Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos
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: Finish a crochet never ending granny square
In this video, we learn how to finish a crochet never ending granny square. There is a spiral effect happening in this, because there is no place that is stopping, it's going in a continual circle. To finish one of these, you will see that the corners should be perfect. But, you will need to choose one corner to finish it off at. Go across, then choose a side to stop at. Then, chain over and double crochet in. When you come across with another color, you can weave in the end so that you can't...
How To: Make a crochet super star afghan for a baby
Baby clothes and accessories are the cutest around: delicate polka dotted bibs, fuzzy knitted booties, and of course perfectly cozy knitted Afgans to cover them up as the get their first ZZZs.
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: 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: Do an improved ssk (or slip slip knit) for knitting
This is an improved ssk (slip slip knit), for which I must give credit to Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen. It's improved because it lays a bit flatter and more closely matches the right slanting knit two together (k2tog).
How To: Weaving in the ends on a granny square
This crochet how-to video will show you how to weave in all those loose ends on your granny square. Weaving in the ends gives your crochet pieces a much neater look. Watch and follow along to learn how to do this basic crocheting technique.
How To: Knit a keyhole in a scarf
This how to video shows you how to knit a keyhole in a scarf. Watch it and begin making beautifully knitted projects.
How To: Sew seams in knitting
This video demonstrates how to seam up your knitted items. Watch and learn!
How To: Crochet a flower applique
Thread Heads Quickie: turn an old afghan (or some piece of fabric) into a cute little flower applique.
How To: Knit the Ladder Stitch
The Ladder Stitch is wonderful for scarves, blankets, shawls. It might seem complicated at first, but once you get into the rhythm of it it goes along easily and it's fun to watch the ladder go up and up. Step 1: Row 1 (WS): P4 *k2tog Tbl, Wrap Yarn Twice, k2tog, p4; Rep from * to End.
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 Pointed Edge Scarf
Sometimes you just don't know how many stitches to cast on for a scarf, so here's the perfect solution. Just cast on a few stitches and increase until you have the width that you want for your scarf.
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 the Mistake Rib Stitch
The mistake rib stitch is very beautiful and very easy to do. The mistake rib stitch is a multiple of 4+3. Watch the video demonstration on knitting the mistake rib stitch below for a step by step demonstration. Cast on an UNEVEN number of stitches.
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: End a Knit Hat
Some time, when you are making a hat and after you have done your decreases for the crown, you will get to the end of your hat pattern and it will simply say "end the hat". Here's what to do.
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 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: 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: 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: 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: Tie basic macrame knots to make a key chain or bracelet
This tutorial shows you how to do two basic macrame ties, which you can use to make keychains, bracelets, chokers and other types of jewelry. Add beads, charms and other decorations to your projects - macrame is cheap, easy and fun!
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 On Circular Needles Or Knit In The Round
Knitting on circular needles is called Knitting in the Round. You cast on to your circular needle in exactly the same way that you cast onto straight needles. The first row where you make your join will be the hardest. After that, it's easy.
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: Bind Off on a Purl Stitch
You've come to the end of your work and are ready to BIND OFF, but you're on a PURL row. What to do? You've learned how to BIND OFF on a knit stitch, but this is something new. Usually you will do the BIND OFF stitch on a knit row, but now your pattern is telling you to BIND OFF on a Purl row. Sometimes, like in ribbing, you will need to do both. If you've never bound off purling here are the instructions to follow.
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: Join crocheted granny squares using the flat braid joining method
The flat braid join is a method of stitching granny squares together using chain-3 loops. This tutorial demonstrates how you can use the flat braid technique to easily and quickly join your own granny squares together for your next crochet project.
How To: Crochet a fringe on a scarf
In this tutorial, we learn how to crochet a fringe on a scarf. Start be going to the end of your last row with your hook. Then, chain one and pull it tight. Next, decide how long you want your fringes to be and pull your thread that long. After this, cut it on the bottom and pull the loop out of the chain. Now, take your hook under the first stitch and fold three twelve inch strands in half. Then, hook these onto the crochet hook and catch the tail with the strands. Continue to crochet the fr...
How To: Make a crocheted swirling bag with Kathy Merrick
It's flattering enough to be complemented on your pretty bag. So how awesome would it be to get compliments on a bag you made yourself? Not many people endeavor to craft a homemade bag (for fear of loose ends, things falling out of random holes, etc.), even though it's actually pretty easy.
How To: Stitch a complex filet crochet and read graphs
How To Filet Crochet - Part 1 We we first heard the term "filet crochet," an image popped up in our minds of chicken fillets from McDonald's, only made from crochet yarn (yes, we were also quite hungry at the time). Well, we'll have to save the yarn foods for another time, because a filet crochet is actually a very complex, difficult crocheting pattern that requires a graph in order to get the stitches right.
How To: Attach granny squares with a continuous join method
While we think granny squares are pretty and whimsical pieces on their own, there really is power in numbers when you combine a bunch together into a massive quilt or afghan. But how exactly do you go from granny squares to a full-on quilt?
How To: Attach granny squares together with a single crochet
Granny squares are lovely on their own and make funny indie chic coasters, but sometimes it's nice to attach a bunch together and create a quilt or afghan. So after you've crocheted your pretty granny squares, take a look at this tutorial to learn how to attach granny squares together using a single crochet.
How To: Add crochet embellishments to clothing
Un-dull your crocheted sweater with a little creativity. Adding some decorative details and features to your clothing will do wonders for fashion, and could hide unsightly holes! Embellishing with crochet can be a creative way to repair a piece of clothing, and it can add flair to a piece by inserting a neckline or a hem.
How To: Do crochet with four strands of yarn
This is a basic crochet tutorial for those of you just starting off on the road to granny square and Afgan bliss. Using four strings of four ply yarn, you'll learn how to knot and loop your way into a circular, almost snail-like pattern.
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: 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.