Bias Bind-Off
We use the bias bind-off when we want to achieve a sloped edge at the top of our knitting, often as an alternative to short-row shaping. The bias bind-off is perfect for the shoulders of garments as its smooth slope…
Kitchener Stitch Grafting
When you graft using Kitchener stitch, you use a darning needle to insert a perfect row of knitting between two pre-existing rows for a join that is utterly invisible. You may find grafting a little daunting at first, but persevere—you'll…
3-Needle Bind-Off
The 3-needle bind-off joins two pieces of knitting together, while binding off at the same time. It's firm, yet elastic, and nicely lines up the stitches on both pieces of your knitting—all excellent reasons that it's one of our preferred…
The Good Choices Checklist (Part II)
Mark Twain wrote (in his travelogue, Following the Equator) that, "To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with." There is a steady, quiet pleasure in knitting for yourself. But nothing quite equals the happiness…
Provisional Cast-Ons
A provisional cast-on is a temporary cast-on method that holds onto live stitches so that they can be knit into later. Designed to be removable, you cast on using waste yarn or knotting cord. We recommend using a smooth, firm…
Donegal Tweed: An Iconic Flecked Fiber from the Emerald Isle
Imagine—you’re walking on a narrow, but well-worn trail. You’re surrounded by a windswept landscape of emerald green hills and grey-blue overcast skies. Ancient stone walls, speckled with lichen, criss-cross a field a little ways away, dotted by grazing sheep. Over…
Swatching for Success
Once you pick out a new project—and make sure it's one you'll really love working on—the very first thing you should do is swatch. Think of it as 'dating' a project before you commit! Swatching will help: Ensure your piece…
The Good Choices Checklist (Part I)
We've all been disappointed, in hindsight, by projects that were probably not a good idea in the first place. To combat the letdown of an FO (finished object) with which we're unhappy, we've created a helpful checklist. It will help…
Measuring for Hats
We've discussed the basics of measuring yourself for sweaters, but there are plenty of other useful (and oft overlooked) measurements out there! When's the last time you measured your head—if ever? Though hand-knit hats are generally forgiving when it comes…
Measuring for Sweaters
This season, we'd love to explore the life cycle of a project with you—starting with good choices, through the doing (and learning phase), to a successful finish. We'll be sharing these tips and techniques with you here, on our website.…