About Purl & Hook
A warm, plain-spoken guide to knitting and crochet for people who are picking up needles or a hook for the very first time. We cover how to hold your tools and make your first stitches, the handful of techniques that unlock almost everything (casting on, the knit and purl stitches, the chain and single crochet, binding off), how to read a pattern without panicking, which yarn and hook or needle to buy without overspending, how to fix dropped stitches and other beginner mishaps, and small, finishable projects that build real skill, so you go from a tangle of yarn to something you're proud to wear or give away.
Purl & Hook is an independent resource focused on knitting and crochet for beginners. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.
What we do
Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Getting Started, Knitting Basics, Crochet Basics, Stitches & Techniques, Yarn & Tools, Projects & Patterns and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.
Who writes Purl & Hook
Purl & Hook is written by Nell Abernathy. Nell knits and crochets through every commute and writes patterns and technique guides for makers who learned from video pauses and frogged rows.
How we stay free
Purl & Hook is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.
Editorial standards & disclaimer
Purl & Hook is an independent knitting- and crochet-learning resource. Our guides and tutorials are researched and written in-house; we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any yarn brand, tool maker, pattern designer, or retailer we mention. Gauge, fit, and finished size vary with your yarn, your hook or needle size, and your personal tension, so treat our measurements and yarn amounts as starting points and always make a gauge swatch before a project that needs to fit. Take normal care with sharp needles, hooks, and small notions around children and pets. Information here is general crafting guidance offered in good faith, not professional advice.
Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.