Many stitchers are self-taught, meaning that they learned their skills on their own. After all, there are a ton of online resources to feed stitcher’s curiosity! One of the drawbacks, though, is knowing where to find reliable information. Below is a list of local and online stitching organizations that support our favorite crafts through education and networking. Both types are usually nonprofits that offer education but local resources are also a way to strengthen your relationships in the stitching community.

Local:

• Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) is a national organization that promotes crochet through educational programs and other events. The San Antonio Chapter, Alamo Rows, meets monthly. The national CGOA offers basic education for right- and left-handed crocheters, online classes, and two Masters Programs: Fundamentals of Crochet and Advanced Stitches & Techniques. Annual membership: $40 for individuals
• Fiber Artists of San Antonio (FASA) promotes fiber art with exhibitions and educational events. They host workshops and monthly gatherings, including expert guest speakers, fellowship and more. Annual membership: $45
• San Antonio Handweavers Guild (SAHG) supports a variety of weaving, spinning and other fiber arts at workshops and monthly meetings with guest speakers. Annual membership: $40
• San Antonio Needlework Guild, the local chapter for the Embroidery Guild of America meets monthly. The national organization also offers distance learning and a Master Craftsman Program. National annual membership: $55. Local chapter annual membership: $71.
• UTSA School of Arts has several Community Art - Adult classes on fibers and weaving. Class fees vary.

Online:

• American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) offers online workshops and several Master programs, including Needle Artist and Needlepointer. Unfortunately, there's no local chapter in San Antonio. Annual Membership: $60
• Craft Yarn Council (CYC): This organization is made up of yarn companies, tool manufacturers and publishers in the yarn world. Their website has tons of free information. Need to convert needle and hook sizes from metric to US? Need to figure out what size yarn you need to get gauge? Check out the Standards section of their website. The CYC also offers a Certified Instructors Program (CIP).
• The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA): There doesn’t appear to be a local chapter for this global organization, but the TKGA has meetups at major yarn events and online programs for members. They also offer various distance learning classes for fundamentals and the Master Hand Knitting Program (certification) in three levels. Annual membership: $35
• The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) is a national organization devoted to embroidery arts. They have a variety of educational resources as well as a certification program. Annual membership: $40