Last week I decided to do my first knitting project for HiyaHiya Direct – I’m a recent addition to the team – and keep you up to date on how it was going on Instagram stories! Rather than starting off with something quite straightforward, I decided to jump into the deep end and try my hand colourwork, also known as stranded knitting, and chart knitting! So here is an account of how it went and my top tips. Also, if you don’t follow us on Instagram, make sure it’s the first thing you do once you’ve finished reading my blog!

I decided to find a pattern that suited the yarn I had already in my stash. So after raiding my stash I came across a couple balls of Drops Flora in red and off white that I had left over from some festive bunting I made as a present for my mum. It’s a lovely wool and alpaca 4 ply blend (65% to 35% respectively) and really is lovely to knit with and blocks well.

Having these colours I figured something Scandinavian would work well, as these colours really are iconic in Scandinavian knitting, so off I headed to Ravelry to find my next project. I finally came across the lovely free pattern ‘Headband Norwegian Rose’ written by Kristin Myrmel from Norwegian Knitting. 

So off I go to find my 3mm interchangeable needles and started to knit! The pattern was super easy to follow and well written. I always recommend that you read through the pattern before you start knitting, this will help you gain an understanding of how the pattern works and allows you to troubleshoot before you get to any issues or uncertainties. Personally, I rarely do a test swatch to check gauge, very naughty I know, but I’m more of a ‘wing it and see’ kind of knitter.

Norwegian Rose Headband Cast On – by Emilly

Obviously, when I got to the difficult bit of the colourwork and following the chart, I had to start paying a little more attention and really focus. Don’t panic if it looks a little daunting at first. If it helps, cover the other rows of the chart so the only one you can see is the one you’re working on, this will help you focus on exactly what you are doing. I also found that checking my stitches against the previous row helped me stay on track. Try out a few different options and see what works for you.

Should you choose to make your own Norwegian Rose Headband or just do any colourwork or stranded knitting project, ensure you are regularly stranding your yarn(s). I did this every 3 or 4 stitches to ensure that the back of the work was neat and tight. It’s important to make sure that when carrying your yarn you don’t pull too tight, or this will cause uneven stitches and will cause your pattern on the right side to appear distorted. If you’re unsure where to begin when it comes holding two yarns at once, or how to strand your yarns, KnitPicks has a really good video that takes you through it all.

Wrong Side of Norwegian Rose Headband – by Emilly

My other top tip is to use a stitch marker to not only mark the start of the round, but also the start of each repeat of the chart, as this really helps you figure out where you got to in the pattern if you stop mid-round. I use a different colour to mark the start of the round as I do to make the start of the repeat to ensure I can differentiate quickly and easily. Marking it in the first few rows also helps you measure straight (super great for larger projects as apparently I can’t measure straight).

When it came to following the chart, I was working from my laptop as I don’t have a printer, and so that meant I couldn’t mark it off on the print out like I would have liked to, so I had to keep meticulous notes on where I was up to, but obviously that didn’t always happen, so I spent a rather long time comparing my stitches to the chart. Next tip, keep meticulous notes, it will save you time in the long run!

Binding off, I opted to a stretchy bind off, which was probably not the best idea, and next time I won’t as the cast on edge and bind off are then sewed together. The stretchy bind off didn’t really make this bit easy, so don’t do what I did, just cast off as usual. Although the stretchy bind off has a lot of uses, this wasn’t one of them.

To sum up, it was a really fun project, colourwork is something I haven’t done in a while, so it was a good one to start with after a while and I love the outcome. It is going to be a great winter headband to keep my ears warm on those bitter mornings, which are thankfully a good six months away.

If you have any questions, please do feel free to message HiyaHiya Direct on either Facebook or Instagram and we will get back to you.

Pattern: Headband Norwegian Rose by Kristin Myrmel (Ravelry, free pattern)

Yarn: Drops Flora, 4 ply in Off White and Red

Knitting Needles: HiyaHiya Europe 3mm interchangeable circulars, browse our range of interchangeable needles here.

To stay up to date with our latest projects and products be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy knitting and until the next blog!

Emilly x

Crochet beautiful wearable, home decor! Make your own crochet forever flowers, here are a few inspirational patterns to get you started… Especially, on this Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and t… Read More

Finished Baby Yoda – by Emilly

This week we celebrated Star Wars Day, May the fourth (be with you), and in honour of this wonderful day I decided to take on a little amigurumi Yoda project. 

If you aren’t familiar with amigurumi, it is a Japanese style of crocheting and knitting used to create stuffed toys. It is usually done with small hooks in order to create a nice tight piece which is then stuffed with polyfill, the tight shell helps to prevent the polyfill from coming out. The patterns normally consist of magic rings, single crochets, slip stitches, increase and decrease, so stitch wise aren’t normally complex. My first tip is to master the magic ring, it will come in super handy when trying your first amigurumi projects, and many other projects in the future. Here is an instructional magic ring video from Lexie Loves Stitching that I found really helpful when I first started crocheting a couple years ago.

Anyway, with Star Wars day in mind, I decided to make a Baby Yoda doll and went to Ravelry to find a pattern. Having looked at a couple different patterns I decided on using Baby Yoda Amigurumi by Larrisa Maced.

In terms of yarn, I used what I had in my stash. I used two different green yarns because I didn’t have enough of one for the whole project, so the lighter one was used for the main body and the second darker green was used for limbs and ears. I got these yarns from Staithes Arts and Craft Centre whilst on holiday in Whitby a couple years ago. The wool is hand spun and dyed by the wonderfully talented Eliza Conwayand it is categorised as ‘carpet yarn’ and can be purchased for just 50p a ball. What a bargain! Hence why I bought 20 balls on my first visit.

 

Yoda’s Completed Face and Body – by Emilly

Making Yoda’s head and body was pretty straight forward and didn’t take too much time. I checked my stitches at the end of each round to make sure I had the right number. It’s harder to fudge an extra stitch in amigurumi than it is normally, so do count your stitches regularly. I also recommend marking the start of the round with a stitch marker as it can be easily lost when you get going, so as I said in my last blog about colourwork, when working in round do make sure you mark the first stitch in the round.

Yoda’s Finished Cardigan – by Emilly

When it came to making Yoda’s cardigan, I had some left over Lion Brand Scarfie (chunky, 216 Cream/Silver) from when I made my mum a shawl, however I ran out of this too. So I did the border and sleeves by using two strands of yarn, one light grey and one white (I think it was Stylecraft DK, but I lost the bands, so who knows). It worked out alright, I quite like a little patchwork crochet, I think it adds a little individuality to the finished project. The cardigan came out a little bigger than I wanted, likely due to the chunky yarn I was using, so I have folded over the last inch and plan on buying a toggle for it and creating a button hole so it stays in place, currently its pinned with a knitters marking pin.

Stuff it, stuff it real good! When it comes to stuffing, I recommend separating your polyfill into smaller sections and doing many small sections to prevent your finished project being lumpy. I also always recommend stuffing more than you think necessary as over time the stuffing will lose some of its fluffiness and the last thing we want is a saggy yoda. For the smaller components (legs and feet) I use tweezers to stuff as you are often stuffing through quite small holes. I stuffed both legs and arms, despite it not being mentioned in the pattern, just to ensure he would stand properly and to make him nice and squishy!

Assembly, this is where it got a little tricky. I found the pattern to be lacking in the assembly instructions so I went off the pictures on the ravelry pattern and just gave it my best shot – he definitely looks better with his cardigan on! I sewed on the eyes as I didn’t have any safety eyes in my stash, and placed the nose in the middle using the bottom row of where I placed the eyes as placemarkers. The ears were easy enough to place, 5 stitches on either side of the eyes. I did sew up the ears a little to help create the shape. I found the legs the hardest bit to get right as the legs were a tad too big for his bottom, but he does stand up, although he does look a tad jaunty. I attached the legs one stitch either side of the last round. I attached the arms at the shoulder seam and pinned them in place using marking pins to ensure they looked even, using the ears for alignment. When it comes to attaching limbs, ears, etc., I always use marking pins so I can take a step back and make sure they are even and in the right place. 

This was a really fun and super cute project to do and I think I will be gifting it to a friend in the near future. Amigurumi is a really fun skill to add to your repertoire and can be used to make gifts for friends and family all year round. Don’t be phased if you haven’t done amigurumi before, it’s just really tight crochet in the round.

More pictures are available on our Ravelry project which can be found here.

If you have any questions, do feel free to drop us a message on Instagram or Facebook.

Pattern: Baby Yoda Amigurumi by Larissa Maced.

Yarn: Carpet Yarn from Eliza Conway at Staithes Arts and Crafts Centre, DK, 2 balls in green used for the body, limbs and ears; Lion Brand Scarfie, chunky, 216 cream/silver for the cardigan body; Stylecraft, DK, black for the eyes, white and grey for the cardigan sleeves and border.

Crochet hooks: 2.5mm and 4mm, browse our range of crochet hooks here.

To stay up to date with all of our latest projects and products make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy crafting and until next week!

Emilly x

The HiyaHiya sharp essential interchangeable set includes the key selection of sharp interchangeable cables and tips and is presented in a beautiful traditional Chinese brocade case.

Our HiyaHiya interchangeable needles feature swivel cables and seamless joins.

The high-quality stainless steel sharp tips offer strength and have a hollow construction for a lovely lightweight feel. The tapered point of the sharp tips is ideal for intricate stitches and lace patterns.

The small set contains the following:

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 2.75mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 3.50mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 3.75mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 4.50mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 5.00mm

1 x Small interchangeable cable 20”/22″

1 x Small interchangeable cable 32”/34″

1 x Small interchangeable cable 47”/49″

1 x Set of needle grips and cable key

1 x Needle gauge

1 x Interchangeable case

The large set contains the following:

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 6.50mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 7.00mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 7.50mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 9.00mm

1 x Sharp interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 10.00mm

1 x Large interchangeable cable 20”/22″

1 x Large interchangeable cable 32”/34″

1 x Large interchangeable cable 47”/49″

1 x Set of needle grips and cable key

1 x Needle gauge

1 x Interchangeable case

Our brocade cases are available in a variety of colours and designs.

Colours and designs may vary.

We have developed a conversion chart for the measurements of needles and crochet hooks, which can be found here.

The HiyaHiya steel standard interchangeable set includes a selection of interchangeable cables and 4″ or 5″ interchangeable tips in large or small sizes as well as needle grips, presented in a stunning traditional Chinese brocade case. The set is perfect for interchangeable knitters and has everything you would ever need!

HiyaHiya interchangeable needles feature screw-on connections, swivel cables and seamless joins.

The high-quality stainless-steel tips offer strength, with a hollow construction for a lovely lightweight feel so that stitches glide effortlessly over the needle tips.

The small set contains the following:

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 2.75mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 3.25mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 3.50mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 3.75mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 4.00mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 4.50mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 5.00mm

1 x Small interchangeable cable 16″/18″

1 x Small interchangeable cable 24″/26″

1 x Small interchangeable cable 32″/34″

1 x Small interchangeable cable 40″/42″

1 x Needle gauge

1 x Set of small cable connector

1 x Cable key

1 x Set of needle grips

1 x Interchangeable needle case

The large set contains the following:

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 5.50mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 6.00mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 6.50mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 8.00mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 9.00mm

1 x Steel interchangeable tips (4″ or 5″) 10.00mm

1 x Large interchangeable cable 16″/18″

1 x Large interchangeable cable 24″/26″

1 x Large interchangeable cable 32″/34″

1 x Large interchangeable cable 40″/42″

1 x Needle gauge

1 x Set of large cable connectors

1 x Cable key

1 x Set of needle grips

1 x Interchangeable needle case 

Colours and designs may vary.

We have developed a conversion chart for the measurements of needles and crochet hooks, which can be found here.

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Finished Free for All Cowl – knitted by Emilly

I’ve been talking about cowls and linking you to cowl patterns for quite some time now, and I finally made one and documented the process!

Pattern: Free For All Cowl by Jen Peck of Webster Street Knittery

Yarn: 1 skein of Malabrigo Washted in Arco Iris 

Needles: HiyaHiya 4.5mm bamboo interchangeable circular, cable 16”

Other: stitch markers, tape measure, tapestry needle

Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate

To start with, my yarn was in a skein, so I had to wind the yarn into a ball. As I was working from home, I didn’t have access to a swift and winder so I had to resort to using my laundry basket and wooden spoon to wind the yarn into a ball. This method does work, however it does take quite a bit longer. You could also use the legs of an upside down chair, or a pair of arms of a very cooperative person. Alternatively, you can use a swift and winder and save yourself a lot of time and arm ache.

The pattern starts with a provisional cast on. As this was a technique I had not used before, I headed to YouTube to find a tutorial. Personally, I found this video from 10 Rows a Day the most helpful and it shows you three different methods that don’t require crochet hooks; I used the second method shown in the video.

Top tip: When doing your provisional cast on, rather than using scrap yarn to hold your stitches, use a spare cable without any needles attached, when it comes to picking up those stitches later you can just pop some needles on the end and there you have it, nice and easy!

I started off using a steel 5mm tip, but quickly found that due to how smooth the yarn was that it was just too slippery and I kept dropping stitches, I decided to frog it and restart using my 4.5mm bamboo tips (I couldn’t find my 5mm ones). 

The pattern itself is fairly straightforward and consists of a 10-row repeat. Thankfully for this project, gauge isn’t particularly important, so you can use smaller needles without having to worry. I calculated that to reach the desired length I needed 15 repeats in total. In fact I only made it to 13 repeats before realising I would run out of yarn, I then did the half repeat as instructed in the pattern, and then finished with the invisible join using kitchener stitch. If you would like a reminder of how to graft two pieces of knitting using kitchener stitch, here is a useful video that takes you through it step by step.

Free for All Cowl – knitted by Emilly

One of my favourite aspects of this pattern in the knit-on i-cord edging which is created by slipping 3 stitches with your yarn in front at the end of the row and then knitting them at the start of the next row, this creates a lovely folded edging which looks really neat and adds great detail to the finished garment. I don’t know about you, but the edges of my knitting can sometimes look a bit messy, so this little detail made all the difference to me.

Free for All Cowl I-Cord – knitted by Emilly

Overall, this pattern is a great introduction to a variety of techniques, including; provisional cast on, yarn overs, holding your yarn in front or behind your work to create different effects as well as slipping stitches both purl and knit wise. The pattern is really well written and very easy to follow and I would recommend this pattern to anyone wanting to try something new or someone who just really wants a nice cowl.

Don’t forget to tag HiyaHiya Direct in your latest projects on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy knitting and until next time!

Emilly x

Autumn is all about cosy knits and autumn leaves. Sometimes chilly weather catches you by surprise and you need some new projects, quick! Fortunately, these patterns are easy to knit on big size needles for a chunky autumn knit. Try these patterns in this week’s collection to ensure you’re ready when the chilly weather arrives!

Chunky Lace Beanie

by Universal Yarn

This slouch hat has a special cable pattern that makes it so unique. Also, the crown decreases are worked into the lace patterning for an attractive looking top of the hat. Particularly, this pattern is also a great project if you love to knit hats and are starting to knit cables! All you need is one ball of any chunky yarn, and size 10 mm 16” HiyaHiya Bamboo circular.

Highland Wool Wrap

by Eileen Casey

This beautiful wrap, designed by Eileen Casey, features angel cables flowing down the centre-back, as well as on the two wings. With finished measurements of approximately 18” in width and 56” in length at the longest point, it also a perfect project for Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles.

Chunky Textured Sweater

by Beth Whiteside

The thick yarn knits up quickly to become this fashionable sweater. Also, it makes a warm but lightweight jacket particularly good for autumn or spring when you don’t want to wear a heavy coat. In a neutral colour as shown, it will be a go-to piece that you’ll wear often.

Cable Knit Wrists Warmers

by Nettie DiLorenzo

This stocking stitch wrist warmer pattern is simple but very stylish, if you have never done cabling before, then this is a good pattern to start you off, and once you’ve made one pair, you won’t be able to stop. You can use any good quality, soft chunky yarn for this project, which is perfect for beginners.

Chunky Cable Knit Boot Cuff

by Michelle Greenberg

These chunky boot toppers are crafted with bulky weight yarn and loads of lovely garter stitch so that you can work up a pair in no time. The sizes of these boot cuffs are super customisable and can be crafted to fit anyone from child size to XXL! This pattern is worked flat and then seamed at the end so you will need HiyaHiya fixed circular needles, a bulky weight yarn, and a tapestry needle and you’re good to go!

Chunky Slipper Socks

by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

“Soft, sturdy, snuggly!”
Slipper socks are one of our favourite quick knits. In a chunky yarn, they’re even quicker—and cosier! With a sturdy heel, a pretty slipstitch edging around the ankle, and oodles of warmth and squish, we never want to take these slippers off our feet! Particularly, for knitters that enjoy stitching intricate sock patterns, the HiyaHiya Flyers are the ideal tool that allows the stitches to slide smoothly from the cable to the tip.

Cable Headband

by Wiktoria Potocka

A super easy, super quick headband that makes a perfect last-minute gift! You can make one in less than two hours. Any chunky weight yarn will work, and you can get at least two headbands from one skein of the recommended yarn. This adorable headband is sure to keep your ears warm and cosy.

Cosy Cable Mittens

by Leelee Knits

This simple pattern guides you through knitting a gorgeous pair of thick and warm mittens using the magic loop method for knitting in the round. Try this fine pattern for mitten fun! For the experienced knitter, this is an evening project from start to finish. For the beginner, it may take a little longer, but it’s a fun pattern that you will want to knit again and again, it would be perfect for Christmas presents.

These knitted projects are perfect to unlock your chunky knitting skills. You can just scroll down the page to the individual pattern you like and click on the link to that pattern. We hope this has given you lots of inspiration for your next chunky project and expanding your autumnal knitting essentials from HiyaHiya Direct chunky needles range!

Introducing HiyaHiya’s steel double pointed needles.

When knitting in the round, fixed circulars can only go so far. Eventually, when knitting a hat, mittens, are various other small, circular patterns, you’ll need to make the transition to DPNs to complete the project. HiyaHiya’s steel DPNs are perfect for all knitters who enjoy the intricacy and precision of a steel tip, with the exceptional quality that HiyaHiya offers. 

HiyaHiya’s high quality stainless-steel DPNs are hollow, giving them a lovely lightweight feel, yet strong and perfect for your hand knitted projects. Stitches glide effortlessly over the needle tips enhancing the overall knitting experience! HiyaHiya’s steel DPNs contain no nickel coating so are ideal for knitter’s with allergies.

All our steel DPNs come in packs of five, with three or four used to hold the stitches while the fifth knits. HiyaHiya has various sizes with lengths of 6″ and 8″ available. Each length comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 0.70mm (one of the smallest double pointed needles available) to the chunky 10.00mm.

All our sharp DPNS are available in various sets, which can be found here.

To learn how to use double pointed needles and all our HiyaHiya products, you can check out our YouTube channel here.

We have also developed a handy conversion chart for the measurements of needles and crochet hooks, which can be found here.

Cable knitting looks amazing and creates wonderful textures, but is it as difficult as it looks? Once you get your head around the abbreviations I find that it’s actually quite straight forward.

This blog goes through what cable knitting is, what a cable needle is, how to cable knit, a brief history of cable knitting, and finally a couple of patterns for those new to cable knitting.

So what is cable knitting? It is a knitting technique that creates a texture by crossing layers, achieved by knitting stitches out of order. In order to knit cable patterns, you don’t need any fancy extras, although you can buy cable needles if you want to. In the past, I have used stitch holders and double-pointed needles when I haven’t had a cable needle to hand. 

It is generally recommended that you use the same size cable needle as the needles you are knitting on. If you don’t have a cable needle of the same diameter, opt for a slightly smaller size to prevent stretching stitches. If you are knitting with particularly slippery yarn it can be helpful to use a larger cable needle in order to prevent your stitches from slipping off your cable needle.

If you choose to buy a cable needle you will find that they come in a variety of shapes. Many will have a dip or square section where your stitches will sit, these dips help prevent your stitches slipping off. Others are U shaped and are double pointed, whilst others will be straight with notches in that your stitches can sit in. Personally I prefer those with dips/square sections as seen below.

Cable Needles

The history of cable knitting is truly fascinating, and whilst it is generally thought that it originated in the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, hence the term Aran Sweater, it is actually believed that it started 400 miles south on Guernsey. The Guernsey garment is known as the Gansa Sweater. Whilst the exact origin of cabled sweaters can’t be agreed upon, what is agreed, is that it was originally designed to be worn by fishermen and was knitted by the women of the fishing community to be thick and warm to help combat the cold and tough conditions faced at sea whilst allowing free movement. With the migratory nature of fishing communities and fishermen, the patterns quickly changed and evolved and were likely co-developed in knitting circles all over the British Isles, France and Scandinavia, leading to a variety of cables and patterns. Whilst regional styles prevail, in terms of colours, wool, complexity and stitches used, the overlapping patterns make it difficult to say with confidence that a pattern is from a place specifically.  In the 1950s the Aran sweater was made commercially popular by Vogue, patterns used thicker yarns, and sweaters were knitted flat and seams sewn together.

If you want to read a little more about the history of cable knitting I found these two articles from The Sweater Shop and Kelbourne Woolens really interesting and informative.

Patterns for beginners 

If this blog has made you want to try your hand at cable knitting then here are a couple of suggestions as to where you could start. All patterns listed are available for free on Ravelry.

When I wanted to try my hand at cable knitting I started with cup cosies and as they are really quick to knit up, and if you make a mistake, it doesn’t matter and you can also use whatever yarn you have lying around. Here are a couple that you may like; Cable Cup Cosy by Jessica Joy, Pumpkin Spice by Evan Middleton, Button Up Your Cup by Julie Tarsha, Tea Totaler’s Companion by ATW Designs.

Tea Totaler’s Companion – by Emilly

October Hat by Kelbourne Woolens uses modern cable design to create this gorgeous winter hat. 

I’m a big fan of headbands as I do a lot of cycling as they keep my ears lovely and warm when out and about. This Woven Cable Headband by Prescillia Uloho is a lovely alternative to a hat.

If you have already done a cable project or two or just fancy jumping in at the deeper end, why not try making this stunning Cozy Cable Cowl from Purl Soho.

Top tip

I have found that our steel tips are the easiest to knit cable designs with, I think it’s because they are a little slippier which helps when stitches get a little tight. I also slip the stitches from the cable needle back onto my left hand needle as I find this easier.

If you decide to give cable knitting a go, don’t forget to grab yourself a set of our lovely cable needles and tag us on Instagram and Facebook in your creations so we can see your amazing work.

Happy knitting and until next week!

Emilly x