The following associations and organizations will be occasionally updated, being that there is a constant growth in the area of fiber crafts (which is great). I’ve included both U.S. and international associations, but each site is applicable for anyone. We knitters are a world-wide community of sisters (and brothers). If interested in more information on these groups, please click on the link.
United States
The Knitting Guild Association
TKGA seeks to advance creativity, knowledge and the quality of workmanship in knitting
through education and communication
IF YOU WANT TO CONNECT WITH OTHER KNITTERS….
JOIN The Knitting Guild Association ™ – a great group to tip your needles to!
10,000 knitters are onto something – you can be too!
TKGA, with over 10,000 members, is the largest knitting association in America and a starting point for knitters searching for new ideas, products, markets, patterns and fellow knitters who share the excitement of knitting. Join the TKGA family … there’s no better time than NOW!
• Send your eager needles to the mailbox for your Cast On magazine and search online member-only resources.
• Whether you’re a Master Knitter or among the thousands who are “just getting their needles wet,” we have something for you! See a list of all benefits.
• Once you belong, we believe your needles will want to stay for their knitting life!
• It’s easy to join. One year of individual membership is only $30 and includes Cast On magazine and more!
Knit Along With Us! Become a TKGA Member, Today!
TKGA programs developed for our members to enjoy:
• Precious Pals™ (learn more at http://www.tkga.com/preciouspals.shtm)
• TKGA Master Knitter ® — through the TKGA Master Hand Knitting Program and TKGA Master Machine Knitting Program, members can earn the title of “TKGA Master Knitter”.
• TKGA Member Guilds can rent TKGA Learn A Stitch ® Kits by contacting TKGA@TKGA.com.
• TKGA Teach Me 2 Knit ® offers brief beginner lessons for visitors to TKGA Conferences.
The Knitting Guild Association
1100-H Brandywine Blvd
Zanesville, OH 43701-7303
Phone: 740-452-4541
E-mail: TKGA@TKGA.com
The Crochet Guild of America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of crochet.
The main purpose of the Crochet Guild of America is to educate the public about crochet, provide education and networking opportunities, and set a national standard for the quality, art and skill of crochet through creative endeavors.
CGOA is a not-for-profit organization established to:
• set an acceptable standard of work and encourage excellence in all facets of crochet
• ensure the preservation of historical crochet projects and promote future crochet design ideas
• promote the art and skill of crochet through exhibitions, continuing education, demonstrations and seminars
Membership in the Crochet Guild of America is open to all those who love crochet. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced crocheter, you are invited to join CGOA.
The Craft Yarn Council
Welcome to the Craft Yarn Counci,the yarn industry’s one-stop resource.
People of all ages—more than 50 million—know how to knit, crochet and craft with yarn because its fun, relaxing and you can make great things. Whether you are a beginner or experienced knitter or crocheter, a designer or someone interested in learning more about the industry, you’ve come to the right place!
Craft Yarn Council, 469 Hospital Dr., Suite E, Gastonia, NC 28054
Tel: 704-824-7838 | Fax: 704-671-2366
Canada
The Canadian Guild of Knitters
It is our belief in the viability of a knitting guild for Canada that has brought us to this point. We value what a guild can bring to our craft, and hope you will share that vision with us!
Our goal is to educate knitters…for the love of knit!
Canadian Craft and Hobby Association
Our Vision
“Connecting Creativity with the Canadian lifestyle.”
Mission
“Committed to serving and engaging Canada’s creative industry on all levels, engaging all participants, suppliers, retailers/purchasers, designers, educators and consumers, with energy and excitement.
As a non profit organization, our mandate is to help our members succeed and help promote crafting in Canada on all levels. The association brings together many different types of crafting and business structures who share common goals and common business challenges. Every business has a limit of time and resources, especially as a small independent retailer which covers the majority of our membership. The CCHA is here to help pool resources of its members, offer time saving solutions, explore the needs of its members and fill these needs in a cost effective and productive manner. The association is also an advocate for the industry.
General Information
The Canadian Craft and Hobby Association (CCHA) is a not-for-profit association incorporated under Section II of the Canada Companies Act. The Association was founded in 1978 and Letters Patent issued to the CCHA on August 23, 1980.
In 2006 the Association added the following vision statement “Connecting Sewing and Crafting to the “Canadian Lifestyle”.
In October 2010, CCHA signed an affiliation agreement with CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) based in New Jersey, USA. CHA now coordinates activities within Canada. A contract representative, based in Canada, is responsoble for CHA Canadian membership, marketing and education for Canadian members.
CCHA still exisits as a Canadian non proft association and maintains a board of directors and continues to carry insurance for its Directors and Officers. As part of the affiliation agreement two of the CCHA Board of Directors now sit on the Board of Directors of CHA and will continue to do so until 2016.
Europe
The UK Hand Knitting Association, (UKHKA), formerly The British Hand Knitting Confederation, was formed in 1991 when the Hand Knitting Association (HKA) merged with the British Hand Knitting Association (BHKA). The BHKC’s main aim was to raise the profile of hand knitting. It did this through ‘Learn to Knit’ classes held throughout the UK, ‘Relax and Knit’ stands at all the main Knitting and Sewing shows and by the introduction of National Competitions showcased at the Knitting and Sewing shows.
We are now at a stage where ‘knitting’ is the new ‘buzz’ word, knitting groups are mushrooming all over the country, knitting shops are opening back on the High Streets and on the Internet and exciting new yarns are being introduced by the season. None of this would have been possible without you, our knitters.
If you have an organization/association you would like to see on this listing, feel free to contact me. I would love to include it! It would be best to include a website for viewers to be able to get more information.
elegant knit designs 