Hooked on Game of Wool? Try These 12 Knitting Workshops

Halloween has been and gone, the nights are drawing in and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu, which can only mean one thing – the season for cosy crafts has finally arrived! To celebrate, Tom Daley is bringing us Game of Wool on Channel 4, a delicious yarn-packed competition featuring ten hopeful knitters –  it’s GBBO, but with wool! 

Game of Wool – the lowdown

What is Game of Wool about?

It’s a knitting competition on Channel 4, hosted by Olympic diver and super-knitter Tom Daley. It’s got the same sort of set up as The Great British Bake Off and The Great Pottery Throwdown – but instead of soggy bottoms and cracks in the kiln, there’s a variety of woolly woes instead!

How many contestants are there?

Ten – including a 55-year-old fashion designer, a 23-year-old cybersecurity student and a 63-year-old psychotherapist. And they’re all incredible knitters, so expect lots of handmade goodies with the wow-factor!

How does the show work?

Each week the contestants are asked to take on two challenges: a solo task and a group project, which are then judged by knitting pros Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell, famous for working with Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. At the end of the episode, one contestant is awarded the title of ‘Big Knitter’ while another is ‘cast off’ and sent home. Brutal!

Ready, set, knit!

The show is hosted in the ‘Yarn Barn’, a gorgeous whitewashed space in the heart of rural Ayrshire. Wooden shelves line the stone walls, filled with cones of wool in a rainbow of vibrant colours: eye popping pink and sunshine yellow jostle for space with deep forest green and jewel-toned blue. In short - it’s yarn heaven! The first episode features some pretty advanced knitting techniques; cables, colour gradients and traditional Fair Isle knitting all make an appearance, and as a lifelong crocheter, I could feel myself itching to swap my trusty hook for a set of needles. 

The problem is – I don’t know how. I’ve been crocheting for about fifteen years: I’ve worked on partworks publications, edited patterns and contributed designs to some of the biggest crochet magazines in the UK – and still, I can’t knit. I’ve spent countless hours staring hopelessly at YouTube videos, photo steps and my own Mum, who would patiently sigh and try to work out how I started with 25 stitches and finished the row with 32. I’d resigned myself to a life of granny squares (don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a granny square!), but Game of Wool has reignited my desire to knit and purl my way into the sunset – and luckily, at ClassBento we’ve got all sorts of knitting workshops and wooly experiences for even the most basic beginner. 

So if, like me, you’ve been inspired by Tom Daley and the gang to pick up the needles and get stuck in, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you want to start simple with basic knitting techniques, find out how to knit a simple beanie or rustle up a Fairisle knit scarf, we’ve got some of the best knitters in the country just waiting to share their purls (sorry!) of wisdom with you – your knitting journey starts here!

If I could knit anything, it would be a cute hood that also works as a scarf, specifically in a nice fuzzy wool. It’s like a two-in-one for convenience, plus it’s very chic and Scandi, which is my vibe for this winter. Phoebe, Editorial Manager

Basic knitting techniques for absolute beginners

Ready to pick up those needles and get started? Our beginner classes are the perfect, cosy entry point into the world of yarn, offering simple techniques and zero stress! You'll master the basics fast, ready to start your own cool projects:

• Beginners blanket making class, London: Start your crafting journey by learning the essential techniques needed to tackle a gorgeous blanket. You'll master casting on and off while working on a project that guarantees cosy results!
• 3-week fundamentals course, London: For thorough coverage of all the basics, dive into our comprehensive course that builds your knowledge week by week. This structured program ensures you master everything from gauge to simple patterns in a relaxed setting.
• Absolute beginners knitting workshop, Bristol: Perfect if you've truly never touched yarn before! This quick, focused session covers the absolute basics—the knit and purl stitch—so you can walk away stitching with confidence.
• Knitting for beginners workshop, Oxford: Jump right into the core of knitting with a dedicated entry-level class that covers all your foundational techniques. It’s the ultimate low-effort creative hang to transform you from novice to needle-master in one afternoon!

If I could make anything from yarn, I’d whip up some little knitted creatures like cats or hedgehogs – they’d cosy up my home for winter, and also make great gifts for my nieces and nephews! Amy, Content Writer

Advanced classes for experienced knitters

Ready to level up your yarn game and tackle those projects you've always dreamed of? Our advanced knitting classes are designed to challenge experienced crafters with unique techniques and intricate patterns!

• Fair Isle colourwork workshop, London: Dive into the vibrant world of stranded knitting! You'll master the tricky technique of managing multiple colours across a row, allowing you to create those beautiful, complex patterns famous in Fair Isle design.
• Double-sided knitting workshop, London: Prepare to amaze your friends! This specialist class teaches you how to create a piece of reversible fabric where the colours are inverted on both sides, resulting in a beautifully dense and unique fabric that looks stunning.
• Continental knitting workshop, London: Speed up your stitch game! Already a confident knitter? Learn the efficient Continental technique – holding the yarn in your left hand – to increase your pace and reduce hand strain on your next big project.
• Next step knitting class, Bristol: Perfect if you’re comfortable with the basics but ready for a proper challenge! This session moves beyond knit and purl, introducing you to more complex shaping, cabling, and basic pattern reading to expand your repertoire.

What would I knit? If it could be anything, I’d go for some mittens – I often take care of people’s dogs while they’re away, and spend a lot of time outside walking them. Which means my hands are always freezing in winter! I’ve also got a soft spot for a good cardigan, so one of those in a burnt orange colour would do me nicely! Niall, UK Growth Partner and US GP Manager

Social knitting workshops to ‘knit and natter’

Ready to make some creative connections and share your latest project wins (and woes!)? Our social knitting workshops are the perfect excuse to ‘knit and natter’ with fellow yarn enthusiasts!

• Yarn and conversation social, London: Join this monthly gathering for a relaxed, low-pressure opportunity to craft alongside other makers. It's the perfect place to swap tips, get advice on tricky patterns, and enjoy a warm community vibe.
• Friday fibre feast social, London: Kick off your weekend right with this weekly craft social designed for creative decompression! Bring whatever you're working on and enjoy great conversation, good company, and a wonderful way to wind down.
• Cosy craft club, Manchester: Head over to Studio Texteal for the ultimate relaxed craft gathering! This is a wonderfully comfortable space to knit, stitch, or sew, connect with local artisans, and share your passion over a cup of tea.
• Thursday lates crafting social, Bristol: Finish your weekday with a dose of creativity at this evening social gathering! It’s the perfect time to meet like-minded crafters, work on your projects, and enjoy a refreshing, relaxed atmosphere in Bristol.

I'm a crocheter, and a while ago I made some really cool animal heads for the wall (like trophy animals that hunters mount and hang up). I'd love to make some knitted versions to go with my woolly sheep head! Gemma, UK Manager

‘Grandma hobbies’ – not just for Grandma!

Traditional crafts such as knitting, crochet, embroidery and candle making have seen a huge boost in popularity over the last year or so. Affectionately dubbed ‘Grandma hobbies’ due to their old- fashioned nature, these are the activities to get stuck into if you’re keen to cosy up, escape those everyday stresses and learn something new. Fancy embracing your inner Grandma? Here’s five great reasons to get hands-on:

1. Stress-busting calm: The repetitive motion of knitting or stitching is scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels, making these crafts a natural and effective way to lower stress and anxiety.
2. Ultimate creative freedom: You’re not just following instructions—you gain the power to design and customise! You can choose your colours, materials, and patterns, resulting in truly unique pieces that reflect your style.
3. The joy of making real things: In a digital world, these crafts give you something to hold and show off. There’s an immense, satisfying joy in seeing a pile of yarn transform into a beautiful hand knitted hat or Fair Isle jumper you made yourself.
4. Sustainable and meaningful gifts: Forget buying disposable gifts! You can create heartfelt, bespoke presents for friends and family that are both meaningful and incredibly eco-friendly.
5. Fabulous new connections: Joining a workshop or social group allows you to ‘knit and natter’ with like-minded people. It’s the perfect, cosy way to meet new friends and share your crafting adventures!

I'd knit an entire armchair if I could – because it'd be like a blanket you can sit in, and what could be better than that for a reading chair? Dan, Content Writer 

The inspiration is flowing, the motivation is high, and you know that mastering knitting is the perfect way to bring cosy, meaningful creativity into your life. Whether you dream of crafting a simple beanie, conquering the complex Fair Isle colour work, or just enjoying the gentle hum of a Friday night 'knit and natter' with friends, your journey starts here. Stop letting crochet have all the fun and finally start purling your way to success!

Ready to find your yarn and cast on? Find your perfect knitting workshop and book your creative seat today!