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.

2025.12.10

EnglishYarn Crafts

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.

2025.12.04

EnglishKnitting Thoughts

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.

2025.11.28

EnglishProduct Knitting

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.

2025.11.26

EnglishYarn Crafts

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.

2025.11.25

EnglishYarn Crafts

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.

2025.11.14

EnglishYarn Crafts

My Malabrigo Order from the U.S. Has Arrived! How Much Was the Import Tax? [Arrival Report]

My Malabrigo yarn order from the U.S. has finally arrived! Here’s a detailed report on how long shipping took, whether import tax was charged, and what the yarn was like when it arrived.

2025.11.12

EnglishKnitting Thoughts

Why I Ordered Malabrigo Yarn from the U.S. Instead of Buying It in Japan (Part 1)

I could buy Malabrigo yarn in Japan—but I chose to import it from the U.S. Here’s why: real cost breakdown, emotional journey, and lessons learned from one shawl project.

2025.11.10

EnglishKnitting Thoughts

Perfect First Fair Isle Sweater — My Experience with British Fine Yarn

Discover an easy Fair Isle sweater project perfect for beginners. Includes knitting tips, gauge notes, and a hands-on review of Puppy British Fine yarn.

2025.11.02

EnglishProduct Knitting

Is Knitting Becoming Stressful? How to Deal with the Knitting Police

Have you ever met the “Knitting Police”? Learn how to deal with Yarn Snobs and gatekeepers on Ravelry, Reddit, YouTube, and in the knitting community — and how not to become one yourself.

2025.10.31

EnglishKnitting Thoughts