-Teacher: Crochet Curriculum 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-Teacher: Knitting Curriculum 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.

About our Evaluators

The Craft Yarn Council is extremely proud of its elite team of evaluators. What makes these professionals so special?

Here are just a few of the characteristics:

• Wide-ranging knowledge of their craft
• Extensive experience in teaching others
• Ability to convey knowledge in a variety of settings

Our evaluators are individuals who have taught extensively. Their vast experiences include:

• Teaching at TKGA/CGOA conventions, Stitches Shows, and Vogue Knitting Live
• Owning and operating a retail store for many years with a successful class program
• Publishing a well-respected book which involved teaching nationwide

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

Knit or Crochet Level I: $125
Knit or Crochet Level II: $125
Optional Fee to have submission mailed back: $10

International Requests
It is exciting to reach a worldwide audience of knitters and crocheters, but unfortunately, at this time, we are only able to process Certified Instructor Program requests from the U.S. and Canada.

Registration

To register for the correspondence program, complete the Application for the Craft Yarn Council's Certified Instructors Programs.