Once you have mastered knit and purl a whole world of different combinations are literally at your fingertips. That must be part of the magic of stitch dictionaries, revealing and explaining how knitted fabric can be shaped. Conventionally, instructions are charted for working back and forth in rows – but what about converting this for the yoke of your top down jumper? Or inserting these instructions to change a pattern knit in the round? Here to solve all your stitch pattern problems is the new, and appropriately named, Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary. Be sure to read to the end of …

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Crisp, smooth and light  – linen is a fibre that was made for summer. Organically grown and dyed in the most tempting fresh shades, Sparrow by Quince & Co. is next on our needles for drapey, airy garments.

Fancy taking a peek behind the scenes and finding out more about one of people that make up our extensive team of Loopettes? We caught up with technical editor, designer and talented baking friend Rachel Atkinson to find out more about her life in knitwear…. *This competition is now closed – but keep an eye out for more giveaways in the future!*  Plus we have a great pattern giveaway for three lucky readers! Check at the end of the post for how to enter!

The saying ‘good things come in small packages’ rang true when a tiny box of delights arrived at Loop the other week. You certainly know what huge fans we are of Madelinetosh’s sumptuous colours and quality fibres and now we have mini versions of their Merino Light  – the appropriately named Unicorn Tails!

Loop’s own pattern range is steadily growing as we have another special pattern to introduce – Hygge. This time something for the little ones in your life, an adorable unisex cardigan with a beautiful textured stitch pattern and a buttoned seam. **This competition is now closed – Congratulations to Sue Johnston who chose the shade Moonless!*** Make sure to read to the end of the post to find out how you can win a copy of our new pattern and a skein of Jill Draper Hudson in the colour of your choice!

The textile history of a country is as rich and varied as the garments and fabric produced. It is always fascinating to discover the traditional crafts and costumes that are part of everyday life and to be inspired by the skill. In the shop we have books and yarns from all around the world and now we have the textile history of Muhu Island, Estonia to show you.

This week we are delighted to welcome back Skein Merino Cashmere Fingering! If you missed this gem the first time round, we are not surprised – it simply flew off the shelves and then off the needles to create gorgeous knits. With a kaleidoscope of 41 colours to choose, ranging from blush soft shades to blended marbled tones, we are so glad that this beautiful yarn has found a home again on the shelves at Loop.

There is nothing more exciting that the arrival of a new yarn, and we knew we would not be disappointed with The Uncommon Thread’s Lush Worsted. Regular readers and patrons of Loop will know our love for Ce Persiano’s quality yarns with intense shades, and new yarn Lush Worsted lives up to the luxury that its name suggests. The richness of the shades, the sumptuous softness of the fibre and the plush texture of the finished knit creates a yarn which is quickly becoming a new favourite. This competition is now closed – Congradulation to our winner Anne Mackenzie! Make …

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With spring emerging in London town, we are starting to dream of warmer days and balmy evenings. With, of course, lighter knitting projects to showcase our favourite colours and to grace shoulders when the weather inevitably changes. Our spring window has the perfect design and colours to inspire you, with Helga Isager’s ‘Camomille Shawl’.

Loop loves to source yarns from all over the globe, but we also make sure to support independent dyers here in the UK – so how could we refuse a yarn named after the neighbourhood where Loop resides!? Our newest addition, ‘Islington’ is from London based Kettle Yarn Co. Islington is a blend of British Bluefaced Leicester and silk, creating a smooth yarn that has both a beautiful drape and crisp definition, perfect for lace and luxurious knits. Make sure to read to the end of the post to find out how to enter our competition to win a skein …

Kettle Yarn Co. Read more →