Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos
How To: Knit a backward loop cast on
Watch this instructional knitting video to knit a backward loop cast on. Your knitting will be as wide as your cast on row if you do not apply any shaping, such as increasing or decreasing. When knitting the backward loop cast on make sure to leave the stitches a little bit loose so it's easy to knit your first row.
How To: Knit a long tail cast on properly
Watch this instructional knitting video to knit a long tail cast on. Long tail cast ons are probably the most common knitting cast on that give your edge a nice, smooth finish. Make sure you have plenty of yarn for your cast on. Your knitting will be as wide as your cast on row if you do not apply any shaping, such as increasing or decreasing. The long tail cast on is probably the most common knitting cast on method.
How To: Roll pleats in knitting projects
This stitch pattern was featured in the May 2008 issue of Simply Knitting. Here is a brief demonstration of how this stitch pattern is worked. You will be working in multiples of two stitches with one added stitch at the end of each row. Watch this knitting video to learn the secret to knitting a cool rolling pleat pattern.
How To: Knit a spider stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a spider stitch. A spider stitch is a stitch used in lace making to fill in open spaces with threads resembling a cobweb. The knitter's version of this stitch makes an elegant, open weave pattern.The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
How To: Knit a mock rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a mock rib stitch. Mock Rib is a knitting stitch pattern that makes ribs of knit stitches alternated with slipped purls on the wrong side. The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
How To: Knit an uneven rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit an uneven rib stitch. You will want to cast on your stitches in multiples of four. The uneven ribbing pattern uses a row of purl two, knit two pattern with an added knit stitch at the end of each row. The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
How To: Knit a 2x2 rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a 2x2 rib stitch using an even number of stitches. You will want to cast on your stitches in multiples of four. Simply knit two and purl two to knit the 2x2 rib stitch. The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
How To: Knit a 1x1 rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a 1x1 rib stitch using an even number of stitches. Begin the row with a knit stitch and end the row with a purl stitches. The Continental method is used here, meaning the yarn is held with the left hand.
How To: Knit a triangle shawl
Watch this instructional knitting video to knit a simple triangle shawl. If you aren't starting out using circular needles, you will need to transfer the shawl to circles once the shawl is too large to fit on straight needles. By knitting increases you can make a an elegant shawl for your grandmother and impress her with your knitting skills.
How To: Stockinette stitch for knitting projects
Watch this instructional knitting video knit a stockinette stitch using the Contintental method. This means you will knit on one side of the piece and purl on the other side. Stockinette stitch tends to curl at the edges, which add a nice finishing touch to sweaters or hats. Knitting with the Continental method only means that you hold the yarn with your left hand.
How To: Knit stitch using the Continental method
Watch this instructional knitting video to do the knit stitch using the Continental method of knitting. The knit stitch is the most essential part of learning to knit. Combine the knit stitch with the purl stitch to begin your first knitting projects. Continental style knitting only means that you hold the yarn in your left hand.
How To: Use a yarn ball winder and and umbrella swift
This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to use a yarn ball winder and umbrella swift. Use the umbrella swift to wind balls of yarn onto a ball winder. Never let a quantity of yarn go to waste from being tangled up. If you are a devout knitter, you will want to have one of these around.
How To: Chain stitch embroidery fro knitting projects
This instructional knitting video shows how to use chain stitch embroidery to embellish knitting and crochet projects. Use a tapestry needle and a piece of yarn to add a special decoration to a hand knit sweater, scarf or pair of socks. It's an easy knitting embroidery trick that renders satisfying results.
How To: Cast on using the loop method for knitting
This instructional video will show you how to cast on stitches for knitting using the "backwards loop" method. This is the easiest cast on to learn and master. Once you cast on, you can begin your knitting projects. This is also known as the "E wrap cast on" and "single cast on".
How To: Knit a hat
This instructional knitting video will show you how to knit a hat using a fixed circular needle and bulky weight yarn. These step by step knitting guidelines cover casting on, knitting in the round, decreasing, and weaving in the ends. If you are a beginner, you may want to avoid thin yarns to save time and knit a warmer hat.
How To: Knit a garter stitch scarf
This instructional knitting video will show you how to knit a garter stitch scarf using bulky weight yarn. If you are a beginner, you may want to avoid knitting your scarf with thin, skinny yarns. These step by step instructions cover casting on, knitting, adding new yarn, and binding off.
How To: Speed knit with the world's fastest knitter
Learn how to increase your knitting speed with Miriam Tegels, the World's Fastest Knitter. She can stitch 118 stitches in one minute; a record that appears in the Guinness Book of World Records. Miriam Tegel's knitting secret is keeping all movements to a minimum. Use size 8 knitting needles and DK weight yarn for optimal performance. After casting on sixty stitches, see how many stitches you can knit in three minutes. Good luck!
How To: Knit in the round using a fixed circular needle
Learn how to knit in the round using a fixed circular needle. Use this technique to knit sweater sleeves, hats, socks, and scarves. There are many way to knit in the round, but this video demonstrates how to knit a hat shaped form with a fixed circular knitting needle.
How To: Knit stranded color work
Learn how to add stranded color work to your knitting with this knitting tutorial. Use traditional Shetland island motifs to create delicate, shimmering patterns. Knitters usually hold the background color with the right hand and the additional color with the left hand. Use thinner yarns for these projects to compensate for the thickness of the "floating" yarn.
How To: Dye knitting yarn with a sock blank dyeing kit
Learn how to dye your own striped sock yarn with this dyeing tutorial. You can dye the yarn so that the dye pattern will be the same for both socks. These knitting dyes are potent and toxic so be careful with your dyeing kit and sock yarns. Make sure to wear gloves and a dust mask and protect your work surface with newspaper plastic wrap.
How To: Knit in a new ball of yarn
This video will teach you how to join a new ball of yarn to your knitting using the "knitting in" method. With sly handiwork you can begin to weave in a new ball of yarn without dropping the old strand of yarn. It helps to knit in the new yarn in a less visible area.
How To: Knit a Continental style knit stitch
This video will show you how to make a knit stitch using the Continental method.This video will show you how to make a knit stitch using the Continental method. In basic knitting, the knit stitch is always coupled with the purl stitch. So, once you can knit stitch, you are well on your way to mastering the craft. The Continental style just means that you hold your working yarn in your left hand. Knitters who use this style are often called, "pickers".
How To: Knit a Continental style purl stitch
This video will show you how to make a purl stitch using the Continental method. If you've mastered the knit stitch, you are ready to move on to the purl stitch. The purl stitch is essentially the back side of the knit stitch. The Continental style just means that you hold your working yarn in your left hand. Knitters who use this style are often called, "pickers".
How To: Knit a basic bind-off
This video will teach you how to bind off your knitted stitches. The basic bind off is the most commonly used method of finishing knitting projects, especially for beginners. Follow these step by step instructions to knit a neat and straight finishing row.
How To: Knit an English knit stitch
This video will show you how to make a knit stitch using the English method. Anything you knit is made up of knit stitches and purl stitches. So, you once to learn this stitch you are on your way to mastering the craft. The English method means that you will be holding the working yarn with your right hand. Knitter who use this style of knitting are often called, "throwers".
How To: Machine knit a vinyl hem bond
Watch this instructional knitting video to bond a vinyl hem with a knitting machine. Hang an elastic or ravel cord and push it against the bed. Fold the hem over the ravel cord. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.
How To: Machine knit an open cast on
Watch this instructional knitting video to complete and open cast on with a knitting machine. Push your needles back into forward position and knit across one row. You will want to use clips and claw weights to keep your knit work straight. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.
How To: Hang a rag hem on knitting machine
Watch this instructional knitting video to hang a rag hem on your knitting machine. Add weights to the inside of the knitted hem to keep your knit work straight. You will need a single pronged tool or a three pronged tool. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.
How To: Handle jams on a knitting machine
Watch this instructional knitting video to work jams out of your knitting machine. In the event of a jam, you can pull down on your work or jiggle the carriage. Try tapping as well. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.
How To: Hang a knitted hem on a knitting machine
Watch this instructional knitting video to hang a knitted hem. Add weights the inside of a hem to keep your knitted piece straight. If you knit with a knitting machine, this is an essential trick for getting started with larger projects.
How To: Hang a cast on comb for knitting machines
Watch this instructional knitting video to hang a cast on comb on a knitting machine. Watch this video a few times to master this little trick. You may want to reference some written knitting instructions in addition to following these visual guidelines.
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: 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: Crochet cast on with 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 crochet cast on. This is one way to cleverly weave your yarn onto the knitting machine and begin the piece of knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.
How To: Crochet a cast off with 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 crochet a cast off. This is one way to cleverly remove your work from the knitting machine and complete the piece of knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.
How To: Machine knit a back stitch bind off
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 do a back stitch bind off. You need to master this tricky step in order to take your knit work off of the knitting machine. You may want to reference some written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.
How To: Weave a cast on for 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 weave a cast on. This is a cast on that many people find difficulty with. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.
How To: Pick up stitches 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 pick up and hang stitches. Use a three prong tool to attach one piece of knitting work to the knitting machine. Once you set the set the machine up, you can knit a wearable piece with an altering pattern.
How To: Machine knit a twisted stitch with a three prong tool
This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. Use a three prong tool to twist a stitch. Once you set the twist, you can knit an entire stretch of fabric with an elegant twisted stitch pattern. This creates a light knit with open spaces for a warm yet breathable garment.
How To: Machine knit a twisted stitch
This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. Use a two prong tool to twist a stitch. Once you set the twist, you can knit an entire stretch of fabric with an elegant twisted stitch pattern.