All Blog Posts

How to Fix a Dropped Stitch in a Finished Project

Finding a dropped stitch in a finished project can make your heart sink, but we promise it is one of the most satisfying knitting fixes once you know what to...

Mary Maxim | July 29, 2026

Circular Needles vs. Straight Needles: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between circular vs straight knitting needles is one of those decisions that can feel surprisingly tricky until someone breaks it down clearly. In this guide, we cover everything from...

Mary Maxim | July 24, 2026

From 2D to 3D: How to Build Boxes, Baskets, and Containers with Plastic Canvas

Making the leap into 3D plastic canvas projects is one of those creative milestones that opens up a whole new world of what you can stitch and build. In this...

Mary Maxim | July 21, 2026

How to Fix Common Plastic Canvas Mistakes

We’ve all been there: staring at a plastic canvas project and wondering if a wonky stitch or a bit of visible mesh means starting all over again. The good news...

Mary Maxim | July 17, 2026

Continental Stitch vs. Half Cross Stitch: When to Use Each in Plastic Canvas

Choosing between continental vs half cross stitch is one of those decisions that can feel small but makes a real difference in how your finished plastic canvas project looks and...

Mary Maxim | July 15, 2026

How to Make a Magic Ring With Yarn

Learning how to make a magic ring with yarn is one of the most useful skills you can add to your crochet toolkit, and it’s far more approachable than it...

Mary Maxim | June 30, 2026

What Is a Magic Ring in Crochet Terms

Learning what is a magic ring in crochet terms is one of those small skills that quietly improves almost every project you make in the round. This guide walks you...

Mary Maxim | June 29, 2026

How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger

Knowing how to make a macrame plant hanger is a genuinely useful skill, and this guide walks you through every step from selecting the right cord and knots to assembling...

Mary Maxim | June 26, 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | May 12, 2026

Lily Sugar'n Cream Yarn: The Complete Guide for Kitchen and Home Projects

Few yarns have earned a place in crafters' homes quite like Lily Sugar'n Cream. This guide walks through everything that makes it such a reliable choice for kitchen and home...

Mary Maxim | March 23, 2026

What is Super Bulky Yarn? A Guide to Weight 6 Yarn

Super bulky yarn is one of the most satisfying fibers to work with — fast, forgiving, and full of cozy potential. This guide covers everything you need to know about...

Mary Maxim | March 20, 2026

Buying Yarn in Bulk: When It Makes Sense and How to Do It Right

Buying yarn in bulk can be a smart move but it's not the right call for every crafter or every project. The decision comes down to a few practical factors:...

Mary Maxim | March 16, 2026

Caron Yarn Buying Guide: Comparing Every Caron Line

Caron yarn offers several distinct product lines, each with its own strengths, fiber properties, and ideal use cases. Knowing the differences between them can save you time and money. It...

Mary Maxim | March 9, 2026

Caron Simply Soft Yarn Review: Pros, Cons, and Best Projects

Caron Simply Soft yarn has earned its place as one of the most trusted and beloved yarns on the market today. Whether you're a first-time crafter picking up needles for...

Mary Maxim | March 5, 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...

Mary Maxim | February 18, 2026

Creative Crochet Patterns For Bulky Yarn: Cozy and Stylish Projects

Creative Crochet Patterns For Bulky Yarn: Cozy and Stylish Projects Source: pexels Bulky yarn often plays the understated sibling role to its finer, more delicate counterparts in the yarn family....

Shopify API | August 2, 2024

Crocheting Amigurumi With Bernat Velvet Yarn Patterns: Top Picks

Crocheting Amigurumi With Bernat Velvet Yarn Patterns: Top Picks Source:Yarnspirations Bernat Velvet Yarn is a bulky, 100% polyester yarn with a soft, chenille texture to it. It has a luxurious-looking...

Shopify API | June 5, 2024

20 Free Lion Brand Mandala Yarn Patterns

Shopify API | February 5, 2024

8 Crochet Patterns for Fine Yarn and Tips

8 Crochet Patterns for Fine Yarn & Tips Source: Van3ssa_ on Pixabay Using fine yarn, also known as thin yarn or lightweight yarn, can take your crocheting game to a...

Shopify API | February 5, 2024

15 Free Crochet Patterns To Make With Cotton Yarn

Shopify API | December 1, 2023

The Top 10 Bernat Pop Yarn Patterns to Knit

The Top 10 Bernat Pop Yarn Patterns to Knit Bernat Pop is a 100% acrylic, self-striping, worsted-weight yarn. It is an excellent choice of yarn for vibrant, eye-catching projects, whether...

Shopify API | December 1, 2023

How to Fix Uneven Crochet Blanket

How to Fix Uneven Crochet Blanket Crochet blankets are a great way to show off your creativity and add a bit of warmth and comfort to any room. But when...

Shopify API | December 16, 2022

How to Read a Knitting Pattern

Learning how to read a knitting pattern is one of those skills that feels confusing at first and then suddenly clicks into place. In this guide, we walk you through...

Mary Maxim | July 28, 2026

How to Bind Off Knitting in The Round

Knowing how to bind off knitting in the round is the final step that gives your project a clean, polished edge worth showing off. This guide walks you through three...

Mary Maxim | June 17, 2026

Knit vs. Purl: Mastering the Two Basic Stitches

Every knitter begins in the same place: two stitches, two motions, and a whole world of fabric waiting to take shape. This guide walks you through knit vs purl with...

Mary Maxim | June 12, 2026

Knitting Abbreviations | Comprehensive Guide

Knitting abbreviations are the key to unlocking any pattern, and this guide walks you through everything you need to read them with confidence. From a full alphabetical reference and common...

Mary Maxim | June 4, 2026

What is Amigurumi Crochet

If you have ever spotted a tiny crocheted bear or a squishy stuffed cactus and wondered how it was made, you are already asking the right question. What is amigurumi...

Mary Maxim | June 3, 2026

Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: Which is Easier?

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between picking up a needle for cross stitch or embroidery, you’re not alone in wondering which craft offers an easier path to beautiful handmade...

Mary Maxim | May 28, 2026

What is The Difference Between Crocheting and Knitting

If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between crocheting and knitting, you’re not alone—these beloved fiber arts might look similar from a distance, but they create magic in completely...

Mary Maxim | May 22, 2026

How Knitting May Be Rewiring Your Brain

When we say knitting may be rewiring your brain, we're talking about neuroplasticity—your brain's amazing ability to form new connections and strengthen existing ones through repeated practice. Picture it like...

Mary Maxim | April 3, 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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....

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Zachary DeLorenzo | August 13, 2025

How to Use Tunisian Crochet Hooks with Cables: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Use Tunisian Crochet Hooks with Cables: A Beginner’s Guide Source: Freepik Tunisian crochet is a unique technique that combines elements of knitting and crochet. If you’re used to...

Shopify API | August 8, 2025

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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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....

Mary Maxim | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Shopify API | June 5, 2024

How Do They Make Jigsaw Puzzles?

How Do They Make Jigsaw Puzzles? Source: Freepik Whether you’re big on puzzles or not, we’ve all solved one (or attempted to) at least once in our lives. But have...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Mary Maxim | 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...

Shopify API | May 12, 2022

Vintage Mary Maxim Christmas Stocking KAL Final Week

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Casey Pollock | 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...

Shopify API | 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...

Shopify API | June 26, 2021