Hot Knitting & Crochet Posts
How To: Knit a Fake Mobius Scarf
There are different ways to knit a Mobius scarf. I call this one the Fake Mobius. Check out the video demonstration below, then proceed to the written tips and pictures.
How To: Add a decorative keyhole to a knitted scarf
A keyhole is a great way of adding decorative effect to your knitting projects, and master knitter Judy Topaz is going to show you how it's done on a striped scarf. Adding a keyhole is more complicated than just knitting a basic scarf, but follow along to the video and you shouldn't have any problems.
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: Knit the Twisted Stockinette Stitch
Here is a good stitch to know, especially if your knitting tends to come out looser than you would like it. It works well for a nice cozy sweater when used with a thick wool. The twisted stockinette is just like basic stockinette stitch, except you put the needle in the BACK of the stitch when you knit. This twists the stitches and makes them tighter.
How To: Knit the Bamboo Stitch
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.
How To: Knit Straight on a Circular Needle
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...
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.
How To: Add Color to Your Knitting Projects
Once you have mastered the technique of knitting something in one color, you will want to go to the next step, which is learning how to add color to your knitting. You might want to knit stripes or knit something with two colors. It isn't as difficult as you might think, and once you've done it a few times you will wonder why you never attempted it before.
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: 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: Join knitted squares for sweaters or a hat
If you're an avid knitter, then you're probably making dozens of different pojects at the same time: scarves, Afghan quilts, hats, and wee slippers for your dog. So you need a video that doesn't waste your time (so you can finish that last row on your striped rugby scarf) by giving you an all-in-one tutorial.
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: Knit the Tunic Stitch
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.
How To: Knit on Double Pointed Needles
Knitting on double pointed needles (abbr: DPN or DP) is scary to most knitters. That being said, there will be times that you will want to, or need to use them, so you might as well learn now. You'll need to use DP needles for small projects when there are too few stitches for a circular needle (as for socks or mittens). Once you cast on and get into a rhythm, it's easy. Don't be afraid to try it.
How To: Make the Afghan or Tunisian crochet stitch - entrelac
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.
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: Do the Same Stitch on Different Sized Knitting Needles
A fun thing to do in knitting is to experiment by trying the same stitch on different sizes of needles. A thin yarn knitted on a small sized needle will look totally different than a thin yarn on a medium sized needle. On the small needle the stitches will be tight. On a medium sized needle they will be looser and more lacy. If you knit it on a large sized needle it will look even more different and, in fact, very holey.
News: Edible Undies (Just in Time for the Big Day) - NSFW
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:
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: Knit a bracelet with an "A" letter
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.
How To: Knit a valentine-worthy heart into your knitting projects
Valentine's Day is near, and Judy Topaz has the perfect project for you… a knitted heart. If you want to add a little bit of sweetness to your scarf, sweater or other knitting project, then this knitted heart will surely do the trick. Just make sure to choose a good yarn for good color contrast. Watch all four parts of this comprehensive Valentine's Day knitted heart!
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: Knit a Decorative Flower
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.
How To: Crochet a pair of wristies in the style of Jolene Sugarbaker
Wristies are useful for any cook - use them to hold your sleeves in place while you're cooking. You will need a size J hook, scissors, some clear jewelry thread and a ball of eyelash yarn in your favorite color.
How To: Crochet a beautiful bouquet of pansies and flowers
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.
How To: Tell the difference between loose and tight crochet techniques
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.
How To: Crochet mats for a dog or cat using granny squares
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.
How To: Crochet a beautiful spring wreath with flowers and butterflies
Just because it's spring doesn't mean you have to forego wreaths! This tutorial shows you how to crochet leaves, butterflies, daffodils and flower buds to assemble into a spring wreath. Since this is for spring, choose pastel colors for your yarn.
How To: Use the single crochet technique for extreme crochet
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.
How To: Use the half double crochet stitch when using extreme crochet
By bringing multiple strands of yarn together, you can create a beautiful look for your crochet projects. This tutorial shows you how to execute the half double crochet stitch when you are working on a project using the extreme crochet technique.
How To: Set up your extreme crochet project and execute a basic chain stitch
What is extreme crochet? Extreme crochet is the technique of using different strands of yarn at the same time. You will need a P size hook for extreme crochet. This video shows you how to set up your project and execute the chain stitch.
How To: Execute the double crochet stitch when using extreme crochet
Extreme crochet brings together several strands of yarn, which you can use to quickly make things like afghan blankets. This tutorial shows you how to do the double stitch when working with extreme crochet. Make sure you have a size P hook!
How To: Execute a triple crochet stitch 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.
How To: Crochet with multiple strands of yarn using a P hook
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.
How To: Crochet huge granny squares using the extreme crochet technique
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!
How To: Crochet an applique flower using the Paton pattern
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.
How To: Make a usable and cute button out of crochet thread
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.
How To: Crochet a head wrap
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. Crochet a head wrap.
How To: Make an Infinity Scarf/Circle Scarf
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!
How To: Knit a mobius scarf
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!