Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos

How To: Make a Tassel

Knowing how to make a TASSEL is a very useful technique to know. You can attach them to a scarf, a hat, a shawl...there are many uses for a TASSEL.

How To: Cast on when knitting on a rectangular loom

In this video, you'll learn how to cast on with the CHAIN ON method on a rectangular loom. It'll simplify your knitting process a lot! You can use this method for many different types of looms but this video specifically covers knitting on a rectangular loom.

How To: Tie off the end of your crochet project so it does not unravel

You've finished your very first crochet project! Congratulations! But now how do you tie off the yarn in such a way as to keep the whole thing from unraveling? This video demonstrates a simple and easy technique to finish your project and keep it together.

How To: Knit a Spiral Ruffle Scarf

These lovely scarves have different names. I call it the Spiral Ruffle Scarf. It's easy to make and looks great in either a fine or a medium weight yarn. I made mine with softball cotton yarn and size 8 needles. Here are the videos and written directions:

How To: Knit a Pointed Edge Scarf

Sometimes you just don't know how many stitches to cast on for a scarf, so here's the perfect solution. Just cast on a few stitches and increase until you have the width that you want for your scarf.

How To: Repair holes in your socks by darning them

Don't throw out your holey socks! You can use a technique called darning to repair them. You don't even need yarn - you can use embroidery floss or another sturdy thread to create the darn and extend the life of your socks.

How To: Make a Macrame Belt (DIY)

How to Make a Macrame Belt (see in video).

How To: Knit the Moss Stitch

There are certain stitches that work well when you want both sides of the work to look pretty much the same. These stitches are good for scarves, shawls baby blankets and throws. One of these stitches is called the MOSS STITCH. It's a pretty stitch and easy to do. Of course, you can use the stitch for sweaters or anything you want.

How To: Do a left handed mesh crochet pattern stitch

Are you looking for a new way to crochet while being left handed? Then watch this video, where we learn how to do a left handed mesh crochet pattern stitch. Start off with the first round, where you will double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. Then, double crochet in the next chain and skip two chains. From here, you will do one double crochet in the next two chains and continue across from the start for the width, ending with two double crochets. For the next and last round, you wi...

How To: Attach granny squares together with a single crochet

Granny squares are lovely on their own and make funny indie chic coasters, but sometimes it's nice to attach a bunch together and create a quilt or afghan. So after you've crocheted your pretty granny squares, take a look at this tutorial to learn how to attach granny squares together using a single crochet.

How To: Use a pocket knitter

This video tutorial teaches how to cast off, knit stitch, pearl stitch, and end off on a pocket knitter. Those who want to learn how to use a pocket knitter instead of traditional knitting needles will learn how to do the same basic knitting stitches with the pocket knitter. Use a pocket knitter.

How To: Knit a Ball

Knitted balls can be used for all sorts of projects. The obvious is a Christmas ornament, but knitted balls can also be the basis for knitting toys or snowmen. And of course, they can be used simply as balls which make a lovely gift for a baby. They can be all one color, striped or patterned. To get started, follow the directions below for a one-color knitted ball. You will need to know how to knit on double-pointed needles, so if you need help with that, check out my other article.

How To: Cast On Stitches at the Beginning of a Row in Knitting

Sometimes your instructions will include having to CAST ON AT THE BEGINNING OF A ROW. It's not difficult and here's how to do it.

How To: Increase Stitches on a Purl Row

Most of the time you will increase on Knit stitches. You can see my article on that here. However, there will be times when you will need to know how to increase on a Purl stitch. Here's how:

How To: Knit a Snowflake

For the holiday season, a great knitting project is a snowflake design. It's perfect for handmade Christmas gifts. You can knit just one, or a row of them, or use them as full pattern on a sweater or blanket—or whatever project you choose.

How To: Cast On at the End of a Row in Knitting

Sometimes your pattern will instruct you to CAST ON AT THE END OF A ROW. CASTING ON AT THE END OF A ROW is quite easy. Here's how to do it:

How To: Rig up a harness out of rope to carry large boxes

You will need around twenty feet of thick, sturdy rope (something smooth like jute or nylon will also prevent the harness from digging into your skin). Tie as demonstrated in this video, and you'll have an instant messenger bag for carrying boxy things around!

How To: Decrease on a Circular Needle

Decreasing on a Circular Needle is as simple as decreasing on a straight needle. You can still do it both ways. Either K 2 tog or K, slip, psso. You will need to know how to decrease on a circular needle when you make hats or purses. If t don't know how, see the bottom of the page for instructions.

How To: End a Knit Hat

Some time, when you are making a hat and after you have done your decreases for the crown, you will get to the end of your hat pattern and it will simply say "end the hat". Here's what to do.

How To: Darn holes in socks, scarves or other knit garments

Are your socks developing holes? A gap in your favorite scarf? You don't have to throw them out! Darning is a technique used to rejoin a knitted garment that has become undone, and this video shows you how to become your own darner.

How To: Crochet six-point star afghans, doilies & tablecloths

This is a complete tutorial on making star baby & regular size afghans, doilies, placemats, table clothes and more. Crochet is a lot of fun and this tutorial makes starting a 6 point star easy. Mikey once again takes you step by step, to make your crocheting experience that much easier.

How To: Switch from a straight needle to a round needle

This is a great knitting tip. See how to switch from a straight needle to a round needle when knitting, and why, with this easy, up close demonstration by Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars.

How To: Set up a Singer knitting machine

In this video, the demonstrator sets up a knitting machine for the first time. This is a unique opportunity to provide a video guide for going through the first real run through on a knitting machine. This instructional video should help out new machine knitters or folks who want to look at how to look at their machines and how to start knitting on them.

How To: Crochet arms or legs for amigurumi stuffed toys

If you can single crochet stitch, you're most of the way there to amigurumi. Amigurumi is a Japanese style of crochet of making tubes and spheres to create stuffed animals. Watch this video crocheting tutorial and learn how to crochet arms and legs for amigurumi stuffed toys.

How To: Sew seams together on a knitted garment

Expert knitter Rachel Ong shows you how to sew the seams of a knitted garment together. All you need is a yarn, a yarn needle, and then sewing the seams together is easy when you follow this video. This is for more advanced knitters. Sew seams together on a knitted garment.

How To: Make Simple Mittens in Single Crochet

This is a simple pattern, designed to produce a well-fitting mitten. Both the right and left mittens worked the same up to the shaping for the top of the mitten. A slight adjustment for making one right and one left, then they are worked the same. The gusset for the thumb constructed with the increases made in the center of the gusset, rather than on each side. This makes it easy with a minimal amount of counting stitches as you go. I have been crocheting for 56 years. In doing research for w...

How To: Decrease Stitches on a Purl Row

Usually you decrease on Knit rows, but there will be times when your patterns tells you to decrease on a Purl row. It's easy to do and here's how.

How To: Knit Ribbing on Double Pointed Needles

Ribbing on double pointed needles is quite simple. Here's what to do:

How To: Knit a Stockinette Stitch Wash Rag (Dish Cloth)

They can be called wash rags, wash cloths or dish cloths. There are lots of different patterns for them. Here's an easy washcloth that incorporates the Stockinette Stitch with Seed Stitch edging.

How To: Knit Straight on a Circular Needle

I love circular needles! I use a circular most of the time, even when I am knitting straight. One of the reasons I love knitting on a circular is because with a circular needle, you don't have to worry about dropping a needle. You just have one. It's particularly good to knit straight on a circular needle when you're making a large project such as an afghan or blanket, but I use one even if I'm knitting a small project such as a scarf or wash rag. The photo below is of a scarf I'm making with...

How To: Crochet a Beautiful Multicolored Pansy (For Left-Handers)

This is a fun and versatile tutorial—choose your favorite colors of yarn, then follow along to learn how to crochet a multi-colored pansy. This lesson has been specifically designed for left-handed crochet artists. Check out Crochet Geek's full guide by Teresa Richardson for more help.

How To: Decrease Stitches In Knitting

When you make an actual garment you will have to know how to decrease and increase stitches. For this article we'll deal with just the decrease.

How To: Increase Stitches at the Beginning of a Row

When you make an actual garment you will have to know how to decrease and increase stitches. For this article we'll deal with just the increase.

How To: Knit a scalloped edge

In this video we learn how to knit a scalloped edge. This forms a shell along one edge! First, attach your needle to the yarn on the right edge. Then, make a slip stitch and yarn over. Then, stick then needle through the fabric and yarn over again so you have three on the hook. Then, yarn over and pull through the first two loops in the hook. Then yarn over and go into the fabric and over again. Pull through a loop and then yarn over through all the loops on the hook. Now, do another one foll...

How To: Knit Portuguese style

In this tutorial, Andrea Wong teaches us how to knit Portuguese style. This is one of the oldest ways of knitting that started in the Middle East. The holding of the needles are the same but the working yarn should come from the left needle. The yarn should be placed around the neck for your tension or through a pin on the shirt. Next, the yarn should go through the middle finger on the left hand. Then, sit in a comfortable position while you insert the right hand needle under the yarn. Then,...

How To: Join two granny squares together using a single crochet stitch

The single stitch is a very simple stitch, easy for beginners to master, which can be used to join two granny squares together. This is a useful technique for joining any two crochet pieces together of any size or shape, not just granny squares!

How To: Convert a Pattern for Crochet into a Knitting Pattern

Crocheting and knitting are similar but different enough that the same patterns will not work for both. If you've found a crochet pattern you like and would rather knit it, watch this video to learn how to convert your pattern into the kind you want.

How To: Make a crocheted edge fleece blanket

Crocheting is a hobby that has been around for years and years. It's a very useful practice that can be used to make material that is necessary like blankets or shirts. In this video tutorial, you'll find out howt o make a crocheted edge fleece blanket using this easy to follow instructional video. So check it out and good luck!

How To: Tie a Rope Helix for Bondage and BDSM Play

Strings of DNA aren't the only things that contain helixes. With a bit of skill and practice, you can make your own rope helix for fun or bondage and BDSM play by watching this video by Two Knotty Boys.

How To: Add a new yarn to your crochet project

Looking to get started in the world of crochet? In this video courtesy of Craft Mastery, learn how! Quite often in crochet you would need to join a new yarn of a different color or sometimes yarn simply breaks or ends. In this video, learn how to add yarns without this happening!