NYT Strands Hints and Answers for September 6: Puzzle #552 Explained

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle for September 6 has left many players scratching their heads. The theme is “In stitches”, and it fits with a cozy set of answers that link directly to knitting and yarn-based items. The puzzle is number 552, and the spangram at the center ties it all together. If you struggled with today’s grid, here is a full breakdown with clear hints and answers.

The Strands game, from The New York Times, challenges players to uncover theme words hidden in a grid. Every three non-theme words you find unlock a hint, making it easier to solve the board. Today’s challenge was tough because the theme was broad, and many possible words could fit.

NYT Strands Hints for September 6

The theme of today’s Strands puzzle is “In stitches.” That clue points to knitting and sewing. If you thought of yarn, needles, and warm clothes, you were on the right track. Players who tested random four-letter words like BEST or SITE were able to unlock helpful hints.

The list of theme words includes common cozy items. These are the non-spangram answers for today’s board:

SOCKS

BLANKET

BOOTIES

MITTENS

SWEATER

Each of these connects to the act of knitting or crocheting. They’re items you could make with yarn and needles.

Today’s NYT Strands Spangram

Every Strands puzzle includes a spangram that stretches across the board. For September 6, puzzle #552, the spangram is KNITTINGPROJECT.

To locate it, you had to start at the letter K on the top row, then follow the word as it winds through the grid. This answer tied the whole theme together, linking the smaller words into one complete idea.

This spangram highlights the focus of today’s puzzle: the world of homemade yarn creations. From socks to sweaters, the board showed how knitting projects come in many forms.

Why This Puzzle Stood Out

Today’s puzzle was harder than some recent ones. The broad theme meant players had to guess across a wide range of words. Without spotting a clue like MITTENS or SOCKS, it was easy to get stuck. But once the spangram clicked, the rest of the answers fell into place.

According to major puzzle coverage outlets like CNET, this type of theme forces players to think beyond direct definitions and link ideas creatively. It shows why Strands has grown popular alongside Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword.

If you missed today’s solution, don’t worry. The game refreshes daily, and tomorrow brings a brand-new challenge.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the NYT Strands theme for September 6?

The theme was “In stitches,” pointing to knitting and yarn-related words.

Q2: What were the main answers in today’s puzzle?

The answers were SOCKS, BLANKET, BOOTIES, MITTENS, and SWEATER.

Q3: What is the spangram for September 6?

The spangram was KNITTINGPROJECT, stretching across the puzzle board.

Q4: Why was today’s puzzle difficult?

The theme was broad, making it tricky to guess the right words at first.

Q5: How do hints work in NYT Strands?

Every three non-theme words you find unlocks one hidden theme word.