Ever fallen for a pattern only to realise it calls for a different yarn weight than the one in your stash? The good news is you can often adapt it. With a little understanding of gauge, hook or needle size and a willingness to swatch, you can knit or crochet many patterns in a weight that suits you. Here's a practical guide to adapting patterns across yarn weights, so the yarn you love isn't off-limits.

Bouclé, eyelash, ribbon, chainette: novelty yarns come in all sorts of textures and constructions, and they can add real character to a project. They can also be a little puzzling to work with if you're not sure what you're holding. Here's a clear guide to what novelty yarns are, how their construction works and how to use them, plus project ideas that let these distinctive yarns shine.