Now that you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics of reading charts, here are a few more tips to make it even easier: If your chart is fairly simple, put each row of the chart on a separate notecard. You can then move the completed row to the back of the deck, and the next one…

Often, I’ll page through magazines thinking, “I could knit that!” But it wasn’t until recently, when I was paging through a catalog of fall fashions, that I decided to say, “I will knit that!” The sweater that caught my eye (click here to see it) is constructed in a way that I had never seen…

Remember when you first learned to knit or crochet? Every abbreviation felt new and confusing, but as you got used to them, they became familiar and easy to understand. Looking at knitting & crochet charts for the first time can inspire that same initial feeling of confusion and consternation, and it may seem easier just…

One of the best things about the yarncrafting community is the stories crafters share. This story comes from author and crafter extraordinaire Michelle Edwards. She relates how while watching her friend Monica (pictured at left with puppets of the Owl Glass Puppetry Center) deftly mend a sock, she learned more about her friend and about…

When it comes to scarves, blankets, and even hats, sizing is pretty straightforward. But when you’re ready for your first sweater, things get a little more complicated. You see, there are really two sets of sizing on lots of sweaters: S, M, L, etc. and then there are the actual measurements. The first type is…

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…

Picking the right yarn for your sock project can make all the difference! Here are some important factors to consider when selecting your yarn: Thickness. Socks made from fingering weight yarns like Sock-Ease or LB 1878 are thin enough to be comfortably worn inside of shoes. Yarns thicker than sport weight are ideal for making…

Welcome to the Raglan Mesh Cardigan Crochet-Along (CAL)! As an over-view, here’s what you can expect in the upcoming blog posts, which go up every Thursday: This week: Gauge! 7/14: Starting chain and raglan increases 7/21: Underarms and Body 7/28: Sleeves 8/4: Finishing and blocking – sweater is done! Some people will work a little ahead…

Left to right: Hanover Hat, Kildare Hoodie Pom-poms–you see them everywhere in yarncrafting, from the tops of skiing caps to the ends of hoodie ties. But have you ever wondered how to actually make one? Below, watch our video on how to choose the perfect pom-pom for every project. With endless combinations of color and…