• Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: Straight Pins

    What is it? – In some of the oldest archeological digs around the world you can find ancient straight pins. They’ve been around that long and probably always will be. There are so many uses for them and in many cases there really is no substitute. We use them to hold patterns in place on our fabric, bind fabric pieces, tailor fabric to our bodies, hold seams together, anchor trims, beads or other embellishments in place and even block knitted products. Because of this wide variety of uses for straight…

  • Knitting/Crochet,  Session 3

    Takumi Bamboo Knitting Needles

      What is it? – Takumi, Stradivarius, Cartier. Their legendary quality of performance defies all attempts of description.  The name alone is iconic and imbues a sense of artistry.  Pretenders and imitators come and go but never stay.  Clover has long prided itself in the production of Takumi premium bamboo knitting needles.  Production quantity has always been secondary to production quality.  Only the finest raw materials have ever been used and manufacturing has always been accomplished to the absolute highest, most exacting standards. As knitting mediums and techniques have evolved…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: “Takumi” Bamboo Knitting Needles

    What is it? – Takumi, Stradivarius, Cartier. Their legendary quality of performance defies all attempts of description. The name alone is iconic and imbues a sense artistry. Pretenders and imitators come and go but never stay. Clover has long prided itself in the production of Takumi premium bamboo knitting needles. Production quantity has always been secondary to production quality. Only the finest raw materials have ever been used and manufacturing has always been accomplished to the absolute highest, most exacting standards. But just when you thought it couldn’t get any…

  • Influencer

    Egg Pompom + Clover News by Vickie Howell

    For years now (seriously, over a decade), I’ve used Clover brand tools more than any other for my knitting, crochet, and general notions needs. Their bamboo, Takumi needles are a staple item in my studio (I love the way wool sliding off bamboo feels), and 9 times out of 10 if I need a large-eyed yarn needle or a stitch holder, Clover’s going to be the name on the one I grab from the shelves. That said, I’m thrilled to announce that I am now their, Yarn Arts Ambassador! In…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: “Quick” Yo-Yo Maker

    What is it? – Chances are either you or someone you know has a box full of fabric yo-yo’s under the bed or in a closet. And chances are either you made them or they were given to you by your grandmother or an aunt. It’s surprising how many people tell the same story. But why do so many people make fabric yo-yo’s? The answer is actually very simple. It’s FUN! Sit down in a comfy chair, grab a handful of fabric scraps and get your creativity flowing. Colors, patterns,…

  • Crafts,  Session 3

    Quick Yo-Yo Maker

    What is it? – Chances are either you or someone you know has a box full of fabric yo-yo’s under the bed or in a closet.  And chances are either you made them or they were given to you by your grandmother or an aunt.  It’s surprising how many people tell the same story.  But why do so many people make fabric yo-yo’s?  The answer is actually very simple.  It’s FUN!  Sit down in a comfy chair, grab a handful of fabric scraps and get your creativity flowing.  Colors, patterns,…

  • Giveaway

    Press Perfect and Bendy Bag Pattern Giveaway! Also Pressing Tips by Joan Hawley

    Have you seen the new Bendy Bag pattern from Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs? We at Clover have been seeing it everywhere – at shows, online, in our mailbox! That’s right, we have Bendy and we’re hosting a giveaway. Read on for Joan’s pressing tips and to enter the giveaway.   Bendy is a fun and funky little bag with a cool zipper that’s easy to install. Bendy is great for toting tools, cords, and lots of other stuff. Pressing Tips for Bendy Bendy is a perfect example of…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: Kanzashi Flower Maker

    What is it? – How do you make a Kanzashi flower? Place a piece of fabric in the template, fold it closed, trim around the edges, take a threaded needle through the holes in numerical order, open the template and pull the thread tight. Petal complete. Repeat four more times and your flower is done. Could not be easier and no heavy equipment required. With all of the different sizes and shapes of Kanzashi Flower Maker templates and the vast and always changing selection of fabric patterns, colors and textures…

  • Crafts,  Session 3

    Kanzashi Flower Maker

      What is it? – How do you make a Kanzashi flower?  First you get some fabric that’s cut into perfect squares, a lighter, a hot glue gun, pair of sharp scissors and a couple of hair pins to hold the individual pieces together.  Then you fold each one of those perfect fabric squares in what is nothing less than an origami obstacle course.  Each of those pieces now have to be trimmed individually for shape and by the way, they all have to be identical when you’re done.  The…