Hot Knitting & Crochet Posts
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: Crochet a scarf with a left-handed Afghan or Tunisian stich & a crochet shell
Learn how to use a left-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: Bind Off or Cast Off Knitting
You have learned to Cast On, you know how to do the Knit Stitch and the Purl Stitch. Now you've come to the end of your first project and you don't know what to do next. You will need to know how to Bind Off. Binding off, sometimes called Casting off, is how you end your work. Follow these instructions to learn how to bind off on a Knit Row. Binding off on a Purl row is different.
How To: Crochet a shell beanie hat
In this video we learn how to crochet a shell beanie hat. There are a total for seventeen rounds to make this beanie hat. Start out with a chain one and then single crochet in the starting loop. Continue to do this throughout the round and then join in the beginning single crochet. For the next round, you will single crochet and then create shells in the hat. Start out with round three, where you will start with a double crochet and then join the half double crochets with the beginning. When ...
How To: Crochet a fringe on a scarf
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet a fringe on a scarf. Start be going to the end of your last row with your hook. Then, chain one and pull it tight. Next, decide how long you want your fringes to be and pull your thread that long. After this, cut it on the bottom and pull the loop out of the chain. Now, take your hook under the first stitch and fold three twelve inch strands in half. Then, hook these onto the crochet hook and catch the tail with the strands. Continue to crochet the fr...
How To: Knit a lace-like stitch for your next scarf or knitting project
This is a fun and easy stitch you can use to stitch scarves, shawls and other accessories you want to have a lace-like look. This knitting stitch leaves large gaps in the pattern, which look quite pretty and gives it a lace like look. There's two different variations of the like-lace stitch, so check out both videos for details. Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars, shows you how it's done!
How To: Knit two stitches together in the continental style
Interested in building your repertory of stitches? You've come to the right place. This free video knitting lesson will show you how to join two stitches together in the traditional continental or European manner. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started joining stitches in your own kitting projects, take a look.
How To: Crochet spiral scrubbies with a pattern
Learn all there is to learn about yarn from Naztazia... watch this video tutorial to learn how to crochet spiral scrubbies with a pattern.
How To: Hide short yarn tails
After you finally finish crocheting your piece, what are you supposed to do with that tail? This how-to video demonstrates a trick for hiding the end within the stitches of your project. Watch this video crocheting tutorial and learn how to hide short yarn tails.
How To: Chain stitch embroidery fro knitting projects
This instructional knitting video shows how to use chain stitch embroidery to embellish knitting and crochet projects. Use a tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to add a special decoration to a hand knit sweater, scarf or pair of socks. It's an easy knitting embroidery trick that renders satisfying results.
How To: Machine knit with a Knitmaster MK70 Mid-Gauge
If you have been curious about the Knitmaster MK70, this short video will show some of the special features that make this fold-up knitting machine so unique. These machines were designed in the early 1980's. This type of knitting machine can fit into a small box and set up for spontaneous holiday knitting projects. The Knitmaster is a flexible machine that can knit almost any pattern.
How To: Knit faux eyelet cable
This video knitting tutorial demonstrates how to stitch the "cabled" eyelet that can be used to make really warm knits. The important steps are worked in rows 1 and 2; rows 3 and 4 are worked in simple ribbing. Watch this instructional knitting video and learn how to knit a faux eyelet cable.
How To: Machine knit with a Brother KE-100 motor drive
If you have been curious about the Brother KE-100 electric motor drive, this video will explain some of it's features and demonstrate how it works. Basically what the motor drives does is replace the movement of your own hands, or even more simply put, it can't change stitches, increase or decrease, but just simply moves the knitting carriage back and forth. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to use the Brother KE-100 motor drive knitting machine, including how to use the Brothe...
How To: Crochet a Japanese amigurumi cherry
This crochet how-to video shows you how to crochet Japanese amigurumi shapes. For this crocheting project learn to make a pair of cherries out of yarn. It is very simple, start by crocheting a six stitch circle. Watch the video to learn how to crochet the rest of the Japanese amigurumi cherries.
How To: Crochet an arm or leg for an amigurumi stuffed toy
Want to make a cute stuffed animal or doll? Why not crochet an amigurumi toy? Learn how to crochet a tube for an amigurumi arm or leg by watching this video crafting tutorial.
How To: Do a double crochet decrease and increase
Improve you crocheting skills by learning decorative stitches. This how to video is a tutorial that will show you how to do double crochet decreases and increases. These stitches are commonly abbreviated as DC DEC or INC, double crochet decrease or increase. Crochet several rows of these stitches to create larger yarn projects.
How To: Make a left slanting decrease in Continental knitting
This video demonstrates how to make a left slanting decrease in Continental knitting. This is the most common left slanting increase and is also known as SSK (Slip Slip Knit). This decrease is necessary in some patterns to keep the flow of the decorative stitches. Make a left slanting decrease in Continental knitting.
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: 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: Set up a Singer LK 100 knitting machine
Hand-knitting can be so time consumptive. Knitting machines are great for simple projects that don't require a lot of detail. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to set up and use a Singer LK 100 knitting machine.
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: 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: 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: 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: Knit a Picot Hem
Knowing how to knit a picot hem is a good technique to learn. Usually, at the bottom of a garment you will have a ribbed edge. A picot hem, as pictured below, is a nice alternative. It's quite easy and here's how to do it.
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 the Ladder Stitch
The Ladder Stitch is wonderful for scarves, blankets, shawls. It might seem complicated at first, but once you get into the rhythm of it it goes along easily and it's fun to watch the ladder go up and up. Step 1: Row 1 (WS): P4 *k2tog Tbl, Wrap Yarn Twice, k2tog, p4; Rep from * to End.
How To: Knit the Mistake Rib Stitch
Mistake rib is a multiple of 4+3 Step 1: Cast on an UNEVEN Number of Stitches Step 2: K2, p2, Repeat to Last 3 Stitches, k2, p1.
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: 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 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: Knit On Circular Needles Or Knit In The Round
Knitting on circular needles is called Knitting in the Round. You cast on to your circular needle in exactly the same way that you cast onto straight needles. The first row where you make your join will be the hardest. After that, it's easy.
How To: Knit The Raspberry Stitch
There are many beautiful stitches to learn in knitting. Some are harder than others. Some look hard, but really aren't. The RASPBERRY STITCH (shown in the header) is a quite easy. Once you get into the rhythm of doing it and practice for awhile you'll agree.
How To: Crochet pom pom-shaped Pomp A Doodle from Red Heart
In this crochet tutorial, you'll be guided through how to crochet using one of the most unique and difficult yarns avilable on the market. Known as Pomp A Doodle yarns by Red Heart, these yarns are punctuated with little pom poms and are cute on their own, but great for fluffy projects.
How To: Knit a button loop
Berroco knit bits shows how to knit a button loop easily within minutes. 1) Thread a tapestry needle with a 18-24″ piece of yarn. 2) Knot the end of the yarn and insert the needle where you want your first button loop. 3) Make a second stitch an inch or so away from the first stitch. 4) Tighten up the thread, placing your fingers in between the yarn and the button band creating a loop. 5) Work blanket stitch around this loop, stacking each stitch on top of the previous one until the ent...
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...
How To: Sew and join the edges on a crochet ribbing
The Art of Crochet by Teresa explains how to sew together crochet ribbing. Thread a tapestry needle and align the edges of the crocheting project. Sew the first stitch together and secure with a knot. Sewing through the top of the stitch on the edge will help prevent distortion and create a neater look for the ribbing. Pick up the back loop and align it with the stitch on the opposite side. Continue all the way across, sewing through the same stitch. It will push the top of the stitches up, c...
How To: Loom knit a solid-striped scarf
Have a passion for crochet or knitting? This video is perfect for you! The free tutorial offers splendid advice and instructions about making a beautiful solid-striped scarf. Sit down and gather your supplies and prepare to make a cleverly constructed scarf while watching this video. Follow the instructions as precise as you can. Within the hour or so, you can loom knit your own scarf and maybe even a few other items using techniques and skills acquired from this video!
How To: Knit a Möbius strip scarf
In this video, noted knitting writer Cat Bordhi ("A Treasury of Magical Knitting") will walk you through the cast on and first round of how to knit a scarf based on the Möbius strip. This strange and confusing shape was discovered by German mathematician August Ferdinand Möbius. It looks complicated, but even beginning knitters can figure it out with a little practice.
How To: Crochet a human ear for an amigurumi doll
Watch this instructional video to crochet a human ear for your amigurumi doll. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. Amigurumi are typically cute animals (such as bears, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc.), but can include inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features. So, you may need a crocheted human ear for a number of amigurumi projects. Amigurumi are almost always crocheted or knitted out of yarn. The simplest desig...