Yarn Can Make or Break Your Project Someone asked me recently how I choose yarn for my projects and if I pick the project first and find the right yarn or if I pick the yarn first and figure out the project later. For me, the yarn usually decides the project and to be honest, I rarely ever choose the project before the yarn (unless I'm following a pattern of course). This way of designing may be a bit backward from my fellow designers but it's how my creativity works. The yarn always decides the project. No matter how your creative juices flow, this session will help you determine what important yarn qualities to consider when choosing a yarn. There are four things I always consider: Texture Color Weight Fiber We'll talk…
Saving Money on Yarn is Easier Than You Think Crochet and knitting are a hobby for most of us so saving money on yarn is a must if we want to keep it up. We're always on the lookout for good deals, especially for yarn. I have a natural frugal side and I'm here to share my best tips to help you get the yarn you want without spending a ton of money. This episode was recorded in April of 2017 but most of the money-saving strategies still apply today! It's due for an updated version because I've come up with a few more ways to save money on yarn. If you're interested in this then subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player so you don't miss the…
The last thing you want is to spend hours crocheting a blanket only to find out you used the wrong yarn. But how can you figure out the best yarn for blankets? It goes beyond just considering the weight and color. The ideal blanket yarn should have the perfect drape, be sturdy, soft, and last a long time. I discovered most of these factors through trial and error, often choosing yarn just because it looked pretty. To save you from the guesswork, this article will share the best yarn for blankets that I've found over the years. I'll also provide helpful tips to assist you in selecting the right yarn for the blanket you want to create this season. UPDATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links.…
The last thing you want is to spend hours making a scarf with the wrong yarn. But how do you know what the best yarn for scarves is? It's more than just weight and color. The right yarn will have the perfect drape and feel around your neck, and stitches can play a big role! I learned most of this through trial and error - making a scarf out of yarn just because it looked pretty. So, to help you avoid all the guesswork, in this article, I'll share the best yarn for scarves that I've found over the years and give you some helpful tips for picking the right one for the scarf you want to make this season. UPDATED: JANUARY 4, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate…
A gorgeous cowl to make with that one ball of cake yarn you fell in love with. Skill Level | Easy Finished Size | 46" wide; 18" long Buy the PDF Pattern About this Pattern If you're looking for the perfect pattern for that one ball of cake yarn in your stash, you're in the right place. Our cake yarn cowl works up fast and is the perfect way to keep your neck warm in style this fall and winter. With this project you'll see how to make a basic triangular shape in rows, a skill you can use in future projects like shawls. You'll also get to practice your puff stitch skills while creating great texture in the process. Before you begin, review this page entirely so you understand…
The Russian Join method is a cool trick for when you want to switch colors smoothly and keep your yarn tidy. Plus, you won't have to fuss with lots of loose ends when you finish your project. In this tutorial, I'll show you how it's done, plus give you some tips for mastering this technique. UPDATED: OCTOBER 10, 2023 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Here is a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this article: What is the Russian Join? When to Use It and Why Russian Join Step-by-Step Video Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Is the Russian Join Suitable for All Yarn Types? How Durable is the Russian Join? What is the Russian Join? The Russian Join…
The perfect center piece for your table. Skill Level | Easy Finished Size | 10.5" diameter; 3" tall Buy the PDF Pattern About this Pattern If you're looking for a simple project to make with that single skein of T-Shirt yarn in your stash, you're in the right place. Our crochet bowl is sturdy enough to hold just about anything you want. With this project you'll get to practice crocheting in a spiral round, a skill that is used for all sorts of projects where a join isn't what you want to see. Although we recommend T-Shirt yarn for our crochet bowl, you can substitute with another super bulky or even jumbo yarn. Before you begin, review this page entirely so you understand the full scope of the project. We've…
Ever noticed those plain canvas bags at craft stores? They're cheap and great for lining crochet bags! In this fun canvas bag DIY project, I'll guide you through creating your own canvas granny square bag! UPDATED: APRIL 11, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. I've always found granny squares to be a great grab-and-go project. If you have a bunch of them lying around like I do, you'll love this bag idea! Putting a plain canvas tote inside your granny square bag makes it strong enough to carry all your stuff. Once you try it, you won't want to make a bag any other way. It's a lot of fun and you don't have to have a lot of experience either! Here is a quick overview of the…
Learn how to knit a shawl with a beautiful crescent shape this weekend using our easy-to-follow pattern and tutorial. You can access the pattern for free right here or buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop. UPDATED: APRIL 10, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. JUMP TO PATTERN SAVE TO PINTEREST Skill Level | EasyFinished Size | About 76" wide, and 16" long (middle) If you've been wanting to try knitting a shawl but felt intimidated by the idea, this pattern is for you! You'll only need a couple of skeins of yarn and a productive weekend to complete it. With this pattern, you'll learn the basic techniques for creating the crescent shape, including a few increase and decrease stitches. You don't have to be an expert…
Learn how to make an easy crochet kitchen towel in a matter of hours with this free pattern and step-by-step tutorial. You can view the pattern completely free on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop. UPDATED: APRIL 8, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. JUMP TO PATTERN SAVE TO PINTEREST Skill Level | EasyFinished Size | About 21" wide, and 23" long I love having a pretty towel in the kitchen that's festive for the season, and a pretty crochet kitchen towel is just perfect for that. You can use lots of different colors, so they're really fun to make. This is one of my favorite towels because the stitch is really textured, which is great for cleaning up spills or…
If you're searching for the best knit stitch for blankets that's both simple and stunning, look no further! This stitch brings structure, texture, and parallel lines to your projects with just a four-row repeat. Even new knitters can master it easily. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to knit this beautiful stitch and get tips for making your own blanket. UPDATED: APRIL 3, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. This stitch is perfect for those who've already got the hang of basic knit stitches like garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and basic ribbing. It's a great next step because each row focuses on just one stitch, while also introducing beginners to two new stitches: the knit front back (KFB) and knit two together (K2tog). These are basic increases…
Do you want to learn how to crochet a hexagon granny square? In this guide, I'll show you the simplest way to crochet this classic crochet motif. I'll give you tips to make sure yours look great, and I've included pictures and a video to help you along. UPDATED: MARCH 22, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. The hexagon granny square is a fun twist on the usual square shape. It's still really popular today, whether you're making clothes or decorating your home. You can use hexagons to make blankets, scarves, pillows, or even bags. My favorite thing to make with them is a cozy cardigan! All you need are some crochet hooks and your favorite yarn. With a bit of practice, you'll soon have lots of hexagon…
Tulip crochet hooks stand out as the go-to choice for many crocheters, and there's good reason behind that. I've been relying on them for the past nine years, and I don't see myself switching anytime soon. If you're currently in the search for your new favorite hook, Tulip crochet hooks might just be the missing piece you're looking for. This article is your comprehensive guide to all things Tulip crochet hooks, providing you with everything you need to know before deciding if they're the right fit for you. UPDATED: MARCH 1, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. Before we dive in, a quick heads up. This post isn't sponsored by Tulip. They haven't paid me to share my thoughts, and they haven't sent me free hooks in exchange…
We're passionate about using our crochet skills to help others through our annual Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America. Every year, hundreds of people just like you come together to make a specific handmade gift (the challenge project) for someone in need. The 2024 Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America starts on February 16, 2024, with the pattern and tutorial coming out at 11:00 am EDT. You have until March 20, 2024, to send your finished challenge project to Warm Up America. That's how you complete the challenge! Make sure to read all the details on this page before that date. This page is like your main hub for the challenge because it has everything you need to know to join and finish the challenge. I've tried to make it…
Learn how to make a crochet snowflake in a matter of minutes with this free pattern and step-by-step tutorial. You can view the pattern completely free on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop. UPDATED: JANUARY 9, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. JUMP TO PATTERN SAVE TO PINTEREST Skill Level | EasyFinished Size | Small, Medium, Large Making a crochet snowflake is a cool project that doesn't take long, and you don't need much yarn. You can use different yarn weights to make it your way and be as creative as you want. I enjoy putting these crocheted snowflakes around my home during winter to add a homemade feel. They're also perfect for the holidays – you can hang them on…
If you're like me, you want to use the best tools when you're crocheting. That's why you're here - to find out the best crochet hooks to use. Choosing the best crochet hook is a bit about personal preference, but this guide is here to help you figure that out. I won't bombard you with countless options, just the two best hooks that I enjoy working with enough to recommend to a friend. UPDATED: JANUARY 4, 2024 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. I've been crocheting for more than 10 years now, and 7 of those years have been professional. I've tried almost every hook out there, including hooks that cost $64 a piece, and still, I've been using the same set for 9 years. I'm always up for…
When it comes to beautiful knits, knitting needle size matters! Have you ever seen a number or a metric value (or maybe both) stamped on your needles? These are the codes manufacturers use to tell you how big or small the needles are. This handy guide is your trusty companion. Bookmark this page and use it whenever you come across a pattern that uses a needle size you're unfamiliar with. UPDATED: DECEMBER 18, 2023 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. I made this guide to help clear up the questions you may have about knitting needle sizes. Keep in mind, that the size of your knitting needle isn't only about the yarn it works with - it also affects how your project turns out. If you use a small…
When it comes to blocking crochet and blocking knitting projects, few things have a bigger impact! "Blocking" in the world of crochet and knitting is a finishing technique that sets the stitches exactly where you want them, shaping the project. So, if you've ever had a project that looked a bit off, and you thought you made a mistake – chances are, it just needed a good blocking to make it look polished. UPDATED: DECEMBER 20, 2023 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. This guide was created to answer all your questions about blocking crochet and blocking knitting projects. So, if you're wondering if you have to block your finished projects if blocking is permanent, or what will happen if you don't block, you're in the right place. Here's…
When it comes to crochet, crochet hook size matters! Have you ever seen a number, a letter, or a metric value (or maybe all three) stamped on your crochet hooks? These are the codes manufacturers use to tell you how big or small the hooks are, and here's the kicker: these codes can be different from one brand to another. It can get confusing! This handy guide is your trusty companion. Bookmark this page and use it whenever you come across a pattern that uses a hook size you're not familiar with. UPDATED: DECEMBER 18, 2023 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. Furls Odyssey Crochet Hooks (Discontinued): Read the Review Here This guide was made to clear up all your questions about crochet hook sizes. Keep in mind, that…
If you're new to crocheting, a super quick crochet infinity scarf is a fantastic beginner project! This cozy scarf is stylish and warm and you can finish it in just a few hours. You can check out the free pattern on this page, or if you prefer, you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop. UPDATED: DECEMBER 13, 2023 BY BRITTANYThis post may contain affiliate links. Skill Level | EasyFinished Size | 56" circumference; about 6.5" wide Whether you're looking for a quick gift idea or a simple project to make next, this simple crochet infinity scarf is just what you need! We use a medium-weight yarn and a jumbo-sized crochet hook, making it stitch up quickly, and it keeps you super warm. Plus, the best part is…
