Knitting & Crochet How-Tos
How To: Knit the dot stitch pattern
This how-to video demonstrates the dot stitch knitting pattern. The dot stitch creates a textured, pebble-like surface on the knitted piece. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the dot stitch pattern.
How To: Knit the bamboo stitch pattern
This how-to video demonstrates the bamboo stitch knitting pattern. The bamboo stitch is very textured, and involves yarn-overs on the knit stitches. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the bamboo stitch pattern.
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 the purl stitch by the English or throw method
The English or throw method, shown in this how-to video, is a way of purl knitting with the right hand. Yarn is held in right hand, then, by necessity, wrapped around the right needle before pulling the stitch through. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the purl stitch by the English or throw method.
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: Knit cables without cable knitting needles
This how-to video will show you how to knit cables without the aid of a cable needle. This method is actually faster and easier than traditional cabling. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to knit cables without cable knitting needles.
How To: Knit a basic bobble
This how-to video will show you how to knit a basic bobble. Follow along with the step-by-step instructions and find out how to knit a bobble. A bobble is just a raised bump of stitches.
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: Machine Knit a Baby Blanket with a Brother Garter Carriage
If you have been curious about how a Brother garter carriage works, this 2 part video will show some basic steps to casting on and knitting a baby blanket. The charity blanket pattern used is available free on the internet. This video machine-knitting tutorial also shows a trick to switch yarn without the joint showing. Follow along with this video and learn how to knit a baby blanket using the Brother Garter Carriage knitting machine.
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.
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 3x3 rib stitch
Watch this two part instructional knitting video to knit a 3x3 rib stitch using an even number of stitches. You will want to cast on your stitches in multiples of six. Simply knit three and purl three to knit the 3x3 rib stitch. 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.