Stitch school

■ Yarnsmiths Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/106m) 1 ball of each: Black (3000) Just Purple (3324) White (3040) Carrot (3126) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ Toy stuffing ■ 24 safety eyes

A functional tote is ideal for everyday style or even a last-minute dash to the shops. Designed by Emma Leith ■ LindeHobby Twisted Paper Yarn (100% paper, 150g/250m), 1 ball of Natural Color (04) ■ Li

alt alternateapprox approximatelybeg beginning ch chaincn cable needlecont continuedc double crochet(US single crochet)dec decrease (work twostitches together)DK double knitting DPN double-pointed nee

TRACING Place light-coloured and fine fabrics over the design and trace over it. For thicker or dark-coloured fabrics, a light source such as a window or lightbox makes this process much simpler. TRAN

We’ve put your favourite knitting needles, sewing machines and craft supplies to the test. Here are the best…

Backstitch forms a neat line which can be used alone or to outline other stitches. Backstitch should be worked so that all the stitches are the same length with no gaps between them. Bring the needle