Yarn! I just love this crafting medium. There are so many possibilities for those of us who love using yarn, especially for modern yarn crafts. Everything from weaving to embroidery, and macrame to punch needle work is making its way into the new handmade revolution being fueled by all manner of modern creatives. The internet has certainly exploded with a wide array of online possibilities that have, to some extent, been influenced by Etsy and Amazon Handmade. So why not learn a skill or two this season? Or even purchase the perfect starter kit or craft supply for that person in your life who loves yarn crafts? If either of these speak to you then you’ll love today’s No-Knit Gift Guide For The Modern Yarn Crafter.
While there are loads of no-knit gift possibilities, the list below is a good STARTING POINT that focuses on the modern yarn crafts of WEAVING, MACRAME, (FINE) EMBROIDERY, and PUNCH NEEDLE (EMBROIDERY).
These four yarn crafts have dominated the modern craft industry and fuel my personal interest in yarn crafts. Each one has a long-standing tradition, in one form or another, among artisans. Yet each stands on its own as an innovative craft that has inspired so many new creatives around the globe. One look at your Pinterest or Instagram feeds and you can see just how popular these handcrafts have become.
So here it is, my freshly curated No-Knit Gift Guide For The Modern Yarn Crafter.
~The following contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy here.~
No-Knit Gift Guide For The Modern Yarn Crafter
WEAVING
Lap Looms
Here are a couple of budget-friendly lap looms that are small enough to sit easily in your lap: this one (a peg loom) and this one (a notched loom).
Standing Looms
You can find 2 versions here: 20″ Standing Loom (budget-friendly version) and a handcrafted version with adjustable heights.
Small Weaving Needle
For an inexpensive, beginner-friendly plastic weaving needle, try this selection at The Unusual Pear on Etsy.
Bent Weaving Needle
The benefit of having a tapestry needle that is bent at the tip is that it allows you to get under your warp threads with far greater ease. This bent weaving needle is a good choice.
Long Weaving Needle
This long weaving needle is 5 inches long and, like the bent needle, it speeds up the process of weaving by getting you across your warp a lot quicker.
Warp Yarn
Every weaver should have at least 1 white or cream cotton yarn in their arsenal. I recommend trying Lily Sugar n’ Cream Yarn in white and in cream.
Weaving Yarns
Although you can use any yarn to start a weaving project, the best yarns are 100% natural (e.g., wool, bamboo, cotton) or blended yarns (i.e., natural + synthetic blends). These stack better when weaving rows.
Besides your local specialty yarn shop, you can find all sorts of specialty and art yarns online in a wide variety of places, including Knit Picks, We Are Knitters, Wool and The Gang, Miss Knit Yarns,
The Unusual Pear Etsy shop is also a wonderful source for all things weaving, including loads of yarn varieties.
Dowels
Unfinished wood dowels (e.g., 12 inch or 14 inch), copper, brass, and driftwood work well for modern wall weavings.
Weaving Starter Kits
If you are exploring kit options, here are a few you may wish to consider:
- Harrisville Designs 12″ Lap Loom Kit (peg loom)
- Beka 14″ Frame Loom Weaving Kit (notched loom)
- Small Weaving Loom Kit (small notched loom) on Etsy
MACRAME
Macrame cords
There are a variety of macrame cords from braided to single ply, double ply, and the list goes on and on. Here are a few versatile options for wall hangings, plant hangers, curtains, bags, etc, to get you started.
Try this traditional ecru colour, single ply, 5mm or this 3-strand twisted, 4mm.
There are also a variety of ecru colour options in various thicknesses at the Thready Craft Studio Etsy shop.
Or, if you’d like to have a wider variety of colours available at once, you can also purchase a mixed pack of natural colours or take your pick from this range of colours.
Dowels & Hangers
>Wall Hangings
Weaving and macrame hangers are virtually interchangeable, so it will all depend on your style and taste. Whether you’d like to use unfinished wood dowels (e.g., 12 inch or 14 inch), copper, brass, or driftwood it all works well for the modern macrame wall hanging.
>Plant Hangers – Rings & S-Hooks
S hooks are useful when making macrame and wall art. Use to hang your projects while you work on them or for displaying your completed work.
You can also find a wide variety of weight and sizes of S hooks on Etsy.
Unfinished wood rings are valuable for attaching to the top of a finished macrame plant hanger. You can also find brass rings too.
For complete beginners, you might want to purchase a Macrame Starter Kit, like the following:
Make a a plant hanger or a wall hanging with this kit or with this kit. Both include instructions.
EMBROIDERY
Embroidery needle
Embroidery needles in sizes 1-10 are used for most embroidery techniques and can be purchased as a package (like this one).
Embroidery floss
‘Floss’ is the term used to describe embroidery thread (Typically up to 6 strands are twisted together to form a single thread of floss. For this project, I’ll be using 6-strand floss). DMC Cotton Embroidery Floss is one of the most versatile for most embroidery projects. (You can also check out DMC’s website here to see all of their products).
Embroidery (small) scissors
You can use any pair of scissors, but I find that small scissors are easier to use for such a delicate craft like embroidery.
Fabric
Normally the best fabrics to use are those with a lower thread count (allowing the needle to pass through a bit easier), including cotton, linen, muslin, flour sack, and aida. (Since aida often comes pre-starched, it is a bit stiffer and may need to be washed to soften the material before you start). DMC sells a variety of aida and other fabrics here, but you can also find any of the other fabric mentioned above on Amazon and Etsy, including at this shop and in small pre-cut sizes in this shop – or other craft stores in your area.
Embroidery hoop
An embroidery hoop keeps the fabric taut for easy designing. Many crafters are now using the hoop itself as a frame and hanging their piece as is. Hoops come in a variety of sizes and materials.
Bamboo Hoops: You can find variety packs like this one or this one. Or take a look at a wide range of options here.
Plastic Hoops: There are a wide range on Amazon.
Susan Bates is a trusted brand with good quality plastic hoops at a reasonable price.
Embroidery Starter Kits
Here are just a few starter kits that include supplies and instructions on Etsy:
- Modern Embroidery Kit – hanging plants design
- Modern Embroidery Kit – tropical plants design
- Modern Embroidery Kit – floral (with monogram options)
There’s also this cute Christmas Embroidery Kit that’s perfect for the holidays!
(Pro Tip: Probably one of the most popular and trusted brands is DMC, where you can find their full range of products, including their full line of Embroidery Floss, Patterns, Kits, Tutorials, and more!)
PUNCH NEEDLE
There are three main types of punch needles that modern creatives are using these days. From most to least expensive:
Oxford Punch Needle
Invented by Amy Oxford, this punch needle is ergonomically designed for ease of use and is perhaps the easiest to load yarn into. While it comes in a variety of sizes, the most popular and versatile for creating decorative items, including wall art, pillows, and handbags is the #10 1/4 inch (like the one in the link above).
Adjustable Punch Needle
This punch needle is becoming extremely popular among creatives and there’s a good reason for that: Its ability to adjust at different heights gives the maker a variety of sizes of loop options. There are plenty on the market, including ones to find at this Etsy shop or this Etsy shop. But hurry! They go fast!
Adjustable Plastic Punch Needle
For an affordable option, there are adjustable plastic needles that’ll still have you or the crafter in your life creating some inspired pieces. Take a look at this one or this one.
Monks Cloth
Depending on the size of your punch needle, you will want to consider the density of the weave of the cloth being used. If you are influenced by modern punch needle methods, then the all three types of punch needles listed above work their best on a fabric like Monks Cloth.
That’s because Monks Cloth is less dense, allowing these thicker needles to pass through the holes of the fabric easier (and without tearing too many fabric fibers).
Beginners Kit
If punch needle work is new to you or the crafter in your life, then you may want to begin with a starter kit like this one or this one – both can be found on Etsy.
Final Thoughts
With this No-Knit Gift Guide For The Modern Yarn Crafter, you’ll be able to get started with a new craft or add to your supply list. Whether this applies to you or someone you love, I know that you’ll find that perfect gift this season 🙂
Happy shopping 🙂
PS Once you get your supplies, stop by and get started with some of these FREE intro- and intermediate-level projects:
Weaving:
An Introduction to Weaving (Part 1 & Part 2)
5 Simple Ways To Add Texture To A Wall Weaving
***For a more extensive list of weaving supplies, see:
Macrame:
DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging (Using One Simple Knot)
Embroidery:
7 Basic Embroidery Stitches for Beginners
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