News

Some products arrive quietly. Others arrive wrapped in community, generosity, and a whole lot of love. The Needle Cozy is proudly in the second camp. Last October, this little leather WIP hero made its debut as a limited-edition Rose colorway created for our Knit for the Girls fundraiser. What started as a special release has now become part of our permanent collection, allowing this thoughtful little tool to live on in additional colorways: Whiskey, Denim, and Chocolate. Designed for Sock Knitters (and Anyone Who Loves a Tidy WIP) If you’ve ever tucked a sock-in-progress into your bag only to find slipped stitches, tangled cables, or rogue needles poking out later… we see you. The Needle Cozy was designed to solve exactly that problem. This compact leather sheath fits needles from 4" to 6" and works beautifully with double-pointed needles and long circular needles for Magic Loop. Whether you knit on the couch, at knit night, or on the go, it keeps your project secure and ready to pick up right where you left off. Two Compartments. One Clever Design. What makes the Needle Cozy special is its thoughtful layout: ✨ Lengthwise snap compartmentClip your sock-in-progress securely into place to help prevent stitches from slipping off your needles. ✨ Circular needle windowTuck your circular needle tips into the small window on the front of the cozy, neatly coil your cable, and secure it with the snap mechanism to avoid tangles and snags. Together, these features create the kind of everyday tool that quietly makes knitting feel smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable. From Fundraiser Favorite to Everyday Essential Seeing the Needle Cozy take off during Knit for the Girls was incredibly special. What started as a limited-edition fundraiser piece has grown into a permanent addition thanks to your enthusiasm, feedback, and love for well-designed tools that make making easier. Now, you can choose your Needle Cozy in Whiskey, Denim, or Chocolate — timeless colors made to age beautifully alongside your favorite projects. Ready to Cozy Up Your Socks? If you’re knitting socks, sleeves, mittens, or any small project that deserves better than the bottom of your project bag, the Needle Cozy is ready for you.

Learning to knit is just the beginning of a wonderful, fiber filled journey. But where do you go from here? What should you knit next and what supplies will you need? Don't worry, we got you. Below are 5 fun and simple knitting projects for beginners, plus tips on tools and troubleshooting. Essential Tools for Your First Knitting Project Starting a new craft can feel a bit daunting, but knitting's beauty lies in its simplicity. You only need to master four core skills: casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and binding off. These basic stitches are the foundation of all projects for beginners. Before you begin, let's assemble a starter toolkit with items chosen to make learning easy, from the right yarn to a quality knitting needle organizer. Here is your starter tool kit:  Item Complete Beginner Sweet Spot Needles US 8–10 (5–6 mm) straight or circular needles, bamboo or birch Yarn Chunky/worsted weight, light color Notions Tapestry needle, stitch markers, small scissors Pro Tip: Your first tools matter most. Grippy wooden needles and light-colored, chunky yarn are your best friends. They prevent dropped stitches and make your work easy to see, turning potential frustration into a great beginner project. 5 Easy Knitting Projects for Beginners 1. Garter Stitch Scarf by Row House Photo by Row House Alt: Person wearing a garter stitch scarf in a maroon color.   This is the ultimate first knitting project. A simple scarf, made entirely of the knit stitch, is perfect for mastering tension and muscle memory without any pressure. To make the Garter Stitch Scarf, you will need a US 9 (5.5 mm) needle and 320/350 yards of a worsted weight yarn. If your not sure how to tell what weight your yarn is, look for a label that looks like a ball of yarn with the number 4 on it.  After you cast on the required number of stitches, just enjoy knitting every row. Garter stitch is the fabric created when every row is knit when working flat. Continue knitting until your work is 6 inches shorter than your target finished length (as an example, for a 65-inch final scarf, stop at 59 inches). Bind off all stitches, weave in ends with a tapestry needle. 2. Dishcloth (Grandmother's Favorite The Original) by Vintage Photo by Sunspun Fine Yarns Alt: A blue, pink and cream dishcloth hang on the edge of a white sink. This is the quintessential first project for anyone starting knitting. It is a small, practical knitting project that teaches you how to increase and decrease stitches. This Dishcloth Pattern uses simple yarn overs to create a decorative edge and increase the stitch count. You will need a US 6 (4 mm) needle and a washable yarn, like cotton.  New to the yarn over? Check out our tutorial in our Glossary of Stitches.    Knit Picks Majestic Options 4.75" IC 9-Pair Set, Sizes US4-11 9 needle tips in popular sizes 4 cables in various lengths Cable connectors CHECK PRICE 3. Garter Stitch Mitts by Ysolda Teague Photo by Ysolda Teague Alt: Hands wearing pink garter stitch fingerless gloves. If you're feeling bit more adventures and looking for a challenge, the Garter Stitch Mitts pattern is an excellent choice. Not only will you get to try the Wrap and Turn method for short row shaping, there is an option to use the Provisional Cast-On. New techniques can be scary for beginners, so Ysolda provides images and well written descriptions on how to master the Wrap and Turn and we have a great tutorial on the Provisional Cast-On. You will need a US 5 (3.75 mm) needle and DK weight yarn. The mitts are knit flat and work up quickly, making them excellent gifts for knitters and friends alike. You probably won't stop with 1 pair.  4. Leg Warmers by Jane Richmond Photo by Jane Richmond Alt: Burgandy leg warmers worn above brown shoes. Most beginners start out learning to knit flat, so a next great project incorporates learning how to knit in the round. Knitting in the round creates a seamless tube that is useful for socks, hats, sleeves and sweaters. The Leg Warmers pattern is a simple way to introduce working in the round. You will need US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for the magic loop method. You'll need 220 yards of worsted weight yarn and your sense of adventure!  Thread & Maple On The Go Notions fold made from genuine leather Pair of tapestry needles Mini scissors Steel ring stitch markers CHECK PRICE 5. Pea Soup Cushion by Littletheorum Photo by Littletheorum Alt: A green, knitted pillow cushion with two buttons on a leather black chair. If you're getting bored with only using the knit stitch and want to practice more with the purl stitch, the Pea Soup Cushion is a great option.  This fun pillow cover features a textured pattern by using knits and purls in the same row.  You will need 8 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran held double and US 11 (8 mm) straight needles for this pattern. And for a final challenge, the Mattress Stitch is used to seam up both sides of the pillow.  Key Insight: Every dropped stitch or uneven row is not a failure, but a lesson. Learning to identify and fix these small mistakes is the single most important skill that will transform you from a complete beginner to a confident knitter. Level Up Your Knitting Once you’ve completed one project from this list, you’ll be ready to gently expand your skills. Try exploring different knitting patterns for beginners that incorporate simple stitch patterns like seed stitch, a classic basket weave, knit hat patterns, or basic stockinette stitch patterns. When you're ready to take the next step, check out our knit-shawl-patterns for a rewarding and beautiful project. Consider joining a local knit night or an online knitting circle to share your progress and get inspired for your next project. Start Your Creative Knitting Journey Now  There is nothing quite like the pride of creating something warm and beautiful with your own two hands. We hope these easy knitting patterns for beginners inspire you to cast on your first project today. As you grow, remember that keeping your supplies beautifully organized helps fuel your creativity and makes the process even more enjoyable. Share your finished pieces with our community on social media using the hashtag #ThreadAndMaple. For more inspiration, explore premium knitting tools and accessories designed to elevate your craft.

Stephen West’s signature flair meets Thread & Maple’s love of thoughtful craftsmanship in a limited-edition collection designed to spark joy in every stitch. This launch includes three pieces, each handcrafted and finished with a Westknits twist. While this collaboration doesn't launch until next week, we wanted to share a special sneak peek with you. What’s Coming? Mini Boxy Tote Introducing the Mini Boxy Tote, a true celebration of Stephen West’s artistry. Each tote features a striking, deeply detailed embossing of the Aurora Cabin Shawl motif on the front pocket. The texture, depth, and linework of the shawl design transform the leather into a piece of wearable art, making every tote feel uniquely expressive and unmistakably WestKnits.   Inside, a stamped message offers Stephen’s signature philosophy:“If you’re going to make something by hand, make it grand.” Handcrafted in Ukraine and available in Teal and Whiskey, the Mini Boxy Tote blends function with the kind of flair that makes a maker’s heart skip a beat.   On the Go Notions Fold Available in Teal or Whiskey, each On The Go Notions Fold is finished with a special co-branded Westknits + T&M logo on the front — a little nod to the creative spark behind this collaboration. Inside, you’ll find mini scissors, two tapestry needles, and 15 steel ring markers -- plus pockets for your everyday notions. It’s credit-card sized, magnetic, and always ready for impromptu making. Notions Clutch Our fan-favorite Notions Clutch has gotten a glow-up with a special WestKnits logo on the top magnetic corner. Thoughtfully designed pockets keep your essentials neatly arranged, with places for your circular needles, DPNs, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needles, stitch repair hooks, and more.  This special release is sold on its own if you’re already set with notions, or add on the optional Clutch Notions 4-Pack to have it fully stocked from day one.   A Collaboration That Gives Back This collaboration supports UNICEF and their mission to protect, educate, and uplift children around the world. With every purchase from this collection, you’re contributing to meaningful programs that make a real difference. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to UNICEF -- thank you for helping us give back. Launch Details The WestKnits × Thread & Maple collaboration launches on: 10 AM EST · 9 AM CST · 8 AM MST · 7 AM PSTTuesday, December 2nd Shop Westknits x Thread & Maple Available at both the Thread & Maple shop and the Stephen & Penelope shop. More details and photos coming shortly! We can’t wait to share this joyful collaboration with you! Love,

Every year, we’re blown away by the kindness and generosity of the fiber arts community — and this year’s Knit for the Girls fundraiser was no exception. Together with our incredible partners, sponsors, and all of you who donated, shared, and cheered us on, we helped raise vital funds for breast cancer research on both sides of the globe. 🌎 A Worldwide Effort for a Cause That Touches Us All In North America, thanks to the amazing support of the knitting and crochet community, we raised $48,160.73 CAD for Breast Cancer Canada—our biggest fundraising year yet! Our friends and counterparts in Australia, led by Karina of Louie & Lola Yarns, raised an incredible $66,039 AUD for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) Australia. Together, that’s over $116,922 AUD / $106,913 CAD raised worldwide this year—an extraordinary total that will help fund life-saving research and provide hope to those affected by breast cancer. In total, our community has raised nearly $319,000 CAD over the last five years. We are overwhelmed by your support! Over the course of the week, we gave away 28 daily prizes and 13 grand prizes, made possible by the generosity of 83 incredible sponsors from around the world. Every skein, stitch marker, pattern, and prize came from someone who wanted to help make a difference—and you all did, in the most beautiful way. We’re truly overwhelmed by the response to this year’s Knit for the Girls fundraiser bundles — they sold out in just minutes! We’re so sorry to those who missed out. Unfortunately, due to the situation in Ukraine, we weren’t able to produce more of the pink suede leather needed for the Flow Bags this year. We wish we could have offered more, but we’re deeply grateful for your enthusiasm and support. We will have the bags available in 3 new colors, along with matching Needle Cozies by the end of November (fingers crossed!) The Dotty Socks pattern by Tracie Millar is available on Ravelry, and Karina’s beautiful Louie & Lola Yarns set can be pre-ordered directly from her website. 💗 With Love (and a Little Friendly Competition) A heartfelt thank-you to Tracie and Jodi of the Grocery Girls, our ever-enthusiastic partners and champions of this fundraiser, for helping us rally the North American community once again. We’re endlessly inspired by Karina of Louie & Lola Yarns and the Aussie team’s energy and generosity—and we’re already vowing to give them a real run for their money next year! 🎁 To Our Sponsors: Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts To the many makers, dyers, designers, and small businesses who donated prizes—your generosity made this event shine. From hand-dyed yarns and project bags to handcrafted tools and one-of-a-kind notions, every prize told a story of creativity and care. You’ve reminded us just how strong and supportive our crafting community can be. 🏆 And the Winners Are... Congratulations to all of our daily prize and grand prize winners! Your names were drawn from thousands of entries, and we loved seeing your excitement as those packages began to arrive. We hope each prize brings a little extra joy to your making this season. ✨ Daily Prize Winners ✨ Prize Day Thread & Maple Winner #1 Thread & Maple Winner #2 Grocery Girls Winner #1 Grocery Girls Winner #2 Day 1 Evelyne Borkowski-Parent Chelsea Sheehan Lisa Reynolds Jocelyne Blais Day 2 Brittney Pelletier Cara Trotter Dominik Viel-LeBlanc Tracy Kuzniak Day 3 Debrah Nyquist Karin Jackson Ellen Lovell Andrea Morrow Day 4 Candace Brodie Jennifer Berry Karen Ganderton Mamie Armaly Day 5 Nicole McConnell Carla Sturman Lucy Ann Stoop Sherry Ylioja Day 6 Sara Weiss Patricia Fedler Jody Ford Robin Comingore Day 7 Holly Matheson Darby Bates Susie Van Acker Vila Menezes ✨ Grand Prize Winners ✨ Grand Prize 1: Mary BGrand Prize 2: Diane MazurkewichGrand Prize 3: Petra VanderMeulenGrand Prize 4: Joanna OksanenGrand Prize 5: Deborah ButtkeGrand Prize 6: Wendy CookeGrand Prize 7: Star AthenaGrand Prize 8: Chantelle LajoieGrand Prize 9: Victoria DillmanGrand Prize 10: Melody NealGrand Prize 11: Kathryn TurpGrand Prize 12: Elaine HollanderGrand Prize 13: Anne Priestman 💕 Until Next Year From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping make this year’s Knit for the Girls fundraiser such an incredible success. Every donation, share, and stitch helps fund research that will change lives. If you’d like to keep supporting this cause, you can sign up to become a sponsor for our 2026 fundraiser here. With endless gratitude, (and our friends at Grocery Girls and Louie & Lola Yarns)

Each October, our fiber arts community comes together for something bigger than the craft itself: raising funds for breast cancer research. What began as a small idea among friends has grown into a cherished annual tradition connecting knitters, crocheters, dyers, and makers around the world. We’re proud to share that the 5th annual Knit for the Girls fundraiser is officially underway. From October 23 to 31, every contribution supports life-saving research through: Breast Cancer Canada National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia) Donate just $5 to enter into our sweepstakes for dozens of incredible raffle prizes, made possible thanks to our generous sponsors. The more donations you make, the more chances to win!   As always, we’re partnering with our dear friends Jodi and Tracie of the Grocery Girls and Karina of Louie & Lola Yarns to bring you this year’s special edition bundle — created with heart, craftsmanship, and purpose. The Fundraiser Bundle This limited-edition set blends thoughtful design, exquisite materials, and the shared spirit that defines this campaign year after year. The Flow Bag Artisan crafted in Ukraine from soft suede leather with rose Crazy Horse leather straps and details, the Flow Bag was designed to help you stay in your creative rhythm. It features a clever yarn-through tab at the zipper mouth, allowing yarn to glide freely without snagging. AND an interior snap loop to hang your WIP neatly inside — keeping your project tangle-free and organized as you work.  Inside, it’s fully lined with two compartments: a large magnetic slip pocket and a secure zippered pocket for notions and accessories. Available in Rose and Fuchsia suede, this special edition handbag is as functional as it is beautiful — a piece you’ll treasure long after the fundraiser ends. Louie & Lola Yarns – Merino Yak Nylon Sock Spun from 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Yak, and 10% Nylon, this luxurious blend is both soft and strong, with a subtle warmth and natural depth from the yak fiber. Each bundle includes a 2 × 50 g set (200 m / 218 yds each) in Blush & Bashful, two exclusive colourways created for this collaboration. Tracie Millar’s Dotty Socks Pattern (PDF) Designed exclusively for this year’s event, Tracie’s Dotty Socks feature a charming mosaic dot motif, soft ruffled cuff, and stretches of soothing stockinette — a balanced, relaxing knit that’s perfect for showing off your Blush & Bashful yarns. Bundle Price: $165 CAD / $150 USD (tariff included)Donation: $30 CAD / $25 USD from every bundle sale will go directly to the Knit for the Girls fundraiser. Optional Add-Ons To complete your set, we’re also introducing two brand-new accessories in matching Rose leather, available as optional add-ons. The Needle Cozy A compact leather sheath that keeps your sock WIP tidy and tangle-free. It fits needles from 4" to 6" and works beautifully with DPNs, Flexi-Tips, or Magic Loop. Two openings allow you to clip in your sock and neatly coil circulars, while a small handle lets you hang it inside your Flow Bag.  The Sidekick Pouch A snap-open pouch that transforms into a small magnetic tray with hidden hotspots for your essential notions. Inside are four magnetic zones for your mini scissors, stitch markers, tape measure, and tapestry needle slip. Clip it to your bag or belt for easy access — because good design should work wherever you do. 20% of all add-on sales will also benefit the fundraiser. When & Where The Knit for the Girls 2025 Bundle will be available starting Thursday, October 30 at 12 PM EDT / 11 AM CDT / 10 AM MDT / 9 AM PDT, exclusively through: Thread & Maple Grocery Girls Knit Shop Louie & Lola Yarns (launching at 12 PM AEDT) The bundles will be available via this link Thursday, Oct 30th at 12pm EDT: Buy Bundle Quantities are limited, and we won’t be offering pre-orders this year due to limited availability of the pink suede — so set your alarm if you’ve got your eye on one! Raffles & Grand Prizes Don't forget - your donations to our fundraiser page also enter you into the daily raffles and grand prize draws taking place throughout the campaign. You can find full event details, including prize lists, rules, and sponsor highlights, on our Knit for the Girls event page. To make a direct donation or track our fundraising progress, visit our Breast Cancer Canada fundraiser page or Louie & Lola Yarns’ Australian fundraiser page. A beautiful project, a worthy cause, and a reminder of what we can create together. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us continue this tradition of craft and compassion. 💗

The Stitch Marker Medley Bundle features our new Stitch Marker Page and four beautiful sets of stitch markers — one from each of our collaborating artists. These women have poured their creativity and heart into every piece, so you’re not just taking home stitch markers — you’re taking home a bit of their story.