Spin Through NWA Fiber Fest at the Washington County Fairgrounds

Fun fact for your next craft night: nalbinding, a single-needle looping technique, is older than both knitting and crochet. And this November, you can learn it at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville.

That’s one of nine classes at the NWA Fiber Festival, two days of knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, and more, with free admission. The festival started because more and more folks around Northwest Arkansas were asking for high-quality fiber arts closer to home. Consider the request granted! You’ll find vendors to browse and a class schedule worth clearing your calendar for. Your yarn habit also goes toward a good cause, since proceeds support 4-H youth programs.

Source: NWA Fiber Festival

THE DEETS

📆 Friday, November 6, 2026- Saturday, November 7, 2026
🕑 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day
📍 Washington County Fairgrounds, 2537 N McConnell Ave, Fayetteville
💵 Free admission
🎟️ Class sign-up at nwafiberfest.com
ℹ️ NWA Fiber Festival on Facebook

Source: NWA Fiber Festival

Friday Gets Hooked: Six Classes, Pick Your Lane

A few of these overlap, so choose wisely (or bring a friend and compare notes).

• Intro to Cable Knitting with Diana Ricketts, 9 a.m.-noon. Break down the basic cable, then learn to read a chart, cable with or without a cable needle, and ladder down to fix a crossed cable if you’re feeling brave.
• Crochet Flowers and Butterflies with Debra DeViibiss, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn the magic circle plus two other ways to crochet in the round, then work a butterfly and a flower pattern. Granny squares come next as time allows.
• Color Work Cup Cozy with Nancy Meyers, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Knit with multiple colors on double-pointed needles and learn to read a color chart. Bring a set of five size 7 DPNs. If they’re new to you, practice with them beforehand. Magic loop knitters are welcome too.
• Intro to Nalbinding with Carolyn Haley of Thorn & Moss, noon-3 p.m. This is the one that predates knitting, and its fabric won’t unravel when cut. You’ll learn the Oslo stitch, joining in the round, and increasing and decreasing, and you’ll walk out with the start of your own fingerless gloves.
• Beginning Wheel Spinning with Sona Gardner of Puddin Ridge Fibers, noon-4 p.m. Learn spinning terms, try different fibers, and spin singles before plying them into yarn. All fiber is supplied. Bring your own wheel with three bobbins, an orifice hook, a lazy kate, and scissors. You can also rent one of four wheels for $15, but reserve it in advance.
• Macrame Plant Hanger with Nancy Meyers, 1-4 p.m. No experience needed. Rings, jute, beads, and handouts are supplied. Bring sturdy scissors, plus a ruler if you like to measure your space.

Source: NWA Fiber Festival

Saturday Stays Looped: Lace, Lace, and More Nalbinding

Three more classes close out the weekend.

• Crochet Lace Edgings with Debra DeViibiss, 9-11 a.m. Use thread and a steel hook to add handmade vintage lace to your projects. You’ll cover which fibers work best and how to secure your edging, and you’ll get three patterns to adapt. This one’s best for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters.
• Advanced Nalbinding with Carolyn Haley of Thorn & Moss, 9 a.m.-noon. Build on the Oslo stitch by starting in the round and in an oval, reading patterns, and learning new stitches. You’ll get started on a hat, mittens, or socks. Bring your own nalbinding needle. A skein of yarn is provided.
• Beginning Lace Knitting with Nancy Meyers, noon-4 p.m. Learn four to five lace patterns. Come comfortable with casting on, knits, and purls. A little knit-2-together practice will help.

Source: NWA Fiber Festival

Grab a Seat Before It Unravels

Class spaces are limited, so sign up before you head to the fairgrounds. The festival’s founders serve on the Washington County 4-H Foundation board, and event proceeds support 4-H camps, workshops, scholarships, and more. Every class you take helps keep local kids in the loop.

See you there, NWA.