The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →NYT Strands puzzle #686, dated Sunday, January 18, 2026, has the theme “Soft skills”. The answers are names of textile crafts, and the 10-letter spangram is TEXTILEART. Hints are arranged below from subtle to complete, so stop before the spoiler section if you are still solving.
Hints for January 18
- Theme clue: “Soft skills.”
- Gentler extra clue: Think of PG-rated interjections.
- More directional clue: Look for words connected with yarn and thread.
- Answer starts: The theme words begin with QU, KN, WE, EM, CR, and AP. The spangram begins with TE.
- Spangram placement: The 10-letter spangram runs from the left edge at row 3 to the right edge at row 7.
- Spangram reveal: TEXTILEART.
To earn an in-game hint, find three non-theme words. Suggested words reported for this puzzle include TEXT, EXTRA, VEIL, HOPE, PACT, and MARKET. A hint highlights letters belonging to one of the theme words.
Spoiler: January 18 answers
These are the six theme words for puzzle #686:
- QUILT
- WEAVE
- CROCHET
- KNIT
- EMBROIDER
- APPLIQUE
Spangram: TEXTILEART
How the answers fit “Soft skills”
QUILT, WEAVE, CROCHET, KNIT, EMBROIDER, and APPLIQUE all describe textile crafts that use fabric, yarn, or thread. TEXTILEART names the shared category and links the two opposite sides of the board. The theme wording is a playful description rather than an official editor’s explanation published with the puzzle.
How Strands works
In the reported rules for this puzzle, theme words fill the board without overlapping. The spangram identifies the category and touches two opposite edges. Players can also search for non-theme words to earn hints, which reveal letters in a theme answer.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Puzzle details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Game number | #686 |
| Theme | “Soft skills” |
| Spangram | TEXTILEART (10 letters) |
| Theme answers | QUILT, WEAVE, CROCHET, KNIT, EMBROIDER, APPLIQUE |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
