Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos « Knitting & Crochet

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 two granny squares together using a single crochet stitch

The single stitch is a very simple stitch, easy for beginners to master, which can be used to join two granny squares together. This is a useful technique for joining any two crochet pieces together of any size or shape, not just granny squares!

How To: Tie off the end of your crochet project so it does not unravel

You've finished your very first crochet project! Congratulations! But now how do you tie off the yarn in such a way as to keep the whole thing from unraveling? This video demonstrates a simple and easy technique to finish your project and keep it together.

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: Rig up a harness out of rope to carry large boxes

You will need around twenty feet of thick, sturdy rope (something smooth like jute or nylon will also prevent the harness from digging into your skin). Tie as demonstrated in this video, and you'll have an instant messenger bag for carrying boxy things around!

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: Add Color on Circular Needles When Knitting

Adding color on circular needles is as easy, if not easier than adding color on a straight needle. You can use this method for knitting stripes or simply just changing from one color to another.

How To: Crochet a Catherine wheel stitch for left-handers

This left-handed crochet tutorial teaches you how to complete a Catherine wheel stitch, which consists of a row of vibrant pinwheels surrounded by an undulating, wavy edge.

How To: Crochet a chainless single crochet foundation simply

This crocheting tutorial demonstrates how to do a chainless single crochet foundation. Foundation stitches replace the traditional foundation chain as well as the first row of stitches. It comes in handy when you don't know how many stitches you need to "cast on" for your project. The traditional method creates a tighter row. This method creates a stretchier row that will more closely match the rest of your rows. Watch this crochet how-to video to learn more about chainless crocheting.

How To: Knit with a serenity loom

This video demonstrates how to knit with a serenity loom. A serenity loom can produce a blanket up to 10 feet. To start, thread a double loop of thread through a straw. Then use the loop of thread to pull through a piece of yarn. The straw will help you place the yarn around the pegs of the loom easier. Tie a loop around the anchor of the inside of the loom. Then loop completely around each peg, being sure to place the loops in the middle of the pegs consistantly. Wrap as far as you want your...

How To: Cast on with work in progress when knitting

Ever wonder how to cast on with work in progress when knitting? Well, wonder no more with this knitting demonstration video!

How To: Start a crochet blanket

Watch this instructional crochet video to start a crochet blanket. Begin with a loose chain until you've reached the desired length. The process of changing rows is one of the most difficult tasks when starting a crochet blanket. Follow these clear guidelines to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

How To: Knit a hat on circular needles

In this video, we learn how to knit a hat on circular needles. First, use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and make sure no stitches are twisted around. Now, join the two ends by knitting your stitch and using both of the loose ends at once. You will now start knitting and going around. You can make as many knits as you want and do any types you would like, making sure you go in the circular motion around the brim of your hat. You can style this as you prefer, then enjoy whe...

How To: Edge a knitted piece with a single crochet

In this tutorial we learn how to edge a knitted piece with a single crochet. Start to attach the yarn to the right side, working in a forward direction. Now, work a slip stitch at the edge. From here, stick the hook in the fabric and pull through one loop. The, yarn over again and pull through both loops with the hook. After you do this, do it over again! You will repeat this process until you reach the end of the row. Once you're finished with the row, you will be finished with the edge and ...

How To: Do the square or box and circle stitch for lanyards

This how-to video demonstrates everything you need to know for lanyard needs. Follow along and find out how to start and finish a lanyard using the square of box stitch (or the circle stitch) throughout. All you need is two lengths of plastic thread. Use your lanyard as a keychain, or to hang a whistle onto. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make a lanyard using the square or box as well as the circle stitch.

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: Darn holes in socks, scarves or other knit garments

Are your socks developing holes? A gap in your favorite scarf? You don't have to throw them out! Darning is a technique used to rejoin a knitted garment that has become undone, and this video shows you how to become your own darner.

How To: Knit a Spiral Ruffle Scarf

These lovely scarves have different names. I call it the Spiral Ruffle Scarf. It's easy to make and looks great in either a fine or a medium weight yarn. I made mine with softball cotton yarn and size 8 needles. Here are the videos and written directions:

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: Knit a baby hammock or sling

Want to make that special little person in your life something stylish to sleep in? In this knitting tutorial, learn how to knit a baby hammock, sometimes called a sling or (incorrectly called) a baby cocoon. You can hang this in their crib, or set it up next to you on the floor... while your baby sleeps and you get some time to yourself!

How To: Crochet the round shell Catherine's Wheel variation

The Catherine's Wheel is a great technique to add to your crocheting repertoire, and it's easy to learn as it's just a variation of the more basic round shell stitch. Learn how to crochet the Catherine's Wheel pattern by watching this handicraft how-to video.

How To: Make a left handed granny square using double crochet

Calling all left-handers! In this video, you'll learn how to crochet a granny square with your left hands using the double crochet method. So for left-handers needing help with crochet, this video is for you. A granny square is a great way to practice and enhance your crocheting skills.

How To: Crochet a left handed solid granny square

Watch this instructional crocheting video to crochet a classic solid granny square with your left hand. Now, if you're not left handed , this simple crochet lesson may prove to be quite difficult. If you are left handed, these instructions provide an efficient way to crochet creative granny squares for blankets, pot holders, hats, scarves, and other crochet projects.

How To: Crochet a double crochet stitch into the starting loop

Shred Betties demonstrates crocheting a double crochet stitch into the starting loop for making a beanie step by step. It's as easy as simple math! You'll need the following: crochet hook, yarn. To have 3 loops on your hook: insert hook in top loop of the chain, yarn over, insert in the big loop, yarn over and pull yarn through big loop. Pull yarn through 2 loops on your hook so there will be 2 loops left on the hook. Yarn over and pull yarn through the 2 loops remaining on the hook. This com...

How To: Knit the triangle edge stitch

See how to knit the triangle edge stitch when stitching, 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 knit a triangle edge stitch when knitting in this three-part video tutorial.

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: Use a pocket knitter

This video tutorial teaches how to cast off, knit stitch, pearl stitch, and end off on a pocket knitter. Those who want to learn how to use a pocket knitter instead of traditional knitting needles will learn how to do the same basic knitting stitches with the pocket knitter. Use a pocket knitter.

How To: Do the half-double crochet stitch for a scarf

Beth from New York teaches how to make a basic half double crochet. You will need: Yarn and hook. Look carefully at your job, and make sure that you see the hole where you should insert your hook clearly. Yarn over once, then insert your hook to the hole you already seen before with two threads above your hook and one thread below it, yarn over again and draw the loop pass the hole. You will have three loops on your hook by now. Yarn over, draw the thread pass through all three loops, and rep...

How To: Use a loom and crochet hook to make a flower scarf

A perfect idea for crafting your own holiday gift this year! This video shows you how to combine using a knitting loom and a crochet hook together so you can make your own lovely flower scarf. Pick a multicolored yarn for greatest effect!

How To: Join crocheted granny squares using a five chain flat braid method

This tutorial is aimed at those who have at least some moderate experience with crochet. Here, you'll learn how to join two granny squares together using a five chain, flat braid continuous join method that will make your project lay flat all the way around.

How To: Finger knit

This video will provide step by step instruction on how to finger knit. Finger knitting is a bunch of fun if you've got a whole bunch of yearn and absolutely no needles.

How To: Crochet a cable cross over stitch

Check out this knitting and crochet how-to video for crocheting a cable cross over stitch for your new clothing.

How To: Macrame ABC - Pattern Sample #9

Simple and colorful pattern sample. In this pattern we used Square knot. Macrame design elements for various useful macrame projects.

How To: Crochet a Japanese amigurumi ball

This video crocheting tutorial follows a pattern to make a small ball. It not only illustrates how to follow pattern directions, but it also shows how to use stitch markers, right vs. wrong side, stuffing, and binding off. Learn how to crochet in the Japanese amigurumi style by watching this instructional video. Crochet a Japanese amigurumi ball.

How To: Make a crocheted edge fleece blanket

Crocheting is a hobby that has been around for years and years. It's a very useful practice that can be used to make material that is necessary like blankets or shirts. In this video tutorial, you'll find out howt o make a crocheted edge fleece blanket using this easy to follow instructional video. So check it out and good luck!