How-ToBefore You Begin
The Yarnspirations How To hub is your one-stop shop for all you need to know to pick up a new skill or level up the skills you already have. With a library full of videos, tutorials, pictorials, diagrams and tips & tricks, you're sure to find something to help you get creating.
Helpful Learning Categories
Want to take up knitting? Know how to crochet but would like to learn a new technique? Need a refresher on an embroidery stitch? Our learning categories will help you gain the knowledge you need no matter what your crafting goals are.
Color-Coded Skill Types
Our How To hub is full of information on a number of different crafts. Thanks to our color-coded organization system, it's easy to find your skill type at a glance. And with six needlework types, you're sure to find your favorite fiber craft here.
Additional Info At Your Fingertips
Over the years, our team of experts have learned a lot of shortcuts, timesavers and project-saving lessons. Look for the 'Tips' icon for their clever advice and ingenious tricks. Bolded words contain helpful popovers full of definitions where you need them (just click on them to open).
Handy Illustrations, Images and Videos
There are many different types of learning techniques. Whether you're the visual type or the reading kind, our How To section has the instruction style for you. We’ve included written instructions as well as pictures, illustrations, step-by-step videos and pattern tutorials.
Tight Knit Community of Learners
Learning is so much more fun when you do it with other passionate people. Visit our comment section to ask questions, share lessons learned and get support from our welcoming community of talented crafters and creators.
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What Do We Mean by Yarn Weight?
Everyone talks about yarn weight — what does it mean? When we refer to yarn weight, we're not talking about the weight of …
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What are the Different Types of Knitting Needles
When starting to knit, the act of knitting and using knitting needles feels quite new and at this stage you won’t have developed..
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Understanding Pattern Skill Levels
Our patterns follow theCraft Yarn Council (CYC) guidelines for defined project skill levels …
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How to Understand Knitting Abbreviations
Not sure what abbreviations in our knit patterns mean? Check out our handy abbreviation table below to help answer your qu …
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Understanding Knitting Symbols
Stitch charts in knit and crochet patterns are being used more and more as an addition to or in place of words to describe …
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How to Read a Knitting Pattern
When learning to knit or crochet it’s normal to put all of your attention into learning about the tools you need, the yarn …
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How to Hold the Yarn and Crochet Hook
There are no hard and fast rules about the best way to hold the hook and yarn. Choose whichever way you find the most comf …
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How to Measure Crochet Gauge
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch (or centimeter) in a pattern. If the gauge does not match the gauge give …
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How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Before picking up the hook and yarn, sit down and read through the pattern you will be using. Patterns are written in a la …
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How to Understand Yarn Weights
Yarn weight describes the thickness of a yarn and every yarn has a weight, from fine yarn to super bulky. These different …
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How to Measure Knit Gauge
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch (or centimeter) in a pattern. If the gauge does not match the gauge give …
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How to Read Crochet Symbol Charts
Crochet instructions may be written in text (with or without abbreviations), and/or graphed or charted in symbols. Being a …
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10 Secrets to Sock Success
Want to make your finished items look even better? Block them! Blocking may seem intimidating, but you really only need a …
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Guide to Reading Knitting Stitch Charts
Stitch charts can seem intimidating to new knitters, but once you get the hang of them, the projects are a breeze! Stitch …
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How to Read Crochet Diagrams
Diagrams are read exactly as the crochet is worked. Each stitch is represented by a symbol that has been drawn to resemble …
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What is the difference between balls and skeins of yarn?
Have you ever tried to pull yarn from the center of a pull skein and had trouble? You may have been trying to pull from a ball — and aryton balls..
