What is Sashiko? Sashiko means “little stabs” referring to the distinctive running stitch that defines this technique of Japanese needlework. Traditional Sashiko was used to reinforce or repair old clothing with simple stitches to strengthen and mend. Today, the traditional art of Sashiko has become an art form in itself and is used for primarily decorative purposes like visible mending, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko designs consist of geometric patterns and tesselating shapes. Common motifs include designs inspired by nature like clouds, bamboo, rippling water and waves and persimmon flower. Traditionally Sashiko was known for its graphic style and light colour …

Sashiko; the beautiful art of Japanese embroidery Read more →

For anyone looking for that cosy factor that is so synonymous with hand-knit garments, we are bringing you some of Neringa Rūkė’s beautiful knitwear designs for inspiration this week.

We had some exciting deliveries at Loop last week, including some more La Bien Aimée yarns for our gorgeous new On the Spice Market Shawl Kit! We also restocked some of our other popular kits like Tiny Tassels in La Bien Aimée Cashmerino, the La Bien Aimée version of Pop Spots and the Siren Song Shawl Kit.

We are passionate about textiles at Loop and are very excited to bring you two new workshops this spring with textile artists Anne Kelly and Ekta Kaul.  Anne Kelly is an award-winning textile artist, author and tutor based in the UK, exhibiting and teaching internationally.  She has authored several beautiful books, about her collaborative works, dealing with nature, folk art, travel and migration. 

Strands of Joy is the latest book from Laine Publishing which means you know it will be full of gorgeous photographs and insightful information and patterns. Anna Johanna is the designer from Muurame, Central Finland. Known for her often romantic knits with a lot of love for details, textures and colours, Anna has brought us 20 versatile stranded colourwork patterns that are not only beautiful but a joy to knit.

As we reach the midpoint of winter in the northern hemisphere, there is still plenty of cold weather knitting time ahead. Knitting with chunky yarns allows you to knit a cosy and warm garment fairly quickly that’s perfect for the winter months.Not to say that there isn’t an immense satisfaction and value in spending as long as it takes on your project, but sometimes when we need something nearer to instant gratification, chunky knits are the way to go. This week we have some inspiration from Quince & Co and their new Puffin Collection. Super chunky and bulky yarns are …

Quince &Co Puffin and chunky yarns for quick knits Read more →

Malabrigo Rios is a worsted weight yarn and is one of our all-time favourites at Loop. Considered Malabrigo’s workhorse yarn, it is perfect for all sorts of projects from garments to accessories. It has a 4ply construction making it hard-wearing and resistant to pilling. Being spun from premium super soft merino wool makes it excellent for wearing next to the skin.