Digits & Threads is no longer publishing new content, but please enjoy the archives, which will remain available through the summer of 2025.
[For Paid Members] Everything you ever wanted to know about wool, from the science of wool fibres to the properties of wool yarn and fabric. This is the first piece in a new series on fibre characteristics.
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[For Studio Members] Master spinner Michelle Boyd explains the hows and whys of “finishing” yarns for use in weaving, knitting and crochet projects. This helpful guide also includes tips for finishing a variety of fibre types under different water conditions.
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A deep dive into sock yarn—what to look for in fibre content and yarn structure as you set out to knit warm, hard-wearing socks.
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[For Studio Members] Master spinner Michelle Boyd explains the difference between woollen spun and worsted spun yarns. Learn how they’re constructed, and how each behaves when knitted, crocheted or woven, with detailed photographs to illustrate.
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[For Studio Members] Master spinner Michelle Boyd dives deep into how we communicate yarn thickness, explaining the various systems that are used, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. And she provides excellent tips for how to assess a yarn for use in knitting, crochet or weaving.
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[For Studio Members] Master spinner Michelle Boyd returns with a detailed, photo-illustrated tutorial on how to spin singles yarn for knitting, crocheting and weaving applications. She addresses use of spindle and wheel, and discusses fibre choice.
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Knitter Michelle Boyd on how a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis changed her relationship with the craft, and how she adapted her approach and her projects to accommodate her physical changes.
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[For Studio Members] Cabled yarns are constructed from multiple plied strands, and can add strength and lustre to items made with them. In this third and final installment of her series on yarn structure and how it affects the fabrics we make, master spinner Michelle Boyd illuminates the role cabled yarns can play in knitting, crochet and weaving projects.
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[For Studio Members] Learn how plied yarns are constructed, how their structure affects how they behave and wear, and what they bring to various types of fabrics—woven, crocheted and knitted. The newest lesson from master spinner Michelle Boyd is a detailed and photo-illustrated exploration of plied yarns.
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[Open Access] The SAORI style of weaving is one that emphasizes self-expression and embraces mistakes. The Japanese approach is accessible to folks with diverse physical and cognitive abilities, and no formal weaving experience is required to get started. Here, Michelle Boyd explores the technique, including Canadian SAORI weaving studios.
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