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Friday, 4 October 2024

What is a downloadable PDF?

What is a downloadable PDF? You’ve probably come across the term “PDF” quite often. But what exactly is a downloadable PDF, and why is it so popular? What is a PDF? A PDF, or Portable Document Format, is a type of file created by Adobe. It’s designed to look the same on any device, whether you’re using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This makes it perfect for sharing documents, and in our case, needlecraft and yarn patterns! Key Features of PDFs Easy to Share: PDFs can be sent and opened on any device without changing how they look. Interactive: Some PDFs have clickable links, buttons, and even videos. Compact: PDFs can shrink large files into smaller sizes, making them easier to send and store. What is a Downloadable PDF? A downloadable PDF is simply a PDF file that you can download from the internet. You can download patterns from our website, by clicking a link. This file will then be saved to your device. Why Use Downloadable PDFs? Offline Access: Once downloaded, you can open the document without needing the internet. Consistent Look : The document keeps its original layout and design, no matter who opens it. Easy to Share : If you've downloaded a free pattern, you can email PDFs or upload them to cloud storage for others to download. Professional Appearance : PDFs look polished and professional. Conclusion Downloadable PDFs are a handy tool for sharing information. They’re easy to use, secure, and look great on any device.

Friday, 24 May 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Selecting Your First Needlecraft Kit

A Beginner’s Guide to Selecting Your First Needlecraft Kit When venturing into a new craft, whether you’re a child learning for the first time or an adult seeking a new hobby, there are several factors to consider when choosing your very first kit. Starting with simplicity is crucial to build confidence—overreaching can result in less-than-perfect outcomes or even failure, causing the craft to be abandoned. Remember, none of us are experts right from the start! We all begin somewhere, and it’s perfectly acceptable to take your time mastering the basics.” Selecting Your Ideal Craft Type There are many different needlecraft kits available, requiring slightly different skills and materials. Each will give their own finished look and style, so start by looking at finished works in Embroidery, tapestry, long stitch, cross stitch and bead work to decide which is the best fit for your taste and needs. Each craft will have different things to look for in a basic starter design, a brief guide is below: Cross Stitch Within cross stitch there are two main styles, counted cross stitch - where blank fabric is stitched on working from a design on a chart. Cross stitch which is printed on the fabric is called stamped, printed or no count. For the most part this is blue crosses printed onto white cotton fabric, with a chart showing which colour thread to use for each area. More recently with printing technology advances, there are aida (square weave) fabrics with a bright coloured chart printed directly onto the fabric. This is like a paint by numbers using stitches instead of a brush. Counted cross stitch is best started with a large hole fabric, such as a 10 count or less. This refers to the number of stitches you will make per inch of fabric. Smaller numbers mean bigger stitches, making it easier to see what you are doing as you learn the craft. Another good tip is to look for designs using fewer colours. The less colour changes you make the less chance for an error and the dreaded un-picking that goes with it! Printed cross stitch ease will be determined again by the number of colours used and the general size of the design - it is much better to start small and have a finished result quickly, than try and tackle a larger project first and become frustrated, put it down and never finish. Embroidery Embroidery is a collective name for many sewing stitches, often used in combination to create stunning effects. The most simple of these are back stitch - stitching in a continuous line, or satin stitch, where back and forth stitches are laid together to fill a space in solid colour. Looking for a small design in one or two colours using only these stitches will be the best starting point. Embroidery kits come with fabrics which have outlines printed on them for you to follow as you stitch, making these a quick to learn and complete project for beginners. Longstitch Longstitch is very similar to satin stitch in embroidery, except we would cover the entire area of the design and usually sew on a larger hole canvas. Longstitch can be sewn in cottons or wool, which will be larger scale than cotton and best for beginners. Good starter kits will have simple chunky designs, with not a lot of small detail. Tapestry Tapestry is a traditional pastime with pictures built up using a half stitch, also called tent stitch. This makes them quicker to complete than cross stitch or a similar size, as only half as many pulls of the needle are required. Tapestry is often sold as canvases and you select the thread you prefer to stitch with, cotton or wool. As a beginner it is advisable to select a full kit so everything you need is included, and look for fewer colours and larger areas of colour. Bead work Bead embroidery is a simple technique to pick up, which can produce stunning sparkling results after very little practice. Fabric has small printed dots to show where to place the needle, and coloured squares which refer to different coloured beads which are picked up with each stitch. The same cotton thread is used for all colours of beads, so designs can be built up a row at a time, changing bead colour with each stitch as required. There are often elements of printed background, and finding a design with a low weight of beads (meaning less beads) and a smaller beaded area will be the best starter kits. Whichever craft you decide to try, we wish you the best of luck and remember - the Stitcher team is just a phone call away if you get stuck!

Thursday, 23 May 2024

How To Choose The Perfect Tapestry Frame

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Don’t worry this handy guide will help! Trying to choose the right type of tapestry frame, at the right size, may seem complicated, and it is our most asked question at Stitcher . Why use a Tapestry Frame? Tapestry frames are used to keep your tension even, for easy and neat stitching. Tapestry Frames also help to keep your stitching organised, which in turn can keep you motivated to pick up your stitching and carry when it is easily accessible. There are two main reasons for confusion when picking a tapestry frame these are: · What type of tapestry frame to buy (rotating, easy clip, handheld, floor standing) · What size of tapestry frame to buy for a particular project Which Make and Type of Tapestry Frame to Buy At Stitcher , we stock the most popular tapestry frame brand Elbessee , as well as universal craft frames options too. Tapestry Frame types include Sew On (Rotating frames) and Easy Clip frames (a full list can be found below!) Rotating Tapestry Frames Sew on rotating tapestry frames use a “tape bar” (a strip of fabric on the frame) to sew aida onto the frame. A great option for people who like taut fabric and are not likely to switch projects. These frames allow the fabric to scroll and at stitcher.co.uk we stock the Elbesee range. Elbesse Handheld Elbessee Roller Floor Standing Elbesse Screw Type Roller Easy Assembly Clip Frames These are “no sew” tapestry frames. Your Aida fabric is attached by clipping it onto the bars. They are a great option for people who want an easy assembly frame, with the flexibility to quickly change project. These frames also allow the fabric to scroll. At Stitcher we stock the Elbesee range. Elbessee Elbessee offer wooden frames which use self-locking non slip clips to hold thick or thin fabrics. The arms can be rotated to apply tension and the clips allow you to maintain an even tension. Universal Frames You can also purchase plastic easy clip frames in various sizes, offered handheld and hands free. Fabric is not scrolled and when choosing the size you need to be aware of both the fabric measurements and stitching area size Finding the Right Tapestry Frame Size Measure your aida Be aware: You need to find fabric measurement, do not use the cross stitch image measurement! If you’re using a kit, add on roughly 5cm / 2 inches to the measurement that the kit advises The width of the Aida fabric must be the same size as, or smaller than , the width of the Tapestry Frame This is to ensure that the Aida fabric fits into side bars We always show our frame measurements with the width measurement first (W x L) The length of the Aida fabric must to be bigger than the length of the frame T he fabric will be rolled (scrolled) using top or bottom bars on the frame. We find that the handheld frames are no longer than 12 inches / 30 cms. If it is any larger than this, it is better to look at the floor standing range of Tapestry Frames. Working Hands Free Large Projects Floor standing tapestry frames are perfect for large projects, offering comfort and hands free stitching. Both of these types of Tapestry Frames come as “easy clip” (no sew) and “sew on” options, as well as a screw type. The tapestry frames offer adjustable depths (lengths) to allow the fabric to be scrolled at different dimensions. Screw type offers the option to to position to your preferred length instead of predetermined sizes. Small Projects If your fabric is less than 24 inches in width then you would be looking at buying a handheld frame. However you may still want to work hands free. It’s possible to work hands free on smaller projects with the Posilock Floor Stand and Helping Hand . The Posilock will hold the fabric allowing you to work hands free. The helping hand is an additional option that is used in conjunction with the Posilock and holds the frame instead of the fabric. Tips for Using your Tapestry Frame We believe it is more comfortable stitching when there is space at the sides of your canvas If you are looking to buy a tapestry frame that should cover you for most projects that you are likely to stitch, then go for a 24 inch option like this Elbessee one. Remember to slacken off the fabric on the frame in between stitching When buying a tapestry frame the elbesee twizler makes adjusting the wingnuts easy! If you are looking to buy the helping hand and Posilock these will fit the Elbessee range of handheld frames For universal plastic frames, watch out for two measurements; the frame and the sewing area Floor standing frames are bought by the width size (eg 30inch) with adjustable working area lengths. Larger fabric can be scrolled

Friday, 10 May 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Knitting and Crochet: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration for All Skill Levels

The Ultimate Guide to Knitting and Crochet: Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration for All Skill Levels Introduction Are you intrigued by the world of yarn crafts but having a hard time learning to knit and crochet ? Not to worry! While both knitting and crochet require practice in order to excel in skill, they are pretty easy to get to grips once you know the basics. Both of these crafts have their own charm and attract a lot of enthusiasts. The beauty of both is that you can connect with the yarn and patterns for the project and the end result is truly a personalised labour of love. The meditative act of stitching in a repetitive manner if one that tends to be very calming and mentally soothing. Engaging in these crafts not only gives you the ability to create beautiful handmade items but also has numerous therapeutic benefits. Many health practitioners prescribe handicraft activities to kids and adults to reap mental health benefits and stay calm in difficult situations. While the two yarn crafts share many similarities and common elements, they are also quite different when it comes to techniques and results. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or you are just starting, here are a few tips and tricks to excel in the knitting and crochet worlds. What is Knitting and Crochet? Knitting Knitting is a needlecraft that utilises two knitting needles and yarn to make fabric. The stitches are moved from needle to needle, creating the fabric built up a row at a time with different techniques creating patterns. Knitting is often used to create garments and accessories, like sweaters, scarves, and hats. It can also be used to make home decor items, like blankets and pillows. To knit, you’ll need yarn and a pair of pins. Knitting pins come in an assortment of types and sizes, from very thin needles used for delicate projects to thick needles used for bulky projects and special circular needles. Crochet Crochet is the art of creating fabrics by interlocking loops of yarn or thread using a crochet hook. It's common to crochet components to use in combination with other crafts such as knitting and sewn items. Crochet can be seen in clothing and home wear items just as knitting is, and a subset of crochet is Amigurumi - where small amounts of leftover thread are used to make small creatives and motivs - think cute keyrings and mascots. Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Knitting and Crocheting Skills 5 Essential Techniques for Mastering Knitting Select the right pins Let's face it: the right knitting needle can literally make or break your joy in knitting. Knitters are required to consider materials, types, and sizes while selecting the needles. Wood is excellent for beginners, metal is perfect for slippery yarns, and plastic is ideal for a budget-friendly option. While straight needles are suitable for flat projects like scarves, circular needles are perfect for larger projects or when we require working in the round, like sock patterns and hat patterns . On the other hand, when you are dealing with smaller circumferences, the double-ended needles are y our best bet, for instance when making fingers for gloves. As far as the size of the needle is concerned, thicker yarns require larger needles, and the finer yarns require smaller needles. Patterns will always give the correct size needle requirement for the project. Learn standard knitting abbreviations In addition to selecting the right needle, understanding knitting abbreviations is a pivotal aspect of becoming an expert knitter. Familiarising yourself with these abbreviation terms not only streamlines the reading process and comprehending knitting patterns, but it also assists you in communicating effectively with other fellow knitters Learn how to control tension Consistent tension control is key to creating a professional-level product. Practice keeping even tension by maintaining a consistent grip on the yarn and needles avoiding pulling your stitches too tight. Try to take your time and aim for consistency while stitching, but do not tighten the stitch too much, as it will be difficult to push your needle into such stitches, and that will spoil your knitting experience. That said, ending up with an even tension requires practise, and you will require time to get there. To speed up the procedure, try to relax your hands and avoid knitting on the very tips of the knitting needles. Take it slow and be patient When it comes to knitting, be patient with yourself and enjoy every stitch you knit. Mistakes are part of the learning process, so don't be discouraged. Keep practising and experimenting with new techniques, and soon, you'll see outstanding improvements in your knitting skills. 5 Essential Crocheting Tips Every Crocheter Needs to Know Select the suitable yarn and hook It goes without saying that choosing the right crochet hook and yarn is essential for crochet success. A beginner crocheter can pick acrylic or cotton yarn. They are easy to work with and come in a rainbow of colours. Acrylic is an all-weather, easy wash yarn while cotton is cool and breathable. Wool is good for warmth but is trickier to crochet with. The correct fibre content can affect the final drape and functionality of the finished piece and should be considered carefully. Whether you use a super bulky yarn, medium weight, or fine thread, the right crochet hook can help you create wonderful projects. To help answer the question of which size crochet hook to choose when using a particular yarn, consider the table below. Types of Yarn Suggested Hook Size Lace, Thread 2.50 mm Fine 3.75 mm Light, Double Knitting 5.00 mm Medium, Aran, Worsted 6.50 mm Bulky, Chunky 9.00 mm Super Chunky 12.00 mm Jumbo 16 mm Discover new patterns each day Patterns will teach you lessons related to different crocheting skills. Not only does practising multiple patterns teach you various techniques, it will also help you build confidence in crochet. Practise, Practise, Practise If you want to learn to crochet, you should be willing to work through the frustration and ultimately be kind to yourself – even when you don’t get it right away. You need a lot of practice to master all the elements of crochet – although the basic stitch is very simple and easy to pick up. Read the pattern you want to make before starting. If you find it, list a stitch you haven’t tried before, whether single crochet, double crochet, or shell stitches; pick your hook and yarn and practice it before you begin your project. By the time you reach that stitch in the patterns, you will be completely comfortable covering the stitch with ease. Practice the new stitch while making the gauge swatch to perfect the technique and make sure you are doing the project to the correct size. Gauge Matters Much like our handwriting, each of us has our own unique style of crocheting. This uniqueness makes it challenging to recreate a project precisely the same size as someone else has made unless we have a point of comparison. Gauge serves as that crucial reference point, briefing you how many stitches and rows of your stitch pattern should make an inch square. If you want your final project to carbon copy the images you see, or fit a specific size, you will require your gauge to match that mentioned in the pattern. Creative Crochet and Knitting Patterns for Beginners and Experts From sweaters and socks to scarves and blankets—between knitting and crochet, you can make yourself a whole new wardrobe or a cosy bedding set. Whether you are a newbie crocheter or someone who is merely looking for some new and accessible patterns, we have listed below a set of patterns for both crocheters and knitters. While these patterns are simple and easy to follow, they vary in difficulty level from beginner to expert. Some of the inspiring crochet and knitting patterns aimed at experienced crafters are Granny square blankets A Granny Square pattern is a basic crochet block. Since the 1960s, Granny Squares have been created in all shapes and sizes, but the classic is a square motif made with the help of clusters (groups) of three double crochets. Crocheters make these clusters in rounds, and during each round, you increment new clusters to grow your motif. The result is a square motif with interlocked stitches. Not only does learning this pattern teach you colour coordination and pattern creation, but it can also teach the seamless joining of motifs in crochet. Tunisian crochets Not only can Tunisian crochet teach you how to create dense, textured fabrics, but it can also guide you in combining knitting and crochet techniques. Fillet crochets Fillet crochet can teach you how to make delicate lacy fabrics and how to use varying stitch heights to create intricate designs. Suggested Pattern Suggestions for Beginner Knitters and Crocheters Colourwork mittens Colourwork mittens are good with multiple yarn colours, are used for creating intricate patterns, and use different stitch techniques. Fingerless gloves This Traditional fingerless glove knitting pattern knits up quickly. The gloves are great for chilly fall days or UK winters. They also create lovely gifts for fall or winter birthdays or holidays and are simple to bring along in the car or on the plane. Dishclothes Dishcloth is a fundamental knit dishcloth pattern that is ideal for beginners. It doesn't demand a lot of knitting knowledge and can be quite soothing. Not to mention, it also allows you to practice different stitch techniques and create functional and reusable products. While the above patterns are great inspirations for beginner crochet and knitting artists, experts can delve into patterns like chunky knit looks and throwback patterns that require a bit of mastery in the knitting and crochet universe. Many designers create patterns inspired by vintage designs. Knitting and crochet techniques have remained the same for centuries and since we have documented patterns going back many years, they can be easily adapted to modern style. Conclusion While the two yarn crafts share many similarities and common elements, they are also quite different in terms of techniques and results. Knitting and crocheting both demand similar skill sets, like hand-eye coordination, a sense of colour and design, an attraction for fibre, and the ability to plan a project from start to finish. By keeping in mind the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can become an expert, excel even further, and take your expertise to new heights. Are you looking to knit or crochet a pattern and searching for high-quality yarns, hooks, or needles? Well, then, look no further than Stitcher , we sell yarn of all kinds from some top brands, such as Lion Brand Yarns and DMC . We offer an extended range of top-quality needles, hooks, and patterns that satisfy all your knitting and crochet needs. With just a few clicks on our website, you can explore our expansive collection and pick your preferred items that are, without a doubt, going to enhance your crafting experience. So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website now and experience happiness in seamless stitching at Stitcher.co.uk.

Friday, 1 March 2024

How to Knit: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

How to Knit: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide Over the years, knitting has become immensely popular among people of all ages. Knitting not only helps in making beautiful clothes, but it is also a relaxing and rewarding hobby. As well as getting enjoyment from the actual method of knitting, you can also create things for you and for your friends and family that can be helpful, such as blankets and clothing with the knitting yarn . The more you learn, the more things you will be able to knit, and you can knit yourself your own unique clothing as per your requirements. Unlike the stigma linked with knitting, it can be considered as the most ‘perfect’ hobby one can opt for in their life. It’s a hobby that can be learned by people of all ages, genders, regions, and so on. It does wonders on your mind, body, and soul while providing you with something to relish for the rest of your life. Must-have Knitting Tools for Beginners and Beyond It goes without saying that the appeal of knitting lies in its simplicity. Any person can learn how to knit, and you don’t require a lot of expensive material or equipment. All you need is some hand knitting yarn and a pair of needles for beginner knitting kits. Take a look at our knitting patterns , many of them are free! And once you have learned the basics, there are countless opportunities for what you can create. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming for you to know the tools required for knitting. However, some essential tools can reduce the effort needed in knitting by making your journey much smoother. Let us take a quick look at some of the crucial tools necessary for knitting: Knitting yarn Selecting the right type of yarn can be a tricky deal. Some will prefer wool, some acrylic, and some cotton. While cotton is suitable for the warmer weather, wool is good for the colder weather. Along the same lines, acrylic is long-lasting and easy to maintain, but yarn selection also depends upon the needle size. To summarise, the yarn selection depends on weather conditions and sometimes on proficiency level. A small, medium-weight yarn in acrylic or wool blend is an excellent choice for beginners. The knitter also looks at the yarn label and the needle size when they choose to buy yarn online. Needles As a beginner, it is essential for you to select the correct needle so that you can knit with ease. An ideal pick can be a bamboo or wooden needle, as they provide a natural and slightly textured surface, which allows a firmer grip while you knit. The point is that beginners prefer a firmer grip, so bamboo or wooden needles are good for them. However, there is no particular needle that is preferable. Scissors In addition to knitting yarns and needles, knitters will also require a high quality scissor made out of stainless steel with sharp edges. A good quality scissor will help you cut the yarn neatly, and this makes Scissors one of the prime requirements in knitting. Stitch Markers Marking specific measures is an essential requirement when knitting. As you finish the first knitting row or select the yarn for the knitting row, you must put a mark on the yarn, for which you will need a stitch marker. Three Easy Knitting Steps for Beginners Let's face it, knitting is a beneficial hobby to have. With that said, while knitting is one of the most common crafts among people of all ages, if you've never picked up a set of needles before, it can be hard to know where to begin. Not to worry, read on to find out the steps to knit a pattern: Step 1: Cast On The cast-on is the most essential set of steps in knitting, where we create the foundation row of stitches on your needle. Apart from the prerequisites, there are 12 steps involved in this process, which are as follows: Prerequisites We first need to select a long yarn tail and pull the yarn with both hands, with each hand going in the opposite direction: Bring the hands near each other to form a loop while holding the yarn. Once a loop is formed, hold the loop in one hand. Further, pick the free side of the yarn and move it to behind the loop. Pull the strand from inside the loop after moving the free side of the yarn behind the loop. The loop formed is known as a slipknot. We are ready to cast on with the slipknot. How to Cast On Step 1: Starting the Cast-On Process in Knitting Start the cast-on process by placing the slip knot over the needle and then tighten the knot by pulling the yarn tails. Step 2: Preparation for the Cast-On Once you have placed the slip knot, pick the shorter yarn tail and do a thumbs-up. Step 3: Creating the first stitch Proceed further and make a loop by waving your thumb behind the yarn. Step 4: Making the Foundation Row Form a hook with the yarn onto the thumb. Make sure the grip is firm. Step 5: Secure the yarn on the thumb for the first row Once you have formed the hook onto the thumb, touch the front of the thumb with the needle. Step 6: Sliding the needle Slide the needle inside the loop over your thumb. Step 7: Grab the Yarn with Your Right Hand While holding the needle with your left hand, grab the yarn connected to the ball with your right hand. Step 8: Roll the Yarn around the Needle from Back to Front Once you have grabbed the yarn with your right hand, roll the yarn around the needle from the backside to the front side. Step 9: Pull the Yarn towards the Thumb Once you have rolled the yarn around the needle, pull the yarn down to touch the loop on the thumb. Step 10: Pull the loop over the needle on the thumb After pulling the yarn down to touch the loop, pull the loop over the needle from the thumb. Step 11: Put the loop on the needle Once you have pulled the loop over the needle from the thumb, put the loop on the needle from the thumb. Step 12: Tighten the new stitch Tighten the new stitch by pulling down the yarn. That is it; the cast-on step is complete. Repeat steps 2-12. Step 2: Knit Stitch The knit stitch is one of the basic stitches in knitting. It's created with the help of a right hand and hand needle. To understand the steps in detail, read through the below steps: Step 1: Put the right needle into the starting stitch Begin by inserting the right needle into the starting stitch by moving it to the top from the bottom. Step 2: Push into the stitch Once you have inserted the right needle into the starting stitch, push the right needle further into the stitch. Step 3: Grab the Yarn Pick the yarn connected to the ball with your right hand. Step 4: Roll the yarn from the back to the front After picking the yarn, wrap the yarn around the needle to the front from the back. Step 5: Pull the yarn Pull the yarn downward, and you will notice the yarn glint through the stitch. Step 6: Pick the yarn on the needle Once you notice the yarn glint through the stitch, pull the needles down and pick the yarn on the needle. Step 7: Push the right needle inside the loop Push the right needle inside the loop. You are ready with the new stitch! Step 8: Detach the needles To move forward, detach the needle on the right from the left. Step 9: Unwind the yarn Unwind the yarn attached to the ball of yarn to tighten the stitch. Repeat steps 1-9. Spin the needle toward the right As we end the knitting row, we require spinning the needle around so the working yarn is on the right side. Keep moving until your knitting becomes long enough as you require it to be. Your needle is facing left at the far side of the knitting row. Once the needle faces left, move the needle to face the right side. The needle is now facing the right. Pick the bare needle and then restart knitting. Step 3: Cast Off The casting-off or binding-off finishes the work by moving the stitches out of the needle. For casting off, the beginner must work the first two stitches as expected, pass the first stitch over the second stitch, and move it off the right-hand needle. You repeat this process, as explained below: Tip: As you cast off, make sure that you know that you always require two stitches for casting off on the right needle. It should always be exactly 2. Step 1: The first step for casting off Start the cast-off step by knitting the two stitches. Step 2:Slide the left needle In the second step of casting off, slide the left needle Inside the first stitch. Step 3: Pull the first stitch over the second Once you slide the left needle inside the first stitch, pull the first stitch over the second stitch. Step 4: Take out the needle Pull the first stitch over to the second and then out of the needle. Step 5: Complete a Knit Stitch and Cast Off You end up with one stitch on the right needle. And you have cast off the other one! Step 6: Continue with the knitting pattern When the last stitch is left on the needle, knit it to finish off the knitting row or the round. Repeat steps 2-6 until only one stitch is left. Step 7: Cut the yarn tail Once left with one stitch, cut off a 10’’ yarn tail. Step 8: Wrap the yarn around the needle After cutting the yarn tail, wrap the yarn around the needle. Step 9: Pull the stitch over the yarn tail Pull the stitch over the yarn tail after wrapping the yarn around the needle. Step 10: Pull the yarn tail through the needle Once you have pulled the stitch, pull the yarn tail through the needle. Step 11: Tighten the yarn tail Finally, tighten up the yarn tail by pulling it. Step 12: Finalise your entire process The knitting is finally off the needle securely and safely. Knitting Patterns - Ideal for Beginners When you first select a pair of needles, knitting can seem like a daunting task. From sorting out how to read a pattern to understanding abbreviations that seem to be written in code, learning how to knit can feel intimidating. With these knitting patterns meant for beginners, you'll be on your destination to becoming a knitting pro in no time.: Fingerless gloves Beginner knitting does not get much easier than Fingerless gloves. It's a knitting pattern that involves a blend of knit and purl stitches for the creation of a ribbed structure, which is perfect for practising for both beginners and experienced professionals. With this pattern, you can make a comfortable wearable for your hands, which will keep them warm while doing any work requiring fingers. Cable-knit sweaters If the idea of selecting a pair of knitting needles seems a bit intimidating, have a go at our Cable-knit sweaters. This Knitting pattern helps you create a textured fabric that is wonderful in look and perfect for keeping you safe from the cold and making you comfortable in icy conditions, for which you need to use the best quality wool. This cable pattern is developed through twisting and crossing sections of stitches that give the sweater a unique look. The pattern can be complex if you want to improve the design or if it remains simple. Blanket pattern When it comes to knitting patterns for beginners, the blanket pattern is an excellent place to begin.This comprises simple knit stitches and purl stitches. Each row has a width, and we have a certain number of such rows. Different rows can be of different colours and yarns or the same type. Similarly, we can transform the design by combining the knit and purl stitches in different formats based on our selected design pattern. Conclusion` In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, and knitting is turning into a popular choice for people of all ages Knitting can not only be used to create a wide range of garments and textile products, including sweaters, scarves, hats, blankets, and socks, but also provides a way to spend your free time to explore and showcase your creativity. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can create high-quality knitting patterns effortlessly. Are you looking to knit a knitting pattern and searching for a high quality yarn? Well, then look no further than Stitcher. Stitcher is the home of Cross Stitch Kits UK and all things needlecraft. We sell the best quality knitting yarn, including Lion Brand Yarn. Lion Brand Yarn Company is a fifth-generation, family-owned business based in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, and has been a beloved brand since 1878. We also sell DMC Yarn at a price that’ll fit right into your budget.

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Which needle size should I use for cross stitching?

Which Needle Size should I use? It is advisable to discard any needle which has marks or rough edges, as these can damage your fabric and threads as you sew. Avoid leaving needles in fabric between stitching sessions as this can mark the fabric (unless you are using gold plated needles). Most needles are nickel plated and this can cause allergic reactions in some stitchers, so gold plated needles are a must in these cases. Using too large of a needle can cause fabric to be stretched around the holes and spoil the finished stitched result, below are some handy guides for choosing the right needle for your work. Needle size for Cross Stitch Counted cross stitch is stitched using open weave fabrics, like Aida or linen evenweave, so a sharp needle is not required to pierce the fabric. A blunt tapestry or cross stitch needle will part the threads of the fabric and avoid accidental splitting of the fibres while you stitch. The size of needle to use for your project depends on the fabric you are stitching on. In general the larger the holes in the fabric (so a lower fabric count) the bigger the needle used ( a higher size). A quick reference guide is below: Aida Evenweave / Linen Needle Size 6 Count Size 18 8 Count Size 20 11 Count Size 22 14 Count 27 / 28 Count Size 24 16 Count 30 / 32 Count Size 26 18 Count 36 Count Size 28 Stamped cross stitch, where a design is printed on a tight weave cotton or linen fabric, requires a sharp ended needle which can pierce the fabric easily, without pulling fibres creating a puckered appearance. Cross stitch most commonly calls for two strands of thread, so we need a needle which has an eye large enough to accommodate this, our recommendation would be an embroidery needle sizes 5 - 7 . Needle size for Tapestry Tapestry can be stitched on canvas, with large holes, or in Petit Point with a much smaller stitch. The correct needle is determined by your canvas mesh or holes size. Ideally you want the needle to pass through the hole without causing any stretching of the hole, this needle is too large, or it falling through the hole too easily, this needle is too small. A good reference guide is below: Canvas Mesh Size Needle Size 8 Count Size 16 10 Count Size 18 12 Count Size 20 14 / 18 Count Size 22 22 Count Size 24 24 Count Size 26 Needle Size for Embroidery Embroidery needles have an elongated eye and sharp points to enable fabric to be pierced through cleanly. Needles are sized from 1 – 12 and the correct size will depend on the thread being used, as the size 10 – 12 needles have very small eyes and can only take a single strand of fine thread. The most common used sizes are as follows: Size 7 – this needle can take wool for crewel work, or up to three strands of embroidery floss so is great for most hand embroidery work. Size 9 – this needle can comfortably take two strands of embroidery floss, and is a little finer for detailed areas. Size 10 – this needle is great for using a single strand of floss or fine silk, and its thinness makes it great for needle painting, split stitches or little seed stitches. It can take two strands of floss but this is harder to thread. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [] }