Hot Knitting & Crochet How-Tos
How To: Crochet simple open work stitches
Open work makes a project go really fast. You might not be the warmest on a cold winter night, but it still looks nice. An open work stitch is basically a three to two configuration. This is the perfect beginner's project. These crochet blankets will keep you warm but won't stifle you.
How To: Crochet patterns
Changing patterns is easy once you get the simple basic stitch idea in your mind. With consistency, you can complete a large blanket without trouble. Watch this instructional crochet video for some advice on how to count out stitches with a complex crochet pattern.
How To: Crochet a cross stitch
Cross Stitching isn't for impatient people. Watch this instructional crochet video to master the cross stitch. The cross stitch creates a satisfying three dimensional look and a warmer sweater or blanket. This crochet process also takes much longer than standard crocheting, so give yourself some time to finish this project.
How To: Crochet using two threads as one
Using two threads at the same time doubles the density, weight, and adds really cool randomized colors for a sharp looking blanket. This instructional crochet video allows you to use two threads as one to make a more random looking pattern within the larger design of the blanket.
How To: Hold the thread and needle in beginning crochet
Watch this crochet video to see how to place your thread into your hands. Before beginning any crochet project, make sure to hold the thread properly between your fingers to create the proper amount tension of tension for each crochet loop.
How To: Start your first line in beginning crochet
This is how you "chain" your first line. Watch this instructional crochet video to begin the first row in your scarf, blanket, sweater, etc. This example provides a ten loop start to your first crochet project.
How To: Crochet without loosing your ball of wool
Watch this crochet video for a tip on retaining that runaway ball of yarn. When using a small ball of wool in crochet projects, it helps to keep the wool in a ceramic bowl. As the yarn unwinds, the ball can roll but will stay in place, avoiding the danger of rolling under the couch or being whisked away by a pet.
How To: Crochet a baby ripple afghan
Watch this video demonstration on crocheting one row of a baby ripple afghan. With these visual guidelines, you can quickly accomplish the most difficult step in crocheting an afghan; the beginning.
How To: Weave in ends into a double or treble crochet
This video shows you how to weave in your ends on a project when you really don't have stitches to weave into. Instead of weaving it onto the edge, in case of continuation, it can be woven back into the crocheted stitches. Watch this video crocheting tutorial and learn how to weave in a hidden end to a double or triple crochet.
How To: Do a two color long tail cast on
This knitting how to video demonstrates a two color cast-on based on the long tail cast on method. This method of casting on is useful for double knitting or casting on in patterns. The opposite color of course shows on each side of the work, a downfall for this cast on. Watch and learn how easy it is to do a two color long tail cast on.
How To: Cast on stitches using the figure 8 method
Figure 8 method of casting on creates a seamless cast on. Watch this knitting how to video to learn how easy it is to cast on stitches in knitting using the figure 8 method. Once you have mastered this style of casting on you can move on to your favorite knitting project.
How To: Decrease two open squares with the crochet filet
Improve your crocheting skills by learning new stitches. This instructional crochet how-to video demonstrates how to decrease two open square. Watch and learn the filet crochet method to decrease two open square.
How To: Increase two open squares at the end of a crochet row
Improve your crocheting skills by learning new stitches. This crochet how-to video demonstrates how to increase two open square at the end of a row. Watch and learn the filet crochet method to increase two open square.
How To: Increase one open square at the end of a crochet row
Improve your crocheting skills by learning new stitches. This instructional how-to video demonstrates how to increase 1 open square at the end of a row. Watch and learn the filet crochet method to increase one open square.
How To: Increase 2 open squares at the start of a crochet row
Improve your crocheting skills by learning new stitches. This instructional how-to video demonstrates how to increase one open square at the beginning of a row. Watch and learn the filet crochet method to increase one open square.
How To: Do the long tail cast on method in knitting
As you know casting on is very important in knitting. It is the foundation row into which you knit to create the rest of you project. This knitting how-to video demonstrates how to do long tail cast on in knitting.
How To: Knit the linen knit stitch for experienced knitters
This how to video knitting tutorial demonstrates how to knit the linen knit stitch. The linen knit stitch combines knit and purl stitching. Viewers will need to know how to knit basic moves to learn the linen knit stitch.
How To: Do the yarn over in knitting with the left hand
This video tutorial shows how to execute a yarn over with the left hand. Great for lefties to learn how to knit a yarn over stitch, without having to mentally reverse the directions.
How To: Weave in loose ends of knitting using a yarn needle
This instructional video shows how to finish off the loose end of knitting with a yarn needle. Wear is bound to cause knitwear to thread and original projects need to be polished. Learn how to bind up ends before the yarn unravels.
How To: Knit a yarn over for simple knitting directions
Learn how to knit a yarn over knit stitch. These are common in knitting patterns as another way to increase and also used in making eyelets and decorative stitches.
How To: Assemble a knitted tote bag with pockets
This video crafting tutorial shows how to assemble a knitted tote bag with pockets from pre-knitted pieces. The process of putting the bag together is demonstrated step by step. Learn how to construct a knitted tote bag by watching this instructional video.
How To: Knit baby booties with straight single point needles
This video shows how to construct baby booties, knitted with straight knitting needles. No need to know how to "knit in the round" in order to make this pattern; it's an excellent project for beginner knitters. To make this pattern, knitting needles, yarn, a yarn needle and/or crochet needle are needed.
How To: Knit using the continental method
Learn to knit using the continental method. Follow along, it's easy. Anyone can learn to knit and it's a great craft to know if you want to give handmade gifts! This how to video knitting tutorial will show you how to knit using the continental method.
How To: Fix a knitting mistake by unravelling yarn
This is an easy, up close, demonstration of yet another way to unravel your knitting when you make a mistake. By Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars, who's knits have appeared in movies, TV, and concerts for over 30 years and who has been hand knitting for over 50 years. Watch this video knitting tutorial and pick up another simple way to unravel yarn to fix a knitting mistake.
How To: Unravel yarn by the stitch to fix a knitting mistake
This is an easy, up close, demonstration of one way to unravel your knitting when you make a mistake. By Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars, who's knits have appeared in movies, TV, and concerts for over 30 years and who has been hand knitting for over 50 years. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn a simple way to unravel the yarn from a project to undo a mistake in your knitting.
How To: Knit socks with just knit and purl stitches
Dorret Conway shows how to knit a pair of socks in this video knitting tutorial series. To knit this project, you'll need to be able to knit a knit and purl stitch. A sock is basically just a tube with some shaping for the heel and toe. This knitting project may look complicated, requiring multiple needles, but it's a great project for beginning knitters. Watch this instructional video and learn how to knit socks.
How To: Knit a basic purl stitch with ramen noodles
Here is a tutorial for knitting ramen noodles with chopsticks, narrated by Carissa Browning. This how to video demonstrates how to knit the basic purl stitch with slippery, wet ramen noodles! This is a creative and unexpected knitting tutorial - so simple & fun. Knit some ramen noodles today.
How To: Crochet a second line in a project
Learn to crochet with these how-to videos. Once you have crocheted one row you can two, or three rows. Crochet a towel, a blanket, or anything longer. Watch and learn how to finish crocheting a first line and move on to the second one.
How To: Change colors midsection when crocheting
Add more flare to your crochet projects by changing yarn color midsection. This crochet how-to video demonstrates how to change colors mid line. This crocheting technique is particularly useful because no jagged lines can be seen once you change colors midline.
How To: Crochet vertical color stripes horizontally
This crochet how-to video demonstrates how to use two separate strings to create patterns and instant color changes without knots. The crochet technique used in this video is particularly challenging because you crochet vertical color stripes horizontally. The trick to having a successful pattern is crocheting with two different colored yarns.
How To: Change colors mid line without knots when crocheting
This crochet how-to video demonstrates how to change color in midlines without knots. Changing colors adds variety and lots of fun to crocheting projects. Watch video to learn how easy it is to change colors midline in a crochet projects.
How To: Rotate a crochet needle when crocheting
Not rotating your needle when crocheting is exactly what causes beginners the most frustration. Don't know how to hold the needle when crocheting or why you need to rotate it? Then here's exactly why you need to rotate your needle. Watch this how to video to learn more.
How To: Crochet frilly borders
Add fancy touches to crochet projects that are just sitting in your basket. This crochet how-to video shows you how to crochet frilly and loopy borders on just about anything. Watch and let Mike show you how easy it is to make simple crochet projects look fancy by adding frilly borders.
How To: Crochet simple borders
Add decorative touches to crochet projects that are just sitting in your basket. This crochet how-to video shows you how to crochet simple borders on just about anything. Watch and let Mike show you how easy it is to crochet simple borders on finished projects.
How To: Crochet a scarf with the ripple stitch
Lets create a blanket from scratch using only the ripple stitch. These crochet how-to videos are an example of how to crochet a blanket solely out of the ripple stitch. Go as large as you need to and as big as you want with the crocheted blanket. The colors and size is up to you so get creative and start crocheting.
How To: Crochet single stitch borders without scrunching
Learning and incorporating decorative borders on crochet projects can be a headache when they start to scrunch up. This crochet how-to video is a tutorial on how to do single stitch borders around a project without scrunching or messing up corners. Watch and let Mike show you how to work the needle so that you don't get any bunching around the edges.
How To: Crochet a blanket with the wavy shell stitch
Lets create a blanket from scratch using only the wavy shell stitch. This crochet how-to video is an example of how to crochet a blanket out of the wavy shell stitch only using three colors. Go as large as you need to and as big as you want with the crocheted blanket. The colors and size is up to you so get creative and start crocheting.
How To: Filet crochet a filled square
Add to your crochet skills by learning decorative stitches. This crochet how-to video teaches you how to do the filet stitch by crocheting filled squares or solid meshes.
How To: Filet crochet an open square
Add to your crochet skills by learning decorative stitches. This crochet how-to video teaches you how to do the filet stitch by crocheting open squares or meshes. Filet consists of squares worked with ch and dc. Each square is made of [ch 2, skip 2 sts, 1 dc]. The first dc in each row is made with 3 chains. Watch and learn how to crochet open squares with the filet crochet stitch.
How To: Crochet a scalloped crochet edge
This crocheting how-to video shows you how to add a scalloped crocheted edge to your next dishcloth, loomed or knitted project. This scalloped edge is worked in two rows, the first row all around is just single crochet. The next row will be your pattern that makes the scalloped edges. Watch and learn how to crochet scalloped edges.