The Best Knitting and Crochet Clubs in London

London may move at a hundred miles an hour, but sometimes the best thing you can do is sit down, pick up some yarn and take life one stitch at a time.

Knitting and crochet clubs offer a welcome break from screens, deadlines and the rush to catch the next train. They are places to work on a project, learn a new skill and meet people without the pressure of making constant conversation.

Complete beginners can discover the difference between knitting needles and a crochet hook. Experienced crafters can swap patterns, untangle problems and finally finish the project that has been living in a bag for six months.

From intergenerational pub gatherings to free library sessions, here are some of the best knitting and crochet clubs in London.

1. Mandem & Nandem at Prince of Peckham

Mandem & Nandem is Prince of Peckham’s intergenerational knitting and crochet gathering.

The event brings people of different ages and experience levels together through creativity. Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or have been knitting since before half the room was born, you are welcome to join in.

It is as much about community as craft. You can exchange skills, meet local people and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in one of South London’s best-loved pubs.

There is no need to turn up with a complicated pattern or a perfectly organised craft bag. Come ready to learn, share what you know or simply spend a few hours making something alongside other people.

Mandem & Nandem sessions take place at Prince of Peckham. Check our What’s On page for the latest date and joining information.

Best for: Intergenerational crafting and meeting people in Peckham
Where: Prince of Peckham, 1 Clayton Road, London SE15 5JA

2. Southwark Knitting and Crochet Club

Southwark hosts friendly knitting and crochet sessions for people who want to work on their projects in an informal community setting.

Beginners are welcome, making these sessions a useful option if you would like to learn without committing to a formal course. Some materials may be available, although bringing your own yarn and needles or hook is recommended.

Times and venues can change, so browse the latest creative events through Southwark Council’s What’s On listings before attending.

Best for: Informal crafting close to Peckham, Camberwell and Walworth
Where: Various Southwark community venues

3. Crafting Is Connecting, Bethnal Green

The clue is in the name.

Crafting Is Connecting is a free knitting and crochet group hosted by St Margaret’s House in Bethnal Green. The gathering is designed to help people meet, make things and share creative skills in a welcoming community space.

Sessions are held at The Create Place, St Margaret’s House’s community arts hub. The group usually meets on the first Monday of each month, but it is worth checking the current programme before making the journey.

Visit the St Margaret’s House website for upcoming dates.

Best for: Free community crafting in East London
Where: The Create Place, 29 Old Ford Road, London E2

4. Knit & Natter at Romford Library

Knit & Natter at Romford Library is a free weekly gathering for knitting, crochet and sewing.

You can bring a project, sit with other crafters and stay focused for longer than you probably would at home. It is also a chance to get advice when a pattern stops making sense or your carefully counted stitches suddenly appear to have multiplied.

The group currently meets every Wednesday, and attendees should bring their own materials. Check the Live Well Havering event page for the latest information.

Best for: Free weekly crafting in East London
Where: Romford Library, St Edwards Way, Romford RM1 3AR

5. London Knitting & Crochet Guild Groups

The Knitting & Crochet Guild maintains a directory of branches and independent groups across London.

Current listings include groups in Blackheath, Eltham, Bromley, Ealing, North London and central London. There are also specialist communities for crochet, machine knitting and other yarn crafts.

This is a particularly useful place to look if you want a regular group close to home or would like to meet crafters with more technical experience.

Browse the Guild’s London knitting group directory and contact the relevant organiser to confirm the next meeting.

Best for: Finding an established group in your part of London
Where: Locations across the capital

What Happens at a Knitting or Crochet Club?

Every club is slightly different, but most are relaxed, social gatherings rather than structured lessons.

People usually bring a project and work on it while chatting. More experienced members might help beginners with basic stitches, pattern reading or the mysterious art of fixing mistakes without starting again.

You can expect to see everything from simple scarves and granny squares to jumpers, blankets, bags and ambitious projects that require several balls of yarn and remarkable patience.

Some groups provide materials for beginners. Others ask everyone to bring their own supplies. Always check the event details first.

Are Knitting and Crochet Clubs Beginner-Friendly?

Most groups are very welcoming to beginners, although the amount of formal tuition available will vary.

If you have never knitted or crocheted before, let the organiser know when you arrive. Someone can usually help you understand the basics or recommend an easy first project.

Crochet beginners will generally need a hook and a ball of yarn. Knitters will need a pair of needles and yarn suitable for their size. Choosing a light-coloured yarn can make your first stitches easier to see.

Avoid starting with anything too fluffy, tiny or complicated. There is plenty of time for that once you know what you are doing.

What Should You Bring?

Before heading to a knitting or crochet club, consider packing:

• Your current project
• Knitting needles or a crochet hook
• Enough yarn for the session
• Your pattern, printed or downloaded
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• A tapestry needle for sewing pieces together
• A notebook for useful tips

If you are a complete beginner, contact the group beforehand to ask whether starter materials are available.

Why Join a Craft Club?

Knitting and crochet are satisfying solo activities, but making things alongside other people can completely change the experience.

A craft project gives your hands something to do while conversation develops naturally. You can talk as much or as little as you like, which makes these groups a gentle way to meet people.

They also keep you motivated. It is much harder to abandon that half-finished scarf when a table full of people asks how it is getting on every week.

Most importantly, craft clubs allow skills to pass between generations. A stitch learned from a parent, grandparent or neighbour can find its way into an entirely new creation.

Join Mandem & Nandem in Peckham

Prince of Peckham is a place for music, food and big nights, but it is also a place where the local community can slow down and spend time together.

Mandem & Nandem brings different generations around one table to knit, crochet, talk and share skills. There is no pressure to be an expert and no problem if you arrive alone.

Check the Prince of Peckham What’s On page for the next gathering.

Bring your project, pull up a chair and join the circle. If you drop a stitch, somebody will probably know what to do.