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If I want a shoulder seam that looks flat on the outside and stays firm in wear, I use mattress stitch. It works best when I sew under the stitch bars just below the bind-off edge, line up both pieces...
Reversible cable knitting solves the problem of unattractive wrong sides by using ribbing instead of stockinette, making both sides of your project visually appealing. Perfect for scarves, blankets, and cowls, these cables can look identical on both sides or offer...
When time is short but you want to make something special, alpaca yarn is an excellent option for handmade gifts. It's soft, warm, and lightweight, making it perfect for cozy projects. This article highlights eight free patterns that are beginner-friendly...
We're often asked what the difference is between llamas and alpacas. Both llamas and alpacas are south american camelids and they are related but definitely not the same.
Here are 7 quick ways to tell the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama.
We love new Sueno yarn and hope you join us for the upcoming KAL featuring Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter!
We are pleased to participate in the the next Progressive Needles KAL, sponsored by skacel and hosted once again by Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter.
Looking to start knitting with alpaca yarn? Here's everything you need to know to get started. Alpaca yarn is soft, lightweight, and perfect for cozy projects, but its smooth texture requires specific tools and techniques. Why Alpaca Yarn? It's hypoallergenic,...
Like many of you, I was researching various masks to make for my friends and family and wanted one that could be made quickly, had a nice fit around the nose, and provided an option for a replaceable filter to provide a little more protection for myself and others nearby. So I fired up my sewing machine and started experimenting!
I finally came up with a mask that I was happy with, so I thought I'd share it.
Cascade 220 yarn is a popular choice for spring knitting projects, thanks to its lightweight feel, vibrant color options, and excellent stitch definition. Made from 100% Peruvian Highland wool, this worsted-weight yarn balances softness and durability, making it ideal for...
If I want sock knitting to go smoothly, I need the right tools for each step: needles, markers, measuring tools, finishing supplies, repair items, and storage. Most sock projects use fingering-weight yarn, US 0–3 needles, and about 350–400 yards for...
Crochet and knitting are two popular crafts for creating handmade items, but they differ in tools, techniques, and outcomes. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide: Crochet uses a single hook, works faster, and creates thicker, more structured fabrics....
If I want speed, I pick pre-stringing. If I want control, I pick hook beading. That’s the whole choice in one line. Here’s the short version: Pre-stringing = more setup before I start, but less stopping while I knit Hook...
If you want one crochet hook that works for most projects, this is it. A single-ended hook has one hook tip, usually measures about 6 inches, and is the standard pick for things like hats, scarves, blankets, amigurumi, and garments....
A double knitting chart is simpler than it looks: 1 square = 2 stitches, and you read each square as front first, back second. If you remember that, plus row direction, you can avoid most chart mistakes from the start....
If you knit with alpaca, needle material matters more than with sheep’s wool. Alpaca is smooth, low-stretch, and heavier, so stitches slip more easily and fabric can grow after blocking. Here’s the short answer: Bamboo gives the most grip and...
If you want a double-knit edge to stay neat on both sides, keep both yarns active, work the front and back stitches in order, and watch tension from the first few stitches. I’d sum it up like this: this bind-off...
If I want the short answer: cotton and linen are best for hot days, merino works best for travel and active wear, bamboo is best for soft drape, and alpaca blends fit cool evenings and strong A/C. Summer yarn is...
A yarn label can save you from buying the wrong yarn, running short, or shrinking a finished project in the wash. I check 6 things every time: fiber content, yarn weight, yardage, needle or hook size, gauge, and dye lot/care...
Lost your cable needle? For most small cables, you can keep knitting. In my view, the best stand-ins for 1x1 and 2x2 crosses are no-tool cabling, a spare knitting needle, a DPN, a crochet hook, a stitch holder, and a...
If I want textured alpaca socks to fit well, I keep the texture on top, knit the sole smooth, and use a firm gauge. That’s the short answer. Alpaca is soft, warm, and lanolin-free, but it has less stretch than...
If I want a shoulder seam that holds its shape, the 3-needle bind-off is one of the best ways to do it. It joins two sets of live stitches and binds them off at the same time, which gives me...
If I want cleaner edges, smoother stitches, and lace that opens up, I need the right blocking surface and the right pins. Here’s the short version: foam blocking mats give me a flat, water-resistant place to shape damp knitting, and...
If you read one chart square as one stitch, your double knitting will go off track. In double knitting, 1 chart square = 2 stitches worked as a pair: one for the front and one for the back. Here’s the...
Most round-join gaps come from just 3 things: a twisted cast-on, a loose first stitch, or a weak join. In this guide, I’d focus on the fix right away: check the cast-on edge, use a join that locks the first...
Finding the perfect gift for knitters can be simple with alpaca-based products. Alpaca fiber stands out for its warmth, softness, and durability, making it a favorite for crafting and finished apparel. Hypoallergenic and lanolin-free, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and...
Alpaca yarn is soft and smooth but can be slippery, making the right knitting needles essential. Here's a quick guide to help you choose: Wooden Needles: Provide grip, reduce slippage, and feel warm in hand. Ideal for beginners and larger...
Alpaca fabric is soft, warm, and durable, but it needs careful handling to stay in great shape. Repairs are affordable, starting at $20, and learning simple repair techniques can save you time and money. Key points to remember: Avoid heat,...
Alpaca fiber offers a winning combination for knitters: softness, warmth, durability, and eco-friendliness. Unlike sheep's wool, it’s lanolin-free, hypoallergenic, and gentle on sensitive skin. Its hollow-core structure provides superior insulation, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the...
Alpaca yarn is a top choice for winter crafting due to its warmth, softness, and durability. Its hollow-core fibers trap heat effectively, making it warmer yet lighter than traditional wool. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Whether...
I used this super-easy pattern while delving into Cat Bordhi's Moebius Cast On. It's so inventive and addictive! Check out my Facebook Live broadcast for more about this interesting, versatile cast-on technique.
Hand-knit mittens, gloves, and fingerless mitts are wonderful, but what about that thumb gusset? Inevitably, there's a hole left where the thumb joins the body of the mitt or glove, and you have to take the extra step of closing it up with a needle and yarn. Not the end of the world, but still.
I've figured out how to avoid that hole altogether, so when you're done, you're really done!
I discovered the Norrland Hat pattern on Ravelry and decided to take on the challenge. I love the trees and snowflakes, and I have never done colorwork and cables at the same time. Since I love learning new things, I bought the pattern immediately and cast on.
I made some modifications, including turning the hat into a slouch instead of a beanie, and I wanted to explain those in case you want to modify your project, too.
