Crochet amigurumis have become a real trend in the world of DIY and creative hobbies in recent years. They appeal to young and old alike with their adorable shapes of animals, characters, dolls or everyday objects. But when it comes to creating an amigurumi, one question often arises: which yarns and wools should I choose to give my crocheted amigurumis the perfect finish?

What is a crocheted amigurumi?

An amigurumi is a small crocheted stuffed animal or figurine, often stuffed with absorbent cotton. The word “amigurumi” is of Japanese origin and literally means “small stuffed animal or anthropomorphic creature knitted or crocheted”. The word comes from the contraction of two Japanese words: “ami” meaning “crochet” or “knitting” and “nuigurumi” meaning “plush”. Today, these homemade creations are very popular all over the world, particularly as Christmas or birthday gifts, to decorate a child’s bedroom or to embellish your home with unique pieces.

Which yarns and wools are best for crocheting amigurumis?

The choice of wire is crucial to the success of an amigurumi model. Here are the most commonly used options:

• Mercerized cotton

Mercerized cotton yarn is the most recommended and appreciated for crocheting amigurumis. It offers a crisp, lint-free finish, and its colors remain vivid over time and machine washes. Cotton is a stiff material that offers excellent hold for your amigurumi projects. The Lammy Yarns brand offers a wide range of colors with RIO yarn, which is very popular with those who make amigurumis with a 3 or 3.5mm hook. And if you want to crochet mercerized cotton with a larger hook, RIO 4 and RIO 5 will do the trick!

© Instagram @muscadescapade

• Cotton blend

Yarns featuring cotton-acrylic blends are ideal for creations that are both soft and resistant. They are also often more affordable in terms of price, while remaining suitable for a wide choice of amigurumi models. The Annell brand offers the MIAMI ball in over 40 colors to match all your crochet amigurumi creations.

• Polyester

Polyester chenille yarn is highly prized for making plush toys and comforters for children. Its ultra-soft feel and plush velvet appearance give an immediate “cute” effect to your amigurumis, thanks to the volume and soft texture. The Lammy Yarns and Himalaya brands offer chenille yarns to suit all your crochet amigurumi projects, including CHENILLE 6, CHENILLE 4 and VELVET.

© Instagram @la.zouz.shop

• Acrylic

Less expensive than Cotton or Polyester yarns, Acrylic offers a soft yarn perfect for beginners or for making more economical projects requiring large quantities of yarn. Like Cotton yarns, Acrylic yarns are available in a wide range of colors to meet all your creative needs. Brands such as Lammy Yarns, Distrifil and Annell offer Acrylic yarns that are excellent value for money and easy for beginners to work with. These include STANDARD N°1, AZURITE and RAPIDO.

However, when choosing the material that’s best for you, it’s important to note that a Polyester or Acrylic yarn will be softer and have less hold than a Cotton yarn for crocheting an amigurumi. So, if you want to crochet your amigurumi with a Polyester or Acrylic yarn, you’ll need to ensure that the stuffing is solid and firm. Opting for a smaller hook size than that indicated can also be a good option when working with these synthetic materials. This way, your stitches will be nice and tight, and you’ll avoid the stuffing wadding coming out of your amigurumi.

What materials do I need to crochet amigurumi?

To crochet an amigurumi, you’ll first need…a hook! Choosing the right crochet hook is an important and decisive step in the success of your amigurumi. It will depend not only on the material and size of the yarn you choose, but also on your crocheting habits. To guide you, take a look at our article on how to choose the right crochet hook.

Then, depending on your project, you may need other haberdashery accessories such as stitch marker rings to help you find your way around your work, or a wool needle to sew together the various elements of your amigurumi.

© Instagram @muscadescapade

The wadding is useful for giving volume and shape, while the safety eyes are there to bring your creations (plush toys, dolls, animals, fictional characters, etc.) to life.

Finally, depending on your crochet level, you may also want to pick up a book or catalog specializing in amigurumi tutorials. This type of book is a great source of inspiration and patterns. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we also offer a complete amigurumi crochet kit to make, step by step, an adorable little cotton penguin.  

Why embrace the crochet amigurumi trend?

Crocheting amigurumis isn’t just about following a fashion or a cute trend, it’s also, and above all, about entering a soothing and rewarding creative universe.

Opt for a creative, relaxing and easy-to-learn activity

Crocheting amigurumis allows you to relax (a form of active meditation), to work on your concentration and patience, but also to feel immediate satisfaction when you see a little creature come to life in your hands. What’s more, making amigurumis is an activity accessible to beginners, as the basics of crochet (tight stitch, increase, decrease) are enough to make plenty of amigurumis. There are plenty of free online tutorials (videos, blog posts, etc.) and a large, friendly community on social networks such as Instagram and YouTube to exchange and share ideas about amigurumis.

Crochet adorable and personalized creations

Inspired by Japanese kawaii culture, amigurumis are cute and expressive. You can create unique characters and objects: animals, fruit, monsters, video game or anime characters. When you crochet your amigurumi, you can choose its shape, colors, accessories, expressions… it’s infinitely customizable!

© Instagram @iampaupaul

Give handmade gifts that always please

The amigurumi is ideal as a gift for a baby, child or even an adult geek or collector. The amigurumi can serve as a handmade gift with far greater emotional value than a simple toy or store-bought object.

However, if an amigurumi is intended for a little human being, it’s important to ensure that no element can be harmful to him or her and his or her health. As such, it’s best to opt for yarns certified by the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 label, and to choose to embroider the eyes with yarn rather than sew plastic eyes that could be accidentally ripped out and swallowed.

Choose an activity that’s accessible on a small budget

A hook, a bit of yarn, some stuffing: the initial investment to make crocheted amigurumis is quite reasonable and minimal in terms of materials. You can also recycle leftover yarn and wool scraps from other knitting and crochet projects. What’s more, to make amigurumis, you don’t need a machine or a workshop: everything fits into a small bag and can be taken anywhere!

© Instagram @muscadescapade

In short, crocheted amigurumis are much more than just a trend: they’re genuine handcrafted creations that seduce with their adorable, customizable appeal. To get off to a good start, choose suitable yarns such as Cotton or Polyester, explore all-in-one kits, and don’t hesitate to try out several models to perfect your skills and find your style! Like all DIY and craft activities, crocheting amigurumis takes time and patience, but you’re sure to be rewarded.

AN ADVICE, A MORE SPECIFIC QUESTION FOR US?

You can contact us by private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram, or via our contact form. You can also contact us by email at lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone on +33 3 20 57 09 46 or +33 3 20 51 39 98.

When you start crocheting, one of the first steps (and not the least important) is to choose the right crochet hook. Faced with the diversity of hook materials, sizes and shapes, it’s easy to feel a little lost… How do you know whether a hook in Stainless Steel, Plastic, Wood or Bamboo is best suited to your project? What diameter should you choose according to the wool or yarn you’re using? We’ll help you make the right choice!

The various hook materials

A wide variety of hooks are available, each with its own advantages depending on your level or crochet project.

Stainless steel hooks

Ideal for small hook sizes from 0.6 to 3 mm, especially for fine work such as cotton lace. Stainless steel hooks are robust and precise. In terms of ergonomics, they generally have no handle.

Aluminium hooks

Aluminium hooks are among the most widely available on the market. They are light and pleasant to use, especially for medium hook sizes ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Aluminum hooks are available with or without handles, depending on your preference.

Bamboo and wooden hooks

Natural and lightweight, wooden or bamboo hooks offer good yarn grip on the hook, which is well suited to beginners, but can snag with some specific yarns. They are generally not available in hook sizes below 3 mm, and do not come with a handle.

Plastic hooks

Lightweight, economical and available in large sizes (up to 15 mm and more), they’re perfect for large, thick wool projects. Plastic hooks are available in a classic version without a handle, or in an ergonomic version with a soft handle, depending on your crocheting habits.

Classic hook or ergonomic hook?

The hook handle can play an important role in your comfort, especially if you crochet for a long time.

A classic hook often features a classic cylindrical or flat handle made of a single material. It’s ideal for beginners testing out different types of hook, or for experts crocheting with small hook sizes for delicate, meticulous work.

A hook with an ergonomic handle is covered with a soft, comfortable coating that reduces hand fatigue. It’s an excellent choice for those who crochet regularly or suffer from joint pain.

How do I choose the right crochet hook size?

The size, or diameter, of the hook is crucial to the success of your project. It must be adapted to the thickness of the wool or yarn used. It is generally indicated in millimeters (for example: 2.5 mm) or by a number. To guide you, the label on your ball of yarn usually indicates the number or recommended hook size. This can range from a fine hook (0.6 mm) for mercerized cotton to a 12 mm hook for thick wool.

It’s important to note that your crocheting style and the nature of your work will also influence your choice of hook size. For example, if you have a tendency to tighten stitches a lot, it’s best to opt for a larger hook size than the one indicated, to obtain a softer final result. By the same token, if your project calls for very tight stitches (as in the case of an amigurumi, for example) and you crochet loosely, it’s best to choose a smaller hook size than the one indicated, to obtain a more solid finish.

What is the ideal crochet hook for beginners?

For beginners, it’s best to choose an aluminum hook in an intermediate size (between 4 and 5 mm) and a classic medium yarn such as Acrylic Wool. Synthetic yarns are less expensive than cotton or wool yarns, so you’ll be able to practice easily without worrying about wasting yarn. An aluminum hook with a simple or ergonomic handle can make it easier to hold and work the stitches.

Starting with a simple project, such as a scarf or granny squares, will give you confidence and help you to better identify your crochet-grip preferences. If you use a crochet hook size that’s too small, your stitches will be too tight and difficult to work. What about a size that’s too big? Your stitches will be loose and uneven.

Don’t hesitate to try out different hooks to find the one that suits you best. Crocheting is also a question of feeling and pleasure!

The right crochet hook for the right project

In short, choosing the right hook means taking several factors into account:

• Type of yarn or wool ;

• Hook material ;

• Hook size and diameter ;

• Handle type (classic or ergonomic) ;

• Type of project ;

• Your personal comfort and preferences.

Now you’re ready to start or perfect your crochet skills. So grab a nice yarn, a hook and start a new creative adventure!

AN ADVICE, A MORE SPECIFIC QUESTION FOR US?

You can contact us by private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram, or via our contact form. You can also contact us by email at lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone on +33 3 20 57 09 46 or +33 3 20 51 39 98.

Finding the right gift for a crochet enthusiast isn’t always easy… but rest assured, whether it’s for a special occasion or just for the pleasure of giving, there are plenty of original and useful ideas to put stars in the eyes of every crocheter. Discover our 6 must-have crochet gift ideas for a yarn and wool addict!

1. A complete crochet kit

There’s nothing like a crochet kit to please a crochet enthusiast. It can include one or more hooks, accessories (sewing needles, marker rings, wadding, etc.) and a pattern or model to guide you step by step through the crochet process. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we offer crochet kits to make accessories, such as a trendy bag or placemat, but also to make a cute amigurumi. It’s a great gift idea for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

2. A pattern book or catalog

Books and catalogs of crochet and knitting patterns are real goldmines when inspiration is lacking. You’ll find patterns for accessories, clothes, bags, comforters, etc. It’s important, however, to choose a book or catalog according to the tastes and skill level of the crocheter you’re going to give it to.

3. A pretty crochet bag

A crochet bag is much more than just a crochet accessory! It’s a must-have for organizing your haberdashery supplies and transporting your crochet projects. Some cases and storage bags are compartmentalized, with zipped or buttoned pockets and holes for threading the work in progress, while others are simpler but just as practical and elegant.

4. Ergonomic hooks

For long, pain-free crocheting hours, ergonomic hooks in silicone, wood or metal with comfortable handles are often a safe bet. They represent good value for money and are available in all hook sizes and pretty colors. It’s a great and thoughtful crochet gift idea to take care of your loved one’s crochet joints.

5. Quality wool balls

If you know your recipient’s tastes and crochet techniques well, a gift of high-end wool such as Alpaca, Pure Merino or Cotton is both thoughtful and inspiring. The price of balls of wool varies according to brand and fiber, but a few beautiful threads are often enough to create a unique creative project.

6. A gift card online or in store

If you’re hesitating between several gift ideas, a gift card gives your loved one the freedom to choose the book, kit, wool or hooks they need. It’s an excellent compromise between freedom and personalized attention for all those special occasions like Christmas, birthdays or Mother’s Day. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we offer both in-store gift cards and online e-cards on our website. The person to whom you are giving the gift card can spend the balance available in our Lille boutique, 7 rue Jules Guesde, or online on our website.

In short, there’s no shortage of gift ideas to please a crochet or knitting enthusiast. So, whether you opt for a book, a kit, a bag, balls of yarn, accessories or a pretty gift card, your gift is bound to be appreciated if you choose it with pleasure.

AN ADVICE, A MORE PRECISE QUESTION TO ASK US?

You can contact us by private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram, or via our contact form. You can also contact us by email at lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone on +33 3 20 57 09 46 or +33 3 20 51 39 98.

Everyday, we are in direct contact with different textile fibers such as wool or cotton which make up our clothing and linen. At La Lainière de Wazemmes your well being is important to us. That’s why we pay particular attention to the quality of our items, their manufacturing, and the substances that compose them. As such, a certain number of the balls that we sell carry the Standard 100 certification of the Oeko-Tex® label. But then, what does this label represent? What does it really guarantee regarding the composition of textile fibers? We have tried to explain to you as simply as possible everything that this certification involves.

What is the Oeko-Tex® label ?

As you probably know, there are so many different yarns and wools on the market that it’s hard to know where to start! A ball or a skein of natural or synthetic fibres? To make a scarf, a hat or a jumper? For an adult, a child or a baby? Today, in this article, we’re going to try to help you ask yourself the right questions so you know which wool to choose for your future project.

For what type of knitting or crochet project?

First of all, you need to decide on a project to make: a scarf, jumper, hat, blanket or even a cushion… Whether it’s for clothing, accessories or home decoration, the possibilities are endless, whether you’re knitting or crocheting! That’s why it’s so important to choose your yarn according to the project you want to knit or crochet. If you’re planning to knit socks, you won’t use silk, for example. Certain materials are better suited to certain projects, and the choice of wool you use will greatly influence the final result of your work. For example, homemade decorations made from macrame yarn are very popular with those who want to add a touch of bohemian chic to their home.

You also need to know in advance whether you plan to knit or crochet your project. Some yarns and wools, such as cotton yarns, are particularly suitable for crochet, while others, such as baby wear yarns, are more suitable for knitting.

What style do you want your project to have?

As well as the type of work you want to knit or crochet, you also need to think about the style you want to give it in order to choose the most suitable ball of wool or yarn. Are you looking for a velvet effect for your cushion? Do you prefer a furry mohair effect for your jumper? To answer these questions, we strongly advise you to look for inspiration or a model on websites such as Pinterest or even Instagram to get as precise an idea as possible of the final result you want. Do you prefer lightweight projects? Fluffy wools? On trend? Chunky knits? You’ll need to choose a type of yarn and needles or hook accordingly.

For whom would you like to carry out your project?

Once you’ve decided on the type of work you want to make, you need to know who you’re going to knit/crochet for, or who you want to give your work as a present. You won’t choose the same yarn or wool to make a decorative item, a warm winter scarf for an adult, a jumper for a child or a cardigan for a baby.

When it comes to baby clothes, accessories and layette, there are certain yarns and wools to avoid: those that could irritate the skin, such as mohair, for example. Hairy, fluffy or plush wools should also be avoided. We advise you to choose wools specially designed for layette in synthetic materials such as acrylic with RAPIDO FINE or BABY SOFT, which can be knitted with n°2.5/3 needles, or polyester with MANGO, which can be knitted with larger needles. They are suitable for babies’ soft, sensitive skin. You can also opt for wools that are usually used to knit socks, with a mixture of wool and synthetic materials, such as NEW RUNNING or SUPER EXTRA. We also strongly recommend choosing yarns certified to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, which guarantees that the yarns and wools are free from substances that are harmful to health or the environment. To find out more about the Oeko-Tex® label, read our article “What is the Oeko-Tex® label?“.

For adults, the choice is very wide, as there are no particular contraindications (except for allergies to wool or other particular fibres). You’ll need to choose the wool according to your preferences and the look you want your work to have. You can opt for noble wools such as alpaca, merino wool and cashmere, or synthetic yarns such as acrylic.

Finally, if your aim is to knit or crochet a decorative accessory, you’ll need to choose which ball of wool is best suited to it, depending on your desires and your interior. You could opt for a wool with a very thick yarn to make a great plaid, or a fairly stiff wool with cotton or acrylic fibre to make a basket, for example. You can also read our article on the different types of interior decorations you can make using macrame.

Take into account your level of knitting or crochet!

Your level of knitting/crochet skills is a factor to be taken into account when choosing your yarn. We don’t recommend the same yarns for beginners and experts. In our article on yarns and wools to start knitting, we even recommend starting with acrylic yarns and other synthetic materials, which are easier to handle than fancy, sequined or hairy yarns. What’s more, noble materials are not recommended if you’re just starting out. They are more expensive, and you risk damaging them by making and unmaking your work. And don’t forget: a synthetic ball doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality – quite the opposite, in fact – and can also provide a very soft yarn. It’s not for nothing that we always recommend acrylic yarns for baby and children’s projects in general.

How many balls of wool will you need to make your work?

Depending on the weight of the ball, the yardage of the yarn, the size of needles recommended for knitting the yarn, the way you knit or crochet (loose or tight), etc., the number of balls you need to complete your project will vary significantly. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, on our website, we provide a ball calculator on most of our product sheets. This tool allows you to estimate the quantity of balls needed for your project. You can find it at the bottom of the product sheet you have chosen on our website.

For example, you’ll need 10 balls of CASHWOOL from Textiles de la Marque, knitted with n°3.5 or 4 needles, to knit a size 40 jumper in stockinette stitch. You won’t have to worry about the calculations, La Lainière de Wazemmes does it for you! If the ball you’ve chosen doesn’t have this calculator, we can give you more information by phone 03.20.57.09.46, by email lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by private message on Instagram or Facebook.

The choice of knitting or crochet needles is crucial!

Your choice of needles or crochet hook should also be adapted to the wool you have chosen (its size, its material…) as well as your level of knitting or crochet experience. You can find all our advice in our article on the different types of knitting needles! So it’s perfectly possible to choose your wool according to the size of needles or hooks you like or want to work with for a future project.

Now that you have all this essential information, you know all the secrets to knitting or crocheting the perfect project!

Want to get started? Discover all our yarns and wools!

AN ADVICE, A MORE PRECISE QUESTION TO ASK US ?

You can contact us in private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram Facebook et Instagram, or through the chat bubble at the bottom right of your screen right now. You can also reach us by email lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone at 03.20.57.09.46.

See you soon, for new knitting tips, with La Lainière de Wazemmes !

Knitting is one of the best activities ever (we’re not objective, but we know you agree with us !). It allows to clear the head and to relax, while stimulating our brain. We quickly become addicted to it! But when you’re new to knitting and have never taken a class, you always wonder where to start… How to cast on a stitch? How to achieve an increase in a rank? Do you need one needle or two? What size ? Simple or circular? This is why today, in this article, we are going to guide you in finding the ideal wool and material to start knitting!

What are the essential tools for learning knitting ?

To begin this guide for beginner knitters, let’s review the basics!

First, you need needles. They always work in pairs. If you are a beginner and want to learn to knit without difficulty, choose them that are neither too big nor too thin, but of medium size, like No. 5 or No. 6.

These numbers correspond to the diameter of the needles which will give its size to the stitch. Don’t go beyond that, large needles are not easy to handle for beginners because of their heaviness which risks slowing you down in your learning to knit. The same goes for fine needles, certainly lighter but more difficult to grip. We also recommend, most of the time, starting knitting with straight needles rather than circular needles which are a little more complicated to use.

Finally, take needles 30 cm or 40 cm long, made of wood or metal. Make sure they are pleasant to the touch and that the yarn slides well over them before you start so that you are not embarrassed when learning to knit. Holding your needles well will promote the precision and flexibility of your movements.

 The first tests ?

Before rushing headlong into your first 100% Alpaca noble wool blanket, follow these few essential tips :

We strongly recommend that you first make your first attempts with a wool composed of Acrylic. You can ask to see a sample of the desired wool to get an idea of the result. You can learn how to cast on your stitches and perform the first basic knitting stitches, such as garter stitch or stockinette stitch, with synthetic wool. It is not recommended for beginners to start knitting directly with wool from a noble material such as cashmere for example. Indeed, yarns and wools made from synthetic materials such as acrylic are not really expensive and are perfectly suited to getting started in knitting. Indeed, during your learning, you risk often undoing and redoing your stitches, correcting your mistakes and, consequently, damaging your yarn.

To cast on your first stitches and knit your first rows, we recommend the balls:

• AMY from Distrifil ; 
• RAPIDO PLUS from Annell.

The first project 

Once you know how to cast on your stitches and have mastered the basic knitting stitches, it’s time to get started on your first project ! To begin, we recommend the ALPINA 6 and CANADA balls from Lammy Yarns. These balls are a real pleasure for beginners thanks to their unbeatable quality-price ratio ! In addition, their thick yarn glides perfectly on the needles. Made of wool and acrylic, these balls offer a wide choice of colors. 

In addition, there are many knitting patterns for beginners to, for example, learn how to knit a scarf, a snood and even sweaters. Start first with a project that is not too ambitious so as not to get discouraged and give up at the first difficulty. Instead, choose knitting squares to test the stitches and not get lost when reading the pattern. In 3 words: take your time!

The first project according to the season

For a first winter project with natural yarn, it may be interesting to knit in 100% wool. For this, we highly recommend the PURE LAINE 8 ball from Textiles de la Marque. It can be knitted in needle size 8 or 9.

For a summer project in natural yarn, we recommend using cotton and more specifically, for beginners, the COTON 5 ball from Lammy Yarns. It can be knitted with n°5 needles or with n°6 needles, for the less initiated among you. Today it is very easy to find a model or pattern that you will like on the Internet, so treat yourself!

The garter stitch scarf undoubtedly remains the ideal project for beginners. Indeed, it does not require sewing and does not present major technical difficulties such as increases or decreases. To do this, we advise you to work with a thick wool, easy to knit. On each ball of wool, the needles to use for knitting are specified on the label. The other positive point? No need for a knitting pattern to knit a scarf, simply knit the same stitch to the desired length.

You can also begin with socks. Even if it may seem complicated to you, it’s a rather quick and easy project to complete, you’ll see, you’ll quickly want to knit dozens of them for winter! For this, we advise you to opt for a specific wool for socks.

Knitting kits and crochet kits

At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we offer several knitting kits and crochet kits accessible to beginners in terms of level. We advise you to start knitting with a kit because these are composed of a detailed technical sheet with all the step-by-step explanations to support you in your project but also of all the materials necessary to create a beautiful work. Snood, baby vest, baby blanket, scarf, sweater,…there is something for all tastes, all projects and all colors! All you have to do is order your first kit, grab your needles or hook and start knitting/crocheting.

Mistakes to avoid

When starting out, there are a few things to avoid. First of all, you should not use needles smaller than size 5. It is even recommended for beginners to always use a needle size larger than the one indicated on the label of the ball. 

Secondly, we do not recommend using fancy yarns, such as glittery, fluffy or hairy yarns. Indeed, these are more difficult to handle, which may complicate your learning to knit/crochet.

Finally, as you may have understood, we recommend not to knit expensive wools or noble yarns for a first project in order to avoid damaging it and therefore ruining it.

From now on, you’re holding all the cards to get started and knit the most beautiful projects. So, if you follow our advice, knitting will quickly become child’s play!

AN ADVICE, A MORE PRECISE QUESTION TO ASK US ?

You can contact us in private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram Facebook et Instagram, or through the chat bubble at the bottom right of your screen right now. You can also reach us by email lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone at 03.20.57.09.46.

See you soon, for new knitting tips, with La Lainière de Wazemmes !

As a knitting enthusiast, you know that the choice of needles is essential to the successful completion of any project! There are knitting needles of all sizes, all diameters and even different materials. Your choice will depend on your level (beginner, intermediate, expert), your preferences (type of wool, material, specific project,…) and your way of knitting (loose, tight,…). Today, in this article, we are going to tell you a little more about knitting needles so that you can find THE right pair of needles.

Categories of knitting needles 

First of all, there are 3 main categories of knitting needles: 

• The straight needles. Among them are:

1. Single point needles are highly recommended for beginners as they simplify the use and handling;
2. Double point needles are used by the most experienced knitters. They allow you to knit with both sides of the needle.

• Circular needles: The 2 needles are then connected by a cable and will allow you to knit normally but especially to knit in the round, which does not allow the other types of needles. It is in particular thanks to circular needles that you will be able to make hats or socks! Also, the other main advantage of circular needles is that they allow a comfortable work. Thanks to them, no more joint pains in the arms when you knit! They are also easier to carry and you will logically have less risk of losing them (and yes, the needles are linked together!).
  
• Ergonomic needles: A revolution in the world of knitting with this new patented material that makes the needles lighter, more flexible and quieter. The new teardrop-shaped tips allow for smooth and safe thread guidance. The new tips allow you to clip your needles together and use them as a stitch stop. The adaptable needle body from round to triangular section will make your stitches slide more easily. 

Also, for specific knitting and crochet projects or stitches, there are other types of needles such as twisting needles, lace forks, Tunisian hooks and many others that you can find on our website in the sections Other needles or Other accessories.

The diameter and length of the needles

Then, you need to know that knitting needles are based on a simple numbering system with a diameter ranging from 2 to 25. To choose the size of needles you need, you must first know if you are a beginner or an advanced knitter. We invite you to take a look at our knitting essentials, where we recommend a minimum size 5 needle for beginners. Then, for the more experienced among you, the choice of needle size will depend on your preferences but also on your way of knitting: loose or tight. If you prefer to knit loosely, we recommend larger needles and smaller needles if you prefer to knit tightly. 

In addition to the diameter of the needles, you should also consider their length. Did you know that the world record for the longest knitting needle is 3.5 meters? Not to hide anything, needles of this size are reserved for the world champions of knitting

Otherwise, most of the time, needles are between 20 and 40 cm long. If you are an expert knitter, you may be used to tucking the needles under your arms, so it is best to use 40 cm long needles. However, for beginners, we advise you not to complicate your task with long needles, smaller ones such as 30 cm needles will do perfectly well ! 

The materials of the needles 

There are several types of knitting needles, in different materials, but the most popular are plastic, aluminum and bamboo needles.

Regarding plastic needles, they are recommended for beginners because they are very light and easy to handle. They also allow you to knit models with thick wool. Be careful though, they may become stained and/or twisted over time. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, all our classic straight needles from size no. 8 to size no. 25 are made of plastic.

Then, bamboo needles have the great advantage of being very light, more so than metal needles. They are also quite slippery. They don’t stain but may warp a little over time if you knit heavy projects with them. They are also more expensive than plastic or aluminum needles because bamboo is a natural material and its production is different. At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we offer 40 cm straight bamboo needles in sizes 3 to 12.

There are also wooden needles which have the same advantages as bamboo needles. In fact, they are ideal for knitting enthusiasts with fragile wrists because they are lighter than metal needles. Beech wood, for example, is dense and light and has the advantage of not producing splinters. Additionally, unlike metal needles, wooden ones do not bend. They do not slide as much as metal or plastic needles but are perfect for working with certain threads such as silk which tend to slip a lot. However, wooden needles, especially small ones, tend to break.

Finally, metal needles are heavier and colder than plastic ones but much more slippery and durable. Indeed, the smoother surface of metal needles allows for faster knitting because the stitches can slide without friction, which makes them the preferred choice of the most experienced knitters. Metal needles are suitable for all types of yarn, but work best with wool (including wool blends) and acrylic. These are the metal needles that have the sharpest points, making them particularly suitable for lace knitting. They are often made of aluminum, stainless steel, brass or nickel.

To conclude, it is not that difficult to start with aluminum needles because the yarn will easily slide over the needles to cast on your stitches and knit your rows. Unlike plastic, aluminum needles are solid and quite durable over time. With us, all of our classic straight needles from size 2 to 7 are made of metal.

At La Lainière de Wazemmes, we have a wide choice of straight or circular needles, single or double pointed, in metal or plastic, in 30 or 40 cm, from size 2 to size 12. You will inevitably find them knitting needles you need! Now that you know all the information about knitting needles and you have all the cards in hand to create the most beautiful work! 3, 2, 1… On your needles!

Want to start your own project? Find all our haberdashery accessories ! 

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Knitting enthusiasts, as you surely know, there are several types of yarns and wools and they are not all maintained in the same way.Today, in this article, we’re going to reveal all our secrets and tips to maintain the fibers of your wool projects.

Before washing your wool clothing…

Make sure your sweater is dirty. It may seem silly, but today we tend to put our wool sweater in the dirty more out of habit or reflex than out of concern for cleanliness. So before making this mechanical gesture, take a few minutes to check that your garment is indeed dirty and that it needs to be put in the machine.

First, shake your wool sweater hard and leave it in a ventilated place for several hours. As surprising as it may seem, your wool garment will clean itself naturally. This is due to the nature of the fiber, made up of scales, which open and close depending on the humidity level in the room. So, once your clothes have been hung up for a few hours and shaken, you will have a clean wool sweater back!

If you really notice that your wool garment remains dirty or is stained, put it in the washing machine at 30°C maximum, in a specific program for wool or take your garment to the dry cleaner.

Synthetic wools: polyester, acrylic, polyamide, etc.

First of all, synthetic wools are not wools that are particularly weakened by being put in the washing machine. They often hold up very well unlike so-called “noble” wools like alpaca or cashmere. So, to maintain your items made of synthetic materials, you can opt for the washing machine at 30°C maximum or in the Wool program. You can also use a special wool detergent, it has a neutral pH and contains foaming agents to protect the fiber…The spin should also be set to a minimum so as not to run the risk of damaging the fibers and deforming them. sweater.

On the other hand, it is strongly recommended not to use the dryer which could also risk deforming your sweaters and other woolen clothing! In fact, hea

It considerably damages the appearance of the fibers. Likewise, ironing is not recommended for the care of your wool clothes, whether they are natural fibers or synthetic fibers. However, it may be indicated on the label of your ball that ironing is possible. Before ironing your clothes and other woolen items, remember to set your iron to the correct temperature. It is in fact generally recommended to use a lukewarm iron.

When drying your sweaters and other woolen items, we recommend letting them dry flat and in the open air. Indeed, hanging a wool garment to dry could risk deforming it due to the weight of the water.

If the sweater appears to have become out of shape during washing or drying, gently reform it by pulling it slightly into the desired shape. Avoid twisting or folding it to dry, as this can damage the wool fibers.

Noble wools: alpaca, cashmere, mohair, merino…

For noble wools, such as alpaca, cashmere or mohair, are much more fragile. Therefore, it’s recommended not to put them in the washing machine. It is best to opt for hand washing.

To increase the lifespan and maintain the quality of certain wools such as merino wool, we recommend dry cleaning. Nevertheless, machine with a cold program is possible on certain specific parts, if not on a regular basis.

For your cashmere items, choose the wool program of your washing machine, suitable for cashmere. As with hand washing, it is essential to wash your cashmere clothes in cold water (20°C) for machine washing. In fact, hot water could cause them to shrink. Choose a gentle spin of 400 revolutions per minute maximum. Preferably, favor spinning by hand, simply by pressing the wool, so as not to rub the fibers together. This will prevent the fibers of your clothing from tangling, which causes felting.

However, some of our balls made from noble materials can be machine-washed without any problem! This is particularly the case for CASHWOOL and MALMEDY. But be careful, always wash them at 30°C maximum or in the Wool program if your machine has one and with a detergent suitable for caring for wool fibers. 

100% cotton yarns and wools can withstand higher temperatures and more intense spinning. Generally speaking, depending on your work and its composition, you can machine wash your cotton between 30 and 60°C and opt for spinning at around 1000 revolutions.

As with synthetic materials, using a tumble dryer or iron is not recommended to avoid damaging your wool clothing. Drying flat and in the open air is also recommended for noble materials. However, avoid exposing white wool directly to the sun, as it could get yellow.

Getting rid of a stain on a wool clothing

If you want to get rid of stubborn stains on your wool sweater, it’s best to act as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the harder the stain will be to remove. 

To try to clean a stain on your wool sweater, gently rub the stained area using a cloth towel and a little Marseille soap, do not go too hard so as not to damage the fibers . Leave the soap on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If despite all your efforts the stain persists, repeat the operation several times or use a few drops of black soap or white vinegar for more effective cleaning. Keep in mind that wool is a delicate and fragile material, so treat it as gently as possible.

Do you want to get started? Find all our balls of wool!

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Buying the first accessories to start knitting can be quite a tedious step because you must not make a mistake… And when you don’t know much about it, it’s quite tricky ! That’s why today, in this article, we are going to try to guide you by elaborating a list of your first useful and effective purchases to begin well in knitting.

The needles

Needles are, without a doubt, the first accessory you need to start knitting. As mentioned in our article on the different types of knitting needles, there are many different types of needles. Although there are many choices, we strongly recommend that you choose straight, single-point stainless steel needles.

Why is that? Because stainless steel needles are, admittedly, less light than bamboo needles, but your wool thread will slide perfectly on them, which will facilitate the grip.

As for the size of needles to choose when starting out, we advise you to knit at MINIMUM in size 5. Knowing that the needle size 8 is the most suitable for learning to knit.

Also, single point needles are highly recommended for beginners as it prevents your stitches from slipping off the other side of your needle and, therefore, losing all of your work.

The balls

Then, as indicated in our article “Yarns and wools to start knitting”, it is advisable to avoid all types of noble wools, fancy yarns or too fine yarns like layette wools for example. You will need to choose synthetic balls, such as acrylic in size 8 for example, to learn how to make your first stitches. For your first projects, we recommend the CANADA or the ALPINA 6.

The kits

Finally, at Lainière de Wazemmes, we offer several knitting kits accessible to beginners in terms of level. We advise you to start with kits because they are composed of a technical sheet with all the useful explanations to accompany you but also of all the materials necessary to realize a beautiful work. 

Do you want to start knitting ? Discover all our knitting and crochet kits ! 

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As you probably know, a knit stitch is made up of alternating knit stitches and purl stitches, depending on the different rows and stitches of a project. So once you have mastered the knit and purl stitches, you can consider that you are ready to perform all the types of stitches that exist! Through this article, we will take a brief overview of the different knitting stitches that can be made with wool yarn, from the most common to the most original.

The most common points : 

There are 3 types of knitting stitches that are very well known and are among the most used by people who knit wool yarn.

The garter stitch

First of all, the garter stitch which is composed exclusively of knitted stitches and which is the stitch designated as the simplest in knitting. Moreover, it is one of the first points to learn when you start knitting because the technique is relatively simple to master. It is therefore ideal and preferred for beginners. A beginner can, for example, easily practice and practice garter stitch for their first creation. The final work will not be the most visually original but it will be carried out correctly and without too many technical difficulties. If you are new to knitting, we also recommend that you read our article on yarns and wools to start knitting.

The stockinette stitch

 Then there is the stockinette stitch, also a great classic and basic in knitting. It consists on knitting a row of stitches in the right direction then a row of stitches in the reverse direction. This point is usually used to give you indications of the quantity of balls you will need for an upcoming job or project. Like the garter stitch, the technique is relatively simple to assimilate. In this way, we can also advise beginners to use stockinette stitch in their first creations such as scarves, blankets or even a sweater, why not, for the most confident!

The seed stitch

Finally, among the most common stitches that can be found in knitting, comes the seed stitch. The latter consists of casting on the stitches then alternating over the entire row, one stitch in the right side then one stitch in the reverse,…and repeating like this until the end of the work. Thanks to the magic of the internet and the will of thousands of dedicated creators, you will find plenty of explanatory videos to teach you, step by step, how to perform the seed stitch technique (and all the others too!).

Other types of points : 

Although the three points mentioned above are the most common, there are others that are a little less known but not necessarily more complicated to master.

The wheat stitch 

First of all, there is the wheat stitch. It involves knitting the stitches as they appear, so right side or wrong side, then changing them from time to time. For example, 1 row out of 3, if your stitch is right side up, you knit it reversely and vice versa.

The godron stitch

Then there is also the godron stitch. This one consists of knitting the first, third, fourth and sixth rows right side up and knitting the second and fifth rows wrong side up. This process always repeats these six rows until the end of your project. Note that this stitch gives a very elastic look to your projects!

Openwork points

Openwork stitches are also frequently used and are increasingly trendy. Indeed, we often find this openwork effect on loose sweaters and tops but also on decorative accessories such as curtains or table runners. This will give your works a slightly bohemian look and a lighter texture.

Which stitches for the ribs ?

Ribs are what you find most of the time on the ends of your sweaters. There are several types of ribbing, but the most popular are 1/1 and 2/2 ribbing. 

1/1 ribbing

To knit 1/1 ribbing, simply knit your first row one stitch right side up, one stitch wrong side up until the end of the row, then for all other rows, knit the stitches as they occur.

2/2 ribbing 

For the 2/2 ribbing, the principle does not change! Only for the first row where, instead of making one stitch right side up and one stitch wrong side up, you will have to make two stitches right side up and two stitches wrong side up. Then, for all the other rows, you will just have to knit the stitches as they appear.

For the more experiences among you

Beyond the basic stitches and ribbing that can be made with wool yarn, there are more technical stitches, such as jacquard stitch or cables, for knitters who have a more advanced level of knitting.

The jacquard stitch

The jacquard stitch consists on knitting in stockinette stitch, changing color so as to form the design represented on a grid which acts as a guide to make your creation. You can also choose from models offered on the internet or in catalogs, or even draw your own pattern and let your imagination speak for itself. Each square of the grid represents a stitch and a row. The grid is accompanied by a legend which indicates the correspondence of the colors. You must read the chart starting from the bottom, from right to left for each row on the right side of the work, from left to right for each row on the reverse side. Be careful however, the knitting techniques used for the jacquard stitch vary depending on the importance of the design that you wish to represent on your work.

Cables

Cables are obtained by knitting crossed stitches. The small cables of 2 stitches are very easy to knit and do not require a cable needle.
– 2 stitches crossed on the right: Knit the 2nd stitch on the left needle in the front, then knit the first stitch normally. Drop the 2 stitches together.
– 2 stitches crossed on the left: Knit the 2nd stitch on the left needle from behind, then knit the first stitch normally. Drop the 2 stitches together.

A cable of 3 or more stitches requires twisted needles.

If you decide to challenge yourself with these last examples, we strongly advise you to watch an explanatory video to learn and help you perform the technique. It is also necessary to arm yourself with patience and determination because all learning takes time when knitting.

There are still many different stitches that we have not described in this article such as sand stitch, tweed stitch, Eglantine stitch and many others… Knitting with different techniques has several advantages, In particular, it allows you to vary the renderings but also to give each of your works a different texture and relief.

Want to try new knitting stitches? 

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You can contact us in private message via our social networks Facebook and Instagram Facebook et Instagram, or through the chat bubble at the bottom right of your screen right now. You can also reach us by email lainieredewazemmes@gmail.com or by phone at 03.20.57.09.46.