Vogue Knitting Live
Learn all about this huge knitting event!
9/29/20253 min read
Knitting events are always fun, but there’s really nothing quite like the experience of Vogue Knitting Live. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend checking it out. It can be expensive to attend, but they rely on volunteers, who get access to the marketplace and a lecture for free
What is VKL?
Vogue Knitting Live is an event held in various American cities a few times a year. They offer a multitude of classes and lectures, along with a marketplace with tons of vendors selling yarn, needles, and notions. There are often art displays (like the hyperbolic surfaces in the photo below, by Gabriele E. Meyer), fashion shows, speakers, and other events that happen in the marketplace. When you first walk in, it can feel a bit overwhelming! There is so much to take in, the atmosphere is energetic, and there are so many excited knitters!
Lectures and Classes
One of the main draws of VKL is the lectures and classes. Like I said, if you volunteer, you get to attend a lecture for free. The lectures are typically one hour and are suitable for knitters of any level looking to learn about something conceptual. I attended a lecture by Xandy Peters about their stacked stitches technique, where they displayed many swatches demonstrating different uses of the technique. The classes are more hands-on, and they last two hours, although some take two sessions. Classes range from beginner to advanced, and they list what skills you should know before attending. The variety of classes available is always impressive, and the instructors are all well-known in the knitting community.
Marketplace
It is possible to buy a ticket to the marketplace without attending a class or lecture, as it is worth visiting on its own. Vendors are typically a mix of local shops, big brand names, and indie dyers and spinners from around the world. Last time I attended, I even bought some yarn from a dyer from Chile, who had traveled all the way to Seattle for the event. As I mentioned, several mini events happen within the marketplace. When I attended, I got to hear about the design process from Stephen West, I got to chat with Carol Milne (who insisted I could touch her knitted glass sculptures and they would be fine), I had accurate body measurements taken to help choose knitting pattern sizes, there was a fashion show featuring all Noro yarn, and Vickie Howell even complimented my Black Flag tattoo.
Volunteering
Volunteering for VKL has its perks, like attending a lecture and accessing the marketplace for free, but I think the volunteer work itself enhances the experience. I have taken on multiple volunteer roles, each with its own benefits. I have checked tickets at the marketplace doors, where I got to give out tons of compliments on everyone’s hand-knits they were wearing. I have worked at the beginner’s table, where I gave out yarn, needles, and advice to people just starting their knitting journey. I think the most fun one was running the prize wheel. I loved seeing how excited people were when they won prizes!
Community and Connection
Every time I’ve attended VKL, I have been impressed with the energy everyone had. I can’t remember seeing a single person not having a good time. Everyone genuinely wants to connect with other knitters, and people find ways to support each other. Once, someone randomly gave me a book of sweater patterns that I still have. The nice thing about events like this is that you have something in common with everyone there, and knitting is an easy conversation starter. Sometimes you’ll even get to meet knitting “celebrities,” whether they’re teaching a class or speaking in the marketplace.
Yarn Drop
I couldn’t make a post about VKL without talking about the yarn drop! I heard that they only do this in Seattle (that may have changed since then), so I feel very lucky to have experienced it. Many skeins of yarn hang from a balcony, and at a particular time, they go and cut all the strings. The yarn falls, and (hopefully) everyone gets some free yarn in the frenzy!
Tips for Attending
If you decide to attend, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and don’t forget to show off your hand-knits! Bring snacks and a water bottle, there are places to sit and eat. You will probably get a tote bag or two from vendors and booths, but it doesn’t hurt to bring some with you for the rest of your yarn haul. Register for classes and lectures early, the best ones often sell out fast. Volunteer if you can, it is a great way to experience the event. If you don’t have a friend to go with, don’t worry about going alone, you’ll find people to connect with!
Have you ever gone to VKL? Use the form below to tell me about your experience!
