Big Twist Yarn Now Available at Michaels

It’s been quite the year for lovers of Big Twist yarn (I’m one of them; it’s one of my favorites for using in a circular knitting machine). First Joann stores, which was the exclusive carrier of the yarn, filed for bankruptcy, then it announced the company was for sale, it sold to a liquidator and all the stores closed.

Then craft retailer Herrschners said it would distribute Big Twist, and it does still have a variety of Big Twist yarns available. I’m not sure if these are closeouts left over from Joann or new product.

Back in June, Michaels announced it had acquired the intellectual property of Joann including Big Twist yarn. And now they are selling Big Twist yarns in stores and online.

Currently it looks like they have the regular Big Twist Value and Value + (which is more than a pound of yarn in one skein), as well as Big Twist Twinkle. The site says that Loops & Threads Posh Purl is standing in for Big Twist Posh, and Cozy Cub is their substitute for Baby Bear. I never used these yarns so I don’t know if they are comparable. If you’ve got intel on that let me know!

Speaking of yarn, Michaels has expanded yarn and fabric selection in around 800 of its stores and promises more soon. The store closest to me (an hour away, though we’re getting one closer later this month!) doesn’t have fabric and the yarn when I was there last month was underwhelming. When I can see an expanded yarn selection I’ll let you know.

Hopefully this ends the saga of Big Twist yarn, and they will be introducing more of the other lines that Joann carried over time. (Hereschners, for instance, has more multicolored yarns in the Big Twist line.)

Are you excited to see Big Twist back? Have another favorite in the line you wish they’d revive? Have you seen a change in your local Michaels to carry more yarn? Let’s talk about it!

[Photo via Michaels]

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There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

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