Now that you’ve learned to use a cable needle, what do you do if you want to start a cabled project and don’t have a cable needle on hand? Don’t fret; you can cross your stitches without using a separate needle! Here’s how to do it. I’m going to cross the two right stitches over…
Over the years, I’ve met a lot of yarncrafters, young and old, who’ve told me, “I knit/crochet, but I only make scarves.” But what I want to tell these yarncrafters is, if you know how to make a scarf, you probably already know how to make throws, hoods–even garments! All you need are your scarf-making…
With all the available patterns for hats, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Do you want a simple beanie or brimmed hat? Or would you prefer a soft tam, elegant cloche or make-a-statement beret? Use these tips and you’re sure to pick an excellent hat that’s perfect for you….
Stylish hats are excellent, thoughtful gifts for kids of all ages. These 4 projects to knit and crochet are clever and fashionable hats for kids worthy of any children’s boutique; only these are easy to make yourself. Try the hints below to make each hat special for each child in your life. The ‘Totally Tubular’…
Stitch markers are essential tools to crocheters and knitters alike. They can be used to mark a certain number of stitches, the beginning of a round, where to make a particular stitch, and more. Patterns often call for stitch markers with the abbreviations “pm” (place marker) and “sm” (slip marker). It’s important to note that…
Whether you’re making a whimsical flower accessory or reinforcing a potholder, the felting process creates many new worlds of fun and function. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy, even for a beginner! Before you begin, check out our video with an introduction to felting. You’ll learn about how the felting process works, what kinds of…
Potholders are like the “beach books” of yarncrafting. They’re quick to finish, require little concentration, and — with all the possibilities for color and shape — super fun! But if you don’t choose your materials and design carefully, that potholder could become a pot-sticker — or worse, fail to protect your hands from the heat….
Socks are the perfect project for spring and summer. They’re small enough to be portable, so you can work on them everywhere from the subway to the beach. Best of all, you won’t have a lot of yarn resting on your lap, so you can keep cool while crafting! Here are 4 tips for you…
There are plenty of simple, beautiful ways to personalize your yarn crafting, even if you are a true beginner! Here’s our top five list: Embroidery: Adding personal details like names or initials with embroidery is an easy way to make simple baby blankets or ring-bearer pillows into a priceless family heirlooms! Check out our step-by-step…
After a long time contemplating weaving (and even giving a back-strap loom a few passes of the shuttle), I finally took the time to set up and get going on a Cricket Loom. I thought I’d share a few pictures and tips from my first attempts at weaving. 1. Set up with a friend. It…
Slippers are popular winter projects for both crocheters and knitters. However, the soles of handmade slippers can be, well, slippery. Here are a few ideas for making your slipper soles non-skid. Pre-made soles. Our suede soles are durable and warm. They also add some traction to your slippers. You can also find leather soles or…
I love the versatility of dark clothing and accessories. As a yarncrafter, I am often drawn to rich, deep shades. However, it can be very difficult to see your stitches. Here are 5 easy tips that I use to make knitting and crocheting with dark yarns a success. 1. Select the right pattern. Pattern selection…
