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by Knit Picks on June 17, 2021
If you’ve been working with yarn awhile, you are probably aware that yarns come in different weights and what that means for your projects. But if you don’t, allow us to demystify yarn weights! Here’s a quick primer on what you need to know about yarn weights and choosing yarns for your knitting projects. What are yarn weights in knitting? Yarn weight is, at its most basic, the thickness of the yarn strand. Yarn comes in a variety of weights beginning with lace weight (which is very thin and fine), then fingering weight (which is slightly thicker), sport weight (even thicker), DK weight, worsted weight, and on to Aran/heavy worsted, bulky (a thick yarn), and super-bulky ... |
Category Archives: Knitting Geekery
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by Stacey on September 15, 2020
During this really stressful year, I’ve rediscovered my love of The Sims, a game I played a lot several years back but hadn’t been keeping up with. I downloaded it on a rainy day in April and fell in love with it all over again—if I can’t go out, at least my little Sims can. In a funny bit of timing, a brand new game pack was released in July that was right up my alley—Nifty Knitting! For those unfamiliar with the game, The Sims is a life simulation video game, first created 20 years ago. You can create little people (Sims) to direct around, giving them jobs and hobbies ... |
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by Lee Meredith on September 8, 2020
Have you seen our newest book yet? Block Party (available as a print book or eBook) is a collection of modular blankets, meaning they are all constructed of modules, or blocks, or pieces, which are either knit together as you go, or seamed together at the end, or some of each. There are a wide range of blanket styles, from modern to traditional, colorful to neutral, something for everyone! |
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by Lee Meredith on December 30, 2019
This is an excellent way to cast on for any 1x1 ribbed project, making a beautiful rounded edge that looks like the stitches travel smoothly around the edge. Use it on necks, cuffs, bottom edges, brims, anything that begins with K1, P1 ribbing! |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on December 5, 2019
Craft·i·tude /kraft ə t(y)o͞od/ noun the quality of being thankful within crafting; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness in crafting. (Craft + Gratitude) As crafters, there’s something to be grateful for every day we pick up our needles, try a new yarn or conquer a technique. From beautiful yarns to inspiring role models, there are so many things and people to thank for helping each one of us explore our favorite crafts. First, Lee and Hannah share all of the things they’re thankful for. They are both self-taught knitters and have relied on a whole host of tools, books and online resources to teach everything needed to become crafting superstars. Stay tuned for some tried-and-true ... |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on November 22, 2019
Whether you’re brand new to knitting or an old hand, talking about the foundations of knitting can lead to some profound “ah hah!” moments. Time and again we think we’ve learned all there is to know about our favorite craft, only to be surprised by some little tip or trick from a fellow crafter that totally changes our process. Lee and Erica start the conversation by sharing their methods for reading both patterns and your knit fabric! Being able to look at your project and correctly “read” your stitches can help prevent errors as well as give you a greater understanding of general knit construction. We even have a little treat for our left-handed listeners. Next, Stacey and Hannah talk about ... |
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by Kate M on July 31, 2019
Wool—one of nature’s most versatile fibers. Naturally sourced from mammals such as sheep or goats, wool is a protein fiber known for its uncanny ability to withstand a great deal of use. Among its laundry list of beneficial attributes, wool boasts antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, while remaining breathable, insulating, cooling, and also water resistant. It’s no wonder we love wool fibers for both garment and home décor projects! The Science of Softness If you’ve ever shopped for wool, then you may be familiar with the term Micron Count. What is Micron Count? It’s the scientific method of measuring the fineness of various fleeces based on the diameter of their individual fibers (micron is short for micrometer). In a nutshell—the lower the ... |
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by Kate M on March 4, 2019
Photo credit: www.aranisland.info Knitters in the know are often more than familiar with the classic Aran jumper; big chunky Irish ganseys (or guernseys), traditionally hand-knitted from unbleached wool. Originally worn by working fishermen, they also became popular fashion garments in the US during the “golden” era of Hollywood. Grace Kelly. Steve McQueen. Paul Newman. Marilyn Monroe. Icons in their own right, the stars of the silver screen adopted this classic garment as part of their everyday attire. As such, it’s no wonder the treasured Aran knit sweater continues to be reinvented to this day in the fashion industry. Love a good urban legend? There happens to be one based on the stitches of these namesake sweaters. The story goes that each jumper knit for fishermen in the ... |
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by Daniel K. on August 16, 2017
This installment of Knitting Geekery is brought to you by that hotbed of knitwear innovation: the Crimean War! Wait, what? |
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by Daniel K. on July 12, 2017
You might have noticed that we have lace on the brain a bit here at Knit Picks, what with our customizing, beginner-friendly Shawls for All and the drool-worthy Luxurious Lace. Lace knitting in particular has a certain mystique, with fabled,almost esoteric traditions with origins shrouded in mystic legendry. Flipping or clicking through Luxurious Lace in particular, you might have seen references to various traditions. Though adapted to modern tools and methods, when you work these and other patterns you are participating in a tradition. Let's take a bit of time to explore a few of these traditions, and look at what exactly makes Estonian lace Estonian lace. |
