Lion Brand Yarn / Margaret Mae Dunham

Lion Brand Notebook • 13th July 2012

Keep Yarn Organized: Learn How to Wind a Center-Pull Ball By Hand

Center-pull balls of yarn are convenient to use and to store, and are perfectly easy to make! Rest assured: if you can wind yarn into a regular wrapped ball, you have all the skills it takes to make a center-pull ball. Use this one trick to keep your yarn safe and tidy in storage, and stop it from bouncing all over the floor as you work!

Lion Brand Notebook • 11th May 2012

How to Choose the Right Yarn to Knit & Crochet With This Spring & Summer

Knitting and crochet aren’t just crafts for the fall and winter; when you choose the right yarns and projects, you can keep right on crafting in the hotter months of the year! With these 5 tips on choosing the perfect yarn for your spring and summer projects, you’ll be comfortable making and wearing your crafts throughout the warmer seasons.

Lion Brand Notebook • 26th April 2012

How to Crochet Broomstick Lace

Broomstick lace has a beautiful, open look that really shows off the character and texture of your yarn. Dating back to the 1800s, this technique creates large loops of yarn that gently twist to the left, giving the finished project especially elegant drape. For a long time I was intimidated by broomstick lace, so I wanted to share how easy it is to create this beautiful, reversible fabric!

Lion Brand Notebook • 5th April 2012

How to Make Your Own Easy, No-Mess Easter Basket Grass

Making Easter basket grass yourself is a great idea; it’s a simple, fun activity you can do with kids, and helps get everyone into the holiday spirit with egg-hunt anticipation. Making your own out of yarn secured inside the basket also means you’ll have a lush, great-looking basket and no more plastic grass all over your house or yard. This easy tutorial will show you how to create a festive Easter basket in any color.

Lion Brand Notebook • 24th February 2012

5 Simple Ways to Relieve & Prevent Hand Pain

There are many ways to improve your crafting life and alleviate stress on your body while you work. How have you made your crafting more comfortable? Share your tips to help others in the comments section below.

Lion Brand Notebook • 16th February 2012

7 Tips for Teaching Kids How to Knit or Crochet

Teaching children to knit or crochet can be daunting, but these 7 tips are designed make it easy and fun for everyone involved. Remember the first project you ever made? Teaching a child to knit or crochet is your chance to help them have that special feeling of accomplishment. When children learn to love fiber arts as children, they are much more likely to keep knitting and crocheting for the rest of their lives.

Lion Brand Notebook • 10th February 2012

How to Make Amigurumi Cuter with Perfect Eye Placement

For this example, I used a set of safety eyes and crocheted the head portion of the Best Bunny pattern from LionBrand.com with the Papaya shade of Baby Wool. You can also use felt, buttons, or embroidery to give your amigurumi eyes.

Lion Brand Notebook • 2nd February 2012

12 Tips on How to Organize Your Yarn Stash

When you’re a crafter, loving yarn is easy, but keeping it organized can be a challenge. Keeping an organized stash will help you know what you have, find what you need, and make projects you love. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to keep you new yarn tidy, or an experienced crafter with a stash that feel like it’s out of control, these 12 tips will help you organize your yarn and focus on the fun part: making beautiful projects!

Lion Brand Notebook • 19th January 2012

9 Secrets to Helping a Beginner Knitter or Crocheter

If you have friends or a family member who is just starting to knit or crochet, you have the chance to be the support they need! Beginners often have a hard time learning to feel good about their skills.

Lion Brand Notebook • 12th January 2012

6 Tips on How to Learn to Knit or Crochet

Are you interested in learning a new craft, or do you know someone who is? Starting out can be hard when you’re learning a brand new skill. We’ve all heard people talk about how hard it must be, but with these tips on getting started and a little patience, learning can be fun and simple.

Lion Brand Notebook • 28th December 2011

7 Tips on How to Knit and Crochet for Charity

The holidays have past, but crafting for charity is a great way to stay in the spirit of giving. With so many worthy causes and charities in the world, choosing what to make, which yarn to use and where to donate can be a bit challenging. These tips are are organized to help you find the right project and organization for you. Enjoy making someone wonderful and sharing it with someone in need this winter using the 7 suggestions below.

Lion Brand Notebook • 7th December 2011

How to Make Easy Finger-Knit Holiday Garlands

This year spread holiday cheer by making quick and easy finger-knit garlands with friends, family and kids. A finger-knit garland is a wonderful reusable decoration, and an easy way to get kids and family members involved in holiday crafting. Finger-knitting is a simple, quiet project kids can work on with family or on their own while you prepare for the holidays, and the finished garlands can adorn almost any part of the home, instantly adding handmade charm and warmth to your decor.

Lion Brand Notebook • 18th November 2011

How to Make an Easy Knit or Crochet Dog Sweater

Keep your pet snug and warm with these fast, easy to make pet sweaters. These 5 patterns for knit and crochet pet sweaters have been reviewed by dozens of dog lovers who make their own pet clothes. Click on an image to see the full pattern, and scroll down to read reviews and 5 essential tips on making the perfect sweater for your four-legged friend!

Lion Brand Notebook • 10th November 2011

Hey Beginners, We Found Your Next Easy Project!

If you’ve just started to knit or crochet, or know someone who has, you know how challenging the first few projects can be. Chances are if you are just getting started, you’re thinking about making a scarf, or have already made one. My first and second projects were both basic scarves, but by the third project I was ready to try something new.

Lion Brand Notebook • 19th July 2011

How to Make a Ruffle Tank Top with Crochet

Many yarncrafters face the same challenge every summer: “I want to make something to wear right now even though it’s warm outside.” I have had this issue on my mind all summer long. On a recent shopping trip I finally found my summer yarncrafting inspiration. I’d like to share with you what I made, and what I learned in the process.