Cape Town Yarn Festival 2026
Sat May 2, 08:30 - Sun May 3, 16:00
Fish Hoek High School - Sports Hall
ABOUT
We are thrilled to announce that the Cape Town Yarn Festival 2026 will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of May from 08:30 - 16:00 daily at the Fish Hoek High School sports hall.
It's time to celebrate fibre craft with the best the South African yarn industry has to offer.
Exhibitors
We have partnered with the best natural yarn establishments in SA, all under one roof!
Workshops
Attend one of our many hosted workshops on site.
People
Meet other passionate yarnies. Wear your favorite hand-made garments/accessories and see what other festival goers have made! ...and don't forget to bring your WIP (work in progress) to CTYF! There is a grandstand seating area at the venue, where you can sit and knit / crochet and show off your WIPs!
DROP SPINDLE SPINNING
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: In this course you will learn a bit about different fibre preparations and different methods of spinning. Then we will practice spinning a drop spindle before adding fibre and making your first yarn!
DATE + TIME: Saturday 2 March 13h00 to 16h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner spinners - no experience necessary
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED:* Drop Spindle* Drop spindle spinning instructions* Merino wool to practice
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:* A 2 metre length of yarn to tie a leader to your spindle.
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
KNITTING: NO FEAR CUT & STEEK
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: There’s no need to fear steeking as knitting unravels from top to bottom, not sideways!
In this class, you will learn different methods for reinforcing your steek, using your homework preparation. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice them all.
DATE + TIME: Saturday 2 May 2026 - 13h00 to 16h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Students need to be able to knit Fair Isle in the round, from a chart.
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP: Students will receive notes with a pattern before the workshop, in order to complete the required Fair Isle knitting homework.
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:
- Homework piece completed ahead of the workshop, as per instructions
- 4mm Knitting needles
- DK weight wool used for homework
- 3 or 3.5mm Crochet hook
- Darning needle
- Small sharp scissors
- Pen and paper to take notes
CROCHET FLOWER TOTE
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: Learn to create three beautiful sturdy crochet flowers of different sizes in this relaxed step by step and beginner-friendly workshop perfect for those new to crochet or looking to expand their skills.
DATE + TIME: Saturday 2 May 13h00 to 16h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner crocheters
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP:* All tools and materials: – Good quality large tote bag with gusset; optional embellishments.
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:* Everything is supplied. Participants are welcome to bring anything they would be more comfortable working with ie: your favourite pair of scissors, small battery operated desk lamp, glasses, etc
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
MACRAMÉ FISH BAG CHARM
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: In this workshop you will learn how to make a fun and colourful Macramé Fish Bag Charm using easy, beginner-friendly knots. This workshop is perfect for kids who love to create, and just as enjoyable for adults looking for a light, creative break.
We’ll explore simple techniques, play with colour, and bring your charm to life step by step. No prior experience is needed, just come ready to make something beautiful.
DATE + TIME: Saturday 2 March 13h00 to 16h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP:
- All materials needed to create your Macramé Fish Bag Charm (rope, keyring, and accessories)
- Use of tools during the workshop
- Step-by-step guided instruction
- A finished handmade bag charm to take home
- A relaxed and creative workshop experience
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:
- Everything is supplied.
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
BEGINNER WEAVING A WALL HANGING
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: In this course you will learn a number of basic weaving techniques such as plain tabby weave, rya knots, soumak and pile or loop weaving. We will combine these into a textured wall hanging.
DATE + TIME: Sunday 3 May 9h00 to 12h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL:Suitable to beginners and those wanting to explore textured weaving
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP:* You will receive a small frame loom (185mm x 240mm), cotton yarn for the warp, as well as a selection of materials to supplement what you bring to weave with
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY: A dowel or natural stick to tie your wall hanging to. Recommended length 200 – 220mm. Bring a selection of yarns and wool roving in a colour palette that you enjoy. Thick cotton, chunky wool, sparkly yarns and some DK/4 ply cotton/wool for the plain weave sections.
You don’t need full skeins or balls, just leftovers that catch your eye.
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
BEGINNER TUNISIAN CROCHET
ABOUT THIS COURSE: Learn the basics of Tunisian crochet – A beginner-friendly class where you will explore stitches and textures.
DATE + TIME: Sunday 3 May 09h00 to 12h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Confident Beginner – Must be able to crochet and follow a pattern, and be happy to count stitches
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED:
- Full written instructions for each Tunisian Crochet Stitch
- 100g Natural fibre yarn
- Tunisian crochet hook
- Notebook & pencil
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY: Just yourself!
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
QUILTING: ENGLISH PAPER PIECING
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: Discover the joy of slow stitching with English Paper Piecing. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll be guided step-by-step to create a beautiful hexagon flower, while learning how to baste and stitch your pieces together with confidence.
DATE + TIME: Sunday 3 May 13h00 to 16h30
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP: Everything you need to make 2 flower hexagons. Your English paper piecing starter kit includes:
- Hexagon papers
- Fabric
- Needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- A handy pouch to hold all your supplies.
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY: Reading glasses in you need them
* PLEASE NOTE: Class sizes are limited.
KAWANDI QUILTING – CROSS BODY BAG
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: We will be learning the history and the technique of KAWANDI by making a practical cross body bag, also the versatility of the technique with examples of the different items that can be made by the students.
DATE + TIME: Sunday 3 May 2026 - 10h00 to 15h00
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Students need to be able to thread a needle – the rest will be taught
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP: A full kit will be supplied
- Fabric
- batting
- magnetic clasp
- twill tape for the cross body strap
- needles
- DMC perle cotton
- pins.
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:
- Students will need to bring a sharp pair of scissors for cutting pieces of fabric and thread.
- If you like to work with a thimble please bring yours.
- And most important of all, please bring your reading glasses!!!
SEW FAR SEW GOOD WITH DANIELLE CLOUGH - FIANCE KNOWLES
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP: This workshop gives you the foundations to develop your voice in the magical medium of thread. Outside of traditional techniques, we explore texture, intuitive stitching and how to use colours that bring us joy.
Learn some (non intimidating) colour theory, how to colour blend and bring dimension to our embroidery work with an accidental professional. This is a workshop of information, experimentation and play.
DATE + TIME: Sunday 3 May 2026 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
COURSE EXPERIENCE LEVEL: All levels welcome; however, a basic understanding of stitching is helpful.
COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED WITH THE WORKSHOP:
A take-home kit with:
- Over 20 different threads
- A Hoop
- Needles
- Fabric
- Cute odds and ends.
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY:
- Scissors for cutting thread
- A sense of play and humour!
PLEASE NOTE -- This workshop is booked directly with Danielle - Link via https://yarnfestival.co.za/capetown/workshop/sew-far-sew-good/
