Lino printing is a relief printing technique with a distinguished history — used by Picasso, Matisse, and Munch — that is genuinely accessible to beginners with the right equipment and a clear understanding of the process. In this complete introduction we cover everything: the different types of lino block (traditional, easy cut, and foam), the cutter shapes and what each produces, how to choose and use a roller, which inks to use and why Caligo Safe Wash inks are a significant development for home printmakers, the best papers for printing, and a clear step-by-step guide to the full printing process. Starter kits from £23.49, full supplies range stocked at Craft and Canvas.

When the weather warms up, cotton makes far more sense than wool — breathable, cool against the skin, and machine washable. Rico Essentials Organic Cotton DK is 100% organic bio cotton in a 50g / 105m ball, knitting to standard DK tension on 4mm needles at £3.95 per ball. In this post we cover how cotton behaves differently from wool (the inelasticity, the stitch definition, the weight and drape), what it is best suited to — summer garments, baby items, home accessories, crochet, bags — and everything practical including care, tension, and what to expect from your first cotton project. In stock at Craft and Canvas, Hebden Bridge.

Malabrigo's three bases — Rios, Arroyo, and Ultimate Sock — cover worsted, sport, and fingering weight respectively and suit quite different projects. Rios is the versatile workhorse in 100% superwash merino at 210 yards per skein. Arroyo is a lighter sport weight at 335 yards per skein, ideal for drapey garments and fine colourwork. Ultimate Sock adds 25% nylon for durability at 420 yards per skein. This post compares all three clearly, covers what each is best suited to, and helps you decide which to start with. All at £14.95 per skein at Craft and Canvas.