Commit to Knit 2019 events

If you are taking part in Commit to Knit month and planning to knit or crochet something for charity during September, here are some events organised by retailers that might be of interest to you. Shed Load of Crafts, Enfield, Every Wednesday and Thursday in September Join Yvonne and Sandra to make hats for the…

Commit To Knit 2019 – Wherever I Lay My Hat

We have launched this year’s Commit To Knit campaign. As in previous years we will be asking all knitters and crocheters in the UK to commit to make at least one item for charity in September. The focus for this year’s campaign is to support yarn shops nationwide. “This year we want yarn shops to…

Time to support your local yarn shop

A good yarn shop is a fabulous thing. Some of us seek them out wherever we go in the UK or abroad. Beautifully displayed yarn, informed and informative staff (when travelling they can be a great resource on local yarn) a chance to see new patterns that might otherwise pass us by, and other knitters…

Knitting, practical mindfulness and the benefits of “craftfulness”

For a number years we have been following, and promoting, the research by Betsan Corkhill and others that shows that knitting and crochet is good for our mental and our physical health. Our very own Bronagh has even knitted on live TV while wearing a heart monitor to prove how calming and relaxing making one…

Find a space to share your skills

When we are teaching and encouraging people to knit and crochet at yarn shows round the country, we are often approached by people with a very specific request. These are usually groups of two or three people where one person is keen to teach their companion(s) some aspect of knitting or crochet and ask if…

Christmas stocking appeal

We are running our Annual Christmas Stocking Appeal again this autumn. We are asking knitters and crocheters across the country to join to help us spread some festive cheer by making mini stockings for care homes, lunch clubs, hospices and foodbanks. Last year we distributed more than 1,500 stockings to organisations all over the country.…

Get ready to knit in public

The UK Hand Knitting team are big fans of knitting in public. Wherever we are, if there is a chance for a sit down (or even a wall to lean on), it is likely a project or two will appear - and we are really happy to chat to people about what we're doing. So…

Volunteering with your craft skills

We noticed that in the USA April is volunteering month so, even though we are in the UK, it seemed like a good opportunity to talk about the benefits of volunteering and suggest a few ways to link it to your crafting skills. One of the UKHK team in particular is a very keen volunteer.…

Take an Olympian approach to your knitting

Are you planning to watch the Winter Olympics in just a few weeks time? Will you be knitting or crocheting along while you watch? If so, or even if you are not fans of winter sport, why not participate in a worldwide crafting challenge at the same time? The Ravellenic Games is a global event…

Share a skill in 2018

One thing we know about the knitters and crocheters we meet and talk to through the year is that you are a very knowledgeable bunch. We also see how great you are at sharing your knowledge and skills, giving tips on social media and helping people at events. So we have a suggestion for 2018.…