I am always looking for more crochet tips and tricks, so I decided to try out some classes on Craftsy.com. I started selling my crochet patterns on Craftsy a few months back, but had yet to take any of their crocheting classes (I did take a free knife skills class that I enjoyed though). I figured it was time to try them out! I also wanted to be able to give recommendations, reviews, and links to some of their videos. This led to me signing up for an affiliate link account. Basically, this means that if you click on a link that I share from Craftsy.com and buy something, I will receive a percentage, for referring you. As part of the program, Craftsy gave me two free classes! I choose to take the ‘Crochet Techniques Toolkit’ and ‘Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches’. If you want to see everything these classes have to offer, you can click the banner below.
**In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means that I may get a commissions if you decide to purchase anything from Craftsy. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.**
To start, I am not a huge fan of ads and I don’t want to have a website that has a ton of pop-ups or any of the frustrating adds that don’t go away. That is why I am signing up for specific affiliate programs, of products that I use and enjoy. I have been interested in Google AdSense and am trying it out. You will see these ads only on the right hand side of my page and at the very bottom. I do not want extra, non-relevant adds to get in the way of my content. I will be signing up for ads from Furls crochet hooks too, which I love! You will see them in so many of my patterns and photo tutorials!
Now, back to the Craftsy classes. I choose the ‘Crochet Techniques Toolkit’ class because it includes a little bit of everything:
- Starting without knots and in the round
- All about your gauge and swatch
- Foundation Stitches (I had never seen the foundation slip stitch before- a must try)
- Decreasing
- Changing color
- Finishing off
- Joining/Seams
I have not watched all of the class yet, but so far I am a fan! I already have photo tutorials posted about how to create the foundation single crochet and foundation double crochet, but this video has a great video for each, which can be easier to follow, than my pictures. I really wish I knew about the foundation slip stitch before, I guess I just never thought to try it! Speaking of foundation stitches, that was the next class I took, ‘Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches’. The reason I wanted to take this class is simple, I hate chaining to start a project. Any new method of starting a project is always a favorite for me. I had never thought of all of the methods and stitches you can use. You might see one of these methods in an upcoming pattern. 🙂
My favorite part of using Craftsy is that you can skip around and view what you want and you have unlimited access! That means, I can come back any time and re-watch any part I want. It is always good to have a reference for a refresher or trying something new. Also, even though it is an online class, there a running chat off to the side, where you can ask questions and post the projects that you have created. I love how easy the videos are to follow and that they are created by pros. Sometimes searching around online and at YouTube you find videos that make things more confusing and could be incorrect. Craftsy gives you a place to get all the information, ask for help, and know that you are learning the correct way. Also, I am a big fan of being able to watch the videos on my phone, though their app, which is great for when I am crocheting while out of the house.
I am really considering the crochet cables class next. I have the hardest time working with cables and I think a video would definitely help!
Let me know how it goes or you if have already taken a class, what did you think?? I would love to hear your opinion of Craftsy and their classes!
