Purls of Wisdom

Through my years of knitting, I have learned some things beyond the how-tos: advice, best practices, lessons – “purls,” if you will.

These are my knitting purls of wisdom. Small truths, learned stitch by stitch, that make knitting more enjoyable, sustainable, and satisfying.

This collection will continue to grow as my knitting does.

Yarn & Materials Wisdom

Yarn is the heart of knitting, and how you think about it matters just as much as how you use it. These posts focus on choosing materials well, enjoying what you have, and letting go of guilt around using good yarn.

• Use the Good Stuff
  Why knitting with yarn, needles, and notions you truly enjoy makes the whole process better – and why it’s okay to invest in your hobby within your budget.

• Enjoy the Precious Skeins!
  That yarn you’re saving for “someday”? This is your permission to use it – or at least enjoy it – instead of letting it sit untouched.

• Yarn Can be Re-Used
  One of knitting’s superpowers: if you don’t like it, you can frog it and try again. Practical tips for reusing yarn without fear.

• Knitting Math: Formulas Every Knitter Should Know
  From gauge calculations to the surprisingly comforting dollars-per-hour formula, this post reframes knitting math as a helpful tool – not a hurdle.

• Create Custom Yarn Blends with Your Stash
  How holding multiple strands together (marling) lets you create custom colors, textures, and gauges using what you already own.
• Interchangeable Needles are the Ultimate Investment for Knitters
  They’re flexible, practical, packable—and you can use two different needle sizes at once to improve your knitting (a game changer for rowing-out!). Interchangeable needles are magical.

Fit, Finish, & Technique

• The Importance of Swatching
  Swatching isn’t a waste of time – it’s the foundation for fit, fabric, and confidence in every project.
• Try on Garments as you Go
  One of the biggest advantages of knitting your own clothes: you can check fit and make adjustments before it’s too late.
• Use Knitting Fit Knowledge for Store Bought Clothes, too
  The unexpected bonus of garment knitting: learning how to show smarter and return less.
• Knitters Don’t Like to Weave in Ends – But we Must
  Strategies for minimizing ends and choosing the right joining methods so finishing feels manageable.
• Blocking is Mandatory
  Your project isn’t done until it’s blocked. Why blocking matters, and how it transforms your knitting. (Includes a link to my step-by-step guide for blocking with a washing machine.)

Mindset & Knitting Philosophy

• Every Little Stitch Counts
  Progress happens one stitch at a time. Even small pockets of knitting time add up to finished projects.

• Knitting Teaches Patience
  You don’t need patience to knit – knitting teaches it to you.

• Knitting is the Epitome of Slow Fashion
  Knitting is intentionally slow, and that’s part of its value. A reminder that handmade doesn’t need to be rushed.
• All Knitting Techniques are Just Knit and Purl
  If you can knit and purl, you can learn anything. A confidence-boosting reminder to try new things – or happily repeat old favorites.
• There’s Always More to Learn: Podcasts are the Great Knitting Inspiration
  Knitting Podcasts are a great way to feel like you’re part of a knitting community even if you’re the only knitting enthusiast among your friends.

One Stitch at a Time

You don’t need to master everything at once. You don’t need perfect tension or endless free time. You just need the next stitch.

These purls of wisdom exist to remind you that knitting, like life, is built slowly, thoughtfully, and with room to learn along the way.

Start Anywhere

There’s no right order here. Click what speaks to you, bookmark what you want to revisit, and come back as your knitting (and wisdom) grows.