The Internet has revolutionized the craft world. Whether we’re beginners or experts, our ability to find instructions, tips, patterns and materials–not to mention loads of advice from blogging peers–is now unlimited. These 10 websites for knitting, crocheting, needlework and quilting stand out for breadth of information and advice, and easy navigation.
Daily Knitter: This user-friendly site offers more than 1,500 free patterns and a comprehensive directory of yarn shops, which you can search online by location, name, and even area code. You also can subscribe to a free daily newsletter with patterns, tips and more.
Knit Wits: This U.K.-based site boasts of having the first “yarn converter,” which lets you calculate out how much yarn you need in the same weight but with a different type from a pattern’s recommendation. You’ll find loads of wonderful British patterns and yarns.
Lion Brand Yarn: Yarn manufacturer Lion Brand’s site is a mecca for knitting and crochet aficionados. Free patterns (more than 1,500) are available in formats friendly to the visually impaired: large-type formats and compatible with text-to-speech readers and reading devices that produce Braille. The online learning center’s written and video instructions for knitting and crocheting are easy to follow, even for fumble-fingers.
Crochet Pattern Central: Crochet Central’s free crochet pattern search directory lets you enter a keyword to locate specific patterns, while a free tutorials directory and individual instructions for each crochet stitch are a beginner’s dream. Readers’ time-saving tips and tricks also offer invaluable shortcuts.
About.com Knitting / About.com Crochet: Both About.com’s knitting and crochet sites are comprehensive in approach and chock-full of information. You’ll find charts, technique tutorials, and hundreds of links to free patterns to help you on your way, in addition to About.com’s own one-of-a-kind offerings.
Coats and Clark: Venerable thread and yarn manufacturer Coats and Clark’s website has a terrific needlecraft section with hundreds of free patterns for hand- and machine-embroidery projects. Look for unique baby clothes and accessories, pillows, holiday decorations and more. Patterns are organized by skill levels, so you won’t get in over your head.
Cross-stitch and Needlework: Cross-stitch and Needlework magazine’s website offers free, downloadable projects that range from coasters to afghans, cloaks to baby clothes. The online Tips and Techniques section is also a great resource for stitchers seeking advice on topics from how to stitch with silks and floss to the best ways to store finished projects.
World Wide Quilting Page: This site’s plain-vanilla webpage may not be pretty, but multiple links connect you to lessons, patterns, classes and loads of free, expert advice. It’s been a valued resource for 16 years.
My Quilt Place: The official site of the American Quilters Society, My Quilt Place offers a little bit of everything, from instructional videos to forums and online galleries. It’s also a great resource for information about quilting trends and innovations.
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