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Craft Journals: Knit and Crochet Planners and Diaries

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Do you use craft journals? Many knitters and crocheters find that they can be not just useful but also a fun extra part of crafting. Knit and crochet planners can help you organize the designs you want to make. You can add the make-alongs that you want to participate in. And you can use knit and crochet diaries to keep notes about your projects, the yarn you're using, the pattern details, where you're leaving off if you're abandoning a WIP for a bit. Moreover, you can keep a craft diary that helps you explore your creative process. So, we've rounded up some of the best knit and crochet journals, diaries, and planners for you to check out.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive commission from purchases made through those links. Your price doesn't change. This is one of the ways that I earn money so I can continue to offer free content to you online. Thank you so much for your support.

craft journals and notebooks

Craft Journals Make Great Christmas Gifts

If you're looking for good gifts for knitters and crocheters, craft journals are a terrific choice. So are craft books; see our list of 10 reasons why here. If you agree, then you might also want to check out our posts of:

How to Use Craft Journals

There are so many different ways to use craft journals and knit and crochet diaries to enhance your crafting. In Kathryn's book, “Hook to Heal“, each section of crochet exercises ends with a series of “Yarn for Thought” questions. These are crochet journal questions that help you utilize crafting for personal growth. That's just one example of how people use these tools.

Other examples include:

  • Use a craft planner to track the dates of important events. This might be a blog planner, a series of submission dates for when designs are due, dates for craft fairs and expos you plan to attend, and so on.
  • Track your projects in knit and crochet diaries. You might include the pattern (or where to find it) along with the yarn label, notes about where you're at in the project, etc. This is a great way to stay on top of WIPs. It's also fun to look back at all that you've made.
  • Plan your designs in your craft journal. This might include a combination of sketches, notes, yarn options, etc.
  • Process your feelings about your crafting. Sometimes we lose our crojo. Writing about it can help.
  • Keep a running gratitude list of all of the reasons you're thankful for crafting.
  • Make a list of gifts you want to give. Keep track of the project details in your knit or crochet notebook.

These are just a few examples of how people use craft planners and knit and crochet notebooks.

craft planners for knitters and crocheters

10 Craft Journals and Knit/Crochet/Yarn Notebooks You Might Want To Buy Today

There are truly so many different types of craft notebooks. Some are just blank books (lined or unlined) that have a crafty message or image on the front. Others have pages that are setup to assist you with planning, organizing, and recording your crafty life. Here are ten craft journals and notebooks for knitters and crocheters that you might enjoy:

1. Hardcover Knitting, Yarn, and Crochet Journal

. Hardcover Knitting, Yarn, and Crochet Journal

This 200-page hardcover book, which comes with its own pen, has blank lined pages on one side for your notes. On the right-hand side of each page are spaces to write down the project, recipient, start and end dates, all details of yarn used, hooks or needles used, and the gauge. Plus there's a square spot to attach a yarn sample.

2. Crochet Journal. Creative Personal Logbook.

Crochet Journal. Creative Personal Logbook.

Don't let the simple, but beautiful, cover of this crochet journal fool you. Inside these pages contains all of the sections you need to make notes about every knit, crochet, or design project. Like a bullet journal, it starts with pages where you can log your project number, name, and start date. This makes it easier to find the projects you fill in throughout the craft journal.

Then there are sections for details about each project including yarn details, extra tools needed, pattern source, even project difficulty. This is followed by a page where you can attach yarn samples as well as project photos. This is really a crochet journal but knitters could easily adapt it to their work. Oh, and there are inspirational quotes from crochet designers throughout this craft notebook.

3. Paperback Crochet Project Journal

Paperback crochet project journal

This crochet project planner is similar in style to the one above. However, it's a bit simplified or more minimalistic. It begins with a table to list the project name, who it's for, and the page it's on in the crochet journal. Then each project page allows you to enter the pattern source, start and end dates, yarn information, and also washing instructions, which is certainly helpful information to have on hand. Then there's a section to attach a yarn sample and / or label.

4. Vogue Knitting Project Journal

vogue knitting project journal

This is not just a terrific project journal. It's also a guide that really shows you how to best use a craft journal as a knitter. Just take a look at the table of contents, which includes so much more beyond the actual pages where you record your knitting projects:

vogue knitting project journal

5. Boye 12-Month Knitting and Crochet Planners

Boye 12-Month Knitting and Crochet Planners

Like the Vogue Knitting Planner, the Boye planners have a lot of additional tips and information. They're designed as 12-month craft planners, so they have more of a calendar format than many craft journals. These combine monthly layouts with tabbed sections for inventory, reference pages (such as a knit symbols chart), project details, and blank note pates.

You can also purchase these planners on Amazon bundled with yarn to start a project. Furthermore you might want to take a look at the Boye 12 Month Kit Crochet Activity Planner:

Boye 12 Month Kit Crochet Activity Planner

This one is unique in that it's actually a crochet planner with monthly projects already laid out for you. Instead of keeping track of your own unique projects, this is a craft journal that takes you on a journey of projects throughout the year.

6. Knitting Project Notes: My Knitting Stitches Book

Knitting Project Notes: My Knitting Stitches Book

This is a fairly straightforward, minimalistic knitters notebook. However, it includes something that not all of the craft journals include: graph paper. Many knitters, especially those working in colorwork techniques, benefit a lot from having graph paper to sketch out their ideas.

Other knitting planners that include graph paper are:

Knitting Colorwork Graph Paper

Speaking of which, in addition to purchasing a full craft journal, you might want add this Knitting Colorwork Graph Paper. It has 100 pages of just v-shaped outlines. In comparison to traditional graph paper, these designs look more like stitches. Therefore beginner knit designers might find these pages helpful to work with alongside their regular craft journal.

Alternatively, if you prefer traditional graph paper, then you might like this knitters' graph paper notebook. Or this Knitting Graph Paper that “contains 55 Pages of 2:3 paper (for regular yarn), followed by 55 Pages of 4:5 paper (for thicker yarn or double knitting)”

7. Crochet Journal Log Book

Crochet Journal Log Book

Like any other journal, you want your craft journal to feel right. Even the cover should inspire you. And isn't this one pretty? This craft journal has index pages at the beginning like many of the other craft notebooks on this list. Then there are 50 two-page spreads where you can record the details of your project. You can tell when craft journals are actually made by people who craft because they include spots for specific details such as the yarn dye lot. This one has that kind of option plus spaces to include sketches, swatches, and yarn samples. It's a simple, but effective design. This one is really a crochet journal.

8. Crochet Journal: A Crochet Diary & Crochet Project Planner Notebook

Crochet Journal: A Crochet Diary & Crochet Project Planner Notebook

Like many of the other crochet journals, this one has an index page and space to write the details of each project. Additionally, though, it comes with “a lined section for you to record any pattern modifications, notes, and insert a photo of the completed project. You can even use the space to track rows.” There are also some helpful reference pages in this crochet notebook including crochet abbreviations, conversion charts, and yarn weights.

9. My Knitting Journal by Val Pierce

My Knitting Journal by Val Pierce

I'm going to let the subtitle tell you more about this craft journal for knitters: “Organize Your Knitting Life: Record Completed Projects and Works-in-Progress, Keep Track of Your Yarn Stash, and Find Quick Reference Information.”

10. Daily Diary/Journal for Knitters with Inspirational Knitting Quotes

Daily Diary/Journal for Knitters with Inspirational Knitting Quotes

This is more the type of journal for people who just want to write about their projects and their craft experience. Rather than tracking every detail of projects (although of course you can write those down as well), this is about the habit of daily journaling with gratitude for your craft. It's meant as a knitters journal but crocheters could make use of its simple design as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a craft journal and why should I keep one?

A craft journal is a dedicated space to track your knitting and crochet projects… past, present, and planned. You can record the yarn and hook/needle details for each project, note what worked and what didn't, keep track of modifications you made to patterns, save gauge notes for future reference, and log your yarn stash. The value compounds over time… when you pick up a pattern you made three years ago, your notes tell you exactly how to recreate your results. It's the difference between having to figure things out from scratch every time versus building on your experience.

What should I include in a craft journal entry for each project?

The basics: pattern name and source, yarn brand and colorway, hook or needle size, finished gauge, any modifications you made, and the date started and finished. Beyond that, add anything that would help future-you! Photos of the finished piece. Notes on what you'd do differently. Size and who it was made for. Care instructions used. Rating of how much you enjoyed the pattern. The more context you add, the more useful the journal becomes. Even a quick “loved this yarn, never using this hook again” is valuable information for later.

What options exist for craft journals?

So many! Dedicated craft journal notebooks designed for knitters and crocheters have pre-formatted pages for project details. Regular dot-grid or blank notebooks that you customize yourself. Digital apps like Ravelry (which functions as a digital craft journal) and specialized knitting apps. Simple spreadsheets in Google Sheets or Excel. Even a dedicated folder in your phone's notes app works! The best journal is the one you'll actually use consistently. Try a few formats and see what fits your workflow… some crafters love beautiful physical notebooks while others prefer everything digital.

How is a craft journal different from Ravelry?

Ravelry is a fantastic digital project tracking tool that's shared publicly… your logged projects are visible to the community and help other crafters. A physical craft journal is private, portable, and can hold information you don't want to share publicly (like personal notes, “I'd do this differently” comments, or who a gift was for). Many crafters use both! Log projects on Ravelry for community visibility and your own reference, and keep a physical journal for more personal notes, inspiration clippings, yarn wrapping samples, and the tactile pleasure of a beautiful notebook.

Can I use a regular planner or bullet journal for craft tracking?

Absolutely! Many crafters use a bullet journal system to track projects, yarn stash, future project ideas, and craft goals alongside their regular life planning. The beauty of this approach is integration… you see your crafting life alongside everything else, which helps with time planning and project goal-setting. Some dedicated crafty bujo spreads are beautifully creative. Whether you prefer a pre-made craft journal, a customized bujo spread, or a simple Ravelry account, the important thing is tracking your projects in some way that works for you. Future you will be glad you did.

Can You Thrum Crochet?

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My Thrummed Crochet Mittens Pattern is one of my best older patterns. And yet, it doesn't always get the attention it deserves. I think part of the reason is that a lot of people don't even know the thrum meaning, let alone how it applies to crochet mittens. Therefore, people overlook this design that can keep you so incredibly cozy in the coldest of months. So, what is thrumming with yarn? And can you thrum crochet?

thrummed crochet mittens pattern-2

What Is The Meaning of Thrumming?

Obviously, if you look up the thrum definition, you'll find lots of different answers. Most people think of it as a humming noise, for example. However, we want to talk specifically about the thrum meaning in yarn. If you're bicrafty, then you might know that thrum knitting is much more common than thrum crochet. However, in both cases, it means the same thing:

When you thrum crochet or knitting, you add little bits of wool roving onto the inside of your stitches. The entire point is to make what you're knitting or crocheting that much warmer.

Knit Picks offers a really great thrum definition for crafters that includes the following features:

  • Use a short length of unspun roving.
  • Work this roving into your knit or crochet stitches along with the yarn for the project.
  • Leave the ends of the roving loose, placed evenly on the wrong side of the work.
  • The point is to create an extra lining that adds warmth to your knit or crochet project.

The History of the Yarn Thrum

According to Juliet Bernard over at Love Crafts, thrumming dates back to times as early as the beginning of crochet. She writes that the beginning of yarn thrumming likely started in the 17th century. Specifically, she says that Elizabethan sailors worked bits of wool into knit caps in order to stay warm. After all, there weren't a lot of options for keeping cozy on the cold water, especially in northern areas where the temperatures are unbearable cold for months at a time.

Can You Thrum Crochet?

Knitting has a long history. It's got an especially long history in Scandinavia and other very cold areas. Therefore, it's no surprise that people sometimes know about thrummed knitting but ask, “can you thrum crochet?” The answer, as you've surely already guessed is, of course you can.

How to Add a Thrum to Crochet Project for Extra Warmth

Obviously, my Thrummed Crochet Mittens patterns uses this technique. If you purchase the pattern, you'll have everything you need to know to complete it. However, I also have an old video that will at least give you a sense of how can you thrum crochet:

As you see in the video, here are some of the basics for how to thrum crochet:

  • Take a piece of unspun roving.
  • Tear off just a little piece of it at a time. It should be about the same width as the yarn you're using for your project.
  • Fold the left end of the roving to the middle of the roving. Then do the same with the right end, so that both ends fold in to the middle.
  • Rub this center together to create a bit of felting so that the ends stick to the center.
  • This gives you what looks a bit like a bow. Each end of the bow is a crochet thrum tail.
  • Insert the hook into the stitch where you will add the crochet thrum. Add the thrum center to the throat of the crochet hook, working it together with the yarn you're already using for the project, to secure the roving in place.

Make Your Crochet Thrum Extra Secure

Tip: Depending on your stitch, you can further secure the roving in place. For example, when working a crochet thrum with a double crochet stitch, you'll yarn over and pull both the yarn and roving through. Then, before you yarn over and pull through again, you'll actually wrap your yarn counterclockwise around the roving to further secure it. Then you can continue the stitch with your yarn. The crochet thrum is nice and secure to keep the inside of your project warm.

how to thrum crochet

The Difference Between Thrum Crochet and Thrummed Knitting

When you ask, “can you thrum crochet?” the answer is actually “yes, but”. The “but” refers to the fact that it's just slightly different than in knitting. In knitting, of course, you have lots of live stitches on your needle at the same time. As a result, you can work the stitch and the thrum together once and then again on the next round. However, in thrum crochet, you only have one live stitch at a time. Therefore, you have to really secure that thrum in there. That said, thrummed crochet is the same concept as thrummed knitting.

Thrummed Crochet Mittens Are Extra Warm and Cozy

Now that you understand what thrum crochet is, you can probably see when and why people use this technique, right? Adding roving to your stitches creates such extra warmth for your projects. It worked on the insides of those sailors' caps back in the 17th century. And it makes my thrummed crochet mittens extra warm and cozy. Therefore, if you live in a cold place, are traveling to one, or are the kind of person who always has cold hands, then it's worth it to learn how to make thrummed crochet mittens.

Get My Thrummed Crochet Mittens Pattern

My Thrummed Crochet Mittens pattern was originally published in the Winter 2008 issue of Interweave Crochet. Sure, that was quite a long time ago. However, these timeless mittens are sure to keep you warm and cozy today, too. Moreover, I've updated the pattern since. It includes stitch charts as well as notes to help make everything easy for you.

The thrummed crochet mittens pattern is available for sale on Ravelry. It's available in four different sizes so that you can get the exact cozy fit for your hands. You'll use DK weight yarn. However, since you're adding the crochet thrum, they feel nice and thick. This crochet winter mittens pattern uses one of my favorite crochet stitch patterns: the single-double crochet stitch, also known as lemon peel stitch or griddle stitch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly IS thrumming in crochet?

So here's the thing… thrumming in crochet means adding little bits of wool roving to the inside of your stitches. The whole idea is to make whatever you're crocheting extra warm and cozy!

Can I really crochet with thrums, or is it just for knitting?

Yes! You absolutely can thrum crochet. While knitting has a longer history with this technique, especially in colder places, crochet can totally use thrums to add warmth.

How do I actually add a thrum to my crochet project?

Honestly… you take a small piece of unspun roving, fold it in the middle so it looks like a little bow, and then crochet it into your stitch along with your yarn. You just need to secure it well since you only have one live stitch at a time in crochet.

Are thrummed crochet items really warmer?

Oh, for sure! Adding that roving creates a whole extra layer of warmth. It's the same concept that kept sailors cozy way back in the 17th century, and it makes mittens super warm for cold hands today.

Where can I find a pattern to try thrummed crochet?

Well, I have a super popular Thrummed Crochet Mittens pattern available on Ravelry! It's designed to be nice and cozy, and I've even updated it with charts and helpful notes to make it easy peasy.

41 Free Seamless Patterns to Crochet and Knit

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If you love to stitch and dislike seaming your projects together, seamless projects are right for you! Some patterns, such as hats, shawls, and throws, lend themselves to be seamless — the only time you'll need a yarn needle is to do finishing steps like sewing on buttons or weaving in the ends. But even projects that are traditionally made in pieces, such as sweaters, can be made seamless! Explore these 41 seamless projects from Yarnspirations today, so you can stitch more and sew less.

41 Free Seamless Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Clothing

Seamless clothing is more unusual. The garments tend to be looser and less fitted, since they're made all in one piece. Because it's a little harder to find on your own, I've included more (although not all!) of the patterns here.

Top Down Knit Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

Accessories

Hats, scarves, and shawls are the naturally seamless projects. While there are some that are seamed, seams on scarves and shawls are rare, and many hats are knit in the round. The accessories given here are just a sample of the ones available for both crochet and knitting on the Yarnspirations website.

Argyle Cable Lace Knit Super Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Throws

Many throws are made in one piece. They can be colorful, with a rainbow of stripes done in plain stitching or join-as-you-go motifs in different colors. Take a look at other knit throw and crochet blanket patterns from Yarnspirations — there are many more seamless projects in there.

From the Middle Crochet Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Home Decor

Home decor items like baskets or rugs are often made in the round — no seams necessary!

Hide-Away Sofa Caddy Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “seamless” mean in knitting and crochet patterns?

A seamless pattern is constructed in a way that requires no (or minimal) seaming after the main knitting or crocheting is complete. Instead of making separate pieces and sewing them together, seamless garments are worked in the round in one continuous piece, or in a specific construction that eliminates most seams. Sleeves can be picked up and worked down from the body. Necklines are worked as part of the construction rather than seamed on. The advantage: no seaming, no seam ridges rubbing against skin, and a smoother, more professional finish.

Why do many crafters prefer seamless construction?

Several reasons! No separate seaming step (which many crafters find tedious or struggle to execute cleanly). No seam edges inside a garment that might be itchy or uncomfortable. The ability to try on as you work and adjust fit in real time. A cleaner, more professional looking finished piece with no visible join lines. For socks, seamless toe-up construction allows precise length adjustment. And there's something deeply satisfying about a sweater that comes off the needles or hook essentially finished rather than requiring hours of seaming.

Are seamless patterns harder to make than seamed patterns?

Different challenges, not necessarily harder! Seamless patterns often require working in the round (circular needles, magic loop, or multiple DPNs for small circumferences) which is its own learning curve. They sometimes involve techniques like short rows for shaping that seamed patterns avoid by doing the shaping in pieces. But many crafters find seamless construction MORE intuitive once they're comfortable working in the round… the construction logic often follows the shape of the body naturally. The 41 patterns in this collection span beginner-accessible to more complex.

Can seamed patterns be converted to seamless construction?

Sometimes! Simple garments worked in pieces (like a rectangular sweater worked flat and seamed) can sometimes be converted to seamless in-the-round construction by a knitter experienced with garment construction. But patterns with complex shaping, intentional seam placements (like set-in sleeves where the seam provides structure), or raglan construction work differently in seamless vs. seamed versions. If you prefer seamless and a pattern is written as seamed, looking for a seamless version of the same style or consulting a garment modification guide is often more successful than trying to convert yourself.

What are the most popular seamless knit and crochet garment constructions?

Top-down raglan sweaters are the most popular seamless knit construction… you start at the neck, increase for the raglan lines, separate the sleeves, and work the body and sleeves down separately. Yoke sweaters with colorwork yokes are another beloved seamless approach. For crochet, seamless top-down constructions and seamless side-to-side construction are popular. Seamless socks (toe-up or cuff-down, either way worked on one needle with magic loop) are hugely popular. Seamless beanies and hats are standard. The more you work seamlessly, the more natural it becomes.

Mary Maxim Catalog: Craft Lover’s Christmas Wish List

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If you checked out my recently updated roundup of the top 20 super bulky yarn options, then you might have noticed that there were some links to yarn over at Mary Maxim. Full disclosure: I recently became one of their affiliates. So, yes, there are affiliate links in this post, and I get a commission from those sales, which doesn't affect your price. But that isn't the only reason I'm here to share all the best stuff from the Mary Maxim catalog with you. It's also because they have some really great knit and crochet lovers stuff for the holidays. Here are ten things you should be sure to check out over there on the site.

Mary Maxim catalog for christmas

1. Mary Maxim Yarn for Christmas

mary maxim yarn for christmas

There is a lot of great yarn over on the site. However, I specifically wanted to point you to the Mary Maxim Festive Feet Sock Yarn. It's so perfect for the holidays. It comes in holiday colorways including Mistletoe and Candy Cane Sparkle. If you love another crafter, this yarn is the perfect holiday stocking stuffer. If you love to knit or crochet socks, this yarn will brighten your season as you do.

2. Blizzard Blanket and Other Christmas Throw Pattern Crochet Kits

Mary Maxim blizzard blanket crochet pattern and yarn

In addition to just yarn, Mary Maxim sells crochet kits. In other words, you get a crochet pattern along with all of the yarn that you need in order to complete the pattern. The Blizzard Blanket is a lovely winter crochet pattern. You can choose from several color options; go with soft blue and white for a wintery feel or cardinal red and white for something that really says Christmas.

Other crochet Christmas blanket kits they offer include:

3. Crochet Snowman Christmas Kits

crochet snowman towel pattern from mary maxim catalog

Obviously blankets aren't the only Christmas crochet pattern / kits in the Mary Maxim catalog. If you want some quicker makes, check out some of their crochet snowman Christmas kits which include:

4. Mary Maxim Christmas Knit Kits

Mary Maxim Christmas Knit Kits Mini Sweater Ornaments

You'll find tons of different craft options in the Mary Maxim catalog. And, of course, you know I'm bicrafty. Therefore, I want to make sure that I share not only their crochet Christmas kits but also what they have for knitters. Here are a few of the best Mary Maxim knit Christmas kits:

5. Holiday Traditions Coloring Book

Holiday Traditions Coloring Book from Mary Maxim Catalog

Sometimes during the holiday season, you might want to take a break from knitting and crochet. If you're working on a lot of handmade gifts for the holidays, sometimes the crafts aren't as relaxing as usual. So give yourself the affordable gift of a Christmas coloring book.

6. Mary Maxim Jigsaw Puzzles

vintage tins jigsaw puzzle

Another relaxing alternative to yarn crafting and coloring is to work jigsaw puzzles. The Vintage Tins Jigsaw Puzzle has a bit of a Christmas feeling to it, doesn't it? Some other good options for Christmas and for crafters include:

7. Yarn Mystery Box

yarn mystery box from mary maxim catalog

Treat yourself to a little surprise on Christmas morning. Order the Mary Maxim yarn mystery box. When it arrives, leave it unopened. Perhaps even wrap the whole box in nice wrapping paper. Then stick it under the Christmas tree!

Of course, you could also order the yarn mystery box as a gift for another yarnie in your life.

8. Starlette Sparkle Worsted Weight Yarn

starlette sparkle yarn from mary maxim

Of course, if you want to know exactly what yarn you're getting, then Starlette Sparkle is a terrific holiday choice. In contrast to the first Christmas yarn on this list, Starlette is worsted weight. It's actually used in quite a few of the crochet Christmas kits listed above.

9. Mary Maxim Knit and Crochet Clubs

Treat yourself or another crafter you know to a year of craft club projects in 2022. Mary Maxim has a variety of clubs for crafters. Crocheters can try small projects with the Crochet Club of the Month. Alternatively, work on blankets with the Quarterly Crochet Afghan Club. Similarly, there are monthly and quarterly knitters clubs.

10. Cats With Yarn 2022 Felt Calendar

mary maxim yarn felt calendar

One of the most unique items in the Mary Maxim Catalog is their felt calendars. These are actually calendar kits. They have a variety of them, but cats with yarn is probably the most popular one among knitters and crocheters. The calendar comes with the image printed on the felt. However, then you add the sequins and beads. It comes with a dowel for hanging. So, you get to play with a little crafting while creating your calendar for the new year. This is another Mary Maxim item that is great not just for you but also for gifting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mary Maxim?

Mary Maxim is a Canadian craft supply company with a long history… they've been in business since 1956! They're known for their extensive catalog of craft kits, yarn, needlework supplies, and holiday gifts for crafters. Mary Maxim catalogs became beloved for crafters who wanted both supplies and creative gift ideas… the catalog functions as both a shopping resource and an inspiration catalog. They specialize in craft kits that include everything you need for a project.

What kinds of yarn and craft supplies does Mary Maxim carry?

Mary Maxim carries a wide range! Yarn in various weights and fiber contents including their own house brands. Knitting and crochet needles and hooks. Craft kits for beginners and advanced crafters. Needlepoint and embroidery supplies. Counted cross-stitch kits and supplies. Pattern books. Gift items for crafters. They're particularly well-known for their holiday catalog featuring gift ideas for crafters… hence the “Christmas Wish List” association with this blog post.

Is Mary Maxim available in the US?

Yes! While Mary Maxim is headquartered in Canada, they ship to the US and have a US-facing website. Their catalog has been beloved by Canadian crafters for decades, but American crafters can access their products as well. The blog post likely covers their Christmas catalog specifically… Mary Maxim's holiday catalogs have traditionally been particularly strong for craft gifts and holiday-themed kits.

Why would a craft blogger feature a catalog like Mary Maxim?

Several good reasons! Catalogs (both physical and digital) are a wonderful source of craft product discovery… they curate options in a way that random internet shopping doesn't. For Marly's audience, which includes many dedicated crafters who love discovering new yarns and tools, a catalog feature is genuinely useful. It may also represent a partnership or collaboration. And for crafters who grew up ordering from print catalogs, there's genuine nostalgia value in celebrating companies that have been supporting the craft community for decades.

Are craft catalogs still relevant in the internet age?

Surprisingly yes! Many crafters still love physical catalogs as a browsing and inspiration experience that's different from online shopping. You discover things you weren't searching for. You can mark pages and leave the catalog on your craft table. Physical catalogs have a tactile quality that digital browsing doesn't replicate. Companies like Mary Maxim that maintain strong catalog traditions serve a community of crafters who value that experience. And digital catalog versions still provide a curated, editorial browsing experience compared to search results.

10 Reasons To Buy Craft Books for Christmas

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Craft books are among the best gifts that you can purchase this holiday season. Truly, you can buy almost anyone these types of books for Christmas. That's why we took the time to put together our elaborate lists of:

Not sold on the idea? Let us tell you why craft books should be on your Christmas shopping list.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a commission from sales made through those links. Your price is unaffected. I appreciate this support.

Craft Books for Christmas

1. Craft Books Are Ideal To Give To Your Crafter Friends

Most of us crafters also have a lot of friends who craft. Maybe people in your family are crafters, too. What's better to buy for them than craft books? After all, you're honoring their love for their craft. Of course, there are other great gifts for crafters. Hooks and needles, yarn and thread, tote books, and more all make terrific crafter gifts.

However, craft books are a little bit special. If you pick out the right one, your crafter friend will be excited to get these books for Christmas. After all, you might be one of the only people in their lives who knows that an amigurumi book isn't the right choice but a sweater knitting book is … or vice versa. It shows that you know them and care about what they love.

2. Almost Everyone Loves Getting Books for Christmas

There's something inspiring and wonderful about flipping through a book.That's why a lot of people enjoy getting and receiving books for Christmas. There are some great craft books out there even for people who aren't crafters. Just a few examples of good craft books for non-crafters include:

3. Many Craft Books Are Great Coffee Table Books

Crafters are visual. That's why so many knit and crochet books are filled with beautiful photography. And whether or not someone is a crafter, they might appreciate these books for Christmas. If you know someone who keeps a stack of pretty books on a table or has a great bookshelf display in their home, I bet they'd enjoy beautiful craft books for Christmas.

4. Almost Everyone Is Interested in Crafting Right Now

Sure, people have been knitting and crocheting for decades upon decades. But there are times when crafting is trendy and times when it's less popular. Starting with quarantine, crafting picked up in popularity. So even if you don't know someone well, it's a safe bet that they might be interested in crafting right now. So, getting them those types of books for Christmas is probably going to be money well spent.

5. You're Supporting Other Crafters

Craft books are written by designers and crafters. Putting together a book can take a long time. It's truly a labor of love. So, when you buy these books for Christmas, it's not just a gift to the person receiving the book. It's also a gift to the designer/author. You're helping to support them in their business of doing what they love to do.

6. You're Likely Supporting Small Publishers, Too

There are obviously a variety of different craft books. And there are lots of places that you might purchase them. If you can buy them at your local bookstore and support shopping small and local, that's great. But if you buy them at your local craft store or through Amazon, that's okay, too. Why? Because craft books are almost always published by small publishers. Sure, there are some exceptions. But usually the publishers are dedicated to crafting, to supporting their authors, to bringing books into the world that they truly believe matter. So when you buy craft books, you're supporting small publishers. That's a big deal.

7. Craft Books Inspire People to Create

Take a chance on giving craft books to people you aren't sure will love them. In particular, books for kids about learning how to craft are a wonderful choice. You just never know what creativity it will spark in them to flip through those pages. They may fall in love with the craft from your chosen book. Or, they may not, but it might encourage them to try a different craft that they do end up loving. Many of us learned crafting as children, stopped for awhile, then came back to it. The spark you ignite now could burn brightly years from now.

8. One For You, One For Me Shopping

Okay, this is a little bit of a joke, but also it's not. It's that idea that every time you buy someone else a Christmas gift, you find that you can't resist buying something for yourself. Well, your budget probably doesn't want you to do that with every gift. But there's nothing wrong with indulging in a few special gifts for yourself at the holidays as well. New knit and crochet books are great Christmas presents to yourself. Celebrate your craft, your skill, and the joy you take in a generations-old pastime.

9. Shopping for Craft Books Will Inspire You, Too

Even if you don't buy these books for Christmas for yourself, you're going to have a great time browsing through them as you look to buy them for others. Maybe you'll put them on your wishlist and eventually get the ones you truly want. Or maybe not. But looking at all of the amazing options out there – in your favorite craft or in ones you've never tried – can't fail to inspire you. You'll have a renewed sense of joy and energy about your crafting. And let's face it, as much as we love crafting, sometimes it feels like a chore when the deadline of the holidays looms. So, shopping for craft books for others can reignite your passion for getting those handmade items complete this year.

10. Someone Will Use Those Craft Books, We're Sure Of It

Okay, so let's say that you misjudged. You bought someone a book about crafting for Christmas. You could immediately see on their face that they didn't love it. Don't worry. It's okay. Craft books seem to find their right place in the world somehow. Someone else in that person's family will pick it up and run with it. Or they'll drop it off at their local Little Free Library or somewhere else and the right person will be thrilled to find it. No one has ever suffered much from receiving a gift that they didn't love, so don't worry about that part.

See, don't you think you could get craft books for Christmas for everyone on your list?! Now who are you going shopping for first?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get craft books for my crafty friends for Christmas?

Honestly… they're the perfect gift because you're showing them you really know and care about their hobby! It means so much when someone picks out a craft book that's just right for them, whether it's for knitting sweaters or making amigurumi.

Can I really give craft books to people who don't even craft?

Yes! So many craft books are beautiful enough to be coffee table books, and others touch on things like self-help or history, which can appeal to anyone. You might even inspire them to try crafting!

What if the person I gift a craft book to doesn't like it?

Don't you worry about that… these books have a way of finding the right home! Someone else in the family might snatch it up, or it could end up in a Little Free Library for the perfect person to find. It's really no big deal!

Besides giving a gift, how else does buying craft books help?

Well, here's the thing… when you buy craft books, you're totally supporting the designers and authors who poured their hearts into them! Plus, most craft books come from small publishers who are super dedicated to the crafting world, so you're supporting them too!

I'm looking for gifts, but I want to get inspired too. Can craft books help with that?

Oh, for sure! Even just browsing through all the amazing craft books while you're shopping for others can totally reignite your own crafting passion. You might even find some perfect picks for your own wishlist!

BiCrafty Bootcamp Is Taking a Breather … Back Soon!

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BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Beginners is taking a little pause. However, we'll be back and better than ever after the holiday season. We hope that this gives all of you a chance to breathe, practice, catch up, take a break, enjoy the holidays, and more. And we are eager to come back in 2022 and finish the course.

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We Jumped Into BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Edition

Earlier in 2021, we launched BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters. It was a months-long amazing opportunity to learn how to knit from the ground up with special tips for people who already know how to crochet. You can still access all of those online knitting lessons free now.

We want to help all crafters become bicrafty if they want to. Therefore, we didn't want to leave out the knitters who want to learn how to crochet. So, in September, we started BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters. Like its counterpart, it offers an in-depth way to learn crochet from the ground up with special bonus tips if you already know how to knit.

And The New Crocheters Have Learned So Much!

In the seven lessons we've completed of BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Edition so far, our bootcampers have learned so much! Some of what we've covered already:

  • All of the basic crochet stitches
  • How to combine those stitches to create shells, granny stitch, single-double crochet stitch and more
  • Increasing and decreasing including chevron crochet stitch
  • How to crochet into spaces as well as stitches, which means learning stitch anatomy
  • How to read crochet patterns (abbreviations) as well as crochet symbol charts (which has been a favorite among everyone)
  • Working in the round to create crochet motifs including granny squares

And we've created lots of great little instant gratification projects including headbands, face cloths, shawls, and blankets. That's right. If you've been following along with BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters, then you can definitely already call yourself bicrafty. You know A LOT OF STUFF in crochet already!

But It's Been a Little Bit of a Bumpy Ride

The whole Marly Bird team set out with the intention of running through about twenty lessons. We started in September and expected to work through those weekly. But frankly, life has just interrupted us a lot despite our best efforts.

We could never have anticipated some of the things that have happened – vaccine reactions, website crashing, laptop crashing, getting stranded in a different state … These are just a few things happening to interrupt our schedule.

And we know that it can be a little frustrating. You get all ready for the week's lesson then we don't have it ready. We feel bad because we don't want to disappoint you. Honestly, you all have been incredibly supportive through everything going on. You've sent the kindest emails and messages. I think sometimes it is easy to forget that designers are real, live, flesh and blood people with families and personal lives and feelings. But many of you do not forget that; you remember it. And that means so much to the whole Marly Bird Team! You all are always a bright spotlight of encouragement and love! 

Time to Breathe, Reset, and Resume In 2022!

You have been amazing to us. And we want to give you all that you deserve from these lessons. And we know that we just can't do that right now. We can show up, maybe, but not at the level that you deserve. Therefore, we've made a group decision to pause Bootcamp until January. We hope you understand the heart with which this decision was made.

Marly Bird Holiday Fun

It's not just that actual life has been busy and hectic and sometimes, frankly, hard. It's also that it's the busiest time of year here at Marly Bird. There are so many fun things going on here for the holidays. We have Turkey Trot coming up quick. There's our annual 24 Days of Quickies event. Get ready for our New Year's fun. We hope that you will join us in all of these things as a crocheter or a knitter or both.

If You Want to Practice Crochet During The Break

Go back through all of the BiCrafty Bootcamp lessons. Re-work them to keep up your skills, get better at some of the parts that may have challenged you, and build on that muscle memory. Check the bottom of each post for suggested crochet patterns that you have the skills to do now. There are also lots of different crochet videos on the Marly Bird YouTube channel. Here are my Top 20 YouTube Crochet Videos.

We'll See You In January!

Then, be ready, because BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters resumes again in January 2022. If you haven't already, make sure that you sign up for the newsletters. That way you'll be sure to see an email announcement when we're back.

And if you know anyone who wants to learn to crochet, let them know that they can still join too. Show them the lessons we've already done so they can catch up with us and be ready to go in January!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BiCrafty Bootcamp over?

So here's the thing… BiCrafty Bootcamp is taking a little pause right now. But don't worry, it's not over! We're just taking a breather to come back even better after the holidays in 2022.

What have we learned in the crochet bootcamp so far?

Honestly… we've covered a ton! We've gone over all the basic crochet stitches, learned how to combine them for things like shells and granny stitch, and even how to read patterns and symbol charts. Plus, we've made some super cute projects like headbands and granny squares!

Why is the bootcamp pausing?

Yes! Life has thrown us some curveballs, including vaccine reactions, technical issues, and even getting stranded! We want to make sure we can give you the best lessons, and right now, we need a little time to reset and focus.

What can I do to practice crochet during the break?

Great question! You can totally go back and re-work all the BiCrafty Bootcamp lessons we've already done. It’s a fantastic way to build those skills and muscle memory. Plus, check out the suggested patterns at the end of each lesson and my YouTube channel for tons more crochet videos!

When will BiCrafty Bootcamp be back?

You'll see us again in January 2022! Make sure you're signed up for the newsletters so you don't miss the announcement when we're back and ready to continue our crochet journey together.