Hot Knitting & Crochet Posts


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 two-color granny square with a circle center
Granny squares are a basic crochet project, which you can use to make doilies, coasters or even connect together to make an afghan or blanket. This tutorial shows you how to make a basic granny square with two separate colors and a circle in the center.

How To: Change colors in a granny square for right handers
If you've proven yourself beautifully adept at making snug and cozy granny squares (usually used as coasters), then why not add some spice to your crafting by adding different colors to the mix?

How To: Set up a Singer knitting machine
In this video, the demonstrator sets up a knitting machine for the first time. This is a unique opportunity to provide a video guide for going through the first real run through on a knitting machine. This instructional video should help out new machine knitters or folks who want to look at how to look at their machines and how to start knitting on them.

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: Cast on when knitting on a rectangular loom
In this video, you'll learn how to cast on with the CHAIN ON method on a rectangular loom. It'll simplify your knitting process a lot! You can use this method for many different types of looms but this video specifically covers knitting on a rectangular loom.

How To: Knit eyelets with a knitting machine
Watch this instructional knitting video to knit eyelets on a knitting machine. You will need a three prong tool as well as a single prong tool. By making a few twists with the pronged tools, you can knit a neat eyelet pattern in a matter of seconds.

How To: Slip a Stitch on a Purl Row
Most of the time, when you are directed to 'slip a stitch', it will be on a knit row. But there are exceptions and there will be times when you will need to know how to slip a stitch on a purl row.

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: Knit a sock heel
If you're having trouble knitting socks, this tutorial will focus on one major point of interest: the heel of a sock. The body or cuff of a sock can be an easy part to knit, but when it comes to the heel, it can be confusing. This tutorial will help those out with any problems they have in knitting a sock heel. Enjoy!

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: 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...

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: Knit the Seed Stitch
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 you'...

How To: Make a Pentacle Wreath Out of Ribbon
This is a perfect gift for the Wiccan or pagan on your holiday gift list - make a wall hanging or wreath shaped like a pentacle. A perfect blend of Christmas and Yule! You will need 16 gauge wire, along with your favorite ribbons and beads.

How To: Make a flat circle using single crochet
In this video, we learn how to make a flat circle using single crochet. Start out by crocheting six single crochets into a ring for round one. For round two, you will increase in every single crochets so you have twelve of them. For round three, you will increase with every other single crochet doing one single crochet in between the creases. do this for a total of eighteen. Then, make two single crochets between the increases and you will have twenty-four. On the last row, you will make thre...

How To: Make a diagonal lace stitch pattern
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a diagonal lace stitch pattern. Begin by knitting the first and second stitch. Then, make a yarn over and then slip slip knit, which will create a left slanting decrease. Now, you take your left needle and slip it through these two stitches and knit them together. Then, knit one and continue to repeat the yarn over and slip slip knit until you are at the end of the row. Continue doing this for 6 rows, and when you are done you will have a diagonal lace s...

How To: Perform a continental-style PSSO decrease stitch
This clip demonstrates a left-leaning decrease sometimes used in knitting. It is usually called the "pass slipped stitch over" decrease (PSSO), or the K1, SL1, PSSO (knit one, slip one, pass slipped stitch over). In this clip, it's shown in the continental style. For complete, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using this stitch in your own knitting projects, take a look.

How To: Change colors in granny squares for left handers
If you've proven yourself beautifully adept at making snug and cozy granny squares (usually used as coasters), then why not add some spice to your crafting by adding different colors to the mix?

How To: Make a crochet granny square for left handers
There's a reason you feel so coddled, warm, and fuzzy when you visit your Gram Gram's house. Her crochet scarves, thickly woven Afgan blankets, and awesome crochet coasters create an air of love and care.

How To: Knit a basic purl stitch
This video shows you how to knit a basic purl stitch. Watch as Staci shows you step-by-step how to do the most basic of knitting stitches. Just remember: train wreck, wrap front needle, right needle down, pull the loop to the back, and then separate the needles. You'll be knitting like a pro in no time at all!

How To: Crochet a eight-point snowflake
Steps on How to Make a Crochet Snow Flake in minutes! 1) Prepare the materials needed: Size 3 Steel Crochet Hook, Crochet Cotton, and a Small Needle2) Make a loop, place the hook below the left string and pull it up. 3) Make a Single Crochet in a loop, then a chain 3. Repeat this 8 times. 4) Work a Double Crochet (2x) in the same loop and another chain 3 loop. 5) Work another Double Crochet (3x) and a chain 2 loop. Repeat this 7 times. 6) Join the beginning chain and work a cluster through th...

How To: Crochet a slip stitch to end the round
Are you having trouble ending the round when you are crocheting? Shred Betties shows us how to crochet a slip to end the round. You will need the following: crochet hook, yarn. Procedure: Use a slip stitch to end a row. Insert the hook in the middle of the third stitch of the chain that started the row yarn over and finish round 2 by pulling the yarn through the loops on the hook. Follow these steps and you will no longer have trouble ending the round the next time you crochet.

How To: Take out purl stitches in your knitting
KnitWitch.com will show you how to take out purl stitches in your knitting on this easy to follow video. Tinking, tink, which is knit spelled backwards, is the actual knitting term for removing stitches. This shows how to tink purl stitches and gives great advice on how to hold the yarn to make it easier to see and remove the stitches. As you can be sure that at some point you will have to take out stitches when you knit by following these steps and tips it will be a much easier process.

How To: Knit a fabric stitch, or linen stitch
This instructional video demonstrates how to knit a fabric stitch, also known as the linen stitch.The linen stitch is a nice, firm knitting stitch pattern that looks similar to the woven fabric called linen. It's a great reversible pattern perfect for bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of.

How To: Decrease width using a knitting machine
This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to decrease the size of your knit piece. Use a single prong tool to unhook and tie off a single stitch on either side of the piece before completing each row to gradually decrease the width of the knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Begin to crochet
Crochet has never been easier to learn. Make unique crocheted items with this free crochet instructional video series.

How To: Do intarsia knitting
This video demonstrates the fine art of intarsia knitting, this is used to create patterns with multiple colors. Blocks of color are worked with separate balls or bobbins of yarn. Do intarsia knitting.

How To: Make a shawl when knitting on a large circle loom
This video shows us how to make a shawl when knitting on a large knitting loom. Here are the following steps:

How To: Thread a bobbin on the Brother LS 2125 sewing machine
Many habitual sewers like to sew by hand if possible for smaller projects, since all it requires is some finger dexterity, a needle, and some form of thread. Sewing machines can create stitches and embellishments of great beauty, but as with all electronic devices sometimes their constituent parts have complications. The bobbin, which holds the thread beneath the machine, is one of those pesky things sewers have to deal with.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: Use a cable key for knitting
Learn how to use the cable key to tighten your Knit Picks Options Interchangeable Knitting Needles. Each needle tip has a hollow base that is grooved to accept the threaded stem of the cable. To insure a secure fit, use a cable key to tighten the knitting needle tip. You can also use the cable key to unscrew your knitting needle when you are ready to start a new knitting project.

How To: Bind Off Ribbing
Now that you have learned how to knit ribbing, you will have to know how to bind off ribbing. If you have knitted something that needs to have a stretch to it, such as socks or a neck, this is a very important technique to know.