A collaborative space celebrating education, creativity, & community.

KNIT
with Tin Can Knits

Making knitting accessible, welcoming, and supporting people in learning and growing as makers.

At The Yarny Way, we believe learning should feel joyful, empowering, and welcoming—and that’s exactly why we love Tin Can Knits. Created by the dynamic duo Alexa Ludeman and Emily Wessel, Tin Can Knits offers beautiful, approachable patterns that teach knitters as they go.

Their Simple Collection is a free, beginner-friendly series that introduces one technique at a time. You’ll build your confidence project by project, whether you’re knitting your first hat or exploring cables and lace. For seasoned stitchers, Tin Can Knits offers timeless designs full of warmth, texture, and soul.

Knitting Demystified

They publish patterns with inclusive sizing, use plain language that demystifies techniques, and believe that knitting can be a tool for connection, creativity, and self-expression—values that are also at the heart of The Yarny Way.

Discover their free “Simple Collection” for total beginners

  • Beautiful, skill-building patterns with helpful tutorials
  • Inclusive sizing and thoughtful design
  • Empowering tone and supportive learning tools
  • A strong commitment to accessibility and community

#TheSimpleCollection

NEW: Tin Can Knits App!
Browse and follow patterns with ease on your phone or tablet, check off your progress row by row, and carry your projects with you—digitally.

#TheSimpleCollection

Discover Tin Can Knits Patterns on Ravelry | tincanknits.com

Beginner-Friendly

The Grain Shawl by Tin Can Knits

Beginner-Friendly Knit: The Grain Shawl by Tin Can Knits

Discover the perfect beginner knitting project with the Grain Shawl by Tin Can Knits—a free, one-size garter stitch pattern ideal for learning shawl construction. Pair it with budget-friendly or luxury yarns like Vanna’s Choice, Malabrigo Rios, or Cascade 220 Superwash. Plus, explore the Tin Can Knits app to customize your experience and track your progress with ease!

Pattern Details »

Learn New Skills

Watch, Learn, & Grow

How to Cast On – part of the Simple Collection, a step-by-step learn to knit series with 8 free patterns, and clear tutorials to guide you. Get the free knitting patterns and tutorials at tincanknits/com.

Learn how to add stitches to your knitting with confidence. These tutorials cover beginner-friendly increase methods like kfb and m1, and explain when and why to use them.

Ready to shape your fabric? These videos teach common decrease techniques like k2tog and ssk, so you can knit hats, sweaters, and more with smooth, polished results.

Learn to twist and turn your stitches into beautiful cables—without the intimidation. These videos break down cable basics and show how easy it is to create texture in your knits.

Curious about adding color? These tutorials demystify stranded knitting and color dominance with clear, simple instructions to get you started with two-color techniques.

Step into sock knitting! This playlist covers the process from cuff to toe, including heels, gussets, and finishing—perfect for knitters ready to try something new.

From yoke to sleeves, these tutorials walk you through constructing a sweater using Tin Can Knits’ clear, beginner-friendly patterns. Great for first-time sweater knitters!

Learn how to finish your project neatly and securely. This series shows multiple bind-off techniques for different projects, whether you need stretch, structure, or style.

Don’t fear the final step! These videos show you how to weave in ends, block your work, and seam pieces together so your handmade project looks clean and complete.

Books by Tin Can Knits

Tin Can Knits’ books are packed with approachable patterns, stunning photography, and thoughtful tutorials that grow with you as a maker. 🛒 Available online and through major booksellers. We’ll also be stocking them in-store at The Yarny Way!
9 months of knitting

9 Months of Knitting

by Emily Wessel & Alexa Ludeman
A collection of knits for babies, new parents, and growing families

Full of quick, charming projects that celebrate life’s cozy beginnings—perfect for gift-giving or knitting with love.

Strange Brew

Strange Brew

by Emily Wessel & Alexa Ludeman
Dive into the world of colorwork

A brilliant guide to designing your own yoke sweaters (or following one of their 12 gorgeous patterns). From bold palettes to subtle fades, this book makes stranded knitting fun, fearless, and totally customizable.

Mad Colour

by Emily Wessel & Alexa Ludeman Let your creativity run wild!

Mad Colour is a playful, modern collection that invites you to experiment with stripes, gradients, and unexpected color combos. With a mix of garments and accessories, it’s perfect for adventurous knitters who love to stand out.

Road Trip

Road Trip

by Emily Wessel & Alexa Ludeman Pack your needles and hit the open road A collection of fun, wearable knits inspired by Canadian adventures. From cozy hoodies and laid-back tees to stylish accessories, these patterns are perfect for makers who love effortless, go-anywhere style.

🔗 View All Titles by Emily and Alexa
See their full Amazon author page »

This collaboration is part of our ongoing mission at The Yarny Way to connect you with the best makers and educators in the fiber arts world. We’re proud to feature Tin Can Knit and to bring knitting learning and inspiration to our community—online and in-store.