All Blog Posts

6 Basic Macramé Knots Every Beginner Should Learn

If you’ve ever looked at a macramé project and wondered how you’d ever make something like that, we have good news: it all starts with just a handful of basic...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 17, 2026

Tapestry Crochet: Colourwork Techniques and Patterns

If you have ever admired a bold, pattern-packed crochet bag or a geometric wall hanging and wondered how it was made, tapestry crochet is almost certainly the technique behind it....

Mitch McPhedrain | September 17, 2026

Blanket Size Chart: Standard Dimensions for Every Project

Whether you’re planning a first baby blanket or sizing up a queen-size bed cover, having the right blanket sizes at your fingertips makes every project smoother from the very first...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 15, 2026

Slip Stitch Crochet: Techniques and Projects

Slip stitch crochet is one of those quiet techniques that makes everything else in your work look more finished and intentional. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 13, 2026

How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch

Waffle stitch crochet is one of those wonderfully satisfying techniques that gives you a rich, cozy texture with a surprisingly simple repeat. In this guide, we will walk you through...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 13, 2026

Blanket Stitch: How to Work It and When to Use It

Blanket stitch is one of those quietly powerful hand techniques that shows up everywhere once you know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 12, 2026

Mattress Stitch: How to Seam Knitting Invisibly

Finishing a hand-knit sweater is one of the most satisfying moments in any project, and mattress stitch knitting is the technique that makes those final seams look truly polished. In...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 11, 2026

Magic Loop Knitting: How to Knit Small Circumferences on One Circular

If you’ve been putting off small circular projects because DPNs feel like a lot to manage, magic loop knitting might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. In this guide,...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 9, 2026

What Yarn to Use for Plastic Canvas (and What to Avoid)

Picking the right yarn for plastic canvas can feel overwhelming at first, but it really comes down to a few key factors that make everything click into place. In this...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 16, 2026

How to Substitute Yarn in Any Pattern Without Ruining the Fit

Yarn substitution doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game, and with the right checks in place, swapping one yarn for another can be just as satisfying as working with...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 15, 2026

How to Make Tassels Out of Yarn

Yarn tassels are one of those small details that can completely transform a finished project, and learning how to make tassels out of yarn is much simpler than it looks....

Mitch McPhedrain | September 7, 2026

Skein vs. Hank: Understanding How Yarn Is Sold

Whether you’re new to yarn or just filling in a few gaps, knowing the difference between a skein vs hank can save you a lot of confusion at the craft...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 4, 2026

Are Yarn Bowls Worth It

If you’ve been eyeing a yarn bowl and wondering whether it’s actually worth adding to your craft space, we’re here to help you figure that out. In this article, we...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 25, 2026

How to Read a Yarn Label: Dye Lots, Ply, and Care Symbols Explained

That little yarn label holds a surprising amount of information, and once you know how to read a yarn label, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right yarn before your...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 22, 2026

How to Soften Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is one of our favorite fibers to work with, but we know that first touch straight out of the skein can feel a little stiff and surprising. In...

Mitch McPhedrain | May 29, 2026

What to Crochet With Black Yarn

Black yarn might seem like a simple choice, but we've discovered it's one of the most versatile and elegant options in any crafter's collection. Whether you're wondering what to crochet...

Mitch McPhedrain | May 12, 2026

Crochet Blanket and Afghan Patterns by Yarn Weight

Choosing the right yarn for a crochet blanket shapes everything from the warmth and drape to how long the project takes to finish. In this guide, we walk through how...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 16, 2026

Crochet Coaster Patterns: 15 Quick Projects

Crochet coaster patterns are one of those wonderful little projects that come together quickly, look great on a table, and make genuinely thoughtful handmade gifts. In this article, we’ll walk...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 14, 2026

Crochet Shawls and Wraps: Free Patterns and Sizing

Whether you’re looking to make a cozy layer for yourself, a meaningful prayer shawl for someone you love, or a beautiful handmade gift, a crochet shawl is one of the...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 11, 2026

Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re searching for your very first easy hat pattern or something with a bit more texture and challenge, this guide is here to help you find the right fit....

Mitch McPhedrain | September 11, 2026

Crochet Bag and Tote Patterns: 20 Free Designs

Whether you’re stitching up a sturdy bag for market days, looking for a quick beginner win, or hunting for something polished enough to gift, there’s a tote bag pattern in...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 9, 2026

Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Every Season

Whether you are looking for a breezy summer layer or a chunky cold-weather cozy-up, the right cardigan patterns can carry your wardrobe through every season of the year. In this...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 8, 2026

How to Get Free Crochet Patterns

Finding free crochet patterns sounds simple until you’re twenty tabs deep and still not sure which sources are actually worth your time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 24, 2026

Free Crochet Patterns: How to Find, Evaluate, and Choose the Best Patterns Online

Discovering Quality Free Crochet Patterns Online The internet has revolutionized how crafters discover and access crochet patterns, creating a massive library of free resources right at your fingertips. Today’s online...

Mitch McPhedrain | February 18, 2026

How to Knit a Scarf: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to knit a scarf is one of the most rewarding first projects you can pick up, and we’re here to walk you through every step with confidence. In...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 10, 2026

Intarsia Knitting Explained: Colour Blocks Without Stranding

If you’ve ever wanted to knit a bold heart, a playful animal motif, or a sweeping geometric shape, intarsia knitting is the technique that makes it possible. In this guide,...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 10, 2026

English vs. Continental Knitting: Which Style Is Right for You?

Whether you’ve just picked up your first pair of needles or you’re a seasoned knitter wondering if there’s a better way, the English vs continental knitting conversation is one that...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 3, 2026

Treble Crochet vs Triple Crochet Explained

If you have ever spotted both “treble crochet” and “triple crochet” in different patterns and wondered whether you were missing something, you are not alone. In this article, we will...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 21, 2026

Which Crochet Stitch Uses The Least Yarn

If you have ever run low on yarn mid-project, you already know how much stitch choice can matter. In this article, we are breaking down which crochet stitch uses the...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 19, 2026

Can Knitting Be Done by Machine

Whether you have spotted a knitting machine at a craft fair or simply wondered how all those perfectly uniform sweaters get made, the question of whether knitting can be done...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 17, 2026

Fair Isle vs Stranded Knitting Explained

If you have ever wondered about the difference between fair Isle vs stranded knitting, you are definitely not alone. These two terms get mixed up all the time, and clearing...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 14, 2026

How to Join Crochet Side Seams

Getting a clean, polished finish on a crochet project often comes down to one thing: knowing how to join crochet side seams with confidence. In this article, we walk you...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 12, 2026

How Do I Redeem a Yarn Gift Card?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “how do I redeem a yarn gift card?”, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through everything from finding your code and...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 28, 2026

How Knitting Can Help You Beat Bad Habits

If you have ever caught yourself reaching for your phone, biting your nails, or falling into some other automatic pattern you would rather leave behind, you are not alone, and...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 3, 2026

What is The Sweater Curse

Whether you’ve heard whispers of it at your local yarn shop or stumbled across it in an online knitting forum, the sweater curse is one of those traditions that has...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 31, 2026

What Is Gauge and Why Does It Matter in Knitting?

Gauge is one of the most important numbers in any knitting pattern, yet it’s often the step that gets skipped. This article breaks down what gauge is in knitting, how...

Mitch McPhedrain | June 18, 2026

Mental Health Benefits of Crocheting

In a world that often feels overwhelming and fast-paced, crocheting offers a gentle pathway to better mental health through the simple act of creating something beautiful with your own hands....

Mitch McPhedrain | April 24, 2026

Physical Benefits of Crocheting and Knitting

While you're focused on creating beautiful stitches, your body is quietly reaping incredible wellness rewards that extend far beyond your finished projects. The physical benefits of crocheting and knitting include...

Mitch McPhedrain | April 20, 2026

Knitting In The 19th Century

To understand how knitting evolved across the 1800s, it helps to look at the forces that shaped it. The 19th century was a period of enormous change, and the craft...

Mitch McPhedrain | April 6, 2026

Complete Guide to Softening Red Heart Yarn

Red Heart is one of the most popular yarn brands on the market right now, and it seems to have the crafting community divided. Those who like it swear by...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 13, 2025

Wooden vs. Cardboard Jigsaw Puzzles: Which Is Worth the Money?

Whether you’re eyeing a beautifully crafted wooden puzzle or reaching for a trusted cardboard favorite, the choice between wooden vs cardboard puzzles comes down to more than just price. In...

Mitch McPhedrain | September 18, 2026

How to Speed Up Puzzle Solving: Sorting and Tips

Whether you’re new to jigsaw puzzles or a longtime enthusiast looking to pick up the pace, a few smart puzzle solving tips can make a surprising difference in how quickly...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 13, 2026

Puzzle Piece Shapes Explained: Ribbon Cut vs. Random Cut vs. Grid Cut

If you have ever stood in a puzzle aisle wondering why two boxes with the same piece count can feel so different to build, puzzle piece shapes are usually the...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 10, 2026

How to Frame and Display a Finished Jigsaw Puzzle

Framing a finished jigsaw puzzle is one of the most rewarding ways to honor the time and care you put into building it, and we are here to walk you...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 8, 2026

500 vs. 1000 Piece Puzzles: Which Should You Choose?

Picking the right puzzle size can make the difference between a relaxing evening well spent and a project that sits half-finished on the table for weeks. In this guide, we...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 7, 2026

How to Store and Organize Puzzle Pieces While You Work

There is nothing quite like settling into a puzzle, but a scattered pile of pieces can turn a peaceful hobby into an exercise in frustration before you even get started....

Mitch McPhedrain | July 3, 2026

Puzzle Subscription Boxes: A Complete Comparison Guide

Puzzle subscription boxes have grown into a crowded market, with services ranging from brand-specific clubs to curated multi-brand deliveries. Each one comes with its own pricing structure, commitment terms, and...

Mitch McPhedrain | March 13, 2026

Jigsaw Puzzle vs. Puzzle: All Differences Explained

Jigsaw Puzzle vs. Puzzle: All Differences Explained Source: Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash When we hear the word “puzzle”, most of us immediately think of jigsaw puzzles – pictures made up...

Mitch McPhedrain | June 5, 2024

Dec 25 - Free Exclusive Pattern | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is the last day of our 25 Days of Christmas! We hope you have enjoyed these fun patterns, tutorials and yarn specials! Each day of our 25 Days of...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 25, 2022

Dec 24 - Free Exclusive Pattern | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 24 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Enjoy today's Free Patterns! Each day of our 25 Days of Christmas we feature something new just for you. Maybe...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 24, 2022

Dec 23 - Free Spring Patterns | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 23 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Make sure to click back and visit Day 22 for Free Worsted Weight Yarn Patterns Patterns Today's download these Fun...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 23, 2022

Dec 22 - Free Worsted Weight Yarn Patterns | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 22 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Make sure to click back and visitDay 21 for Free Exclusive Patterns Patterns Today's download these Mary Maxim Baby's Best...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 22, 2022

Dec 21 - Free Exclusive Pattern | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 5 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Today we are featuring our Mary Maxim Starlette Chunky Yarn. Make sure to download the Exclusive Pattern below. These patterns...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 21, 2022

Dec 20 - Free Baby Blankie Yarn Patterns | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 20 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Make sure to click back and visit Day 19 for Free Mary Maxim Sugar Baby Stripes Patterns Today's download these...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 20, 2022

Dec 19 - Free Sugar Baby Stripes Yarn Patterns | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 19 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Make sure to click back and visit Day 18 for Free Mary Maxim Baby's Best Yarn Patterns Today's download these...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 19, 2022

Dec 18 - Free Baby Value Yarn Patterns | 25 Days of Christmas

Today is Day 18 of our 25 Days of Christmas! Make sure to click back and visit Day 17 for Free Mary Maxim Maximum Yarn Patterns Today's download these Mary...

Mitch McPhedrain | December 18, 2022

Team Building Activity With Crocheting

Looking for a fresh approach to workplace bonding that goes beyond trust falls and icebreakers? A team building activity with crocheting offers something truly special—a chance for colleagues to slow...

Mitch McPhedrain | April 27, 2026

May 2022 Crochet Club Kit Review

Our May Crochet Club is here! Thank you so much for being a part of this club. We put our whole heart in each Mary Maxim design and though we...

Mitch McPhedrain | May 12, 2022

Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Final Week

Mitch McPhedrain | December 10, 2021

Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Week 3

We are now working on Week 3 of our Vintage Christmas Stocking Knit Along. This week we are working the heel of our stocking and the Gusset. We included the...

Mitch McPhedrain | October 6, 2021

Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Week 2

It's Week 2 of our Vintage Christmas Stocking KAL!  This week we are casting on, knitting the ribbing and working the cuff of our stocking. We included the complete pattern...

Mitch McPhedrain | August 27, 2021

Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Week 1

Vintage Christmas Stockings For over 60 years we have been thrilled to be a part of your Christmas Traditions generation after generation. No matter if it's because a favorite aunt...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 23, 2021

Retreat Cowl Loom Along June - Week 4

Show off what you can do on knitting loom with the new Retreat Cowl Loom Along. This stunning pattern designed by Kristen Mangus of GoodKnit Kisses combines a variety of...

Mitch McPhedrain | July 3, 2021

Retreat Cowl Loom Along June - Week 3

The all new Retreat Cowl begins with a simple 1x1 ribbing. Then it transitions into the Diamond Lace Stitch and the Seagrass Stitch. The center of the cowl is what...

Mitch McPhedrain | June 26, 2021