Knitting & Crochet: Page 3

Here is how to join two sets of stitches without leaving a seam.  This method is good for the toes of socks, the top of hoods, baby garments, or anywhere else you don't want a bulky seam.. It's NOT recommended for shoulder seams on heavy sweaters or other places where you need the stability of a bound-off edge to hold the shape of the garment.

There will be many times when you will want both sides of your work to look the same.  One of those times, for instance, might be when you are making a scarf.  Another time you might be making a shawl.  Or it might be a baby blanket, an afghan or a throw.  You'll see, as you're knitting, when you would want to use a "double sided" stitch.  This is one of the best of those stitches and it is called THE SEED STITCH.  It's very easy.  All you need to know is the knit stitch and the purl stitch and...

Here's a great way to make something that is truly one of a kind.  You can do this by making your own tweed yarn.  It's very easy to do.  You can use 2, 3 or more yarns to do this.  The yarns don't have to be the same weight at all.  You can mix thick yarns with thin ones for a very interesting effect.

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.

The bamboo stitch is a beautiful, versatile stitch that can be used for lots of different kinds of projects.  I especially love using it for baby blankets and scarves.  It is an easy, reversible stitch.  Both sides aren't the same, but both are very nice looking.

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...

Need some stripes in your knit-work? Judy's going to lend you her expertise and show you how to make stripes of two rows. She starts out adding a row of red yarn above previously knitted gray row, to make her stripes. Just follow her guidelines for stitching and you should have no problems knitting stripes in your future projects.

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.

A baby cocoon is a snug swaddling blanket that can be used to easily keep a new baby warm. This tutorial shows you a few techniques that you can use to crochet a baby cocoon for yourself or as a gift. This technique uses a crochet loom, so you'll want access to one of those in order to complete this project. You will also need to use a few basic hand sewing techniques to join the different pieces together when you're done.

The tunic stitch is another one of those real easy patterns that looks more difficult than it is. It's a strikingly beautiful pattern. Although both sides are not the same, they are both attractive so you can use either side. The picture below is of the right side.

If you're someone who enjoys crochet, you may want to watch this video and check out this technique. It's called the Afghan or Tunisian crochet stitch, or 'entrelac'. This is not quick stitch to do, but the results can be truly wonderful. This video is very detailed, with excellent descriptions and will help you get on the path to a new and exciting crochet creation. You will want a larger and smaller crochet needle for this project, so be sure to have both on hand.

The rice stitch is another easy and versatile stitch.  Both sides are different, however they both look nice.  This means the work can be used on either side.  Pictured in the thumbnail image above is side one of the rice stitch.  Pictured below is side two of the rice stitch.

That'd be Valentine's Day, fool. Instructables member Carleyy fuses together licorice laces to create long strands for knitting a pair of edible undies. If you want to get more squirrely, try knitting Carleyy's pattern with ramen noodles. Ouch, these have gotta hurt:

Already a bona fide friendship bracelet weaver? Then get ready to knock your friends' socks off with this personalized bracelet emblazoned with the letter "A." This step-by-step video will turn your mind to a whole new world of friendship bracelet possibilities, and you may find yourself stringing together batches of these for friends, family, and coworkers.

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.

This beautiful flower can be used as decoration on a hat, scarf, headband or purse.  You name it.  There are many uses.  On the photo above, I added it to a hat.  I have also used it as a decoration on a napkin ring.  The flower is knit in three parts.  Check out the instructions below.  And see the closeup photo of the finished flower at the bottom of the page.

A pansy is a delicate, two-tone flower. This tutorial shows you how to crochet an entire bouquet of beautiful pansies. This makes a great gift or get well present - especially if your recipient is allergic to flowers! Make sure you choose your yarn carefully.

Depending on your personal technique, you might find that you are a tight crocheter, or that you often end up with looser projects. This tutorial shows you the difference between using a tight or loose technique. Here is how you can determine the gauge of your projects, as well.

Want a place for your pet to sleep? This tutorial shows you how to use the granny square technique to crochet a comfy mat for your dog or cat. You will need a size P hook to make this project.

This is a free pattern showing you how to crochet beautiful Paton flowers for use as an applique. Add to skirts, coats, shoes or anything else that needs a little extra floral decoration. You're shown how to create both large and small flowers.

Want to learn how to make huge granny squares? The answer lies in extreme crochet - using multiple strands of yarn together. You will need your yarn and a size P hook. Then follow along, and learn how to make your own extreme crochet projects!

Want to create an extreme crochet project? Start with a P size hook and a few balls of your favorite yarns. You can use the large P hook to combine multiple strands of yarn together for an extreme effect in your next project.

Extreme crochet is when you bring multiple strands of yarn together and treat it like one big strand. You will definitely need a size P hook to be able to work with this much yarn. Here is how to use single crochet stitches when making something with extreme crochet.

Looking to expand your extreme crochet technique? This tutorial shows you how to do the triple crochet stitch when you're working with extreme crochet. You will need a size P hook for extreme crochet, and more yarn than you normally would use.

You don't have to buy buttons - just crochet your own! These buttons are naturally much softer than regular buttons, making them ideal for blankets or baby clothes. They also can add a cute accent to nearly any crochet project.

This article describes how to Knit the 3rd, or smallest part of a flower.  Parts 1 and 2 were discussed in other articles.  This lovely flower can be use to decorate any number of projects.  In the photo shown below you can see how I used it to decorate a napkin ring.  In the other articles are photos of the flower on a headband and the flower alone.  I have simply put a big safety pin on the back and pinned it to the lapel of my jacket for lots of oohs and aahs!

This video will show you how-to crochet a super cool head wrap. These head wraps are all of a sudden really popular so if you get on it, you'll be done making yours while the craze is still hot. If not, at least your ears will still be warm.

Circle or infinity scarves became really popular this year, and this little how-to shows you how to knit one up yourself. Knit 1, perl two. You can do it! Follow the steps and fight that cold neck feeling!

Here's a great little how-to to get you started on knitting a circle or infinity scarf, also known as a mobius scarf. This is a beginner tutorial so don't be shy, grab your needles and get knitting!

To make a finger weave you need two things.  Yarn and patience.  To start off you take the the end of the string and hold it in your thumb in a sorta pinching grip.  Then you wrap the string in between your fingers back and forth two times.  After you do that you should have two lines of yarn on each finger. So take the string that is on the bottom of each finger and pull it over the top of the finger. Now you take more string (still connected) and put it in front of all the fingers.  Now take...

This tutorial shows you how to do two basic macrame ties, which you can use to make keychains, bracelets, chokers and other types of jewelry. Add beads, charms and other decorations to your projects - macrame is cheap, easy and fun!

This is perfect for someone who wants to keep their hands warm but still work with their hands (such as typing, sewing or crafting). Start with medium weight worsted yarn and a size I crochet hook to make these fun wrist warmers.

Knitting, ladies and gents, is not just for grannies who have too much time on their hands. In fact, knitting is fun and quite addicting once you get the basics down.

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.

The perfect gift for new or expecting parents! This tutorial shows you how you can crochet a cute little baby cap, complete with ear flaps, out of 3-ply yarn and a size G crochet hook. It even shows you how to make this a two-tone cap.

This tutorial shows you how to crochet a baby beanie cap, and has been specifically designed for left handed crochet artists. All you need to do is pick your favorite color and then follow the instructions to create a lovely gift for the new parents in your life!

This is a great gift for anyone in your life who enjoys cooking. Crochet them a pot holder. This tutorial shows you how to incorporate a ring into the pattern so it can be easily hung from a hook or an oven door.

This is a good tutorial for someone who has just started crochet and is looking for a challenging but still doable project. Crochet a fun and beautiful snowflake - use as a doily, give as a gift or turn into a decoration!

If you've mastered the like lace stitch when knitting, this tutorial will show you a lovely and elegant variation. This stitch is great for knitting a shawl, wrap or something else you want to give a beautiful lace like look.

The world of decorative knots is full of twists and turns and this instructional video is no exception. In this clear and concise, step-by-step guide, we see how to create the beautiful, Striped Crown Sinnet. Makes a great key fob!