Knitting has been a beloved craft for centuries, with enthusiasts constantly seeking ways to enhance their experience. Enter Kollage Square Knitting Needles, a revolutionary product that has taken the knitting world by storm. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes these needles so special and why they are garnering a dedicated following among knitting enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of Kollage Square Knitting Needles is the enhanced comfort and control they offer. The square shape allows for a more natural grip, promoting a relaxed hand position. This ergonomic advantage not only makes knitting more comfortable but also enhances precision in stitchwork. With greater control over each movement, knitters can achieve more consistent tension and create polished, professional-looking projects.

In addition to their functional benefits, Kollage Square Knitting Needles also boast an aesthetically pleasing design. The sleek, modern appearance of these needles adds a touch of sophistication to your knitting toolkit. Moreover, the durability of these needles ensures that they stand the test of time, making them a worthwhile investment for any avid knitter.

1. Kollage Square Circular Knitting Needles:

Circular needles are a staple for many knitters, and Kollage Square doesn't disappoint. These circular needles come with the option for either a soft or firm cable, something I have not seen before in any other brands! We stock both fixed circulars and interchangeables.

2. Kollage Square Double-Pointed Needles:

Say goodbye to those pesky ladders in your sock knitting! Kollage Square Double-Pointed Needles are a game-changer for small circumference projects. The square design prevents your stitches from slipping off and gives you the confidence to tackle intricate patterns with ease.

3. Kollage Square Interchangeable Needle Set:

If you're a knitting enthusiast who loves variety, the interchangeable needle set is a must-have. These sets include a range of needle sizes and cable lengths, allowing you to customise your needle length based on your project.

 

4. Kollage Square Straight Needles:

For those who prefer the simplicity of straight needles, Kollage Square offers a fantastic range. These needles are perfect for scarves, shawls, and other flat projects.

 

5. Kollage Square Crochet Hooks:

The square profile provides a unique feel in hand, promoting a comfortable grip and facilitating a more intuitive crocheting experience. The smooth surface of the hooks ensures a seamless interaction with different yarn textures, allowing crafters to explore various materials with confidence. Available in both rounded and pointed tip options.

 

Kollage Square Knitting Needles have undeniably redefined the knitting experience. From their ergonomic design to the smooth knitting surface and versatility with different yarns, these needles cater to the needs of both beginners and experienced knitters alike. As the knitting community continues to evolve, Kollage Square Knitting Needles stands as a testament to the power of innovation in enhancing the timeless art of knitting. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking to elevate your craft, consider making the switch to Kollage Square Knitting Needles and embark on a new era of knitting excellence.

 

Happy Square Knitting,

Rosie x

In this post, I will be discussing the three main types of knitting needles; straight, circular, and double pointed needles.

Straight Needles

These needles are the most traditional needles and the first type of needle that comes to mind when imagining a 'knitter'. They are usually between 20cm and 35cm in length and have a stopper at one end and a tapered point at the other. Straight needles can be made from wood, plastic, resin or metal, and come in a variety of lengths and sizes.

Many knitters will start knitting on straight needles. They can be used to knit flat patterns, for example, scarves and blankets. These needles are great for learning the basics of knitting, but when it comes to larger projects, they can become cumbersome and heavy quite quickly. This is because the majority of the weight will be held on the needles themselves which place strain on your hands and wrists. Many will find that they suffer from hand fatigue when knitting on straight needles. If you find that this sounds like you, try circular needles instead.

The Christmas countdown has begun! I'm sure everyone has many projects on the go already but I've rounded up 12 more to add to your list. There's a selection of both knit and crochet with a good mix of tree decorations, buntings and ornaments. I've saved my favourite for last as a bonus pattern - I am OBSESSED and want to cover my Christmas tree in these.

Feel free to tag us in any pictures on Instagram or Facebook, and let me know what your favourite is!

This pattern uses US abbreviations.

Please be advised that if you are making this pattern into a cushion or blanket to decorate a baby or toddler's room, it is NOT a toy and should be kept out of reach. Safety eyes can be dislodged by little fingers!

Materials needed:

Scrap cream or brown-coloured yarn for the face and outer ears.

Scrap grey, brown or pink yarn for the nose and inner ears. I used Lanas Stop Spray 'Stone'.

Thread or yarn to sew on the mouth.

Safety eyes and nose.

Scrap multicolour yarn for the background square.

A darning needle.

A 4mm crochet hook.

Abbreviations:

sl-st = slip stitch

sts = stitches

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

dec = decrease by crocheting the next 2 stitches together

inc = increase by crocheting twice into the next stitch

2dc inc = increase using 2 dc

Pattern:

Square

Using the same size yarn as for the llama, make a granny square of 25 sts x 30 rows.

Face

Use cream or brown-coloured yarn.

Round 1: Create a magic ring of 12 stitches: do the first stitch as a ch of 3, then do 2dc, 3sc, 3dc, 3sc.

Begin each round with a chain of either 3 or 2 sts depending on if the first st is a dc or a sc.

Round 2: 2dc inc x 3, 3dc, 2dc inc x 3, 3dc (18 sts)

Round 3: 2dc inc x 6, 3dc, 2dc inc x 6, 3dc (30 sts)

Round 4: (2sc, 2hc inc) x10 (40 sts)

Nose

Using your grey, brown or pink yarn, follow the first 2 rounds of the Face.

Outer Ear

Using the same yarn colour as for the Face, make a chain of 6. The final one will be used as a turning chain. Include 1 turning chain at the end of each row.

Rounds 1-4: sc x 5 (5 sts)

Round 6: sc, dec, sc x 2 (4 sts)

Round 7: sc, dec, sc (3 sts)

Round 8: sc, dec (2 sts)

Round 9: dec (1 st)

Bind off the final stitch.

Inner Ear

Using the same colour as for the Nose, make a chain of 4. The final one will be used as a turning chain. Include 1 turning chain at the end of each row.

Rounds 1-2: sc x 3 (s sts)

Round 4: sc, dec (2 sts)

Round 5: dec (1 st)

Bind off the final stitch. Sew the inner ear onto the outer ear, then sew both onto the head as shown in the picture.

Finishing touches

Sew the nose onto the face. Add the safety eyes and safety nose. Using brown thread or yarn, sew a mouth as shown in the picture. Sew the llama onto the square.

Send us a picture or tag us on Instagram @craftyllamauk with your finished granny squares!

Don't forget to shop crafty-llama.com and dare to create!

It’s easy to pick up your needles and hooks for the first time and get started learning to knit or crochet – but what divides those who continue on to create beautiful handmade masterpieces from those who walk away from unfinished first attempts?

Contrary to what you might be telling yourself, it’s not laziness that’s stopping you from filling your wardrobe with gorgeous knitwear or crocheting a little army of amigurumi pals.

Here’s what we think stops beginner knitters and crocheters in their tracks before they’ve completed their first project – they’re not having fun! Learning a new hobby should be exciting, but these all too common habits of newbie crafters may be getting in the way of your ability to make the most of your newfound skill.

Not knowing what you are going to make

The solution: Find a project that you are really excited to see come to life! Make sure it is beginner friendly and that it won’t take too long to complete – that way you get the dopamine hit of having a finished project instead of the endless task of ‘practising’.

 

 

Using materials that you don't like

 

We don’t expect artists to paint with a colour palette that they don’t love, but it’s all too common for newbie knitters and crocheters to end up using a yarn that is dull, scratchy or difficult to handle. One of the most beautiful things about the technique of knitting and crocheting is that it’s a slow and careful process, and that is something that is especially true of a first project. You are going to have to be staring at your project for a good few hours, so it’s worth choosing materials that you will enjoy looking at and feeling!

 

The solution: It’s completely understandable that you aren’t going to want to buy a luxury yarn for a hobby that you are trying out for the first time. However, there are a lot of ways to find a good value yarn that you love. Cotton yarn is wonderful to work with and holds its shape well. Alternatively, a chunky-sized yarn of any fibre content is a great idea for anyone who finds the stitches hard to see. Even polyester or acrylic yarn can be great for a first project because there are some fantastic colours out there to choose from! It's also worth looking in second-hand shops to see if local yarn shops are having a sale of old stock, in order to snag a bargain.

 

Equipment is another important consideration, so here are our recommendations for products which are stylish and sturdy, and won’t break the bank:

 

1. KnitPro Symphonie Straight Needles individually or as a set

 

1. HiyaHiya Aluminium Crochet Hooks

 

1. Clover Pom-Pom Maker – making your own pom-poms can be the perfect finishing touch to a project!

 

Learning on your own

The internet is a great resource to learn from, but even the best-explained tutorial may leave you with a few questions. There are a lot of new terminologies to wade through, and that’s before you start trying to read written patterns! It can get very confusing very quickly to learn on your own, especially if you are someone who thrives in social situations.

The solution: Find a knitting or crocheting group to join! There are a ton of fantastic and friendly groups out there in person and online. Some of the best ways to find them are via social media, or by enquiring in local yarn and hobby shops.

If you have a project that needs a bit of troubleshooting it can be really helpful to have a group of fellow enthusiasts on hand to help. Not to mention, it's a great way to make friends who are passionate about the same hobby as you!

Perfectionism

Your first project might not look like you imagined – and it’s easy to get put off if your tension isn’t quite right straight away. It’s perfectly normal for your first piece of knitting or crochet to be very imperfect and that can put some people off from pursuing it any further. Here’s my advice as a knitter and crocheter of many years:

The solution: Celebrate what you have achieved, and don’t worry too much about reaching a certain standard! There are plenty of future projects that you can spend hours fine-tuning, but your first project is a success for different reasons. It’s always a challenge to learn something new, and your misshapen, wonky project is proof that you are learning and doing really well! It’s well worth keeping your first projects instead of unravelling them straight away – you might not be happy with them right now but after you have been crafting for a while it can be very nostalgic to look back on the project that you first started with. It’s a really nice way to show yourself how far your skills have come.

 

Do you love or hate these tips? We’d love to know what your knitting and crocheting opinions are, and what your best advice for newbies would be!