Wednesday, June 3, 2026

ZK2026 Classes

Registration is Sunday June 7th @ 2pm CT on Discord


T1

Fiber Hackathon with Terri Schlather

Description:

One of the most wonderful parts of the knitting community is how generously people share their knowledge — especially the little tips and tricks that make our crafting easier, neater, and more beautiful. In this session, I’ll start by sharing my top 10 favorite knitting hacks and clever techniques, then we’ll open the floor to everyone. Bring the tip that transformed your knitting, crochet, or spinning practice and share it with the group. Think of it as a fiber-inspired hackathon full of creativity, problem-solving, and community wisdom!

Class duration:

75 minutes

Offered:

9:00 AM–10:15 AM, in Hall 3

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t1_fiber_hackathon


T2

Spill the Tea Swap with Stephanie Alford

Description:

This is a tea swap par-tea! Bring a 4oz bag of tea (or box) from your favorite tea store to share, and leave with a new favorite. Then, kick back, knit, and sip as you spill the tea with new friends.

Class duration:

30 minutes

Offered:

9:00 AM–9:30 AM, in Atrium

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t2_tea_swap


T3

Fiber Swap with Allena Williams

Description:

Fiber swap: Bring a braid of fiber (or two) and we're going to swap and see what kinds of yarn we can spin with what we've gotten from the pool.
If you participated last year bring the yarn you spun to show and tell.
Before the swap, separate your fiber into small tufts to be put into the pool.
Something different this year, there will not be any picking out colors we're just going to scoop out a pile and weight it to make sure what you put in (4oz) is what you take home. (it will help the swap go smoothly) you can trade after the session with other participants. Or just see what you get when you spin out of your comfort zone

Class duration:

75 minutes

Offered:

9:30 AM–10:45 AM, in Atrium

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t3_fiber_swap


T4

Do You Measure Up? with Pam Sykes

Description:

(Psst...the answer is yes!)

If you'd like to learn or practice how to get accurate measurements for your knitting, and have a little fun, join Pam for this 45-min guide to measurements from head to toe. Whether your next cozy knit is a sweater or sweatpants, you'll be ready to knit (or crochet or sew) them to fit brfore we're done.

So check your schedule and plan to bring a friend...everything is more fun with a friend!

Materials:

Please bring a tape measure, pen or pencil and some paper. If you have a pattern with measurement schematics, bring it along, and you'll be ready to start knitting after class!

Class duration:

45 minutes

Offered:

10:30 AM–11:15 AM, in Hall 3

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t4_do_you_measure_up


T5

Local Coffee Swap with Allena Williams

Description:

Bring your favorite local coffee to swap.
We will go around and talk about the coffee we brought then pick one to take home with us.

Class duration:

30 minutes

Offered:

11:00 AM–11:30 AM, in Atrium

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t5_java_swap


T6

Taming Long Floats with Beth Leath

Description:

Do you avoid colorwork patterns with longer floats? Have you had trouble figuring out how to catch floats in colorwork? Ladderback Jacquard may be the technique you’ve been looking for! Join me for a hands on workshop as I teach you this fun method to manage your floats!

Materials:

Materials needed - 2 contrasting colors of DK weight yarn (solids or tonals work best and scraps are fine).

US5 circular needles (24-32” long)

Notions including stitch markers, scissors

Pencil and paper for taking notes (optional)

Class duration:

45 minutes

Offered:

11:30 AM–12:15 PM, in Hall 2

Max Class Size:

20

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t6_taming_long_floats


T7

Shawl & Wrap Show & Tell with Beth Duffy

Description:

Participants will bring 1 or 2 completed shawls or wraps to show and describe (the pattern and designer names and, if known, the yarn used). Participants will receive a mini notepad and pencil to take notes if desired. You’ll leave the session with lots of new shawl and wrap pattern ideas!

Materials:

Participants must bring 1 or 2 shawls or wraps to show and tell.

Class duration:

45 minutes

Offered:

12:30 PM–1:15 PM, in Hall 3

Max Class Size:

30

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t7_shawl_wrap_show_tell


T8

PokemonGo Walk with Megan

Description:

We meet in the Atrium and head out together to play Pokemon Go in downtown Rochester in the subways and skyways.

Class duration:

60 minutes

Offered:

1:00 PM–2:00 PM, in Atrium

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t8_pokemongo_walk


T9

Don't Box Me In with Pam Sykes

Description:

Do you treasure old Christmas and Birthday cards, not wanting to throw them away because they're so pretty? This class will teach you to make small boxes from greeting cards, with just a ruler, pen, scissors and glue (or double-sided tape). Super easy and super quick, and in the end you can use your new boxes for gifting or display!

Bonus, if you give them away with little gifties ticked inside, your kids might stop calling you a hoarder! Or... they'd might not. I mean, there's still all that yarn , right?

Materials:

Bring 2-3 greeting cards, at least 4"x6", a scossors for paper, pen or knitting needle and a ruler, about 1" wide.

Class duration:

30 minutes

Offered:

2:00 PM–2:30 PM, in Hall 3

Max Class Size:

30

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t9_dont_box_me_in


T10

Sticker Swap OR Bookkeeping Q&A with Heather Fulford

Description:

Bring stickers and take stickers and/or chat bookkeeping! I can answer questions for vendors if they have them. I have a Masters in Finance and Accounting, and over 20 years of experience working in the accounting field. I am not a TAX professional. But know how to research!

Class duration:

45 minutes

Offered:

2:30 PM–3:15 PM, in Atrium

Max Class Size:

No Limit

Discord Channel

#zk2026_t10_sticker_swap


F1

Loom Knitting for Beginners: Create Your Own Sheep Stress Ball with Bethany Tiner

Description:

Ready to explore the world of loom knitting? In this fun and beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of loom knitting while creating a cute and squishy sheep stress ball using the KB Flexee Bitty Loom! Whether you’ve never picked up a loom or you're just getting started, this hands-on class will walk you through each step to create a woolly stress-reliever that you can use or give as a thoughtful gift.

By the end of the class, you’ll walk away with your very own handmade sheep stress ball, plus the confidence to continue loom knitting at home. Perfect for stress relief, desk decor, or a charming handmade gift! No experience necessary—just come ready to learn and have fun!

Materials:

Materials cost $25 which can be paid with cash or venmo at the event.
Supplies Provided:
• Knitting Board Flexee Loom Bitty (44 pegs)
• Stitch Marker
• Loom hook
• Fingering Weight Yarn
• Lace Weight Mohair Yarn (optional)
• Tapestry needle
• Fiberfill or other stress relieving fillers (dried lavender, stress ball, pellets, etc)
• Instruction Handout

* If you prefer to bring your our supplies, please contact me beforehand for detailed supply list.

Class duration:

75 minutes

Offered:

10:30 AM–11:45 AM, in Hall 3

Max Class Size:

15

Discord Channel

#zk2026_f1_loom_knitting


F2

Will it work? Evaluating yarn choices. with Shana Cohen

Description:

We've all been there: the pattern calls for a specific weight and fiber content, but you're itching to use something different. This lecture-style workshop will cover some important things to consider when substituting yarn in a pattern.

Class duration:

45 minutes

Offered:

12:00 PM–12:45 PM, in Hall 2

Max Class Size:

15

Discord Channel

#zk2026_f2_will_it_work


Wednesday, April 1, 2026

June is SOON!


We are absolutely thrilled to have not one, but two iconic voices in modern knitwear are joining us for Zombie Knitpocalypse 2026: Park Williams (Park & Knit) and Jessie Mae Martinson (Jessie Maed Designs)! If you’ve seen their podcast knit knat chit chat and their designs, you know that Park and Jessie aren’t just designers with cozy, creative vibes—they are the ultimate knitting besties.

This is going to be a year of bold colors, inclusive sizing, and unmissable inspiration. We are so honored to have Park and Jessie bringing their unique energy—and their incredible friendship—to our 2026 stage!

Monday, December 29, 2025

ZK2026 Market and Yarn Truck Rodeo

We are so excited to announce our amazing 2026 market and yarn truck rodeo!
Sat June 27th, 2026
Hilton Ballroom 3rd Floor
10 East Center St
Rochester, MN 55901

Public Shopping Hours 1-4pm
 
Un Besito Fiber Lavender Lune Yarn Leading Men Fiber Arts Star Knits
Sister Weekend Yarn Co Treasure Goddess Yarn Kato Yarn Company Berry Fun Yarns
Factory Girl Design Sunshine Queen Fiber Arts Snug and Spun Fiber Co Summer Day Crochet
Dynasty Fibers Northern Bee Studio Foldout Cat Doolittle
The Sexy Knitter The Sexy Knitter

Yarn Trucks

Friday June 26th, 2026
location TBA
Rochester, MN
Shopping Hours 10am - 3pm

Sunday, October 12, 2025

ZK2026 Sign-ups!

The time is NOW to book your spot for another great year of knitting, fun, and friends in Rochester, MN, starting Wed June 24, 2026!!!!


* Spots are available first come first served.  Once spots are filled, we will have a public wait list.
* 2026 Retreat fees are $265 and are non-transferable.
* To complete your registration, please pay with the button below and then fill out the Google form after completing your transaction.

Attendee Full Name
Preferred Email Address


FAQ - 

* 2026 Retreat fees are $265 and are non-transferable.

* Only 180 spots are available, after these are filled, we will have a public wait list.

* Cancellation policy: $100 refund before 12/31/2025, $60 refund before 4/30/2026.

     No goodie bags are available for those unable to attend in person (no mailing or friend pick-up allowed)

* You book your own lodging, and it is not included in the retreat fee.  Our group has discounted rates for the Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. Links for these group rates will be sent via email to registered attendees (pay + complete registration form).

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Save the Date - ZK2026!

 

Mark your calendar and let's get excited for ZK2026!

Important Dates:

Retreat: Wed June 24th, 2026 - Sat June 27st, 2026

Marketplace:  Sat June 27th, 2026 -  Open to public @ 1pm  

Vendor ApplicationNOW - Oct 4th, 2025 review starts, application closing Oct 25th, 2025 - Apply HERE

Sign-ups:  begin _soon_ for our Zombie Knitting Network members on Patreon 

       Sign-up early based on your membership level

Public Sign-ups - October 12th NOON CST (Zombie Time) on this website.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

ZK2025 Sponsors



Please join us in thanking and supporting our wonderful sponsors that showered our crafting community with their generosity, both for the goodie bag items and for door prizes!

SPONSORS

Generous sponsors not shown:

Sister Weekend Yarn Co Treasure Goddess Yarn Woolens and Nosh