Hot Knitting & Crochet Posts
How To: Speed knit with the world's fastest knitter
Learn how to increase your knitting speed with Miriam Tegels, the World's Fastest Knitter. She can stitch 118 stitches in one minute; a record that appears in the Guinness Book of World Records. Miriam Tegel's knitting secret is keeping all movements to a minimum. Use size 8 knitting needles and DK weight yarn for optimal performance. After casting on sixty stitches, see how many stitches you can knit in three minutes. Good luck!
How To: Knit a Mobius Dog Scarf
If you save scraps of yarn, and have a dog, this is an easy project for you. The Mobius scarf has the advantage of not having any ends to come untied, or dangle down for your dog to trip over, or get tangled in branches and stuff. I made this one for Pepper, my 16lb rat terrier. Step 1: Choose Your Yarn: I had very little yarn to work with. I had one more ball, but it had just a little more on it than the largest shown here.
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: Crochet the stained glass window square
This is a more advanced version of the granny square - the stained glass square, which usually is made with several separate colors of yarn. This tutorial is aimed at people who have already mastered crochet techniques to at least the intermediate level.
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 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: Knit alternating colors for a two-row stripe
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.
How To: Do a purl increase stitch in knitting
In this video, we learn how to do a purl increase stitch in knitting. First, make sure your yarn is in front, then do a normal purl stitch. Before you take your yarn off the left needle, go into the back of that stitch and pick it up from behind. Then, do a normal purl loop. After this, take the needle off. This is all you have to do to do a purl increase while you are stitching. If you don't understand it at first, then keep practicing and you will eventually learn how to do this. When you l...
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 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: Start and finish a wave-stitch crochet blanket or throw
This is a great project to make as a gift, a shell or wave pattern crocheted blanket. Special attention is paid to the two most challenging parts of the project - how to get it started, and how to finish it off.
How To: Attach an I-cord by knitting
This video knitting tutorial shows how to attach an I-Cord onto another knitted piece. Start by picking up stitches along the edge to which the I-cord is to be attached. Break the yarn, and cast 3 stitches onto a double-point needle. Slip these stitches onto the front end of the needle that is holding the edge stitches, such that the working yarn is 3 stitches in, next to the first edge stitch. Begin by knitting 2 stitches, pulling the working yarn across the back, as for regular I-cord. The ...
How To: Craft a delicate crochet hairpin lace for left handers
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: Join granny squares with crochet flat brain joining
These crochet how-to videos demonstrate how to do flat braid joining to join granny squares. Start by crocheting a border on the first square. Then proceed to join the first and second granny squares with the flat braid joining technique. Watch and learn how simple it is to crochet with flat braiding. Follow along until you have joined all four granny squares.
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: 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 a shaker rib stitch
Follow this quick video demonstration to see how to knit a shaker rib stitch. The shaker rib is also known as the half fisherman, and that's because it's not as bulky as the fisherman rib. During this process, you'll even see how you can knit one below, or k1b.
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: 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: 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 variation on the Like Lace stitch
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.
How To: Knit a Kitchener stitch for a seamless join
The kitchener stitch, also called grafting, is a knitting technique used to create woven seams. It's commonly used for the toe of knitted socks, but you'll find it used whenever you need an invisible seam.
How To: Crochet a basket weave stitch for left handers
The name of this crochet stitch says it all. Called the basket weave stitch, it consists of cubes of intersection vertical and horizontal yarns to create a unique pattern reminiscent of basket weaving.
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 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: Crochet a brim on a beanie cap
Improve you crocheting skills by learning different edging techniques. This how to video is a tutorial that will show you how to crochet a brim on a beanie. You can alternate between one and two single crochets for a beautiful brim.
How To: Crochet a brimmed hat
This how-to crochet video offers a simple pattern and instruction for stitching your own cute and easy crocheted hat. Knitted hats don't have to be for winter. While a cozy hat will protect you from the cold, a lighter yarn can add some style in warmer months as well. Check out this video d.i.y. arts and crafts lesson and learn how to crochet your own brimmed hat.
How To: Crochet a baby cocoon on a crochet loom
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.
How To: Decrease stitches in knitting
Learn the simple technique of decreasing stitches while knitting. Anyone can learn to knit and it's a great craft to know if you want to give handmade gifts! This how to video is a quick demonstration on how to decreasing stitches in your knitting projects.
How To: Double knit with a knit stitch and purl stitch
Double knitting or reverse knitting is twice as thick and looks like stockinette on both sides. Watch as Amy shows you how to double knit by doing a knit stitch followed by a purl stitch in the opposite color. Double knit with a knit stitch and purl stitch.
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: Make a Pom-Pon pom pom for baby hats
We don't know why you wouldn't like to make a pom pom. After all, they're cute, chubby, and make anything they're attached to - keyrings, the tops of berets, air - look absolutely adorable. But then again, they do take a lot of patience to make.
How To: Knit with two colors at one time (stranding method)
Knitting with two colors at the same time is called Stranding (and used to be called Fair Isle). The important thing to know about the stranding method is that it carries both colors through all the time. Watch as Amy shows you how to use this method. Knit with two colors at one time (stranding method).
How To: Crochet a blanket with the wavy shell stitch
Lets create a blanket from scratch using only the wavy shell stitch. This crochet how-to video is an example of how to crochet a blanket out of the wavy shell stitch only using three colors. Go as large as you need to and as big as you want with the crocheted blanket. The colors and size is up to you so get creative and start crocheting.
How To: Knit with two colors of yarn
In this video, we learn how to knit with two colors of yarn. Carry your yarn in the hand that you are most comfortable with. Then, don't tension it around your pinkie so you can control the yarn. Now, put your dominant color over your forefinger and the accent finger on the bottom of your forefinger. This way, you will be able to turn your hands to decide which color is going to go up and over the needle. Once you have this technique down, you will be able to continue to knit until you have t...
How To: Knit a four-row stripe with alternating colors
This video will show the lowdown on knitting four-row stripes. Actually, this works with any knitting task requiring over 2 rows, where you want to change the colors of your yarn. Master knitter Judy Topaz walks you through the whole process.
How To: Machine knit a baby blanket w/eBrother Garter Carriage
If you have been curious about how a Brother garter carriage works, this 2 part video will show some basic steps to casting on and knitting a baby blanket. The charity blanket pattern used is available free on the internet. This video machine-knitting tutorial also shows a trick to switch yarn without the joint showing. Follow along with this video and learn how to knit a baby blanket using the Brother Garter Carriage knitting machine.
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: 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: