Here you can read my Japanese knitting and crochet articles in English.
I share what I make, what I learn, and a bit of my life as a yarn lover in Japan.
English IUnderstanding Italian BO as Tubular BO in the Sandnes Garn Artisane Cardigan – Part 2
Struggling with the “Italian BO” in the Artisane Cardigan? Here’s my personal knitting story of how I finally understood Sandnes Garn’s tubular front band, slit buttonholes, and double knitting structure.
English Knitting the Artisane Cardigan in Red: A Tale of Yarn Selection and the Italian Bind-Off Struggle (Part 1)
As a dedicated knitter exploring new skills, I’m tackling the Artisane Cardigan to finally master the Italian Bind-Off. Read about my journey of blending yarns for the perfect red and pushing my boundaries with new techniques.
English Trustfall Shawl Project Notes: Knitted with the Recommended Malabrigo Yarns (Up to Cast-On)
Project notes for knitting the Trustfall Shawl with the recommended Malabrigo yarns. Includes yarn yardage differences, skipping gauge, and a stretchy upper edge technique used in shawl patterns.
English Hamanaka Amelie: The Perfect Substitute Yarn for the FIVE Pattern
Knitting the FIVE pattern? Learn how Hamanaka Amelie perfectly matches the gauge and texture of Mominoki Yarn German Merino Light for less than half the cost. Includes tips for international buyers.
English How to Choose the Perfect Substitute Yarn: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Yarn Substitution and Calculating the Required Amount
Learn how to choose the perfect substitute yarn and calculate the exact amount you need. A clear, beginner-friendly guide with examples, tips, and step-by-step instructions.
English Do You Really Need to Wet Block Your Knits?
Wet blocking isn’t always required—and wasn’t historically necessary in Japan. Learn when it’s needed, when it’s not, and how yarn diversity changed blocking for modern knitters.
English Miknits 2023 (Almost) Finished: Ripping Back the Alp Sweater for a Better Fit
A review of my Miknits 2023 “Alp” sweater by Mariko Mikuni (Hobonichi/1101).I thought it was finished—until I had to frog it again due to sizing and gauge issues.Here’s my process of ripping back, blocking, and adjusting the fit.
English How to Block Mohair Knitwear
Learn the correct way to block and finish mohair knitwear, including steaming, pre-soaking, washing, rinsing, and drying. A step-by-step guide for achieving beautiful results with delicate mohair fibers.
English Knitting Pattern Copyright and Terms of Use Explained
Learn the essential do’s and don’ts of knitting copyright: selling knitted items, sharing patterns, unauthorized reproduction, and Japan-specific rules under the Japanese Copyright Act. This article explains key issues in simple English and includes important disclaimers.
English My Experience Importing Yarn from the U.S.:Zero Customs Duty? A Clear Guide to Japan’s Import Consumption Tax
Learn how to import yarn from the US with zero customs duty. This guide explains Japan’s yarn import tax, shipping costs, and when import consumption tax applies for personal shipments.