reblog

Do you feel sad when your yarn ball gets over? And worry about how to connect two yarn balls? Whether you knit or crochet, you face the same situation every time. For an experienced person, it won’t be a problem. But for beginners, it would be a cumbersome task. Suppose you are creating a project with a knitting needle, and you suddenly stop because your yarn ball is over; during that circumstance, you need to connect the new yarn ball. Don't worry; we are here to help you; keep reading the entire blog, and you will understand the whole process of joining yarn with the magic knot.

Let’s look into the details and get the perfect magic knot.

What is a magic knot? 

A magic knot is simply joining the two pieces of yarn together for crocheting or knitting. It is also known as an invisible or fisherman’s knot.

What materials are required? 

• Working yarn and a new yarn (use any yarn, but the weight and fiber must be similar to get the best results).
• A pair of scissors.

Want to know more about it? Then, just go on.

What is the procedure for tying a magic knot?

Now comes the significant part! The method is easy, and you won't find any problems. In this technique, you will tie two overhand knots close to each other. It is versatile and innovative.

Here are a few steps to follow

Step 1: First, lay the end of the first working yarn horizontally over the second yarn, creating a cross-like structure.

Step 2: Ensure that the ends of the yarn are positioned neatly.

Step 3: With the first yarn, make a loop around the second yarn. Hold the yarn tightly and wrap it around from the bottom.

Step 4: Now, wrap the second non-working yarn around the first working yarn and make a similar loop.

Step 5: Smoothly pull both the yarn simultaneously to tighten the loops around each other.

Step 6: Lastly, carefully cut any extra leftover yarn.

Tips for a neat join 

Before we go any further, let’s check out some tips to get a perfect join.

• For a smoother transition, ensure that both yarns are of similar thickness.
• Maintain the right balance between the two yarns, which are neither tight nor loose.
• If the yarn is thicker, you may need to make a larger loop.
• Make the process easy so that you can remember it.
• Use delicate yarn carefully to avoid splitting or breaking.
• It would be better to place the knot in an invisible position for a better look.
• Beginners must practice regularly before applying it to the main project.

When to use a magic knot? 

You must know when to use a magic knot to avoid disturbance in your project.

• During the project, you need to join two different colors of yarn.
• To join a new yarn in case you run out of yarn.
• When working on a big project, you have to join multiple yarns.
• When using heavenly patterns, where the knots won’t show like a garter stitch.

When not to use magic knot?  

There are some situations where you can’t use magic knots, and it would be best not to use them in your project:

• Stockinette stitches are too smooth for the magic knot. Due to its smoothness, there is no guarantee that they will stay in the right place.
• It won’t be too great for a single-color yarn because it's difficult to get the knot exactly in the correct position so that the colors seamlessly flow from one to the next. You will face the same issue with the color yarn as well.
• When working with yarn that breaks easily, be careful while pulling the two yarns together.

Stitch holders are essential crafting accessories that every knitter must own. As the name suggests, they are tools used in knitting and crocheting to hold stitches. These stitches are generally live stitches that need to be removed from the knitting needles or crochet hooks to work on them later. To explain better, for example, you are working on a knitting or crochet pattern, and there comes a step in the pattern that requires you to hold stitches temporarily for later use. Here, you will need assistance with the handy stitch holders.

In projects, whether you knit or crochet, stitch holders come in handy when you need to shape the neckline of a sweater or armholes for garments or prepare for the Kitchener stitch for shoulders or socks. As the live stitches stay secure, you do not have to worry about those unfinished loops and continue with the stitches you have in hand.

Though stitch holders are lifesavers, they aren't hard to use. In this blog, we'll explore stitch holders in detail.

What are Stitch Holders? (H2)

Stitch holders come in many sizes. They look like safety pins and have a snapping end that does not let the stitches drop or come undone.

Small yet mighty crafting accessories are readily available in yarn shop displays or your favorite online stores. When you step into garment making—sweaters, cardigans, or tees—you will work with them more. As the name says, stitch holders hold stitches aside securely for a portion of your project. You'll commonly see pattern directions telling you to use a stitch holder with instructions on how many stitches to hold and when and how to return them to the knitting pattern.

When to Use Stitch Holders? (H2)

Generally, knitting or crochet patterns instruct when to use stitch holders. But, if you are working on your own design, you will need stitch holders anytime you want to secure live stitches that you will work on later. They serve design and functionality.

1. To Shape Armholes and Necklines (H3)

Knitted or crocheted garments such as sweaters, cardigans, or tees have armholes and necklines that are worked separately from the main section. In these situations, stitch holders become lifesavers as you can hold the stitches for the neckline or sleeve openings while working on the body of the garment, seamlessly picking them up later to join the pieces.

2. To work on thumb sections of Gloves and Mittens (H3)

In projects such as gloves and mittens, you work separately on the thumb and finger sections. Stitch holders are handy here, too, to keep your live stitches secure while you complete the rest of the project.

3. Creating Buttonholes (H3)

For knitted or crocheted garments that require functional buttonholes, stitch holders allow you to cast off a specific number of stitches and hold them live, creating a gap for the button to go through.

4. Cable Patterns (H3)

Cables are intricately twisted stitches made with out-of-turn stitches. While knitters reach for cable needles, stitch holders keep the live stitches secure so that they can be worked on later.

Once you have your trusty stitch holders, you can start including them in your knitting and crocheting routine.

Here are some helpful tips:

Go through the Knitting or Crochet Pattern: Read your pattern carefully to understand when and how to use stitch holders and the number of stitches to be held.

Picking Up Stitches: When you need to return the held stitches, knit or crochet them back onto your working needle one at a time. Pay attention to maintaining the correct stitch order, especially when working armholes.

Choosing the Right Size of Stitch Holders: The size of the stitch holders you need depends on how many stitches need to be moved to them and how big they are depending on the yarn (e.g., fingering weight yarn or bulky weight). 

Alternatives of Stitch Holders (H2)

If you're stuck on a project and don't have a stitch holder handy, you can accomplish the same task by using some waste yarn, a bit of extra yarn you're not using) or even dental floss to hold onto the stitches. The advantage of stitch holders, though, is the security of holding the stitches and keeping them closed.

If you are working with KnitPro interchangeable circular needles or sets, a cable can manage the task of stitch holders, but you need to secure the stitches with end caps. Another handy help is that KnitPro interchangeable circular knitting needles come with a lifeline hole where you can thread yarn or floss and keep the stitches secure.

Now that you know the fantastic benefits of working with stitch holders, get yourselves the best from KnitPro. Our aluminium stitch holders come in a set of 3 in different sizes in vibrant colors. So, are you ready to enhance your crafting with stitch holders?

Do you want to teach your children to crochet? But are you unsure whether you should introduce them to crochet hooks or not? Let us guide you through some amazing reasons why you must teach your children to crochet. In this world of digital screens, children are losing their creativity and skills; therefore, crochet for children is essential. The craft is for more than just grandmas; even the young ones can learn it. First of all, it is a wonderful craft that lets you express creativity, and children have such great imaginations that they can create wonders. Secondly, it is a way to do a wonderful project with their hands, boosting their confidence and keeping negative emotions at bay. Plus, it is excellent to learn about sustainable crafts.

To help you decide, we’ll explore other reasons for teaching children to crochet in this blog.

1. They develop fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination.

Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are bonus points earned with crochet. Whether your child is right or left-handed, both hands are utilized with each stitch. At the same time, children will learn to hold their single-ended crochet hooks in one hand and wrap yarn with the other. While the hand with the hooks moves back and forth to grab the yarn, the yarn is held with steady tension. Stitch-making movement helps build fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination. It is recommended that younger kids learn to finger crochet and then move to using a hook later. From basic stitches to textured patterns they expand skills while honing motor skill and co-ordination.

2. Get better at Math

Crochet is not just crafting; it includes maths and analytics. The math skills include all kinds of numbers: stitch count, row count, and within a stitch count. A crocheter counts the loops to insert the crochet hook to make stitches, plus run into increasing and decreasing rows to make a pattern bigger or smaller. Besides enhancing math skills crochet also teaches the importance of precision and planning. So, you keep track of

Further lessons on math skills are acquired when you learn how to measure and determine the gauge of a project to make sure it will fit. Supply them with tape measure or could also take help of a row counter. A ring row counter is a good accessory for children and flaunt their status as makers. Plus, there are many adorable designs of measuring tapes that create interest in young makers.

3. Develop focus and attention to detail

One of the skills children learn with crochet is to develop focus in stitch making and pay attention to detail. While you focus on yarn tension with one hand you pay attention to making loops for chain or single crochet (SC), double crochet (DC) and treble crochet (TR). The focus and attention are a habit that works for all of us in all aspects of life. This works for studies, sports and other activities.

4. Explore Art and design

When you think of art, crochet is a craft that transform a simple string of yarn and create something beautiful. Children learn to imagine and put them in design. From a basic scarf to customized sweaters, Amigurumi toys to home décor they can work with any yarn fiber, weight or shade to create something spectacular.

5. Learn About Love, Charity and Compassion

If you want children to learn about love, charity and compassion, a good way is through their crochet hooks. Everyone feels loved when a handmade gift is presented to them.  For gifts to grandparents, cousins or friends, crochet comes handy as the gifts are personalised reminder of the love and hard work.

For charity, they can make projects and donate to charities. Scarves, blankets or pillows for homeless people, preemies, hospital patients, nursing home residents, and more. With each project they make they learn about compassion and how they brough smile and warmth to a stranger with their handiwork.

So, are you convinced to teach your children to crochet? Now, get started with your lessons. Explore KnitPro for beginner-friendly crochet hooks and accessories. Choose smooth bamboo hooks or work with wood. You can also work with ergonomic crochet hooks such as Waves with rubber handles or choose Oasis interchangeable hooks that come with an option of one handle and multiple hooks. Choose individual sizes or explore crochet hook sets along with crochet accessories.

Have you stepped into the world of knitting and are seeking to work on your first project? As a beginner, when you have learned to hold your knitting needles and mastered the knit and purl stitches you can straight away start with a knitting project. You can work on a scarf or a dishcloth and then move on to challenging projects such as sweaters or blankets. Choosing your first knitting project may seem overwhelming as you dive straight into the world of stitches, techniques, patterns, needle sizes, yarn weights, abbreviations and so much more. While every knitter is unique and so are their choices, we can guide you with a few things that make a good first knitting project. The key to having a successful and smooth knitting journey lies in the right first projects, something that is engaging and achievable to boost your creative passion.

 1 Right Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are tools for your creative passion and having the right size and type is essential. For the needle size, the one that matches the yarn weight. And, for type it depends on the project needs- single-pointed or circular needles for knitting back and forth while for knitting in the round, the options are double-pointed (DPNs) or circulars.

While there is no right or wrong when it comes to knitting needles as every knitter might have their own preference. Some may prefer wood or bamboo for their natural grain while some enjoy the smoothness of stainless steel or aluminium. Some prefer carbon fiber or other advanced materials. Even for shapes, needles come in their traditional design or specially-designed cubic or square form that assist with a better grip in the hands of the knitters who face fatigue or other ailments.

For your first knitting project, if you are working on a scarf or dishcloth work with a pair of single-pointed needles or circular needles that are a little longer than the width of the project. A mid-size 6 - 8 mm (US 10-12) is a good choice.

2  Correct Yarn

Yarn is essential for every knitting project, so choose the yarn that works best for you and your project. Consider the yarn weight for your project. Also, work out the yarn fiber. Wool or cotton, silk or polyamide, or blends. This choice again depends on your project and ease. Wool is beginner-friendly but it’s best that you avoid mohair, pure silk, or cashmere. If you are working on a scarf, you can explore lace to bulky yarns. But, first, think about the season, the knitting needle size, and your ease. A mid-weight such as DK or worsted weight is recommended as they are easy to handle, easy to see the stitches, and work up quickly. Furthermore, choose a yarn that's forgiving, allowing you the scope of corrections in case of any mistakes, and easy to work with. You can explore any color or shade but it’s better to avoid darker shades as it makes viewing the stitches difficult.

3  Project Size

For your first project, work on a small or mid-size project. If its too time-taking it risks losing interest. A manageable project like a scarf, washcloth, or headband is recommended. The small projects show progress quickly, keeping you motivated as you see your creation taking shape. But, after a few quick projects move on to something challenging.

4  Stitch Simplicity

Once you master the knit and purl you can focus on any project. But even though you have mastered the knit stitch you can still go ahead with any project. You can work on a project primarily using the knit stitch, sometimes called garter stitch or a combination of knit and purl stitches known as stockinette. Complex cables, lacework, or colorwork can be tackled later.  In fact once you’ve explored garter and stockinette it becomes easier to work on other stitches and techniques.

With these four points in mind, you can start with your project. Cast on your scarf or any quick project on your knitting needles with your favorite yarns. As and when you complete your projects you gain the confidence to explore. It is like you climb the stairs of becoming an experienced master.

Tips for Success Beyond the First Knitting Project

Build your Skills- With practice, you develop knitting skills, so make sure to put in practice before starting new projects. A gauge swatch knit with the same knitting needles and yarn with stitches mentioned in the pattern gives you practice, and an idea of the correct needle size, calculates yarn needs efficiently and gives an idea of tension.

Embrace mistakes but learn to fix them – Mistakes are a part of your knitting journey. Your first projects may have dropped stitches, accidental yarnovers, or holes in the knitted fabric. If you come across mistakes, learn to fix them. In knitting, most mistakes are easily corrected. Don't be afraid to put down your project and come back to it later if you're feeling frustrated.

Knitting is a journey, so make sure to enjoy it. You will learn, create, and ultimately relax. By choosing the right first project you will ensure a smooth journey. With KnitPro’s wide range of knitting needles and accessories, explore your creativity. Choose knitting needle sets in all kinds of materials and sizes, so you can express your creativity.

Crafts like knitting and crocheting are more than just leisure—they're about the delight of making things. These projects are perfect if you're looking for an activity that encourages your creativity. They let you make useful, practical things for yourself or as gifts, in addition to allowing you to recognize and express your creative ideas. However, the tools used in the two crafts are different. Crochet requires crochet hooks; you will need knitting needles for knitting.

What are the similarities between Knitting & Crocheting 

Despite their distinct techniques, they share a fundamental bond. They have similarities in the following:

• Primary Medium: Both utilize yarn as their primary medium. You can create a variety of styles in both crafts by using different types of yarn, weights, or even materials. You can create clothes, accessories, home decor, wall art, and more.
• Technique: To create the project, you must adhere to a pattern, which can be written in a diagram or chart. In most cases, you will see steps to follow.
• Tools: You need to use additional tools, such as stitch markers , wool needles for weaving, row counters for counting rows, and scissors.

Difference between Knitting & Crocheting 

If you understand the difference between both crafts, you will be able to choose which one works for you or suits your desired projects.

• Texture and Look: Both crafts have different looks from each other. The crocheted fabric is more textured, denser, stronger, and has a knot-like look. On the other hand, knitting has more soft and stretchable fabric, creating “V” like stitches.
• Method: Although the yarn is used in both crafts, the methods employed are not the same at all. Crochet requires only one crochet hook and one active stitch at a time. However, knitting calls for the employment of multiple active stitches and two or more knitting needles.
• Techniques and Tools:

Crochet: To crochet, you will need a hook that comes in various sizes and types, such as single-pointed, double-pointed, and Tunisian crochet hooks . You simply create loops with your hook to make the basic crochet stitches like single, double, and treble. A slip knot forms a first stitch, which is later followed by a chain that becomes the foundation of your work.

Knitting: A set of long needles is used in knitting to create the stitches. Needles mainly come in three varieties: single-pointed, double-pointed, and circular needles . They also come in various sizes, from small to jumbo. Jumbo needles are best used for making blankets or throws.

Benefits of Knitting & Crocheting 

Both crafts have their own allure and offer several benefits, some of which are below;

Stress Reduction: The feel of needles and hooks, their repetitive motions, and the act of crafting help reduce stress.

Mindfulness: When we knit or crochet something, we need to pay attention to it. Focusing on projects encourages mindfulness and allows you to be present in the moment.

Sense of accomplishment: When you complete a project with your hands, it brings joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.

Creative Expression: You have complete freedom while knitting with single pointed needles or any other needles or even when crocheting something. You can play with stitch patterns and use a colorful range of yarns, and you can express your creative vision through it.

Social Networking: Joining social knitting or crocheting groups creates a sense of belongingness and community. These groups help you master your craft, share ideas, and support your creative journey.

You can choose any craft from them or you can try both . We are sure you will love them both equally and will open up space for crafting infinite projects combining both skills. To start with them, just get yourself a set of knitting needles or set of hooks and start crafting your dream projects.