Slip Stitch Crochet: Techniques and Projects
Slip stitch crochet is one of those quiet techniques that makes everything else in your work look more finished and intentional. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Slip Stitch Crochet: Techniques and Projects -
How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
Waffle stitch crochet is one of those wonderfully satisfying techniques that gives you a rich, cozy texture with a surprisingly simple repeat. In this guide, we will walk you through...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Blanket Stitch: How to Work It and When to Use It
Blanket Stitch: How to Work It and When to Use It
Blanket stitch is one of those quietly powerful hand techniques that shows up everywhere once you know what to look for. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Mattress Stitch: How to Seam Knitting Invisibly
Mattress Stitch: How to Seam Knitting Invisibly
Finishing a hand-knit sweater is one of the most satisfying moments in any project, and mattress stitch knitting is the technique that makes those final seams look truly polished. In...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Magic Loop Knitting: How to Knit Small Circumferences on One Circular
Magic Loop Knitting: How to Knit Small Circumferences on One Circular
If you've been putting off small circular projects because DPNs feel like a lot to manage, magic loop knitting might be exactly what you've been waiting for. In this guide,...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How To Fix Common Knitting MistakesHow To Fix Common Knitting Mistakes
Every knitter, beginner or experienced, runs into problems along the way. From dropped stitches to tension troubles, common knitting mistakes can be frustrating — but they're almost always fixable. The...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Crochet: The Complete Beginner's Guide
How to Crochet: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Learning how to crochet is one of those skills that sounds tricky until you actually try it, and then it starts to click faster than you'd expect. In this guide,...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Tunisian Crochet 101: An Introduction to the Basics
Tunisian Crochet 101: An Introduction to the Basics
Tunisian crochet is one of those techniques that looks impressive but becomes surprisingly approachable once you understand how it works. In this guide, we walk you through everything from the...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Yarn
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How to Substitute Yarn in Any Pattern Without Ruining the Fit
How to Substitute Yarn in Any Pattern Without Ruining the Fit
Yarn substitution doesn't have to feel like a guessing game, and with the right checks in place, swapping one yarn for another can be just as satisfying as working with...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Make Tassels Out of Yarn
How to Make Tassels Out of Yarn
Yarn tassels are one of those small details that can completely transform a finished project, and learning how to make tassels out of yarn is much simpler than it looks....
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Skein vs. Hank: Understanding How Yarn Is Sold
Skein vs. Hank: Understanding How Yarn Is Sold
Whether you're new to yarn or just filling in a few gaps, knowing the difference between a skein vs hank can save you a lot of confusion at the craft...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Aran vs Worsted Weight Yarn: What’s The Difference?Aran vs Worsted Weight Yarn: What’s The Difference?
Source: Stevepb on Pixabay Choosing the right yarn weight for your knit or crochet project is the first and most important step to creating breathtaking items. But how do you know...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Are Yarn Bowls Worth It
Are Yarn Bowls Worth It
If you’ve been eyeing a yarn bowl and wondering whether it’s actually worth adding to your craft space, we’re here to help you figure that out. In this article, we...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Read a Yarn Label: Dye Lots, Ply, and Care Symbols ExplainedHow to Read a Yarn Label: Dye Lots, Ply, and Care Symbols Explained
That little yarn label holds a surprising amount of information, and once you know how to read a yarn label, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right yarn before your...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Soften Cotton Yarn
How to Soften Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is one of our favorite fibers to work with, but we know that first touch straight out of the skein can feel a little stiff and surprising. In...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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What to Crochet With Black Yarn
What to Crochet With Black Yarn
Black yarn might seem like a simple choice, but we've discovered it's one of the most versatile and elegant options in any crafter's collection. Whether you're wondering what to crochet...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Free Patterns
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Crochet Shawls and Wraps: Free Patterns and Sizing
Crochet Shawls and Wraps: Free Patterns and Sizing
Whether you're looking to make a cozy layer for yourself, a meaningful prayer shawl for someone you love, or a beautiful handmade gift, a crochet shawl is one of the...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns for All Skill Levels
Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns for All Skill Levels
Whether you're searching for your very first easy hat pattern or something with a bit more texture and challenge, this guide is here to help you find the right fit....
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Crochet Bag and Tote Patterns: 20 Free Designs
Crochet Bag and Tote Patterns: 20 Free Designs
Whether you're stitching up a sturdy bag for market days, looking for a quick beginner win, or hunting for something polished enough to gift, there's a tote bag pattern in...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Every Season
Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Every Season
Whether you are looking for a breezy summer layer or a chunky cold-weather cozy-up, the right cardigan patterns can carry your wardrobe through every season of the year. In this...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Get Free Crochet Patterns
How to Get Free Crochet Patterns
Finding free crochet patterns sounds simple until you're twenty tabs deep and still not sure which sources are actually worth your time. In this guide, we'll walk you through our...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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What to Do with Leftover Yarn: Creative and Practical IdeasWhat to Do with Leftover Yarn: Creative and Practical Ideas
What to Do with Leftover Yarn: Creative and Practical Ideas Whether you're a knitter, crocheter, weaver, or someone who loves to experiment with crafts, we've got many ideas for using...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Organize a Yarn Swap with Friends: A Fun and Creative GuideHow to Organize a Yarn Swap with Friends: A Fun and Creative Guide
Source: freepik A yarn swap is a fantastic way for crafters to refresh their stash, find inspiration, and connect with like-minded individuals. It’s not just about exchanging yarn; it’s about fostering...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Comprehensive Collection of Knitting Patterns for Stylish and Comfortable SlippersComprehensive Collection of Knitting Patterns for Stylish and Comfortable Slippers
Comprehensive Collection of Knitting Patterns for Stylish and Comfortable Slippers Knitting patterns for slippers occupy a special place in the crafting world, often overshadowed by more prominent projects like sweaters...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Knit & Crochet
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How to Knit a Scarf: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
How to Knit a Scarf: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to knit a scarf is one of the most rewarding first projects you can pick up, and we're here to walk you through every step with confidence. In...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Intarsia Knitting Explained: Colour Blocks Without Stranding
Intarsia Knitting Explained: Colour Blocks Without Stranding
If you've ever wanted to knit a bold heart, a playful animal motif, or a sweeping geometric shape, intarsia knitting is the technique that makes it possible. In this guide,...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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English vs. Continental Knitting: Which Style Is Right for You?
English vs. Continental Knitting: Which Style Is Right for You?
Whether you've just picked up your first pair of needles or you're a seasoned knitter wondering if there's a better way, the English vs continental knitting conversation is one that...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Treble Crochet vs Triple Crochet Explained
Treble Crochet vs Triple Crochet Explained
If you have ever spotted both "treble crochet" and "triple crochet" in different patterns and wondered whether you were missing something, you are not alone. In this article, we will...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Which Crochet Stitch Uses The Least Yarn
Which Crochet Stitch Uses The Least Yarn
If you have ever run low on yarn mid-project, you already know how much stitch choice can matter. In this article, we are breaking down which crochet stitch uses the...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Can Knitting Be Done by Machine
Can Knitting Be Done by Machine
Whether you have spotted a knitting machine at a craft fair or simply wondered how all those perfectly uniform sweaters get made, the question of whether knitting can be done...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Fair Isle vs Stranded Knitting Explained
Fair Isle vs Stranded Knitting Explained
If you have ever wondered about the difference between fair Isle vs stranded knitting, you are definitely not alone. These two terms get mixed up all the time, and clearing...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Join Crochet Side Seams
How to Join Crochet Side Seams
Getting a clean, polished finish on a crochet project often comes down to one thing: knowing how to join crochet side seams with confidence. In this article, we walk you...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Seasonal
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Quick Blanket Ideas using Thick YarnQuick Blanket Ideas using Thick Yarn
Quick Blanket Ideas using Thick Yarn Crafters who want to make things comfortable without spending months on a project love thick yarn blankets. These chunky fiber masterpieces are easy to...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Christmas Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Christmas Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Download Pattern We are finishing up our Twelve Days of Christmas Celebration! On the twelfth day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Baby Value Yarn Download these 5...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Baby Value Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Baby Value Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Download Pattern Our Christmas celebration continues! On the ninth day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Baby Value Yarn Download these 4 patterns. Hurry though as they are...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Woodlands Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Woodlands Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Our Christmas celebration is nearly at it's end! Today we are celebrating Mary Maxim Woodlands Yarn Download these 5 patterns. Hurry though as they are only available for a limited...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Titan Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Titan Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Download Pattern Our Christmas celebration continues! On the ninth day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Titan Yarn Download these 10 patterns. Hurry though as they are only...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Prism Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Prism Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Download Pattern Our Christmas celebration continues! On the eighth day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Prism Yarn Download these 10 patterns. Hurry though as they are only...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Baby's Best Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Baby's Best Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Download Pattern Our Christmas celebration Continues! On the seventh day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Baby's Best Yarn Download these 6 patterns. Hurry though as they are...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Free Starlette Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Free Starlette Yarn Patterns | 12 Days of Christmas
Our Christmas celebration Continues! On the sixth day of Christmas we are celebrating our Mary Maxim Starlette Yarn Download these 6 patterns. Hurry though as they are only available for...
Mitch McPhedrain |
News
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How Do I Redeem a Yarn Gift Card?How Do I Redeem a Yarn Gift Card?
If you've ever found yourself wondering "how do I redeem a yarn gift card?", you're in the right place. This guide walks you through everything from finding your code and...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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What is The Sweater Curse
What is The Sweater Curse
Whether you’ve heard whispers of it at your local yarn shop or stumbled across it in an online knitting forum, the sweater curse is one of those traditions that has...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How Knitting Can Help You Beat Bad Habits
How Knitting Can Help You Beat Bad Habits
If you have ever caught yourself reaching for your phone, biting your nails, or falling into some other automatic pattern you would rather leave behind, you are not alone, and...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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What Is Gauge and Why Does It Matter in Knitting?What Is Gauge and Why Does It Matter in Knitting?
Gauge is one of the most important numbers in any knitting pattern, yet it’s often the step that gets skipped. This article breaks down what gauge is in knitting, how...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Mental Health Benefits of Crocheting
Mental Health Benefits of Crocheting
In a world that often feels overwhelming and fast-paced, crocheting offers a gentle pathway to better mental health through the simple act of creating something beautiful with your own hands....
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Physical Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting
Physical Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting
While you're focused on creating beautiful stitches, your body is quietly reaping incredible wellness rewards that extend far beyond your finished projects. The physical benefits of crocheting and knitting include...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Knitting In The 19th Century
Knitting In The 19th Century
To understand how knitting evolved across the 1800s, it helps to look at the forces that shaped it. The 19th century was a period of enormous change, and the craft...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Master the Art of Changing Colors in Crochet: Tips and TechniquesMaster the Art of Changing Colors in Crochet: Tips and Techniques
Master the Art of Changing Colors in Crochet: Tips and Techniques Source: freepik Changing colors in crochet adds vibrancy and depth to your projects, allowing you to create stunning patterns,...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Puzzles
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How to Speed Up Puzzle Solving: Sorting and Tips
How to Speed Up Puzzle Solving: Sorting and Tips
Whether you’re new to jigsaw puzzles or a longtime enthusiast looking to pick up the pace, a few smart puzzle solving tips can make a surprising difference in how quickly...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Puzzle Piece Shapes Explained: Ribbon Cut vs. Random Cut vs. Grid Cut
Puzzle Piece Shapes Explained: Ribbon Cut vs. Random Cut vs. Grid Cut
If you have ever stood in a puzzle aisle wondering why two boxes with the same piece count can feel so different to build, puzzle piece shapes are usually the...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Frame and Display a Finished Jigsaw Puzzle
How to Frame and Display a Finished Jigsaw Puzzle
Framing a finished jigsaw puzzle is one of the most rewarding ways to honor the time and care you put into building it, and we are here to walk you...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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500 vs. 1000 Piece Puzzles: Which Should You Choose?
500 vs. 1000 Piece Puzzles: Which Should You Choose?
Picking the right puzzle size can make the difference between a relaxing evening well spent and a project that sits half-finished on the table for weeks. In this guide, we...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Store and Organize Puzzle Pieces While You Work
How to Store and Organize Puzzle Pieces While You Work
There is nothing quite like settling into a puzzle, but a scattered pile of pieces can turn a peaceful hobby into an exercise in frustration before you even get started....
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Puzzle Subscription Boxes: A Complete Comparison Guide
Puzzle Subscription Boxes: A Complete Comparison Guide
Puzzle subscription boxes have grown into a crowded market, with services ranging from brand-specific clubs to curated multi-brand deliveries. Each one comes with its own pricing structure, commitment terms, and...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Preserve Jigsaw Puzzles: Top 3 Methods
How to Preserve Jigsaw Puzzles: Top 3 Methods
How to Preserve Jigsaw Puzzles: Top 3 Methods Source: Ann H on Pexels If you’re working on a large or particularly difficult puzzle, it might have crossed your mind to...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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How to Glue Jigsaw Puzzles: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Glue Jigsaw Puzzles: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Glue Jigsaw Puzzles: A Step-by-Step Guide Source: Sigmund on Unsplash Finally solving that one jigsaw puzzle that has been giving you trouble is such an exciting feeling! But...
Mitch McPhedrain |
Make Alongs
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Team Building Activity With Crocheting
Team Building Activity With Crocheting
Looking for a fresh approach to workplace bonding that goes beyond trust falls and icebreakers? A team building activity with crocheting offers something truly special—a chance for colleagues to slow...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Week 3 Blythe Crochet HandbagWeek 3 Blythe Crochet Handbag
The Blythe Crochet Handbag If you are just starting the Blythe CAL then you'll want to go back and check out Week 1 and Week 2 blog posts. You’ll need...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Week 2 Blythe Crochet Handbag
Week 2 Blythe Crochet Handbag
Crochet Level: Easy Materials: Aspen (2 skeins) or 240 yards 5 weight yarn 6.5 mm crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge, most testers used either a 6.5 mm or 7...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Week 1 Blythe Crochet Handbag
Week 1 Blythe Crochet Handbag
The Blythe Crochet Handbag I’ve been collecting bags and purses for as long as I can remember. My closet is stuffed with them. I love unique shapes, colors and textures....
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Final Week
Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Final Week
Yay you are almost done with your Christmas Stocking. We spent a lot of time on this knit along. Over the years we have loved hearing stories about your favorite aunt,...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Week 3
Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Week 3
We are now working on Week 3 of our Vintage Christmas Stocking Knit Along. This week we are working the heel of our stocking and the Gusset. We included the...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Week 2
Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL Week 2
It's Week 2 of our Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL! This week we are casting on, knitting the ribbing and working the cuff of our stocking. We included the complete pattern...
Mitch McPhedrain |
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Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Week 1
Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Week 1
Vintage Christmas Stockings For over 60 years we have been thrilled to be a part of your Christmas Traditions generation after generation. No matter if it's because a favorite aunt...
Mitch McPhedrain |
