How to Become a Certified Crochet Instructor

Sharing is caring!

Becoming a Certified Crochet Instructor takes time and effort, but it is totally worth it. In this post I share the details of my journey, why you might want to enroll, and the costs involved.

Nothing will impress your friends and family more than becoming a Certified Crochet Instructor. The letters CCI after your name will let everyone know that you are kicking booty and taking names. The sacrifices, the blood, the sweat, and the tears you will shed in order to accomplish this goal are worth it, my friend.

Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating just a teeny tiny bit. Rest assured that this course does require effort, but no blood will need to be shed. There might be a few tears, but that will only come once you see your name in script on your gorgeous certificate from the Craft Yarn Council.

Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructor Programs

The Craft Yarn Council offers four different certification programs. There are two levels for both crochet and knitting. I completed the Level 1- Crochet Instructor Curriculum.

Covers teaching basics, writing a lesson plan, a review of basic stitches, increases and decreases, pattern stitches and crocheting in the round. In addition to a review of their homework assignments and testing by their master teacher, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of student teaching to receive a basic Certificate of Participation, which qualifies them to teach beginner classes.

Craft Yarn Council

Why

It took two hundred thirty-one days from the time I enrolled in the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program (CIP) to the day I received my certificate and pin. In that time not only did I learn a lot about crochet, but I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I hate having a deadline, but I also learned that I will finish something if I commit to it. I learned how to make a ripple stitch and that you shouldn’t overstretch it when blocking just to make it the perfect 5″ square. But most importantly, learned that I’m a total badass when it comes to weaving in my ends!

If you’re interested in hearing my interview on the Bhooked podcast click here.

How to Become a Certified Crochet Instructor

The Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program (CIP) is a self-paced correspondence curriculum. Basically you are able to take your time and complete the assignments at your own speed. The program is broken up into two segments, samples and student teaching. In addition, each student is assigned a master teacher who will evaluate their samples. She is also available to answer any questions that may arise throughout the course. Enrollees have six months to complete their crochet samples and send them in to their Master Teacher, but you have an additional six months to complete the required fifteen hours of teaching. 

Samples

The first part of the course involves crocheting your samples. There are four distinct lessons that focus on basic crochet techniques. Each lesson is broken down into assignments. For example, the Lesson 1 section includes the basic crochet stitches each student must complete, single crochet, double, half double, and treble crochet. The student must crochet measured swatches and include the symbols and gauge.

Each sample must be placed in a plastic sleeve and labeled exactly as the instructor manual specifies. All of the assignments and details are clearly laid out in the program packet. Students are expected to read the Technique Manual and complete their assignments in the order given.

Teaching

I was the most nervous about the Lesson Plan and Teaching portions. The course requires both and everything is very clearly specified in the manual. You will be required to create lesson plans for beginner crochet classes, write a little about your own crochet journey, and student teach for fifteen hours.

The student teaching can be completed in a formal or informal environment. I ended up doing a combination of both, I taught one beginner crochet class and one beginner amigurumi class at a local yarn shop. But I also taught a few family members some basic crochet techniques in a casual setting. All of it counted toward my teaching hours.

If you are interested in learning how to make amigurumi check out my Amigurumi 101 series here.

Materials Needed

You will need a few materials of your own. Obviously you will need to have crochet hooks and yarn. The specifics of that are outlined in your handbook. You will also need a three ringed binder and plastic page sleeves for your samples and lesson plans.

Avery Durable View Binder, 3″ Slant Rings, 600-Sheet Capacity, DuraHinge, Dark Blue (17044)

Avery Economy Clear Sheet Protectors, 8.5″ x 11″, Acid-Free, Archival Safe, Top Loading, 100ct (75091)

In addition, you will need blocking mats. I recommend this brand because they come with one inch grid marks, which makes perfecting your samples a snap. They are also quite affordable and come with rust proof pins, which is absolutely critical. You do not want to use pins that could rust and stain your samples.

Hephaestus Crafts Blocking Mats for Knitting – Pack of 9 GRAY Blocking Boards with Grids for Needlepoint or Crochet. 150 T-pins

This post contains affiliates links and at no cost to you I may earn a teeny tiny commission if you choose to purchase them. Please know that I only recommend products I use and love! Thank you for supporting Le Petit Saint Crochet!

Cost

The programs costs are $85 for each level. You will need to purchase your supplies as well but you may already have all or most on hand. You will also have to pay to ship your samples manual to your master teacher.

Master Teacher

Once you have sent your manual to your master teacher, she will review your samples and lesson plans. When that is completed she will schedule a phone call to discuss her findings. At that point she will tell you whether or not you passed or if you need to redo a portion.

This was the highlight of the whole experience for me. I was able to chat with my master teacher for quite a while. She was a very experienced instructor and had a passion for yarn arts. She encouraged me to keep going and we had a good laugh about my ripple stitch sample. I stretched and blocked it way too much just to force it into the perfect measurements. I was incredibly thankful to have passed the first time around but it wouldn’t have been a big deal if she had asked me to redo my ripple stitch sample.

Facebook Group

In addition to all of the above support there is a private Facebook group for those enrolled. It is a great place to ask questions and get answers quickly. I found this to be a very valuable resource and am glad I joined! It’s also fun to celebrate those who receive their certificates and pins and to share yours when you complete the program.

Ask Away!

I hope you find this post informative. If you have any other questions about becoming a Certified Crochet Instructor please do not hesitate to ask! I am happy to help in any way I can.

Pin Me on Pinterest!