Weil - Knitting Without Needles

to sandy, charlie, baillie & allie, for filling my heart to the very brim and helping make my dreams come true and to my dad, who instilled in me the value of hard work and the belief that i could do and be anything i want in life

Making something beautiful with my handsthis feeling brings me more joy than just about anything else in the world. That delight inspired me to begin my blog, Flax & Twine, in 2011. I needed more of that beauty-making bliss in my life.

Arm knitting and finger knitting are two of the purest expressions of how capable, creative hands can transform even the most mundane materials into works of beauty. I literally giggle sometimes that all the lovely projects in this book were made only with hands, no knitting needles required! From playful garments to bold accessories to chic home goods, this book proves that beautiful things are alwaysquite literallyat your fingertips.

As my blog started growing, along with my children, my family rediscovered finger knitting. As a child, I had learned to finger knit, and my love for it came rushing back. Weaving yarn by hand seemed to bring the kids (ages five, six, and seven at the time) the same satisfaction that it brought me. We made piles and piles and, literally, miles of finger-knit strands. But what in the world were we to do with it? I started designing finger-knitting projects that I thought were beautiful and found a huge demand for quality projects. In addition to a basic how-to, youll learn finger-knitting techniques Ive developed that open up a world of possibilities for this craft. No longer bound to the typical finger-knit tube or cord, now you can create projects more sophisticated than you thought possible.

Arm knitting was the next natural progression. No need to fuss with a hook or a pair of needles. You need only what you were born with and a little (or maybe a lot) of yarn. The modern shift in scale became a new obsession and drove me to become a pioneer in this new craft. Most arm knitting techniques are based on traditional knitting, but many beginners find that knitting on their arms is a friendlier, faster introduction to the skill. With these projects, youll discover (or rediscover) how vibrant and fresh knitting can look when you work on a larger scale with lush, lofty yarns.

Hands of all ages can make the projects in this book, but dont be fooled by their child friendliness. These patterns are design driven, progressive, and shamelessly simple in their style, rendered in my signature warm, springy color palette. You can expect lots of modern, easy-to-make gifts, stunning additions to your wardrobe, and luxe home goods that are striking but playful, streamlined but charming. Best of all, every project is accompanied by easy-to-follow step-by-step photos.

Now its time to dig in! I hope you enjoy making these items as much as I have. May this book bring joy to your happy handmade life!

INFINITY COWL

---

PROJECT TYPE: arm knitting

SKILL LEVEL: beginner

---

I first fell in love with arm knitting when I discovered how a simple shift in scale could completely transform traditional knitting. The drama and loft charmed me from the start. Playing with yarn size and weight will result in a range of styles, from a lighter scarf perfect for the shoulder season to an impossibly cozy cowl youll love diving into in the depths of winter.

STATEMENT NECKLACE

---

PROJECT TYPE: arm knitting

SKILL LEVEL: beginner

---

Meet your newest conversation piece (psstyou can wear it two ways!). The secret to making it especially compliment worthy? A fabulous variegated yarn. Beautiful metal jump rings, a chain, and a clasp are easier to add than you may first believe, and they elevate humble finger knitting into a stunning showstopper.

DOUBLE-STRAND HEADBAND

---

PROJECT TYPE: finger-knitting

SKILL LEVEL: intermediate

---

These sweet finger-knit strands look perfectly charming in messy tresses on a lazy Saturday morning. The headband delivers color and texture with a side of effortless elegance. Or, if youre truly feeling lazy and in need of a quick project, skip the sewing part and secure the strands in your hair with a bobby pin or two.