KNIT: Full event programme
We are developing a free hands-on public programme of workshops, drop-in activities, and expert sessions ranging from crochet 101 to mending to guerrilla knitting. Read on for details of each one, workshops which require registration have a black title, all others are open entry!
Maximum 8 participants - all materials supplied, there may be a fee for materials which will be discussed with attendees after registration. Registration is required, to book your place in this workshop, click here.
In this workshop we will be making very simple fingerless gloves. It is a very satisfying little project that teaches the essential fundamental skills of knitting and it fills in common knowledge gaps for beginner+ knitters.
You will learn:
As well as discussing concepts like selecting your yarn and needles, gauge and blocking.
Yarntime for the whole whānau
The following workshops on Sunday 10 August have been curated to be fun for the whole family. Whether you're a young stitcher, or young at heart, join us to encourage a new generation of stitchers! Share with your extended whānau by inviting them to join you here.
The following workshops are funded by the Waitematā Local Board.
Weave a little wonder
Sunday 10 August, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Join the RAU Textile Research team from AUT and get hands-on with your very own experimental woven creation using a mini loom. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned stitcher, this playful workshop is open to all ages and skill levels.
No experience needed - just bring your curiosity and a willingness to weave a little wonder.
Maximum 10 participants - workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can secure your place by booking here.
Join Cher for a swashbuckling good time in this playful knitting workshop for kids (8+) and grown-up buccaneers alike. Whether you’re a salty sea dog or just setting sail on your knitting journey, you’ll learn the basics of knitting or sharpen your skills with flair and fun.
Don your pirate finery and get ready to cast on like the rebels of the high seas. We’ll be unleashing our inner crafting rogues.
Bring your own wool and needles if you can, or plunder our stash materials will be available.
No experience necessary. Just bring your spirit of adventure and a sense of humour!
Maximum 10 participants - workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can secure your place by booking here.
Let nothing go to waste! Knit your own scrappy scarf so that those odds and ends of wool become something fabulously wearable.
You can use the needles and wool provided or bring along your preferred needles (the scarf in the photo is worked on 4mm – 5mm needles) and any odds of wool you have. The scarf is worked just in knit stitch. If you don’t already know, you will learn how to increase and decrease stitches, work in knit stitch and how to join in yarn. At the end of the workshop, you can take away lengths of yarn to continue your project at your own pace.
Experience: beginner level, general knowledge of knitting is helpful. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Getting Hooked: Crochet for Beginners with Sharleen Greer
Tuesday 12 August, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Maximum 10 participants.
In this two-hour workshop, you will learn the basic stitches for crocheting and will make a flower that you will want to pin to your coat and wear out. When you have achieved that, we will start on a granny square, but beware, they are addictive!
No experience is needed for the workshop, and even if you have attempted to crochet before, you will learn some tricks of the trade that set you up for a future in creative making with yarn.
About Sharleen Greer
In her community, Sharleen is known as the Crochet Queen for her successful and fun workshops. Her love of crochet started in the seventies when she made crochet waistcoats that are now labelled vintage. Her passion for crochet was reignited in her forties when she attended a workshop on Contemporary Craft. Everyone was knitting and crocheting. Wool was hardly featured with string, rags, paper, wire, and anything else that could form a piece of fabric, being used.
Sharleen specialises in freeform knitting and crocheting and has been a contestant in the World of Wearable Art Awards. She has a passion for finding ways to use the Granny Square in fashionable ways.
Virtual Yarning Circle
Wednesday 13 August, 12:00pm-1:pm
Not able to make it into the exhibition space in person? Join us from wherever you are for a stitching hour on Zoom, an opportunity to connect with fellow stitchers from all around the country! Link will be shared here and on our social media channels!
Maximum 10 participants - workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can secure your place by booking here.
Join Eileen for a relaxed, hands-on introduction to the art of crochet. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn how to hold a hook, make a slip knot, chain stitch, slip stitch, double crochet stitch, and begin your first crochet piece — perfect for total beginners or anyone looking to refresh the basics.
Suitable for: Absolute beginners – no experience needed!
Bring: Just yourself – all materials will be provided.
Bonus: You’ll leave with your first crochet creation, the skills and materials to keep going at home.
Maximum 8 participants - there is no fee but registration is necessary, you can secure your place by booking here.
In this workshop with Hazel we will be combining the fundamental techniques of knit and purl stitches to add stretch, air and texture to your knitting.
This workshop is aimed at people with a fundamental knowledge of knitting, and will build on basic skills with the following:
As well as discussing fabric qualities like drape and structure, and how to read your knitting.
BYO Supplies:
Maximum 10 participants - workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can secure your place by booking here.
Calling all young makers! This fun and fashion-forward crochet session is designed especially for young adults interested in learning how to create trendy accessories — think scrunchies, colourful motifs, and flower bookmarks. Come along, get hooked, and make something totally your own.
Suitable for: confident beginners and up
Bring: Your own yarn and hooks, and a hair tie
Bonus: You’ll leave with a crochet scrunchie, a flower bookmark, or a motif. Please indicate which of these you'd like to make in the notes at checkout!
Maximum 10 participants - workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can secure your place by booking here.
Learn about knitwear repair and restoration techniques with knitwear designer Anna Woodruff.
In this class discover the everyday objects used for repair, how to fix a pull or a dropped stitch, and invisible darning techniques.
Bring along your favourite sewing needles, scissors, crochet hooks and a knit in need of repair, or use the tools and swatches provided.
Experience : Intermediate level, general knowledge of knitting/ sewing/crochet is helpful.
This workshop is funded by the Waitematā Local Board.
Sock Knitting Session
Wednesday 20 August, 1:00pm - 3:00 pm
Socks: Top-down or toe-up? Circular or four needles? Special yarn? What's the best way to knit them?
Join 4 experienced makers; Diana Fletcher, Margaret Chapman, Sue Monk, and Janne Gailbraith who will share their favourite methods, tips, and tricks. This free drop-in session offers hands-on help to get you hooked on knitting socks.
The Buddy System 2025 Reunion with Ani O'Neill, Megan Hansen-Knarhoi and Emily Siddell
Thursday 21 August - 11:00am-8:00pm
Friday 22 August - 11:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 23 August - 10:00am-4:00pm
The Buddy System is a 'learn-to-crochet' interactive experience first presented in the Bright Paradise exhibition at Toi ō Tamaki Auckland Art Gallery in 2001. 24 years on, visitors are once again invited to join artist ‘Buddies’ Ani O'Neill, Megan Hansen-Knarhoi and Emily Siddell to learn simple stitches and create a crocheted flower which will be added to a growing wall of flowers and green chain stems. At the completion of the KNIT exhibition the installation is disassembled and every flower will be posted as a special gift to someone nominated by each maker.
This project is funded by the Waitematā Local Board.
Learn from Experience
Sunday 24 August, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Expand your knowledge of knitting, crochet, and repair with our expert yarn team.
Do you want to be inspired? Experienced yarners will be on hand in the exhibition to help you solve problems, advance to the next stage, learn new tricks, or simply enjoy seeing their skills in action.
This is an open invitation for anyone who wants to upskill and learn from experience.
Catherine L’Estrange likes to make unique things that people want to use and wear, so that the story of knitting and wool endures.
Cher Lyall is a yarn whisperer with the knack for untangling knitting mysteries, spinning stories (and wool), and helping makers of all ages find their fibre flow.
Marie Shannon has been knitting for a long time, but still can’t hold the needles properly. She has a particular interest in vintage patterns and hats.
Maximum 10 participants - there will be a fee for materials which is currently tbc, but registered parties will be contacted individually upon registering, which you can do here.
Take this special opportunity to learn to make AMÉLIE’s signature balaclava in this hands-on workshop celebrating natural fibre, creativity, and whakawhanaungatanga.
Important notes:
Yarn Tasting Experience with Lester from Prosper Yarns
Thursday 28 August, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Maximum 10 participants - register by adding to cart and checking out, workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential, you can do so here!
Join us for a glass of something and a conversation & mini workshop where you get to learn more about & play with colour, texture, and gauge. We'll have piles of different yarns in all the colours and textures created at Prosper. We'll discuss different fibres, and yarn constructions, and their resulting personalities and uses.
Then we will start experimenting by knitting or crocheting swatches to see first-hand how the yarns behave on their own or even when held together with other yarns. We supply the yarn and needles to use during the workshop.
Skill level: able to do basic stitches (not a learn how to class, but you're welcome to come along for the chat if you don't knit or crochet).
With the generous support of Prosper Yarns.
Saving your faves with St Jude
Friday 29 August, 11:30am - 4:30pm
Are you a complete novice at yarncraft, but love that old jumper of your Grandfathers you’ve worn too many holes into to wear? Ready to try anything to get it back into your life? Grab your jumper and bring it along to this drop in visible mending day. Jude Saint will be on hand to workshop the perfect repair with you.
Learn to bring your old knits back to wearable condition with simple, effective darning techniques. No knitting or yarn experience required, just a desire to recycle and make something beautiful with what's on hand! So bring your favourite worn out garment that you’ve been meaning to fix for years and come learn to fix it.
Materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Maximum 10 participants - register by adding to cart and checking out, workshop is free but spots are limited so booking is essential!
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to construct a knitted garment without a written pattern, instead using an already loved garment as a frame - outline - matrix to create a new piece.
MATRIX is open to anyone who would like to evolve from knitting a simple scarf to start free form pattern making. Kat will share their methods of unconventional design and intuitive contemporary patch-working techniques to demystify the process of knitwear design.
Please bring along knitting needles, yarn and a piece of clothing that you love the shape of (eg. A t-shirt/ tank top/ vest).
