Upcoming Classes
Intro to Colorwork Knitting
Saturday, June 13 • 1:30–4:30PM
Taught by Kathryn Smith
Ready to add a little color to your knitting? In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the foundations of stranded colorwork knitting while creating an adorable cup cozy using the modular Doodle patterns by Pacific Knit Company.
This class is perfect for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to level up their skills. Together, we’ll cover how to manage two yarns at once, read colorwork charts, catch floats, prevent puckering, and build confidence working with stranded knitting techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Bring your own materials and projects, or shop from The Common Thread’s curated selection of DK mini skeins, perfect for experimenting with colorwork. Come early to pick your palette!
What You’ll Learn
Stranded colorwork basics
Managing two yarns at once
Catching and locking floats
Color dominance
Different ways to hold yarns
Reading and following colorwork charts
Preventing puckering and fabric distortion
Fixing common mistakes
Blocking and finishing techniques
Required Skills
Participants should already know how to:
Cast on, knit, purl, and bind off
Knit in the round using either circular needles, magic loop, or DPNs
A willingness to learn and have fun is highly encouraged.
Materials Needed
Yarn:
DK weight wool yarn in at least two contrasting colors (50 yards of each recommended)
Needles:
US 5–7 needles for small circumference knitting
(8–9" circulars, magic loop, or DPNs based on your preference)
Notions:
Stitch markers and a tapestry needle
About the Instructor
With roots in crafting that go back to childhood, Kathryn Smith comes from a family of fiber artists and has been knitting and crocheting since grade school. Professionally, she works as a coastal scientist and educator, and knitting provides a creative and meditative balance to her work. Kathryn loves helping knitters build confidence, expand their skills, and discover the joy of making. She has taught private knitting and crochet lessons and is excited to share her love of colorwork at The Common Thread.
Join us for Scrappy Hour, every Friday from 6pm-9pm, & first and third Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm!
These weekly socials are all about community, creativity, and connection. Bring your project, get support, and meet fellow fiber-loving friends. Come knit, crochet, embroider, needle felt and more - if your craft is fiber related and considerate of table space, it’s welcome!
🎟 Details:
We have comfortable indoor seating for 20. Seating is first come, first served. If you’re coming later and want to be sure you have a comfy spot, feel free to bring a folding or camp chair!
$10 admission includes $5 off any cafe beverage (BYOB welcome).
Bring a couple bucks to tip your hardworking baristas - it is much appreciated!
Forever Thread Members get in free, but must still reserve a ticket in advance so we can get a headcount.
If you can no longer make it, please let us know so we can offer your spot to another stitcher
Shop will be open if you’d like to browse yarn & supplies
Kids under 16 are welcome with with a supervising adult; each attendee must reserve a seat
Please leave pets at home (service animals always welcome)
Parking lot is on the east side of the building in the Rad Power Bikes / Golfology shopping center.
Come stitch, sip, and make new friends at The Common Thread!
NOTE: Walk-In registrations for Scrappy Hour are welcome if we are not already sold out online. We appreciate you registering in advance!
If you’re brand new to crochet or want a structured refresher, our private beginner lessons are the perfect place to start. Each session begins with an assessment of your current skill level, whether you’re starting completely from scratch or have dabbled before. From there, Shannon, a Certified Crochet Instructor with the American Crochet Association (ACA), will guide you through a clear lesson plan tailored to your goals.
Your intro lesson includes:
A personalized lesson plan with specific projects to practice at home
Patterns and guidance for finished items you’ll complete along the way
Step-by-step instruction using the ACA curriculum
Each session is 60 minutes, and can be completed at your own pace. By the end of the beginner series, you’ll feel confident in:
All the basic stitches (chain, slip, single, double, half double)
Reading crochet patterns with ease
Working both flat (in rows) and in the round
Selecting the right yarns, hooks, and tools for any project
And more, laying the foundation for a lifelong crochet practice!
Supplies:
We recommend arriving 15 minutes early so our team can help you select the perfect yarn and hook for your first project. If you’d prefer to bring your own, please bring a weight 4 (worsted) or weight 5 (bulky) yarn and a matching hook.
Scheduling Your Lesson
Once you purchase a crochet lesson, our team will reach out within 1–2 business days to schedule your session at a time that works best for you.
Who Can Join?
Crochet is for all ages! The most important factor isn’t a number,it’s readiness. Lessons are appropriate for anyone who:
Can comfortably sit and focus for a 60-minute session
Shows genuine interest in learning crochet
Is able to practice patterns at home in 30-minute sessions between lessons
Whether it’s kids, teens, or adults, if the interest and attention are there, crochet can be a rewarding skill for life.
Left-Handed Crocheters Welcome!
Crochet looks a little different from the left side of the hook—but we’ve got you covered. If you are left-handed, just let us know when you book, and we’ll arrange for a left-handed instructor to guide you.
Please Note
When you book a lesson, we reserve the time just for you. If you are no longer able to make your session, please reach out and let us know. We are unable to offer refunds on cancellations within 24 hours of your session.
Beginner Knitting Lessons
If you’re brand new to knitting or coming back after a long break, our private beginner lessons are a welcoming place to start.
Each 60-minute session begins with a quick assessment of your current experience—whether you’re starting from absolute zero or you’ve picked up needles before. From there, your instructor will guide you step-by-step through a clear, skills-based lesson plan tailored to your pace and goals.
What Your Knitting Lessons Include
A personalized lesson plan based on your experience and learning style
Clear weekly learning objectives
Projects to practice at home as you build skills
Patterns and guidance for the items you’ll make along the way
A level-based curriculum designed to take you from beginner to confident knitter
What You’ll Learn
By following our three-level curriculum, you’ll gain a solid foundation in all the essential knitting techniques:
Level 1 — Beginner Skills
Basic cast on
How to hold needles & yarn comfortably
Knit stitch (garter stitch)
Basic binding off
Counting stitches and rows
Identifying the right vs. wrong side of your fabric
Purl stitch & stockinette
Combining knit and purl stitches
Reading simple written instructions
Preventing curled edges in your work
Level 2 — Easy Skills & First Projects
Ribbing, seed stitch, and beginner stitch patterns
Making dishcloths using repeated stitch sequences
Understanding yarn weights, needle sizes, and gauge
Managing yarn tails and finishing cleanly
Increases (kfb, yarn over) and decreases (k2tog, ssk)
Small shaping projects (like kerchiefs, beanies)
Introduction to knitting in the round
Hat shaping and reading stitch/round repeats
Level 3 — Intermediate Foundations
Reading charts and more complex stitch repeats
Changing colors and creating stripes
Working with steady, even tension
Final project: a striped cowl that ties all your skills together
By the end of the series, you’ll feel confident knitting flat and in the round, reading patterns, understanding how yarn choice affects your final project, and choosing the right tools for whatever you want to make next.
Supplies
We recommend arriving 15 minutes early so our team can help you select the perfect yarn and needles for your first project.
Prefer to bring your own? Please bring a worsted (4) or bulky (5) yarn and appropriately sized needles.
Scheduling Your Lesson
Once you purchase a knitting lesson, our team will reach out within 1–2 business days to schedule a session that fits your schedule.
Who Can Join?
Knitting is for everyone — kids, teens, and adults. The most important factor is readiness. Lessons are a good fit for anyone who can:
Sit and focus for a 60-minute session
Show genuine interest in learning to knit
Practice at home between lessons (even 20–30 minutes helps)
Please Note
When you book a lesson, we reserve the time just for you. If you are no longer able to make your session, please reach out and let us know. We are unable to offer refunds on cancellations within 24 hours of your session.
Welcome!
TheCommonThread is St. Petersburg’s home for coffee lovers, yarn crafters, and anyone who just needs a soft place to land.
Sip, stitch, hang out — no fiber arts experience necessary.
Whether you’re here to knit, crochet, or just chill with a latte, you’re in good company. Visit us daily during the week, or join us for our weekly Scrappy Hour socials.
Sip. Stitch. Stay Awhile.
Stop by in person during our Business Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-9pm (Scrappy Hour 6-9pm!)
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
Monday: Closed
Our café is open daily, serving locally baked pastries, house-made sodas, and freshly roasted coffee from our neighbors at Look Alive. Come on in to browse our curated fiber selection in-person. We’re excited to help you with your next project!
Stay in the Loop.
Sign up for our newsletter for sneak peeks, giveaways, and to be the first to hear about our classes and events.
The Coziest Spot in St. Pete!
The Common Thread
2462 5th Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Designated parking available on east side of building in Rad Power Bikes / Golfology parking lot.