-
I Joined all the Toxic Knitting & Crochet Groups on Facebook so that You Don’t Have To.
Ah, Facebook. The home of people who want to spy on their old school friends (or enemies) and see who got ugly and had 14 kids, people who can’t help but get themselves involved in petty political arguments (you’re never going to change anyone’s mind – just stop doing it) and confused older people who think the status bar is the same as the Google search bar. What a place! One little thing that never really occurred to me was how Facebook could be used together with other social media accounts as a potential source of engagement, followers and –…
-
Creating the Perfect Craft Space · Seven Top Tips for a Gorgeously Creative Area
Although I could point out a ton of flaws in my craft room (the ceiling is super low, it suffers from damp, beetles and spiders seem to love hanging out there, the fact that it’s an attic space and gets as hot as heck in the Summer), I admit that I am mightily privileged. Not a day goes past where I’m not eternally grateful for it. If anything, just to have a place to shove all the crafty mess I create without it bothering my family too much, well, that’s enough for me! Erm, and them. They aren’t fans of…
-
My Favourite Washcloths · Free Crochet Pattern
It seems like such a long time since I last shared a free pattern with you all, but sometimes you create a design that’s so good that you can’t help but share it! If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know that washcloths are one of my go-to destash projects. I love using up scraps of yarn for smaller projects and because I use so much cotton in my designs, you can only imagine how much I have left over. One day I’ll show you just how huge my yarn scraps box is. Or maybe not. It’s actually…
-
None of your Bizniz… Small Business Owner’s Pet Peeves, pt. 1.
Despite what people say, and what some cringey, misguided craft influencers might post Reels about (she got blocked, ☕️) , running a small business is no walk in the park. As much as I play it down because of my serious case of imposter syndrome, I run a small business, as do members of my close family, and we cope with the things that this way of life gives you. Working for yourself has its benefits and drawbacks much the same as working for an employer does, but it’s always difficult to explain to other people how and why working…
-
Katia Yarns · S/S ‘2022 · Sneak Peek
Yarn lovers say “HOOOO”! I can’t remember the last time I did a yarn review, but when I first started this blog it was my goal to write one a week… And that didn’t always happen, let’s be honest! It’s nice to get back into it, and I’m kicking off this review with some of the most beautiful yarn I’ve seen in years. I’m not even exaggerating… Sometimes you get to play with yarns that are so special and precious that you can’t even believe that they’re real. Does that sound dramatic? Probably, but I can’t wait to show you…
-
Does anyone know why Emmaknitty has blocked me? Or, Tulip’s Tale.
Now, this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down… Well, not really, but let’s say that it’s definitely a story that “flipped-turned upside down” my views on social media, the friends you keep and the people you associate with. Let’s also say that it’s a story of an experience that will stay with me in some form for a long time and one that hopefully can offer YOU some guidance if it ever happens to you. Cyber-bullying is something that had never really happened to me before the situation I’m going to tell you about…
-
How to Not Be Annoying on Instagram – Part II
I decided to wrote Part II “THE REVENGE” of my original ”How Not to Be Annoying on Instagram” because, since I wrote the last one, I’ve been inundated with messages with examples of the GALL of some people on social media.I’m not sure why, but some people think that because you are a small business you somehow OWE (yes, I am aware of the number of capitalised words I’ve been using here) them advice or… Something. The thing is, it’s very easy to come across as tetchy or overly-sensitive when describing some of the irritating messages that small business owners…
-
The Spookette Knitted Pumpkin · Free Pattern
Halloween is almost upon us, sort of. I mean, we’ve got a whole month to go, but in the mind of a knitting or crochet designer it may as well be tomorrow what with all the prep involved. This Halloween I decided to keep things simple and design a very easy, very cute and very beginner-friendly knitting pattern – a pumpkin! Instagram has been full of pumpkins recently, and my faves are always the simple ones. With this design, you don’t need ribbing or fancy stitches to make it look textured, all you need is to know how to knit…
-
A Testing Issue
I wanted to start out by saying that the purpose of this blog post is not to throw shade, target individuals or be nasty, it’s simply my own take and my own views on this topic. Debates like what follows are always valid, and sharing ideas and viewpoints on different asects of our craft community is educational and useful. I’ve also included some opinions expressed by my friends in the craft community – both testers and designers – sharing their opinions. I am also aware that there is a barbarity of RPDR .gifs here and I am so not sorry…
-
How to Not be Annoying on Instagram
The crafting community online is absolutely amazing and we support each other to the max, but it has to be said that most makers and designers on social media have to deal with irritating things at some point. It’s the same as in any profession! Whether it’s rude people, entitled people, spammy people or just people who don’t understand the hard work that goes into creating crocheted/knitted/woven/etc items, it’s something all of us have to deal with. I’ve been working on this article on and off for ages and ages – it’s been sitting in my drafts folder for months…
-
Essential Tips for Newbie Knitters
Let’s be real. A lot of crafters find knitting difficult, annoying, impossible, weird, clunky… You name it. I’ve heard crocheters say they ‘hate’ knitting and can’t get their head round it, as well as people saying that they really love the way it looks, but the process makes them feel so cack-handed that they end up giving up after a few days. I’d wager that all over the world there are drawers heaving under the weight of half-finished knitting projects, started with a lot of love and determination, but trashed for one reason or another. RIP, beautiful semi-knits! I get…
-
Crochet Tutorial · Slip Stitch Rainbow Wall Hanging
Can you remember what daily, boring, routine-based life was like before Covid-19 hit us all? Can you remember the school run? Can you remember having ‘normal’ problems, like the supermarket being sold out of your dog’s usual food, or your daughter refusing to get out of the bath? I do, and it all seems small fry compared to the devastaing panic and worry that millions of people are around the world are suffering these days.My family and I live in Spain and we are just ending our second week in isolation. We are young(ish), healthy and are privileged. We have…
-
Tutorial · Crocheted Drawer Knob Covers
Every new season I try and change up my studio and refresh it a little with colours and items that I’m planning on using for my designs – it just helps with inspiration! I find that upcycling and making subtle changes to things I already have saves money and, above all, gives me an excuse to knit or crochet some accessories that I can also share with you all! So, let me tell you the story behind this tutorial. last year I rescued a plain pine chest of drawers from IKEA that got attacked by mould and damp (the perils…
-
Tutorial · The Invisible Chain Granny Square
Today I wanted to share a gorgeous technique with you that’ll help make your granny squares look flawless, neat and just brilliant! I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I really cannot stand chain stitches: they look thin and weird and stick out like a sore thumb! Thankfully there’s a really quick and easy technique you can use to minimise the look of chains (by still chaining) and keep your granny’s looking like a snack. What’s the secret? Well, by chaining two instead of three at the beginning of the round we eliminate that skinny starting chain and…
-
The Mindful Granny Blanket CAL
In Spanish, ‘cal’ means limescale – there’s a fun fact for you! I doubt that’ll help you when you’re next on your holibobs in Magaluf. In crochet circles however ‘CAL’ (in caps) means Crochet-a-long which is far more fun and doesn’t need Calgon or Cillit Bang. I fear I may be rambling, but what I’m trying to say in a very backward way is… I’m starting a CAL, guys! I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of CALs (and KALs for knitting). It’s such a wonderful way to bond with other crafters, get that crojo/knitjo moving and create something special…
-
Half Double Moss Stitch · Tutorial
Who loves Moss Stitch? We ALL love Moss Stitch! It’s one of the most beautiful crochet stitches and, best of all, it’s super-easy to work up and gives a gorgeous knitted look to your project. The other day I was making my umpteenth Moss Stitch blanket and decided to experiment a little using Half Double Crochet (US terms) to see if it was any good. Boy oh boy, was it! I wasn’t sure if I’d seen it around before so I gave it a quick Google around and couldn’t find it anywhere. I looked on Pinterest – natch – and…
-
Insta Wellness, or how not to let Instagram gradually drive you nuts.
I love Instagram, don’t get it twisted. I really, really love it. However, like most relationships, it’s hard to maintain that fuzzy feeling all of the time. I sometimes find myself feeling completely passionate about my ‘Instalife’ and other days wishing I didn’t have this thing I had to update constantly in order to stay ‘Instalive’ (I made that one up). I often wonder if it’s possible to use Instagram responsibly and without pressure and still stay relevant. Crafters use Instagram as a modern-day portfolio, a way of us showing our projects and work to the whole world without lugging…
-
How to Drive a Maker Nuts
If you ask most knitters or crocheters what annoys them about their craft they’ll probably say. “yarn vomit”, “knots in balls” or, at a push “having to hide my yarn hauls from my family” AM I RIGHT FRIENDS? This article goes a bit deeper however, because I wanted to explore a little about the more gut-wrenching aspects of being a crafter that really stick in the craw. From pattern theft (if you follow me on Instagram – thank you – you’ll be WELL AWARE of my recent rants about this) to strangers chuckling at you for daring to be under…
-
Crochet Tutorial · Teardrop Baubles
I know, I know. It’s only been a hot minute since I posted the last Christmas tutorial, but I can’t help it if the Crimbo crojo is on FIRE, right? Last year on our yearly getaway, my husband was driving us across Spain on a road trip and I, of course, was crafting. I had an idea to make some very retro-looking baubles (flat baubles, that is) using very simple stitches and this pattern was born. I did write it down, but I lost it in amongst the piles of notebooks that I seem to accumulate from nowhere (actually, from…
-
Crochet Tutorial · Tiny Houses
There’s been a lot of use of The “C” Word in our house and on my feed over the last few days. No, I’m not talking the word of the Middle English sweary ladies part variety, but the word that cannot be uttered in company until at least the beginning of November. The word that sends people into fits of rage. The word that Shakin’ Stevens owes his life/millions to… CHRISTMAS. CRIMBO. CRIMBLE. NAVIDAD. JUHL. CRIMBY BADIMBY (I may have made that one up). I admit that I used to be one of those DON’T MENTION CHRISTMAS UNTIL DECEMBER YOU…
Hi! I’m Emma, the designer behind Emmaknitty.
I create modern knit and crochet patterns with
a cozy heart, and I love sharing free designs,
helpful tips, and inspiration for your next project.
Have fun and happy crafting!
emmaknitty.com 