Here in the Pacific Northwest we've had our first burst of warm weather and we've decided it's high time we talk about warm weather knitting. Whether you're thinking of garments to WEAR or projects to MAKE during our upcoming heatwaves, we've got you covered. Listen along as we talk about the ins and outs of our favorite knitting season: SUMMER! First up, Stacey and Hannah share their favorite projects. We'll get you thinking about your own knitting queue and wardrobe. And if you're wondering if...
May 15, 2020•38 min•Ep. 322
We're recording these episodes from our homes scattered across Portland, Oregon. We may be apart but our enthusiasm for all things yarn and crafting bring us together! Today, we're taking a small departure from knitting or crochet to talk about dyeing yarns. No matter what craft you're passionate about, being able to make your unique, custom colorway is an exciting and fun project that you can do at home with things you probably already have around the house! First up, Regan and Hannah chat abou...
May 01, 2020•38 min•Ep. 321
You may have noticed that we took a short break between episodes while we figured out how to record from home. We miss our tiny recording studio but we're also so excited to be able to record new episodes for you to knit along to. Many of us are finding more time to do our favorite crafts during the day... it's a time to rest and find comfort in our projects. Even though we're spending more time crafting, it doesn't necessarily mean that all of that time is spent in one go over the course of a l...
Apr 17, 2020•34 min•Ep. 320
Today we take a trip behind the scenes at Knit Picks to talk about two of our popular programs. We're busy adding to and refining our subscription boxes and eco yarn offerings throughout the year and wanted to share some of the stories and highlights from both. First up, Alison and Hannah talk about their history of developing new eco yarns. From past favorites like Full Circle to our recent Upcycled yarn launch, we're proud of what we've been able to source and are always looking for new yarns ...
Mar 20, 2020•21 min•Ep. 319
Knits are meant to be loved and used which means that a knitter's work is never truly done. Whether there are holes to be mended or you want to add some fiber flair to your project, Stacey, Lee, Alison and Hannah share some of their favorite ways to mend and embellish knits. First up, wool moths and kiddos mean our stacks of knits have some holes to be patched. Alison and Hannah discuss the different ways they mend well loved knits. Listen in to learn about needle felting, darning eggs and the o...
Mar 06, 2020•31 min•Ep. 318
The first step in every knitter's journey is conquering the basics: knitting, purling, casting on and binding off. The next step, of course, is finding ways to make your knits do exactly what you want! That feeling when everything comes together in a project that fits perfectly, and looks just as you'd imagined is every knitter's dream. In this episode Lee and Hannah answer the Knit Picks Podcast's very first message from the new podcast voicemail. Our caller wanted to know how to customize a ha...
Feb 21, 2020•39 min•Ep. 317
Each project has a beginning. Sometimes inspiration starts with a new pattern, but our favorite knits always begin with a surprise " I have GOT to have that !" skein. Today's episode includes our favorite ways to pick patterns when you're starting from your stash. First, Erica and Hannah discuss all the information on yarn labels! Each label has everything you need to know about a yarn if you know how to parse the mysterious lingo. (We've included a label on our blog so you can follow along as w...
Feb 07, 2020•35 min•Ep. 316
Today we're going back to basics! First up, Stacey and Hannah share some insights into knitting needles. The most essential knitting tool, no matter your technique, pattern or yarn, choosing the right needles for each project is the very first step and can make a huge difference in your journey. Whether you're dedicated to DPNs or curious about Interchangeable Needles, Stacey and Hannah cover the basics of needle selection. Next, Gerda and Lee dig deep into the intricacies of knitting cables. On...
Jan 24, 2020•29 min•Ep. 315
In the spirit of a new year full of crafting goals and bursting project queues, we're taking a moment to think about the act of FINISHING knits. More than just weaving in ends, using the right finishing techniques for each project means you'll have garments and accessories that will be treasured and look good for years to come. First up, Erica and Hannah talk about the importance of taking your time. Each finishing step, from picking the perfect buttons to using the right techniques along the wa...
Jan 10, 2020•45 min•Ep. 314
With the new year right around the corner we're busy reflecting on the goals and resolutions we made in the waning days of 2018. Erica and Lee chat about their resolutions for this year and what did (or did not, as the case might be) happen. Each then look forward to 2020 and make some plans for the New Year. Next, Stacey and Hannah take a holistic look at 2019. Knit Picks has introduced more new yarns than ever before and both Stacey and Hannah successfully completed their 2019 resolutions. The...
Dec 20, 2019•37 min•Ep. 313
Craft·i·tude /kraft ə t(y)o͞od/ noun the quality of being thankful within crafting; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness in crafting. (Craft + Gratitude) As crafters, there's something to be grateful for every day we pick up our needles, try a new yarn or conquer a technique. From beautiful yarns to inspiring role models, there are so many things and people to thank for helping each one of us explore our favorite crafts. First, Lee and Hannah share all of the things they're ...
Dec 05, 2019•20 min•Ep. 312
Whether you're brand new to knitting or an old hand, talking about the foundations of knitting can lead to some profound "ah hah!" moments. Time and again we think we've learned all there is to know about knitting, only to be surprised by some little tip or trick from a fellow crafter that totally changes our process. Lee and Erica start the conversation today by sharing their methods for reading both patterns and your knit fabric! Being able to look at your project and correctly "read" your sti...
Nov 22, 2019•38 min•Ep. 311
Halloween, the spookiest time of year may have come and gone, but the Knit Picks office and crafting queues are still haunted by scary decorations and seasonal knits. While we’re still making cute ghosts, leaves and pumpkins and enjoying treats with cinnamon and spice, we thought it would be the perfect time to cozy up with some spooky themed podcast segments. First up, Lee and Morgan chat about their knitting fears! Trying new projects or techniques can be intimidating so they’ve come up with s...
Nov 08, 2019•26 min•Ep. 310
Summer is long gone and everyone here at Knit Picks has started gearing up for the holiday gift giving season! Our needles are busy casting on hats, socks and stuffies and everything in between. Erica and Hannah share their tips and tricks for managing their project queues throughout this busy season, as well as making sure we all give the perfect gift, every time. Hannah's favorite way to make a stellar gift in no time at all is to pair a basic pattern with a stunning, color changing yarn. In t...
Oct 25, 2019•29 min•Ep. 309
In this episode, we're taking a trip down luxury lane. It's the perfect time of year to treat yourself (or that special someone on your gift list) to handknits in our premium fibers. Our newest pattern collection, Cadence, showcases these luxury yarns in garments and accessories that are both simple AND stunning. Stacey and Lee go behind the scenes and discuss all the careful considerations and lovely details that went in to each pattern. Alexis and Hannah also dig deep into what makes Luxury ya...
Oct 14, 2019•24 min•Ep. 308
We have a special guest for this episode! Lisa Seifert joins Stacey to chat about our newest colorwork collection, Spectrum . Lisa brings some new insight to the design process and shares some behind the scenes info about her patterns in this stunning collection. Our Q + A segments continue! We love answering your knitting questions (keep them coming!) and tackle all your colorwork conundrums in this episode. Stay tuned for tips for proper tension, color choice, and yarn selection! Whether you'r...
Sep 27, 2019•50 min•Ep. 307
We recently calculated how many pattern collections we've published and were SHOCKED to discover that we've done over 130 books since we started this program. Each collection has come together after months of planning, designing, and knitting. Every time we get a new sample in the office or do a new call for submissions, we get excited about all the possibilities! To celebrate our new Gansey collection: Form and Function, Stacey and Hannah sit down together in the studio to really dig in to thes...
Sep 13, 2019•26 min•Ep. 306
It's time to celebrate our favorite seasonless knit, SOCKS! The perfect portable project, we always have a pair on our needles between larger projects. There's really nothing better than a pair of handknit socks for gifting OR wearing. This week we dive into our new Simply Socks pattern collection. After years printing collections of wild socks with fabulously complicated colors and stitch patterns, we've put together a collection of basic, everyday patterns that we all secretly (or not so secre...
Aug 23, 2019•36 min•Ep. 305
This episode is all about the mysteries and intricacies of sweater knitting! First, we've launched a brand new, wonderfully tweedy sweater pattern collection, Everyday Rustic. Stacey and Lee share their favorite patterns as well as a little behind the scenes peek into making this collection. To go along with our sweater theme, Stacey and Hannah pop into the studio to answer some of YOUR questions about the ins and outs of sweater knitting. From sweater care to yarn substitution, and even one que...
Aug 09, 2019•28 min•Ep. 304
After eight years of making our very own pattern collections, we're finally doing a BEST OF KNIT PICKS edition! Our very favorite garment patterns from our archive are now together in one amazing (and enormous) book. Colorwork, cables, tweed and a few luxury yarns shine in these newly standardized and updated patterns. Lee and Stacey, who work together to bring you all of our pattern collections, sit down to share some behind the scenes insight into their favorite patterns and the logistics of p...
Jul 26, 2019•17 min•Ep. 303
We're dedicating this episode to our love for the timeless and oh-so-wearable SHAWL! The ultimate knit accessory, shawls are fun to make and easy to style in any season. That being said, summer is our favorite time of year to break out our lace weight yarn and cast on our most epic shawl projects. The perfect roadtrip companion or portable poolside project, a single skein of yarn goes incredibly far when it's used for open, lacy motifs. Stacey joins Hannah in the podcast studio to chat about Soj...
Jul 15, 2019•18 min•Ep. 302
Today is a celebration of everything that makes Knit Picks unique. One of our core missions is to surprise and delight our super fans with new tools, yarn, and patterns. We're always working on new biz for you and rarely take a moment to think back and appreciate all that has come before. In this episode, Hillary and Hannah share our favorite Knit Picks exclusive tools. Listen in as we chat about our tried and true ball winders as well as our new Needle binders, a labor of love over a year in th...
Jun 28, 2019•21 min•Ep. 301
Today marks an exciting milestone, its our 300th episode! Over the years we've covered just about every topic under the crafty sun. We've done deep dives into obscure techniques, gone full nerd over micron counts and also gone behind the scenes and shared the development process of some of our most popular yarns. Everyone here at Knit Picks loves to take a few minutes every month to sit down in the studio and talk about the parts of this craft that we each love most. Today, you'll hear from all ...
Jun 13, 2019•17 min•Ep. 300
Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast, Episode 299: Shawl Season Get ready to dust off your needles and hooks with two new shawl collections! First, Stacey and Hannah talk about Radiance, our knit shawl collection. Easy to wear and fun to knit, these shawls feature fun color combinations and our favorite yarns. Next, Heather joins Hannah in the studio and they chat about the stunning Color Crush collection of crocheted shawls. Finally, sock yarn shawls for all you happy hookers out there. Alexis and...
May 21, 2019•32 min•Ep. 299
Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast, Episode 298: Earth Day, Every Day After such a long, wet winter here in the Pacific Northwest, everyone at Knit Picks has been looking forward to the noticeably greener (and hopefully dryer) spring season. The trees have started to leaf out, the daffodils have bloomed their little hearts out and my knitting queue has taken a turn toward lightweight cotton garments and cheerful spring colors. My favorite spring landmark is EARTH DAY! Every year we take a moment ...
Apr 18, 2019•23 min•Ep. 298
Welcome to the Knit Picks Podcast, Episode 297, Cotton and Clean As the clustering cold and heavy skies of winter pass, refreshing vernal rains come to bring new life to the landscape. . .and your knitting! Knit Picks is celebrating the renewing season with new cottons, new colors, and new perspectives. To start, Knit Picks official cotton aficionados Hillary and Erica discuss fresh and favorite cotton yarns, including new Snuggle Puff, made just like our ever popular Wonderfluff but with cotton...
Apr 04, 2019•32 min•Ep. 297
One of the innumerable things that we love about knitting is as a means to discover the world around us. Our newest yarn and knitting pattern collection are opportunities to take this both figuratively and literally. The collection, Adventure Awaits , is selection of rugged, practical projects to make all of your outdoor explorations easier, while newly introduced yarn, Muse , lets us bring the fiber mills and dye shops of Japan directly to you. To start, Stacey talks with Erica about Adventure ...
Mar 07, 2019•24 min•Ep. 296
Knitting is, in some ways, an inherently serene activity that lends itself to quiet evenings in cozy interiors. Amid all the chaos and hustle, our newest collection, Interlude , looks to foster the peace- and comfort-loving home body in every knitter. With simple, generous garments in cozy, soft yarns, these patterns will have you looking for excuses to stay in. To start, I sit down with Hilary to discuss the collection, with a special focus on the alpaca yarns that bring these lounge-worthy pro...
Feb 21, 2019•29 min•Ep. 295
Knit Picks may be our name, but we are definitely about more than just knitting. The devoted crocheters amongst us are directly responsible for this newest collection, Embrace . Full of the textures that you can only get with crochet, this collection uses our full range of yarns for the sorts of modern projects that add charm and allure to everyday life. To start, Stacey and Hilary discuss the collection, talking about the patterns, yarns, and colors of these updated crochet creations. After tha...
Feb 07, 2019•26 min•Ep. 294
Accessories are the force multipliers of fashion, where the smallest items, wisely applied, can have the biggest impact. And this is even more true for knitters, when the right hat or cowl can take a week while a sweater can drag on for months. Accents , our newest accessories collection helps you get the most out your knitting time, with the small adornments that play such a big role in our wardrobes. To start, Stacey and Hilary discuss the collection, talking about the patterns, yarns, and col...
Jan 24, 2019•23 min•Ep. 293
