Hot Knitting & Crochet Posts
How To: Knit for Beginners
So Christmas is coming up, and you want to make a couple of presents for your friends and family, who you don't really feel like splurging on- but want to make something from the heart. You've tried other stuff, and you totally failed at the Cross-stitch from last year, have you tried Knitting?! Well here's a beginners guide to the simple knitting technique- an easy one!
How To: Knit the Garter Rib Stitch
Step 1: Cast on an Even Number of Stitches. Step 2: K2*P2, K2, End K2
How To: Knit Ribbing on Double Pointed Needles
Ribbing on double pointed needles is quite simple. Here's what to do:
How To: Crochet a cell phone pouch for an iPhone, iPod or Droid
This is a great gift idea for anyone on your gift list this holiday season who has an iPhone, iPod or Droid. Crochet a cell phone pouch for their smartphone! This tutorial is for someone who is already familiar with the basics of crochet.
How To: Knit An I Cord
Knitting an I Cord seems like a mystery, but it's quite simple. There are lots of uses for an I CORD. Some ways to use an I Cord include using them for handles on a purse or bag. An I Cord can also be used for ties on hats or it can be used as a decorative add-on to embellish a garment.
How To: Increase and decrease half double crochet
In this tutorial, we learn how to increase and decrease half double crochet. First, work a half double crochet in your stitches. Do this to create the first row, drawing through the loops and inside the first row. To increase a half double crochet, you will do the same thing as a single crochet, except you will skip on loop. Double crochet to the other end and then you will be ready to decrease. To do this, you will simply remove one of the crochet loops while you are crocheting and you are d...
How To: Crochet a left handed bellevue granny square
In this video we learn how to crochet a left handed Bellevue granny square. Start out with a popcorn stitch with five double crochets in the same space. Work a slip stitch with the first stitch and then join. After this, chain one and then do three double crochets four times from the first crochet. Next, do one chain one and then three double crochets in the same chain. For the next round you will chain one and then do three double crochets in the same chain. Double crochets for the next thre...
How To: Knit a chunky yarn newsboy cap for left handers
You usually don't hear the words "skater" and "crochet" in the same sentence, but these two rather opposite realms collide within this crochet tutorial. You've probably already seen newsboy caps before: lots of skaters don it because it's cool and also very comfortable. But did you know these skater hats can be made with yarn?
How To: Crochet a goldfish style dog or cat chew toy
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet a goldfish style dog or cat chew toy. Start with a slipknot, then chain 2. Now, do 5 single crochets next to the hook. Then, do a slip stitch to finish and then knot. Now, make the eyeball by using a yarn needle and black yarn. Go through the center of the eye, then wrap the yarn around the needle and go back into the center. This will give you a knot that you can cut off when done. Repeat this once more to make the other eye. Now, using your yarn nee...
How To: Make a chunky yarn crochet newsboy cap
You usually don't hear the words "skater" and "crochet" in the same sentence, but these two rather opposite realms collide within this crochet tutorial. You've probably already seen newsboy caps before: lots of skaters don it because it's cool and also very comfortable. But did you know these skater hats can be made with yarn?
How To: Craft a delicate crochet hairpin lace for right hander
First of all, hairpin lace is a knitting technique using a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom, which consists simply of two parallel metal rods. To use the loom, you wrap yarn around the loops to form prongs, and eventually get a delicate lacy pattern.
How To: Cast on when using a serenity loom
In this video, the author teaches us how to cast on with serenity: wrap your material around twice, grab the back and then up (around your fingers) forming a slipknot. To start off, we will focus on the inside of the loom, pulling the material towards the outside (using a grochet hook). Take needle between two pegs, pulling material through and put the needle down and pull up (rotating towards you) and repeat. This forms a tier duct and if this is done properly, you should be able to do this ...
How To: Knit on circular needles
Elizabeth Zimmermann demonstrates knitting on circular needles. She also gives us tips on how to deal with twisted stitches.
How To: Crochet a Tunisian stitch or Afghan stitch
Learn all there is to learn about yarn from Naztazia... watch this video tutorial to learn how to crochet a Tunisian stitch or Afghan stitch.
How To: Knit a 3x3 rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a 3x3 rib stitch using an even number of stitches. You will want to cast on your stitches in multiples of six. Simply knit three and purl three to knit the 3x3 rib stitch. The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
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: 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: Make Fringe for a Scarf
Sometimes you will want to add fringe to your knitted scarves. Follow the steps below for an easy way to make fringe.
How To: Bind Off Knitting on a Circular Needle
Binding off on a circular needle is as easy as binding off on a straight needle. Follow the steps below to learn how to bind off on a circular needle:
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: Crochet a loopy granny square with a flower motif
Crochet loopy granny squares will indeed remind you a little bit of your Gran Gran's favorite knitted coasters that she collected en masse throughout her lifetime. But the snuggly, historical and vintage quality of these granny squares is exactly what makes them so delightful.
How To: Crochet a Cord for a Drawstring
For the knitted purses pictured above, as well as other knitted items requiring a drawstring, like a cinch sack, you will need to know how to crochet the drawstring cord. Watch the video for instructions, and check out the brief steps below.
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: Crochet your granny squares together using the flat single stitch
This short crochet tutorial shows you a variation on the simple single stitch. If you want your project to have a relatively even surface, you can use the flat single stitch as taught in this video to join your granny squares together.
How To: Do a continental SSK or slip-slip-knit decrease stitch
This free video knitting lesson offers a complete demonstration of a left-leaning decrease—the SSK (slip, slip, knit)—shown in the continental style. For more information, including complete, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using this decrease stitch in your own knitting projects, watch this helpful video guide
How To: Knit the Rice Stitch
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.
How To: Crochet an extra puffy puff stitch
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet an extra puffy puff stitch. First, insert the hook and pull it through. Pull all the loops up even so the hook is horizontal, then wrap the yarn over and enter the hook through the top of the stitch. Pull the loop up and then wrap the yarn over, pull it through, then pull the loop up so the hook is horizontal with your work. Continue to repeat this process until you get to the end of the row. Place chains on the top to secure them, then you will have ...
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: 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: Wind yarn onto a cone for machine knitting
If you knit with a knitting machine, a cone of yarn proves much more useful than a standard ball of yarn. This instructional knitting video demonstrates how an electric cone winder works. This little machine allows one to quickly wind a ball of yarn onto a cardboard cone.
How To: Knit a 2-color checkerboard pattern stitch
An up close demonstration of how to knit a checkerboard pattern stitch by Judy Graham. The checkerboard pattern stitch will be a two color pattern. Learn how to knit from these simple and clear instructions.
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 double-crochet edge
This video demonstrates how to make a double- crochet edge. The video uses a large cardigan neck to create a double crochet edge on. First, back the yarn around the hook and go into the next stitch. Then pull through a loop on to the hook. Take another loop on to the hook. Next, go through the first two stitches at the end of the hook. Then take another loop onto the hook and go through the last two stitches. So, you wrap, insert through next stitch, pull on another loop, draw the hook throug...
How To: Knit a bikini top with Threadbanger
Worried you'll find yourself topless in the middle of a crowd? With the help of Knit Knit and her knit bikini top tutorial everyone's worst nightmare will have no chance of surfacing this summer.
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: Slip a Stitch Knitwise
There are times when your pattern will direct you to slip a stitch. Usually, this is done on a knit row. I always slip the first stitch of every row because it makes a neater selvedge. It's a very simple technique. Here's what to do:
How To: Bind Off on Double-Pointed Needles When Knitting
Binding off on double-pointed needles is the same as binding off on a straight needle. The difference is is that you have to be very careful as you work on each needle.
How To: Knit fingerless gloves like Twilight's Alice Cullen
In the smash hit Twilight, Alice Cullen wears chic fingerless mittens. In this tutorial, learn how to knit a pair of your very own and save some money. These gloves are perfect for wintertime or any cold day and really come in handy when you need those texting fingers ready. Have fun!
How To: Crochet a chevron stripe pattern
This video shows how to crochet a chevron stripe pattern using stitching techniques. The instructor shows you to make a patterns of three loop stitches to create the chevron stripe pattern. The instructors shows that after six standard stitches you decrease your stitches to create the waving design in the creases. This pattern is done many times until the you will see the waving formation in the stitches appear. at the peak of the waves you are instructed to do another decrease. Following the...