Books and tools ·
5 Tools to Keep Your Hand Knits Looking New
Tools for caring for hand knits, from a fabric shaver and no-rinse wool wash to a flat sweater dryer, cedar sachets, elbow patches and storage bags.
Knitspiration
Articles
October 2026
Yarn ·
Tweed: The yarn that got its name by mistake
Tweed yarn gets its flecks from neps spun into the wool, and this piece covers how the name began, the pros and cons, and five tweeds we like.
September 2026
Books and tools ·
5 Tools to Keep Your Colorwork From Tangling
Tools that keep colorwork yarn from tangling, from a turning wheel and yarn holders to a belt for center-pull balls, plus a color card for Fair Isle.
Technique ·
The secret to mastering 2-Color Brioche Knitting
Two-color brioche knitting is reversible, squishy and free of floats, and I share what makes it tricky and why learning it in the round helps.
Yarn ·
Why worsted weight is the Perfect work horse yarn
Worsted weight yarn is a CYC #4 at 4 to 5 stitches per inch, and I cover its origin, how it differs from Aran, and five worsted yarns we love.
Technique ·
To Seam or NOT to Seam? That is the Question
Four designers argue for seamed and seamless sweaters, and I share a ten-second way to decide which one to knit for your next sweater.
Books and tools ·
5 Famous Movie and TV Knitting Books
Five knitting books of patterns from favorite movies and shows, including Outlander, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Gilmore Girls.
History ·
How the Bicycle Shaped the Modern Sweater
Knitting historian Elizabeth Lovick told me the bicycle helped make sweaters everyday clothing for women, so I dug into the history of sweaters.
June 2026
Yarn ·
The Clever Construction of Chainette Yarn
Chainette yarn is built like a tiny knitted cord with air inside, so it feels light and soft, and here is where it works and five to try.
May 2026
Patterns ·
5 Totally Cool Tank Top Knitting Patterns
Knitted tank top patterns for summer, from lace tanks and a made-to-measure staple to a textured top with chevron eyelets.
Yarn ·
5 of our FAVORITE Summertime Yarns from KnitPicks
Five summer yarns from KnitPicks, from cotton dishcloth yarn to a merino and pima blend, plus a bonus cotton and modal yarn for a lace tee.
Mindset ·
The Key to Freedom for a Fearless Knitter
Knitting from principles instead of written patterns gives you real choices, so you can change the yarn, fit or shape without getting stuck.
Books and tools ·
5 Beautiful Knitted Bag Patterns
Five knitted bag patterns for summer, from a cherry colorwork tote to a drawstring bag and a sturdy everyday bag for markets, beaches and trips.
Patterns ·
5 Fun Sock Patterns
Five unusual sock patterns that bring a smile, from socks knit entirely flat to a crocodile design, a clever slipper and patchwork house socks.
April 2026
Yarn ·
Our Favorite Yarn for Knitting Sweaters
Why I think a wool and cotton blend is the best yarn for knitting sweaters, and five wool cotton yarns similar to our own Zephyr.
Patterns ·
5 of our Favorite Raglan Sweater Patterns
Five raglan sweater patterns, from a marled pullover to a lace-seamed cardigan, that show how much you can do with the simple raglan shape.
Patterns ·
Why is this sweater breaking the internet, question?
The fox sweater in Project Hail Mary traces back to Mary Maxim and the Cowichan sweater, and its fame has knitters everywhere casting on.
March 2026
Patterns ·
5 Sophie Scarf Pattern Alternatives
Five neck scarf patterns to knit instead of the Sophie Scarf, from lace leaves and broken rib to classic ribbing and a Koigu ruffle.
January 2026
Yarn ·
Cloud Dancer: Yarn Color of the Year
Cloud Dancer is Pantone's white color of the year for 2026, and here is how to use white yarn in your knitting, with three worsted yarns that come close.
Books and tools ·
3 Essential Books Every Aspiring Sweater Knitter Should Own
Three sweater knitting books that teach construction, fit and customizing, so you understand why a sweater works, plus a bonus classic.
Technique ·
Why "Complicated" Knitting Projects Are Simpler Than You Think
Most knitting projects are built from simple shapes like rectangles, triangles and tubes, and seeing those shapes makes a complicated pattern feel simple.
Technique ·
You Already Know How to Knit a Sweater
A basic sweater uses six skills you already know from hats and socks, so you are probably closer to knitting a sweater than you think.
Technique ·
Your brain lies to you about cables (and other "hard" knitting techniques)
Cables, Estonian lace, short rows and stranded colorwork look hard, but each is one simple move repeated, and this shows what these techniques really are.
August 2025
Patterns ·
3 Lessons from Chatting with Anne Hanson
Three lessons from a conversation with Anne Hanson on choosing wool by breed, swatching with purpose and why lace knitting is easier than it looks.
Technique ·
Do you really need to knit a gauge swatch?
A gauge swatch helps you get to know your yarn, practice new stitches and save time, and it is the first step toward knitting without a pattern.
May 2025
Books and tools ·
5 Marvelous Movie and TV Knitting Books
Five knitting pattern books based on movies and TV, from Lord of the Rings and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Outlander, for fans who want to knit them.
March 2025
Patterns ·
360 Quick Knitting Patterns?!
Five favorites from the 60 Quick Knits book series, from beginner projects and cowls to baby knits and blanket squares, plus a bonus pick.
February 2025
Patterns ·
Should you try to change (or adapt) a sweater pattern to fit you?
Why adapting a sweater pattern is risky for newer knitters, and why a percentage sweater is an easier way to get a sweater that fits.
Yarn ·
Affordable Sweater Yarn Options
Affordable sweater yarn for budget knitters, with how to choose by weight and fiber, how much yarn a sweater takes and five picks with skein counts.
January 2025
Yarn ·
Mocha Mousse: Yarn Color of the Year
Pantone chose Mocha Mousse as its 2025 color of the year, and here is how to pair this warm brown with other yarn colors, plus three yarns to try.
December 2024
Books and tools ·
7 Knitting Books that Make Great Gifts
Knitting books to give as gifts, matched to the knitter, from a first book for a beginner and a colorwork stitch dictionary to socks, sweaters and memoir.
October 2024
Technique ·
Brioche: Like knitting a cozy cloud
Two-color brioche knitting is reversible, double sided and squishy, and I think it is much easier to learn in the round than when knitting flat.
Technique ·
5 Colorwork Knitting Techniques You've Never Heard Of
Five colorwork knitting techniques you may not know, from typographic and Twigg stitch knitting to bargello, fusion and fission, and roosimine.
Mindset ·
I SHOULD be able to knit this!
Why the word should can make knitting harder, and three better ways to talk to yourself when a project like a second sock feels tough.
History ·
The History and Legacy of Bohus Stickning
Bohus Stickning is a Swedish stranded colorwork style born in the 1930s, and this is its history from the Great Depression through its revival.
September 2024
Technique ·
3 Ways to swatch when knitting in the round
Three ways to swatch for knitting in the round, so your gauge reflects knit stitches only, using a tube, a speed swatch or a fake in the round swatch.
Books and tools ·
7 Books to level up your Colorwork Knitting
Seven colorwork knitting books, from a broad overview and short row stitch patterns to mosaic, marls, stranded motifs and charts.
Technique ·
Tvåändsstickning: Knitting from both ends in Sweden
Tvåändsstickning, or twined knitting, twists two strands of yarn on every stitch to make warm, waterproof colorwork mittens, slippers and coats.
August 2024
Books and tools ·
What is Norwegian knitting?
Norwegian knitting is continental style worked with a Norwegian purl, and I introduce it through Arne and Carlos with a video of how they knit.
History ·
How many ways are there to knit?
A quick guide to six ways to knit, from English and Continental to Portuguese and lever knitting, and why you can mix methods.
History ·
What knitting and video games have in common
Struggling with brioche, cables or magic loop socks is a skill issue, not a failing, and a video game idea shows why more practice is the fix.
Yarn ·
How to get luxury yarn at thrift store prices
A video from Engineering Knits that tests how easy it really is to unravel a thrift store sweater and get luxury yarn from it.
Technique ·
What is a Latvian braid?
The Latvian braid twists yarns into a horizontal row of arrows, often seen on mittens and hats, with a tutorial link and two Latvian-inspired picks.
Technique ·
Fair Isle or Intarsia? Which is better?
Fair Isle and intarsia compared, covering how each colorwork technique works, their pros and cons, and whether you can knit Fair Isle flat.
Technique ·
Why STEEKING makes everyone nervous
Steeking means cutting your knitting on purpose, and this covers how a steek is reinforced, where it began in Shetland, and its benefits and drawbacks.
July 2024
Technique ·
What is Shadow Knitting?
Shadow knitting, also called illusion knitting, hides an image in striped fabric, and here are how it works, its history and how to read the charts.
June 2024
Yarn ·
The Raw Truth About Undyed Yarn
Undyed yarn shows the natural colors of wool, alpaca and cotton, and this piece weighs its pros and cons and shares five undyed yarns we love.
Patterns ·
5 Pattern Friday: Strictly Stripes
Striped knitting patterns that use stripes in new ways, from a triangle bandana and a two-way scarf to seamless-stripe hats and a cropped rainbow sweater.
Technique ·
What the Heck is Helix Knitting?
Helix knitting, or helical stripes, lets you knit stripes in the round with no jog by working two or more spirals, and suits socks, hats and scarves.
Yarn ·
The Simplicity of Self-Striping Yarn
Self-striping yarn makes stripes without changing colors, and this piece covers how to knit with it, what suits it, and five yarns we like.
Mindset ·
When Should You Restart a Knitting Project?
Three good reasons to restart a knitting project are a yarn you can't stand, a pattern you dislike, or a big mistake, though you can often fix it instead.
May 2024
Patterns ·
You don't need a knitting pattern
Knitting without a pattern is possible once you know the basic shapes of hats, shawls and sweaters, and these books and a website teach those shapes.
Books and tools ·
7 Books to Level Up Your Sweater Knitting Skills
Sweater knitting books for knitters who like to customize, from top-down and side-to-side construction to Norwegian, gansey and Alice Starmore designs.
April 2024
Technique ·
5 Reasons Sweaters are the BEST Knitting Project Ever
Five reasons to knit a sweater, even in spring and summer, from the skills it builds and the patience it teaches to what it costs.
Books and tools ·
7 Books About The Life of Being a Knitter (and similar topics)
Seven knitting books that are not how-to guides, from memoir and essays to American knitting history and a year following wool across Britain.
March 2024
Technique ·
4 Keys to Master Knitting From Charts
Four tips for knitting from charts, from reading the basics to thinking in stitch blocks, plus three books and tools to practice with.
Yarn ·
What exactly is Lace weight yarn?
Lace weight yarn is the thinnest of the eight yarn weights, and this piece covers its gauge, needles, fibers, best uses and five yarns we like.
Patterns ·
5 Drop Stitch Patterns to Knit This Spring
Five drop stitch patterns for spring, from a shawl to a lace crop top and a necklace, that give a lacy look without a complicated lace chart.
Technique ·
Discovering the Daring Delight of Knitting Drop Stitches
Drop stitch knitting makes light, airy fabric from extra yarn wraps, and this covers the basics plus wavy, crown and Indian cross stitch variations.
Books and tools ·
5 Essential Tools for Blocking Your Knits
Five tools that make blocking your knits easier, from foam boards and blocking wires to wool wash, sock forms and a steamer, plus a bonus kit.
Technique ·
Knitting Increases You've Never Heard Of
Four newly invented knitting increases from Assia Brill, including the Twincrease and T-Increase, for symmetrical shaping in raglan sweaters and lace.
Books and tools ·
5 Knitting Bags To Better Organize Your Projects
Five knitting bags for organizing projects, from yarn organizers and needle roll bags to a waxed canvas tote and a leather bag, plus a sewing pattern.
Patterns ·
5 FREE Shawl Patterns to Prepare for Springtime
Five free shawl patterns for spring, from a one-skein sock yarn design to a Purl Soho wrap and a complex lace shawl, with notes on each.
February 2024
Technique ·
Knitting Decreases You've Never Heard Of
Three knitting decreases you may not know, an alternate SSK, a ribbed double decrease and a centered single decrease, plus why decreases shape garments.
Mindset ·
More hand care tips from our knitting community
More hand care for knitters, from Udderly Smooth and Bag Balm to liquid bandage, as recommended by members of our knitting community.
Books and tools ·
7 Books To Better Understand Your Yarn
Books for understanding yarn, from fiber and wool guides to yarn substitution, spinning and the story of a 676-pound bale of wool, plus a bonus on stash.
Technique ·
Is knitting cables really that hard?
Every cable knitting pattern comes down to swapping stitches, and six simple choices decide how a cable looks, so cables are easier than they seem.
Books and tools ·
7 Products to Care for Your Precious Knitting Hands
Seven products to care for knitting hands, from a grip trainer and wrist brace to lanolin cream and an emery board, all ones knitters recommend.
Mindset ·
What makes you a Fearless Knitter?
Becoming a fearless knitter means practicing until mistakes stop scaring you, and a simple swatch exercise with the needles removed is a good start.
Patterns ·
5 Valentines Day Project to Make Your Heart Happy
Valentine's Day knitting patterns with heart motifs, from a cabled heart beanie and a Fair Isle hat to a double knit blanket and duplicate stitch mitts.
History ·
The 10 Levels of Knitting Mastery (Part 3 of 3)
The last part of my Knit Rank system for knitting skill levels asks whether levels help, then covers levels 8 to 10, up to an intarsia cardigan.
Books and tools ·
Putting Together the Perfect Knitting Bag
My perfect knitting bag, from a roomy craft bag and interchangeable needles to a gauge ruler, repair hook and needle extension tubes.
Technique ·
The Truth About Twisted Knitting Stitches
A twist stitch is a two-stitch mock cable and a twisted stitch is worked through the back loop, so here is how each is done and used.
Yarn ·
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPER Bulky yarn!
Super bulky yarn is a Craft Yarn Council #6 weight, and here is how it differs from jumbo, what it suits, and seven favorites for quick knits.
January 2024
Yarn ·
The fascinating facets of the diamond fiber: Mohair
Mohair yarn comes from the Angora goat and gives a high sheen and soft halo, and here are its history, pros and cons, and seven mohair yarns we like.
Patterns ·
7 Happy Hat Patterns To Make You Smile
Watch cap patterns you can knit in a weekend, from a bulky spiral rib beanie to cables, twisted stitches and self-striping yarn, with a short hat history.
Mindset ·
There's no right way to knit
It is fine to change a knitting pattern, from the cast on to the sleeve length, and I share why the only test is whether you like the result.
Books and tools ·
Seeing the light: Best craft lamps for knitting
Five craft lamps for knitting, from a neck light to floor and desk lamps, chosen for different budgets because good light makes knitting easier.
Technique ·
Knitting Slipped Stitches & 5 Ways To Use Them
Five ways to use slipped stitches in knitting, from slipping knitwise or purlwise to selvedge edges, mosaic colorwork and the bamboo stitch.
Yarn ·
What is Single Ply Yarn?
Single ply yarn is soft, warm and quick to knit, but it can pill and slant, so here is what to expect, plus five single ply yarns we like.
Patterns ·
5 Wonderful Winter Scarf Knitting Patterns
Why a winter scarf builds muscle memory for a new knitting style, with a short history of the scarf and a gradient mosaic pattern to try.
Technique ·
Fix your ribbing with these knitting tips
Four ways to fix sloppy ribbing by tightening the slack between knit and purl stitches, from tugging your purls to the after slip rib.
Books and tools ·
7 Books to boost your knitting knowledge
Knitting reference books that cover many kinds of knitting, from a Vogue encyclopedia and a troubleshooting guide to books on finishing and yarn.
Technique ·
The 10 Levels of Knitting Mastery (Part 2)
Part two of my Knit Rank system for knitting skill levels, covering levels 4 to 7, from a striped hat to cabled mittens and a raglan sweater.
Yarn ·
Is BULKY yarn the best for beginner knitters?
Bulky yarn is a Craft Yarn Council #5 weight, and here are its pros and cons for beginners, plus five bulky yarns we like.
Patterns ·
5 Quick knitted headband patterns
Quick knitted headband patterns from beginner ribbing to cables, lace and smocking, with six reasons a headband makes a great first project.
Books and tools ·
The simple beauty of knits and purls
Knit and purl stitches alone make rib, seed stitch, moss stitch and seersucker, and these charts show how small changes give each fabric its texture.
Books and tools ·
5 Books of Projects to Knit Year Round
Five knitting books of seasonal projects for planning a year of knitting, plus a simple way to choose one big project and six new patterns.
Books and tools ·
The Problem with Knitting Skill Levels Today
Knitting skill levels have no agreed standard, so I propose a ten-level Knit Rank borrowed from karate belts and walk through the first three.
Yarn ·
The quiet luxury of cashmere yarn
Cashmere yarn is the obvious choice for quiet luxury knitting, with its history, pros and cons, and three blends with just a touch of cashmere.
Patterns ·
7 Blanket Patterns That Take 365 Days To Knit
Seven year long blanket knitting projects, from a block a month to a stitch calendar and a temperature blanket, plus why long projects help your knitting.
Technique ·
The MOST important knitting skill of ALL time
Reading your knitting, from telling knits from purls to counting stitches and rows, is the one skill I think every knitter needs to master.
Yarn ·
Peach Fuzz: Yarn Color of the Year
Pantone chose Peach Fuzz as its 2024 color of the year, and here is how to pair it with other colors, with three patterns and seven yarns to try.
Mindset ·
Should you have a knitting goal in 2024?
Five steps for setting a knitting goal you will finish, seen through Adrienne Martini's year-long quest to knit the Mary Tudor jacket.
December 2023
Books and tools ·
Christmas Gift Ideas Knitter will LOVE!
Seven Christmas gift ideas for knitters who already have plenty of yarn, including Addi Flexiflips, blocking mats, wool wash and knitting graph paper.
History ·
Donate to these 5 Knitting Charities this Holiday Season
Five knitting charities that take handmade items or donations, from Knots of Love hats to Knitted Knockers, with picks from our readers.
Yarn ·
The life changing magic of Merino wool
Merino wool is soft and warm for a reason, and this piece explains how its fine fibers keep you dry, plus five merino yarns we like.
Books and tools ·
5 Knitting Novels for the Christmas Season
Five Christmas knitting novels, from a mitten murder collection to a snowy yarn shop story in New York, for curling up with by the fire.
Patterns ·
5 Beautiful Beret Knitting Patterns for Fall
Five beret knitting patterns for fall, from a striped Parisian style to mock cables, mosaic colorwork and a Fair Isle tam.
November 2023
Technique ·
7 Stretches to Soothe Knitters Hands
Seven simple stretches for knitters' hands that take under three minutes and can ease tension and pain before and after a knitting session.
Books and tools ·
5 Christmas Decoration Knitting Books
Five Christmas knitting books full of stockings, ornaments, mini knits and a nativity, good for using up scrap yarn and making small gifts.
Technique ·
The myth of getting gauge
Matching gauge is harder than patterns suggest, so here are three reasons a gauge swatch won't match and why swatching is still worth your time.
August 2023
Patterns ·
5 Bubbly bobble filled knitting patterns
Five bobble knitting patterns, from a textured cowl and flower-band socks to a baby blanket, a big wrap and a sweater with a lace yoke.
Technique ·
What is an Estonian nupp?
The Estonian nupp is a bobble stitch from Haapsalu lace shawls, and here is how it began, why it is hard to purl together, and two tips for knitting it.
Books and tools ·
⬢ Hexagon shaped knitting needles?
Hexagonal knitting needles feel like a pencil in the hand, and this covers their benefits plus two American makers, Indian Lake and Brick House.
Technique ·
4 Types of Advanced Knitting Stitches
Four types of advanced knitting stitches, wrapped, clustered, gathered and threaded, with examples of each and what makes them tricky.
Technique ·
Barbara G. Walker: Master of Knitting Innovation
A tribute to Barbara G. Walker, who changed how knitters build garments with Knitting from the Top and her Treasury of Knitting Patterns books.
Books and tools ·
Even MORE knitting mystery books to unravel
Five more cozy knitting mystery book series, from a sweater shop to a yarn retreat, for readers who like their murders with a side of knitting.
Books and tools ·
Who do you knit for?
Knitting a blanket for my son's birthday made me think about the love in every stitch, and about who you are knitting your own projects for.
Yarn ·
What is sport weight yarn?
Sport weight yarn knits at about six stitches per inch, and this covers its needle sizes, fibers and best projects, plus seven yarns we love.
Patterns ·
5 Knit Poncho Patterns To Finish Off Summer
Five poncho knitting patterns for cooler summer evenings, from garter stitch and tweed colorwork to lattice lace, lighter than a sweater.
Technique ·
7 Things I WISH I knew when I started knitting
Advice for new knitters from my own start in 2010, on cast ons, circular needles, charts, Continental style, sweaters, yarn buying and daily habit.
Yarn ·
Acrylic: Not Your Grandma's Yarn Anymore
Acrylic yarn has improved a lot, and this covers how it is made, its pros and cons, what to knit with it and five favorites from budget to luxurious.
Mindset ·
5 Ways to Contribute to the Knitting Community
Five ways to give back to the knitting community, from sharing what you know and teaching someone to knit to donating projects and supporting designers.
Mindset ·
Fostering Your Creative Spirit
Creative knitting is more than designing patterns, from holding mohair with your yarn to swapping a bind off, plus how we foster it here.
Mindset ·
Crafting A Curious Mind
How I try to foster curiosity in knitters through this newsletter, from a childhood question book series to the knitting topics we cover.
July 2023
Mindset ·
Why The Yarnist Exists
A fearless knitter is defined by approach, not skill, and I explain the three traits of curiosity, creativity and contribution behind The Yarnist.
Patterns ·
5 Striped Shawl Patterns We Absolutely LOVE
Five striped shawl patterns that play with color and texture, from a short-row wrap and a mosaic shawl to garter stitch asymmetry and brioche.
History ·
Knitting or Crochet: Which is better?
Knitting or crochet, and where each does best, with knitting ahead for garments, texture and stranded colorwork and crochet ahead for lace and blankets.
Books and tools ·
Yarn Winders: Are they worth it?
A yarn winder, swift and yardage counter save time and winding fees, and I explain why setting up your own yarn winding station is probably worth it.
Mindset ·
Why every knitter should learn to crochet
Knitters who learn to crochet get easier borders, stronger seams, a neat crochet cast on, granny squares and a simpler way to fix a dropped stitch.
Patterns ·
5 Barbie Inspired Knitting Patterns
Five Barbie inspired knitting patterns, from a chevron cowl to doll hats and a mermaid tail, in honor of the doll's long history with knitting.
Books and tools ·
5 Knitting Memoirs You Didn’t Know You Needed
Five knitting memoirs and books about knitting that are not pattern books, from an epic sweater quest to essays by writers and a crafting story.
Yarn ·
3 Tips for choosing the PERFECT yarn color
Three tips for choosing yarn color that suits you, from seasonal color analysis to your personality and style, including texture and luster.
Yarn ·
Which yarn is better? Gradient or Variegated
Gradient yarn has slow color changes that suit most projects, while variegated yarn can pool, so this compares them and shares five gradient yarns we love.
History ·
The Clever Creativity of Color Block Knitting
Color block knitting splits a garment into big sections of color, and I trace its path from Mondrian to Yves Saint Laurent to today's knitwear.
Books and tools ·
5 MORE knitting mystery series to keep you guessing
Five more cozy knitting mystery series set in yarn shops, from Maryland to New Zealand, for readers who have finished the first list.
Technique ·
Growing a garden of knitting skills
Knitting skills grow like a garden, and I use my neglected community garden plot to show why daily practice, community and patience build a knitter.
Patterns ·
5 Patriotic Knitting Patterns for Independence Day
Five patriotic knitting patterns for Independence Day, from a flag pullover and a Team USA hat to Fair Isle flag socks and a lace shawl.
June 2023
Patterns ·
5 Beautiful beaded knitting patterns
Five bead knitting patterns to try after learning the technique, from a cabled hat and a beginner headband to bead jewelry, a lace shawl and a tee.
Technique ·
What does it mean to "FROG" your knitting?
To frog your knitting means ripping it out, and I cover three reasons to do it and why mistakes and starting over are worth embracing.
Books and tools ·
Essential tools to start knitting with beads
The tools you need to start knitting with beads, from seed beads and a small crochet hook to a beading needle and bead spinner, plus a book of 16 projects.
Books and tools ·
5 MORE Knitting YouTube channels to watch
Five more knitting YouTube channels worth subscribing to, covering stitch tutorials, advanced techniques and historical knitting from the 1800s on.
Yarn ·
A luxury yarn made by worms?
Silk yarn from its history and how it is made to its strengths, drawbacks and the debate over killing silkworms, plus five silk yarns we like.
Patterns ·
5 patterns to knit around the campfire
Five campfire knitting patterns for summer nights, from a plaid intarsia hat and a stranded cowl to cabled mitts and a shawl-collar sweater.
History ·
What is Jaanipäev?
Jaanipäev is the Estonian midsummer holiday, and I describe the bonfires, grilling, dancing and sauna that mark it where I now live.
Books and tools ·
5 Books about why knitting matters
Five books about why knitting matters, from essay collections and wool history to funny reflections, none of them how-to books and all good reading.
Technique ·
How to measure gauge for knitted lace
Three tips for measuring gauge on knitted lace, from making a big swatch and blocking it to measuring full pattern repeats instead of four inches.
History ·
Great Knitting Advice from Dad
Three bits of fatherly advice that fit knitting, on learning from everyone, measuring progress against yourself and not chasing every opportunity.
Books and tools ·
5 Books About Knitting for Men
Five books about knitting for men, with my honest take on which are worth owning and the one book where I would wear every project.
History ·
How knitting began the industrial revolution
Three inventors who improved the knitting machine, from the Derby rib to circular and sock machines, and why that left hand knitting free to be a pleasure.
History ·
This English clergyman invented a new way of knitting
William Lee invented the stocking frame to mimic hand knitting, and this is how it fared with Queen Elizabeth I, in France and after his death.
History ·
How men changed the history of knitting
A short history of knitting that credits men's need for tools and clothing with creating the craft, and the men-only guilds that followed.
Mindset ·
Why more men should learn to knit
I give three reasons more men should learn to knit, from the need to build to managing stress, and why it is a skill worth admiring.
Patterns ·
5 knitted shirts to make this summer
Five knitted shirt patterns for summer, from simple lace tops and a tunic to a tee with cascading lace, plus a bonus pick with a lace yoke.
History ·
World Wide Knit In Public Day
World Wide Knit in Public Day falls on the second Saturday in June, and it grew from 25 events in 2005 to over 1,000 in more than 50 countries.
Books and tools ·
Are Square Knitting Needles Better?
Square knitting needles have made my hands more comfortable and my stitches more even, and here are four brands to try, from Kollage to Addi.
Yarn ·
Can you knit with Wool in summer?
Knitting with wool in summer works if you choose merino, which wicks moisture and spins fine, plus five lightweight merino yarns we like.
Patterns ·
These summer sweater patterns won't make you sweat
Five lace and lightweight summer sweater patterns, from an eyelet cardigan in 10 sizes to a sideways-knit pullover, for staying cool while you knit.
History ·
Just keep going...
I'm training for a marathon and a scarf-knitting record, and it's a reminder to keep going on a hard knitting project like a sock heel.
May 2023
Books and tools ·
5 Knitting mystery books to unravel this winter
Five cozy knitting mystery series set around yarn shops and knitting clubs, from Colorado to a vampire knitting club in Oxford, for readers who also knit.
History ·
How the Red Cross changed knitting forever
How the Red Cross used standardized patterns, set needle sizes and approved yarn colors to change knitting for soldiers during World War 1.
Patterns ·
Spring clean with these 5 washcloth pattern
Five fast washcloth patterns for spring, from a cabled sunburst to a mosaic ballband dishcloth, good for practicing techniques and using up stash.
Technique ·
4 keys to getting started with knitted charts
Four simple tips for knitting from charts, from reading the basics to starting with a symmetrical pattern and printing your chart out.
Books and tools ·
5 Tools to tackle chart knitting
Tools for chart knitting, from a book on reading charts and magnetic pattern holders to a line magnifier, knitting graph paper and a tracking app.
History ·
It's ok to make changes to your knitting
It's fine to change a knitting pattern, from swapping a bind off or heel technique to shortening sleeves, when the result works for you.
Yarn ·
Hemp Yarn: The *Other* Plant Fiber
Hemp yarn is strong, absorbent and resistant to mildew but rough and inelastic, and this covers what to knit with it and four hemp blends we like.
Patterns ·
5 Lace Shawl Patterns for Spring
Five lace shawl patterns for spring, from an easy-to-memorize garter and lace shawl to a two-direction design for more advanced knitters.
Technique ·
How to save your knitting from disaster
A lifeline is a strand of waste yarn run through a row of stitches, and here is how to add one so a mistake in lace or brioche is easy to fix.
Books and tools ·
5 Books to Level Up Your Lace Knitting
Five lace knitting books for knitters ready to advance, from stitch collections and lace around the world to one-skein and bulky yarn projects.
Technique ·
Did you know there are 4 ways to Yarn Over?
There are four ways to work a yarn over, depending on whether you move from knit or purl stitches, and here is how to make each one.
Yarn ·
What is Lace yarn?
Lace yarn is the thinnest category, CYC #0, and this short guide covers its gauge, needle sizes, common fibers, best projects and four yarns we like.
Patterns ·
5 One skein stash busting knitting patterns
Five one-skein knitting patterns for orphaned stash yarn, from a Purl Soho cowl and a slip stitch headband to garter stitch mitts and slipper socks.
Yarn ·
5 Clever Yarn Storage Ideas
Five clever yarn storage ideas, one for each kind of stash from project yarn and single skeins to scraps, plus a tip for protecting wool.
Yarn ·
The life changing magic of organizing yarn
Three lessons from Marie Kondo's tidying book for sorting your yarn stash, plus where to send the skeins you decide to let go.
Technique ·
5 Inspirational knitting quotes to warm your soul
Knitting quotes from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the Yarn Harlot, on why knitters knit, patience and mistakes, shared to lift your spirits.
Yarn ·
Pima Cotton: Longer, Better, Softer, Stronger
Pima cotton has long fibers that make yarn softer and stronger than regular cotton, and here is where it comes from, with five pima yarns we love.
Patterns ·
5 Knitted tops to make this spring
Five knitted top patterns for spring, from a striped raglan tee and sideways garter stitch to a lace raglan and an intarsia tee.
History ·
Linen: An ancient, forgotten fiber
Linen yarn is strong, breathable and cool for warm weather knitting, but it is pricey and usually blended, with five linen yarns we love.
April 2023
Technique ·
3 little known knitting techniques
Three little known knitting techniques I found while researching, tuck stitch knitting, fusion and fission knitting, and Estonian roosimine inlay.
Books and tools ·
10 Knitting Books We Absolutely LOVE
Ten favorite knitting books from two knitters on the Yarn Talk podcast, from stitch dictionaries to a classic on fearless sweater knitting.
Mindset ·
What is a Yarnist?
A Yarnist is anyone who loves to play with yarn, and this manifesto, drawn from talking with thousands of knitters, says what we believe about knitting.
Mindset ·
These 7 yarns will spice up your springtime
Seven warm-weather yarns for spring knitting, mostly cotton, from upcycled denim to printed fabric strips, each with a note on why it is interesting.
Mindset ·
Avoid these 5 mistakes for sock knitting success
Five common sock knitting mistakes and how to avoid them, from the wrong yarn, a loose gauge and the wrong size to second sock syndrome.
History ·
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Learning to look at your knitting and know what to do takes time, so try something, rip it out if it fails, and remember how far you have come.
Books and tools ·
5 Unique Sock Knitting Books
Five sock knitting books with unusual approaches, from building your own sock from mix-and-match parts to knitting socks flat on straight needles.
Technique ·
Cat Bordhi: Sock Knitting Trailblazer
A profile of Cat Bordhi, who changed sock knitting with socks worked from the heel out on two circular needles, with how I met her and her legacy.
Yarn ·
7 More Delicious Sock Yarns
Seven more sock yarns for hand knitters, from a matched gradient set to a wool-free bamboo blend, a silk blend and a worsted-weight stripe.
Patterns ·
Which is better: Toe Up or Cuff Down?
This note points you to a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of toe up and cuff down sock knitting on the A Bee In The Bonnet blog.
Technique ·
The Anatomy of a Knitted Sock
A diagram and plain guide to the parts of a knitted sock, from cuff and leg to gusset, heel flap, instep, sole and toe, so sock patterns make sense.
Books and tools ·
5 Tools That Will Level Up Your Sock Knitting
Five tools for sock knitting, from bendable needles and stitch markers to a sock ruler and sock blockers, that make a pair easier to finish.
Books and tools ·
5 Essential Sock Knitting Books
Five sock knitting books, from customizing the fit and knitting two socks at a time to choosing the right yarn, plus a bonus pick on colorful socks.
Yarn ·
What makes Sock Yarn so special?
Sock yarn is fingering weight wool and nylon with plenty of twist and plies, and this explains why it wears and washes well, with five to try.
Patterns ·
What the 🤬 is an "Advanced Beginner"?!
Calling yourself an advanced beginner sells you short, since knowing how to knit a sock makes you an intermediate knitter, whatever it feels like.
Patterns ·
What makes a knitting pattern "hard?"
A hard knitting pattern comes down to time to knit, pattern complexity and finishing details, with three genuinely difficult patterns as examples.
Books and tools ·
5 Essential Knitting Stitch Dictionaries
Five stitch dictionaries worth owning, from the classic Barbara G. Walker treasury and a Japanese stitch bible to modern colorwork and in the round books.
Yarn ·
The Benefits of Bamboo Yarn
Bamboo yarn is soft, breathable and good for warm weather, but it is processed, stretches and costs more, with five bamboo yarns we like.
Technique ·
Mosaic Knitting: Colorwork made easy
Mosaic knitting is an easy way into colorwork using slipped stitches, one color at a time and no floats, with books and sites to learn from.
March 2023
Books and tools ·
7 Knitting Podcasts Worth A Listen
Seven knitting podcasts, from audio chat to long designer interviews on YouTube, for knitters who like company while they work.
Books and tools ·
7 Books Every Knitter Needs In Their Library
Seven knitting books worth owning, from a technique encyclopedia and stitch dictionary to books on yarn, colorwork, charts and knitting without a pattern.
History ·
7 Knitting Blogs That Will Level Up Your Skills
Seven knitting blogs for deeper technique, from TECHknitting and Nimble Needles to Tin Can Knits and PieceWork Magazine.
Technique ·
Do you follow these 9 inspiring Instagram accounts?
Nine Instagram accounts for knitters to follow, from indie dyers and colorwork and mitten designers to Purl Soho and a pair of dogs in sweaters.
Books and tools ·
Why you should watch these 5 Knitting YouTube channels
Five knitting YouTube channels are worth a subscribe, from clear technique tutorials to designer videos, plus a bonus pick for advanced techniques.
Technique ·
Use these 5 tricks to improve your cast ons and bind offs
Five tricks for cleaner cast ons and bind offs, from casting on over two needles to the infinite long tail and a neat last bound-off stitch.
Technique ·
3 Beautiful Decorative Bind Offs
Three decorative bind offs for finishing a project with more personality, the two color, picot and Icelandic bind off, each with a video tutorial.
Technique ·
These 3 Cast Ons are PURRRFECT for Ribbing
Three cast ons for ribbing, the Italian tubular, alternating cable and 1x1 rib, with notes on what each does best and a tutorial for each.
Technique ·
These Cast Ons & Bind Offs go together like Milk and Cookies!
Three cast on and bind off pairs that match, from the crochet cast on with the suspended bind off to long tail with a sewn bind off, plus I-cord.
Technique ·
5 Cast Ons Every Knitter Should Know
Five cast ons every knitter should know, from the backward loop to the Italian cast on, and what each one is best for in your projects.
Books and tools ·
Wood or Metal? Which knitting needles are better?
Wood and metal knitting needles each have strengths, and this compares their types, pros and cons so you can pick what suits your hands and yarn.
Technique ·
How Hazel Tindall Knits 262 Stitches in 3 Minutes
How Shetland knitting with a knitting belt let Hazel Tindall beat a world record, and how to try lever style knitting with circular needles.
Technique ·
Why THIS Irish knitting method is the FASTEST
Irish cottage knitting, also called lever knitting, is a very fast hand knitting style, and this covers its history, how it works and its benefits.
Technique ·
These 3 things will make you a faster knitter
Three ways to knit faster are raising your tempo, moving your hands less with Continental or lever knitting, and knitting every day to finish projects.
Yarn ·
Alpaca: The best wool alternative?
Alpaca yarn as an alternative to itchy wool, covering where it comes from, how it compares with merino, its drawbacks and six alpaca yarns to try.
February 2023
Technique ·
5 Types of Colorwork Knitting
Five types of colorwork knitting from beginner to advanced, from duplicate stitch and stripes to mosaic, Fair Isle and intarsia, with pros and cons.
January 2023
Technique ·
What is the stretchiest bind off?
The yarn over bind off is the stretchiest of 20 methods one knitter tested, but Lori's Twisty Bind Off is her pick for the best stretchy bind off overall.
Technique ·
Are store bought knits really cheaper?
Hand knitting a hat can cost about a third of a similar store-bought one, and that is one of three reasons I think knitting by hand is worth it.
Yarn ·
Our favorite yarn for sweater knitting [5 of 5]
There is no perfect yarn for sweater knitting, but wool and cotton blends come close, and here are three we like to end the series.
Yarn ·
Our Favorite Acrylic Yarns
Modern acrylic yarn is cheap, light and durable but can pill and hold moisture, and here are five acrylic yarns we like for sweaters.
Yarn ·
What is Cotton?
Cotton yarn is cool, strong and affordable but does not stretch or hold its shape, and this piece covers types, uses and five cotton yarns we like.
Yarn ·
Is wool the PERFECT sweater yarn? [2 of 5]
Wool yarn for sweaters regulates temperature and springs back into shape, but it costs more and can felt, with three wool yarns I like.
Yarn ·
Searching for the PERFECT sweater yarn [1 of 5]
Yarn weight decides how warm, drapey and fast a sweater will be, so this first of five parts helps you pick a weight for sweater yarn.
Patterns ·
What is the BEST Way To Substitute Yarn In A Pattern?
The best way to substitute yarn in a pattern is to match yards per gram, which beats the Craft Yarn Council weight numbers and works with any fiber.
Yarn ·
Jumbo Yarn: What exactly is it?
Jumbo yarn is the Craft Yarn Council size for six stitches or fewer per 4 inches, and I explain how arm knitting led to it and what it's good for.
Books and tools ·
Are Interchangeable Knitting Needles Worth The Money?
Interchangeable knitting needles are worth it, and here are five reasons why, plus the sets I recommend, from my favorite Addi Click to budget picks.
Technique ·
Up or Down? Which Sweater Construction is Best?
Top-down and bottom-up sweaters compared on fit, finishing and familiarity, so you can pick the construction that suits your next sweater.