What we’re about
Welcome to Dye Hard Yarns, your vibrant hub for all things fiber arts in the Chicago area! We are a passionate and colorful community of knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. Based out of our working dye studio in Oak Park, we're dedicated to the entire creative process—from hand-dyeing stunning, one-of-a-kind skeins of yarn to teaching you how to turn them into beautiful, handmade treasures.
What We Do: Get ready to immerse yourself in color! Our group is all about connecting, learning, and creating together. We offer:
· Hands-On Dye Workshops: Ever wanted to make your own custom yarn colorway? Jump into one of our immersive dye studio workshops and unleash your inner artist! Go home with a unique, wearable masterpiece.
· Skill-Building Classes: Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to master new techniques, our expert-led classes will level up your knitting, crochet & other fiber arts skills in a fun, supportive environment. Learn weaving, cross stitch, embroidery, spinning, mending and so much more!
· Social Stitch Nights: Our weekly Stitch n Bitch style meetups are the heart of our community. Bring your current WIP (Work-In-Progress), share tips, get inspired, and enjoy the company of fellow crafters. No pressure, just plenty of good vibes and maybe a few laughs over tangled yarn.
· New Yarn & Fun Events: Be the first to get your hands on our latest creations! We host special events, parties, yarn tastings and trunk shows featuring our own vibrant hand-dyed skeins alongside a curated selection of luxury bases, tools & supplies from other independent dyers and fiber craft companies.
Why You Should Join: If you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet creative people, play with spectacular colors, or just find a cozy corner to work on your projects, you’ve found your tribe. Our space is inclusive, welcoming, and dedicated to feeding your yarn obsession. Let's make something amazing together!
P.S. While we're based in Oak Park for our dye studio and most in-person events, we're easily accessible from Chicago via the Green and Blue Lines & I-290! We always list the exact address for each event so you can plan your trip.
Upcoming events
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- $240.00
Knitting Skill Builder Course in Chicago | Learn Cables, Lace & Charts
Dye Hard Yarns, 17 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL, USBuild Your Knitting Skills One Beautiful Square at a Time! 🧶✨
Ready to move beyond basic stitches and unlock the full potential of your needles? Our comprehensive Knitting Skill Builder Course is designed for beginners who know the basics and are ready to become confident, versatile knitters. This progressive series is the perfect way to systematically learn essential techniques in a fun, supportive environment.
You'll master 12 stunning stitch patterns, from simple textures to intricate cables and lace, all while creating a gorgeous sampler you can assemble into an afghan, pillow, or blanket. Your knitting journey starts here!
In this sequential course, you will learn:
· 12+ Foundational Skills: Includes increases, decreases, bobbles, and twisted stitches.
· How to Read Patterns & Charts: Unlock the ability to tackle thousands of new projects with confidence.
· Iconic Stitch Patterns: Master ribbing, moss stitch, lace, cables, and more.
· Professional Finishing: Learn how to seam your beautiful squares into a finished heirloom piece.This class is perfect for you if: You can cast on, knit, and bind off (we can refresh these!) and are ready to tackle your first patterns.
Class Details:
· When: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
· Format: Drop-in, at-your-own-pace series. Jump in any time!Materials Needed (Please Bring):
· US 6 - 9 knitting needles
· DK or Worsted weight yarn (approx. 140 yds per square; light-medium solid colors show stitches best)
· Cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissorsInvestment:
· Drop-in Rate: $35 per session (single Square)
· SAVE BIG! Pre-pay for the full series and receive the pattern booklet + a BONUS Finishing Lesson for free!Stop dreaming about complex patterns and start knitting them. Build your skills, your confidence, and your community with us every Sunday!
Paying in installments? Select Shop Pay at checkout on our website: Dyehardyarns.com to split your fee into 4 interest-free payments!
Transform Your Knitting. One Stitch at a Time.
7yrs to adult. *Children must be old enough to sit comfortably focused and intent on learning for an hour.*
- $90.00
Sock Knitting 101: Toe up Socks | Dye Hard Yarns in Oak Park
Dye Hard Yarns, 17 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL, USLearn to Knit Toe-up Socks! Sundays October 5th; 12th; 19th (1:30pm-3pm)
Unravel the joy of knitting your own socks! In this engaging and supportive class, you'll learn the timeless craft of turning a simple skein of yarn into a pair of beautifully fitting, heirloom-quality socks.
We will guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right materials to weaving in your final ends. You'll learn the toe-up sock construction, and get comfortable using efficient techniques for small-circumference knitting, including the clever magic loop method on circular needles and traditional double-pointed needles (DPNs).
Once you've experienced the unparalleled comfort and warmth of hand-knit socks, you'll never want to go back to store-bought again! This is the perfect take-along project—compact, rewarding, and endlessly customizable.
Join us and start your journey into the wonderfully portable and addictive world of sock knitting!
You will learn:
· How to read a basic sock pattern
· Cast-on methods for toes
· Essential techniques: heel turns (flap & gusset or short rows) and toe shaping
· How to knit comfortably in the round using Magic Loop or DPNs
· Pro tips for a perfect fit and finishingTechniques: Magic loop, Small diameter knitting, Toe up construction, heal gussets/flaps, Turkish Cast on, increases, decreases
Students will receive 10% off all class materials purchased at Dye Hard Yarns.
Basic knitting skills required.
Materials:
- 400yds of fingering weight yarn (wool/nylon or wool/silk blend preferred)
- Needles: 2.5mm 40" circular knitting needles, 2.5mm double points, 2.5mm 8 or 9" circular knitting needles (optional, inquire with teacher)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
7yrs to adult. *Children must be old enough to sit comfortably focused and intent on learning for an hour.*
Past events
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