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  • Revolutionizing Knitting with Kollage Square

    Revolutionizing Knitting with Kollage Square

    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.

     

     

     

     

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  • Knitting Needle Guide: Straight, Circular, and Double Pointed Needles

    Knitting Needle Guide: Straight, Circular, and Double Pointed Needles

    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.

     

    Circular Needles

    These are short needles that are attached by a cord or cable. Usually, the needle tips are between three inches and five inches in length, connected by a cable of varying length. As with straight needles, circular can be made from wood, plastic, resin or metal.

     

    Knitters will usually move into using circular needles after a few projects on straight needles. Circulars can be used to knit both flat patterns and patterns in the round, where a seamless tube is needed, for example, jumpers. These needles are perfect for larger projects as the weight is distributed along the cable which sits on your lap. This helps to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists, making your knitting experience more comfortable.

     

    Circular needles are also available as interchangeable needles. As the name suggests, these needles and cables can be used interchangeably. The ability to mix and match tips and cables allows you to create the perfect circular needle for your project. They are also more cost-effective in the long run, as there is no need to buy the same needle size in different lengths – a big plus in my books!

     

    Double Pointed Needles

    Also known as DPNs, these needles feature tapered points on both ends of the needle. They are often used to knit small projects in the round, such as hats and socks. These usually come in packs of four or five, and you use a minimum of three needles to create a triangle, using the remaining needle to knit. DPNs are usually available in wood, plastic, resin or metal, in a variety of lengths.

     

    In recent years, flexible DPNs have been introduced to the knitting community. These are DPNs combined with circular needles and feature short needles connected with a short cable. The total length of these needles is usually between five inches and nine inches. The added flexibility from the cable means that the stitches are held on two needles rather than three as with traditional DPNs. The third needle is then used to knit. The reduced number of needles used means there are fewer needle transitions and a reduced chance of ladder stitches in your work. Essentially, your tension will be more consistent and your seam from transitions will be less visible.

     

    Top Tip

    From personal experience, flexible DPNs are quite fiddly to work with initially and can take a fair few rows to get used to. But once you have the hang of them, they are great to work with, removing the awkwardness that comes with working on straight DPNs.

     

    hope you have found this blog helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a message below or email us directly.

     

    You can stay up to date with Crafty Llama on Instagram & Facebook,

     

    Happy knitting,

    Rosie

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  • 12 Christmas Patterns for Knitters & Crocheters

    12 Christmas Patterns for Knitters & Crocheters

    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!

     

    1. Festive Trio of Trees by Shilasdair Yarns

    Available as a pattern and a kit

     

     

    2. Christmas tree's toy Rudolf by Shvetsova Olga

     

    3. Christmas Star Ornament by Clare M

     

    I hope you've enjoyed the roundup of patterns I've selected, I'm going to be busy knitting and crocheting this month! Be sure to head to the website to stock up on supplies. Do leave us a comment with your favourite pattern!

     

    Happy Knitting + Crocheting,

    Rosie

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  • Crafty Llama Granny Square Pattern

    Crafty Llama Granny Square Pattern

    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.

     
     
     
     

    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!

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