Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos

How To: Whip stitch and wind off when crocheting amigurumi

This tutorial shows you how to attach legs, arms, ears, etc to your amigurumi. I also show you my method for binding off (BO) your yarn when you are done crocheting. Amigurumi is the Japanese craft of knitting or crocheting little animals (or any kind of cartoon/ creature) out of yarn. Most important principle of amigurumi: your creation must be cute! Watch this amigurumi tutorial and get started on your own creation.

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: Crochet adult slippers

The slippers in this how-to video are a good example of how the same project, made by the same person, with the same hook and same brand yarn(different color) can create a different size. Both slippers were made with 4-ply Redheart yarn. The only difference is the color. The gray slipper turned out to be larger than the white slipper. Follow along with the instructions as the demonstrator shows the steps for making these cozy slippers. You will need to be able to single croche, slip stitch, f...

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: Knit two stitches together

This how-to video provides a demonstration of knitting two stitches together. Knitting two together (k2tog) is a neat way to de crease stitches, giving a tighter edge than any left side decrease. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to knit two stitches together.

How To: Knit an elongated stitch

This how-to video demonstrates the elongated knitting stitch. There are a few different ways to make a n elongated stitch, by wrapping the needles before knitting, placing yarnovers, or dropping the knit stitches. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to knit an elongated stitch.

How To: Knit the twin rib stitch pattern

This how-to video demonstrates the twin rib stitch knitting pattern. The twin rib stitch has a lot of stretch and looks the same on both sides, making it useful for knitting projects that will have both side visibility. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the twin rib stitch pattern.

How To: Knit the mistake rib stitch

The mistake rib stitch, as demonstrated in this how-to video, may have started off as a failed attempt at ribbing, but still looks nice. The pattern is easy: knit two, purl two, knit two again, and purl one last one. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the mistake rib stitch.

How To: Knit the double moss stitch

The double moss stitch or double seed stitch, as demonstrated in this how-to video, is just a knitting pattern alternating between two knit and two purl stitches. It's very easy to do, but comes in two varieties, American, with the right hand, and English, with the left hand. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the double moss stitch.

How To: Knit the moss stitch

The moss stitch, as demonstrated in this how-to video, is just a knitting pattern alternating between a knit and a purl stitch. It's very easy to do, but comes in two varieties, American, with the right hand, and English, with the left hand. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the moss stitch.

How To: Knit a purl stitch using the continental method

This how-to video demonstrates the purl stitch using the continental method, or with the left hand. Start with the yarn in left hand. The middle finger (or index finger) is used to push the yarn down and to the right, to where the right needle can easily push it back through the stitch. This method requires the fewest hand movements of any purl method, and is consequently the fastest (with the exception, perhaps, of the "Combined Knitting Method" of purling). This method of purling, when comb...

How To: Knit one-row button holes

Knitting button holes doesn't need to be a pain. With the tips in this how-to video, it can be quick and easy. If the button you're using is 4 stitches wide, make a 3-stitch buttonhole (as demonstrated). For a 5-stitch-wide button, make a 4-stitch buttonhole, etc.

How To: Do a basic, continental, German, or left hand stitch

Officially, anyone who holds the yarn in their left hand is a Continental knitter. Some continental knitters wrap the yarn between the needles to knit it, and some simply scoop, or "pick", the yarn with the needle. The latter requires fewer hand movements, and has a reputation of being the fastest method of knitting there is. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do a basic, continental, German or left-handed knit stitch.

How To: Make basic shapes with needle felt

This how-to video shows the steps for folding, rolling and needling a torso shape for a soft sculpted figure. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape basic needle felt pieces.

How To: Make needle felt feet

This how-to video series shows a simple technique for needle felting foot shapes and toes for a soft sculpted character. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape feet and toes, as well as attach them to a larger needle felting project.

How To: Make needle felt hands

This how-to video series shows a simple technique for needle felting hand shapes and fingers for a soft sculpted character. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape hands and fingers, as well as attach them to a larger needle felting project.

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: Double knit

Double-knitting may sound like twice the work, but it's a technique of knitting with two lengths of yarn to create a piece that's double-sided. This is great for crafting-projects that require extra warmth, and because the two sides are actually attached, there will be no middle pocket. Follow along with these video knitting lessons and learn how to double knit.

How To: Do a Tunisian knit crochet stitch

Crochet a Tunisian knit stitch with a long crochet hook. Begin with a chain of forty loops. This instructional crochet video demonstrates how to do a Tunisian knit stitch with a six row example. The Tunisian stitch is also known as the Afghan stitch, traditionally used for crocheting blankets.

How To: Crochet a simple pansy flower

Crochet a pretty pansy flower. Follow these crochet instructions to knit a pansy flower ornament. You may want to reference some written flower pattern crochet instructions in addition to watching this video. Use this cute crocheted pansy flower for ornaments on larger garments, pillows, or hair ties.

How To: Knit a basic purl bind off

This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to knit the basic purl bind off. After you cast on, knit and purl your pattern and finish your project, there's just one more step that has to be completed: get your project off the needles. The purl bind off is a simple and quick method for making a finished edge.

How To: Do a basic knit bind off

How do I stop knitting? This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to do a basic knit bind off. Binding off is the process of taking the stitches off of your needle and securing them so that they don't unravel. The basic bind-off using knit stitches most popular with beginners. This version of the knit bind of is typically used with the stockinette stitch.

How To: Knit a purl stitch

This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to do a purl stitch. The purl stitch usually functions in tandem with the knit stitch. For the purl stitch, always remember to keep the working yarn in front of your needles. When switching from knit to purl stitch, you will move your working yarn from the back of the work to the front of the work to prepare for a purl stitch.

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: Knit a cable cast on

This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to knit a cable cast on. Start by making a slip knot with a 6" tail and place it on the left-hand needle with the working yarn coming from the back. Knit a stitch in the slip knot loop, but leave the slip knot on the needle. Give the new loop a half-twist and place it on the left-hand needle. You now have the first two stitches. For all subsequent stitches, knit each new loop between the last two stitches on the left-hand needle. Cable cast o...

How To: Do a knitted cast on stitch

This instructional knitting video will teach you how to do a knitted cast on. The first step in all knitting projects is casting on. By knitting into each stitch and slipping the stitch from one needle to the other, you can knit a sturdy and even cast on. Knit as many loops as you need to begin knitting your scarf, hat, sock, sweater sleeve, mitten, etc.