We recently talked about the trend for big cables and one way to achieve this is using chunky and super chunky yarns. These thicker yarns can also produce interesting lace effects and are great for quickly producing accessories such as hats and scarves or big and bold homewares. One of the advantages of using… Continue reading Knitting with chunky and super chunky yarns
With bonfire parties this week we’ve been thinking about wrapping kids up in cute knitted items. Making things for children, especially accessories, can feel very quick and it is satisfying to have finished items, plus smaller items are a fun way to try new shapes, techniques, etc. With Christmas coming up we’ve picked out some… Continue reading Lovely cosy accessories for kids
Now the weather is cooling off, we are all thinking about cosy winter knits and if you want to be on trend this season you can have a lot of fun with your hand knits because along with bright colours and mismatched fair isle, big and bold cables are certainly the order of the day.… Continue reading Trendwatch: Going big and bold with cables
One question we get asked a lot, is about how to substitute one yarn for another in a pattern. This may be because the pattern is for a discontinued yarn but it could also because you find your perfect shade in a completely different yarn or you might have some balls you want to use… Continue reading Substituting yarns – a friendly guide
It is Commit to Knit month and you may well be trying to decide what you are going to knit for charity and how best to choose an item or a cause. So here are a few tips to help you. It can be difficult to know whether it is better to make something to… Continue reading Choosing a charity to make for
Among this year’s Commit to Knit pattern collection, we have a stunning crochet blanket that features “spiral granny squares”. We have been very excited about learning to make this new style of square but they are a little different to make, so we thought we should pass on the tips we’ve picked up. When you… Continue reading Tips for crocheting spiral granny squares
September is all about charity knitting for us. It is this year’s Commit to Knit month when we ask knitters and crocheters to commit to making one item for crochet during the month. We know lots of you already donate your skills to crafting items for charities nationwide. There are at least 6 million people… Continue reading Check out our lovely new patterns celebrating Commit to Knit month
A walk down the high street suggest the Back to School offers are coming thick and fast, which got us thinking about back to school knits. We know that lots of children wear school uniforms, but outside school they will still need practical, trendy knitwear going into the autumn, so we have taken a look… Continue reading Back to school knits
You have told us about another pattern instruction that you find difficult or confusing, so we are adding another part to this series of posts. This time we will take a look at the phrase “complete to match first side, reversing all shaping”. This is something that you are most likely to come across when… Continue reading Don’t be tripped up by pattern instructions – part 3
Are you one of those people who crochets more in summer? Some of us definitely get our hooks out more in the summer months. There are a number of reasons for this. One is that crochet goes so well with cotton or other summer yarns. There is something very satisfying about the crisp stitches in… Continue reading Summer crochet – perfect for accessories and homewares
