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
Last week when we were talking about knitting in the heat a number of people mentioned using wooden or bamboo needles, which reminded us of the importance of choosing the right needles for particular circumstances. Having the right tools for a project can make a difference. We will all have a particular preference for our… Continue reading Finding the right needles for you
It is hot. I think we are all agreed on that. In the UK, every news bulletin reminds us that this is the warmest or driest or both summer since 1976. There are warnings about going out in the midday sun. So what are we poor knitters and crocheters to do? We’ve been thinking about… Continue reading Yarns for the heat
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
This year's Commit To Knit Month 2018, our campaign that encourages knitters and crocheters to make one item for charity, will take place in September. Last year crafters all over the country got involved and this time we are particularly calling on knitting groups across the UK to get involved. To celebrate Commit To Knit,… Continue reading Commit to Knit returns for 2018
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
Do you wince when you see someone "acting" knitting or crochet in a TV show or movie? A needle or hook is stabbed randomly at a piece that up to that point has been beautifully produced by someone who knows what they are doing. The random stabbing is accompanied by some yarn pulling or waving,… Continue reading Good knitting on TV and in the movies
At this time of year, we are more likely to turn to yarns with cotton, bamboo or linen fibres for their light airy qualities. However, the characteristics of these fibres that give the yarns these qualities can give us problems if we don’t care for them properly. The biggest issue with washing garments using these… Continue reading Caring for your summer knits
