Knitting & Crochet — community help for knitters and crocheters « Knitting & Crochet

How To: Crochet single stitch borders without scrunching

Learning and incorporating decorative borders on crochet projects can be a headache when they start to scrunch up. This crochet how-to video is a tutorial on how to do single stitch borders around a project without scrunching or messing up corners. Watch and let Mike show you how to work the needle so that you don't get any bunching around the edges.

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: 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: Install a zipper into your knit

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a zipper into your knit. The first way you can do this is to take it to a tailor and they will do it for around $15. To do this by hand, grab your piece that needs a zipper and then steam the edges. After this, take a sewing needle and start to sew the zipper underneath both sides of the edges of the piece. You can also use pins to place into these so it stays in place. Do a backstitch also, to help make the zipper more sturdy and stay on longer.

How To: Knit with holes

In this episode of LetsKnit2gether, we demonstrate lace knitting stitches and how to read lace charts.

How To: Add a decorative keyhole to a knitted scarf

A keyhole is a great way of adding decorative effect to your knitting projects, and master knitter Judy Topaz is going to show you how it's done on a striped scarf. Adding a keyhole is more complicated than just knitting a basic scarf, but follow along to the video and you shouldn't have any problems.

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: Change colors in the middle of the row when knitting

It's easy to add a new yarn color in the middle of your row. See how to change colors in the middle of the row when knitting, with this easy, up close demonstration by Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars.

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: 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: Knit a Little Heart Cushion

This sweet little knitted heart cushion is easy to create and makes a lovely gift. It can also be used as a sachet. Here are the directions.

How To: Crochet a scarf with a right-handed Afghan or Tunisian stich & a crochet shell

Learn how to use a right-handed Afghan (or Tunisian) crochet stitch with a crochet shell when crocheting a scarf. You can easily modify the size to make a baby or a full-sized afghan. For step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Edge a knitted piece with the crab stitch

In this video, we learn how to edge a knitted piece with a crab stitch. First, attach your yarn to the left edge of your work. After this, work one chain stitch, then go backwards with the hook. Insert it into the fabric and grab the yarn and pull it through the loop. Go around the yarn again and pull it through again. Keep going backwards and grabbing more yarn as you go in reverse. You are working with one loop on the needle while going into the fabric. Make sure you're consistent with the ...

How To: Sew seams in knitting

This video demonstrates how to seam up your knitted items. Watch and learn!

How To: Knit and easy and cozy wrap sweater (for beginner knitters)

This isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all sweater, but more like a one-size-fits-"most" sweater, and it's the perfect creation for beginner knitters to try out as they learn the ropes knitting. And this cozy and creative knitted sweater is a great present for anyone! Try it out. Just follow along with the video's step-by-step instructions.

How To: Tie off your crochet project with a short tail

This is a quick little tutorial that shows you a good finishing stitch for your crochet project. If you're down to the end of your thread, here is how you can easily tie off a short tail, no matter what you're making.

How To: Knit a triangle shawl using the yarn over increase

In this video, you'll learn how to knit a triangle shawl. This shawl is knitted using the yarn over increase, which is just one of many ways you can knit this shawl. This video takes you step by step through the stitches necessary to make a beautiful and gorgeous triangle shawl.

How To: Recognize a backwards knitting stitch

In this tutorial, we learn how to recognize a backwards knitting stitch. Sometimes if you have to undo stitches, you may need to recognize where the stitches are so you can fix the problem. The front leg will be sitting in front of the one in the back when it's done correctly. If done backwards, you will be able to see the front leg in the back of the back leg. To fix this, you can simply take the stitch off, turn it around, and orient it correctly. Or, you can knit through the back loop to t...

How To: Do a boxed block stitch for right handers

This crochet stitch tutorial is definitely not for beginner crocheters, as it involves a rather difficult pattern called the crochet boxed block stitch, but the results are fabulous if you're an advanced or intermediate knotter and approach the project with patience.

How To: Make Macrame MINIONS

Is it possible to make Minions with Macrame? I tried - look what happened :) Macrame Minion from Despicable Me movie based on Kinder Surprise egg.

How To: Crochet stitch Gweneth cables

Crochet cables, which look like little round buds, create beautiful patterns and are often seen on sweaters. This tutorial shows you how to master this unique crochet pattern. All you need is crochet yarn, a hook, and a little bit of patience.

How To: Substitute fiber, texture, and weight in yarn patterns

Learn all there is to learn about yarn from Naztazia... watch this video tutorial to learn how to substitute fiber, texture, and weight in yarn patterns.

How To: Crochet a variation of the leaf pattern

The leaf pattern is a variable shape in crocheting projects. Learn how to crochet a leaf pattern by watching this video handicraft tutorial.

How To: Knit a Lacey Eyelet Rib Pattern

There are not many stitches that are more beautiful than this LACEY EYELET RIB STITCH. And, there are few that are easier. Most knitters are apprehensive about knitting any lace patterns, and truthfully, many are difficult because of so many rows. This one, however, consists of only 4 rows. You can use either side of the work and it is a lovely stitch to know. You can use it for a beautiful scarf or for just about anything for a baby. I've made many baby sweaters and blankets using this stitc...

How To: Upcycle an old bed sheet into yarn for knitting

We enjoy the fuzzy wool yarns at craft stores as much as any other knitter, but did you know that yarn doesn't have to be made from wool or any of the typical yarn fibers? In fact, you can make your own yarn at home. Don't worry, we're not going to put you in front of a weaving machine.

How To: Craft a Greek goddess/bohemian three strand headband

We don't know about you, but anything that says "Greek goddess" in the label gets us instantly interested. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to look like a Greek goddess by making a knitted headband composed of three strands that tie at the back.

How To: Join a crochet round together seamlessly

So you've been working on a crochet project for a round piece, and now you are at the end. How to join the two edges together seamlessly? This tutorial shows you an easy and simple way to join your rounds together.

How To: Crochet a flower applique

Thread Heads Quickie: turn an old afghan (or some piece of fabric) into a cute little flower applique.

How To: Add a new ball of yarn when knitting

See how to add a new ball of yarn when knitting, with this easy, up close demonstration by Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars. Judy's knits have appeared in movies, television, and concerts for over thirty years. She herself has been hand-knitting for over fifty. Watch as she teaches you how to add a new ball of yarn when stitching.

How To: Knit a scarf for an American Girl doll

In this tutorial, we learn how to knit a scarf for an American Girl doll. First, make a slip knot on one knitting needle. Next, case on the stitches. You may do this as many times as you want to create a thicker scarf. Do this by grabbing the loose yarn, wrapping it around your finger and needling through it once. Then, pull one on your finger and then up and over the needle. Repeat casting on the stitches as much as you need to. Do this for each of the stitches, then when you are finished ti...

How To: Hang a knitted hem on a knitting machine

Watch this instructional knitting video to hang a knitted hem. Add weights the inside of a hem to keep your knitted piece straight. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.

How To: Work paired increases for knitting socks

Cat Bordhi shows you how to work the most invisible, smoothest paired increases for your socks.

News: DIY LED Carpet-Light

For the craftsters & LED lovers, great idea by Johanna Hyrkas. The LED carpet-light: a simple, yet novel DIY project. A single strand of LEDs is encased in a knit tube; the knit tube is wound together to form a carpet. Brush up on your knitting skills, and get creative.

How To: Knit with a serenity loom

This video demonstrates how to knit with a serenity loom. A serenity loom can produce a blanket up to 10 feet. To start, thread a double loop of thread through a straw. Then use the loop of thread to pull through a piece of yarn. The straw will help you place the yarn around the pegs of the loom easier. Tie a loop around the anchor of the inside of the loom. Then loop completely around each peg, being sure to place the loops in the middle of the pegs consistantly. Wrap as far as you want your...

How To: Sew knitted pieces together using a whip stitch and other stitches

Tie loose ends together - in the literal and original sense sense of the phrase - by sewing together the ends and/or hems of your knitting projects like a pro. Whether you're fusing together two pieces of wool-knitted cloth to form the back of a beautiful winter sweater or just want to join patchwork knits into a rasta-cool beanie, knowing how to stick pieces together is integral for a tidy project.

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!