Winter sweaters are getting bigger and bigger. Looking at catwalk pictures and magazine articles about winter fashion trends, we have seen lots of large textured sweaters with scarves or even belts. Big and bold is definitely the way to go which is good news for knitters because that means quick knits in chunky yarns. We’ve… Continue reading Trendwatch: Knit big this winter
This year as part of Commit to Knit we are asking people to make and donate hats for homelessness and refugee charities. We have a number of free hat patterns on our website including our basic beanie pattern. This simple pattern is easily customised: so you can use up your yarn stash by using stripes… Continue reading Stashbusting for Commit To Knit (and how to adapt a pattern from DK to Aran)
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… Continue reading Commit To Knit 2019 – Wherever I Lay My Hat
Our pattern collection is an important part of our work. The designs are created and donated by our member companies to help us raise money that can then be directed into projects to support knitting and crochet – including campaigns, the website and the free teaching we organise at large yarn shows. The patterns… Continue reading Using UKHKA Patterns
For many years the UK Hand Knitting member companies have been producing knitting patterns to help support the work of the organisation promoting knitting and crochet. The patterns are available as printed leaflets through yarn shops but we know that many of you often look for patterns online. So we have updated our website to… Continue reading Our patterns are now available through our website
Have you ever taken part in a knit or crochet along? We’re big fans here and think they are a great example of how online technology can be used to good effect for crafters. In a knitalong (KAL) (please mentally insert crochet if that is your preferred yarn craft), a group of people will generally… Continue reading In praise of knit-a-longs
Are you knitting or crocheting a blanket? Blankets are one of the big knitting and crochet trends right now with lots of patterns and knits available. They are particularly appealing at this time of year because you get more cosy as your blanket grows. With so many blanket styles available - striped, log cabin, patchwork,… Continue reading Get cosy by joining the blanket trend
As with most events UK Hand Knitting attend, we were joined by men on our stand at various times during our visit to last week’s Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show. Just like other knitters they came to teach, to learn, to show off projects and in one case to prove he could produce a neater… Continue reading Books for men who knit or want to
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
