CategoryKnitting & Crochet

Upcycling old t-shirts into stuff

Ever since I learned how to make t-shirt yarn years and years ago, I’ve been obsessed with upcycling old t-shirts. I’ve made baskets and rugs and toys and I can’t even remember it all. It has also inspired me to save the ankles from old socks because I one day wanna turn them into a really awesome quilt! This rug I’m trying to make for the kitchen though has been a really tricky one, because I want a rectangle. I […]

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Metric to UK to US crochet hook conversion chart

The size of a crochet hook corresponds to specific weights of yarn, and crochet patterns usually list a suggested hook size to help you make the pattern as close to the original design as possible. Yarn labels also list a hook size or range of sizes that are recommended to work with that particular yarn, though these tend to show for knitting needles (but the size is the same for crochet hooks). Crochet hook sizes are not completely standardised. Crochet […]

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How to knit traditional woollen socks for beginners

There are many ways to knit socks. Toe-up, two at a time, flat using two needles, and magic loop. This step-by-step guide shows you how to knit a pair of socks the traditional way. Why? Because this is a time-proven method that will fit anyone. You can knit your own socks in the colour of your choice; one or more. In the illustrations I’ve signified each step with a change of colour, to make it easier to see the different […]

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Common knitting abbreviations glossary

Confused by all the abbreviations in knitting patterns? Yep, me too! Here’s a handy list to help you navigate your patterns! Abbreviation Explanation alt alternatively approx. approximately beg beginning bet between bl. back loop bo bind off ch chain circs circular needles cn cable needle, cable stitch holder co cast-on dec, decs decrease, decreases EON end of needle EOR end of row FC front cross FL front loop foll following, follow g st garter stitch grp, grps group, groups incs […]

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What is knitting a test swatch and why do you do it?

Knitting a test swatch is an important step in the knitting process, especially when following a specific pattern or when using an unfamiliar yarn. A test swatch is a small sample piece of knitting, usually a square, that you create before starting your main project. You can also use it to test a pattern (for instance my purl is much looser than my knit, and it helps to know how much I have to adjust). The primary purpose of a […]

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How to crochet a donut

These donuts are super flexible and you can make them in any size – from amigurumi to giant donuts! To change the size of the donut you can do several things; change the size of the yarn, change the size of the crocheting hook and/or change the size of the starting chain. I use donut projects as a way to use up leftover yarn, so what yarn I use varies. This pattern is for the kind of donut shown in […]

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Learning a new skill by venturing into visible mending

My alpaca sweater, that I wear like a second skin, revealed a huge hole in the armpit! I cannot emphasise enough how much this sweater has been life for me in winter. So, when I thought about what to do about the big hole, the spot next to it that has worn thin, and a beginning hole in the pocket I like to keep my keys in, I was reluctant to send it in for repairs again. Pinterest to the […]

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How to crochet a rainbow pillow

Materials you’ll need: Abbreviations: Special stitches in this project: This project uses a bobble stitch to create that fun, bumpy pattern on the rainbow as well as the cloud underneath. The good news is, it’s a really simple stitch! How to do the bobble stitch: (all stitches for one bobble stitch are all worked in the same stitch) *YO, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on your hook*. Repeat this 3 […]

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