Knitting & Crochet Features

How To: Make a fleece blanket with crocheted edges

If you would like to crotchet around the edges of a fleece blanket you will need a fleece blanket, yarn and a hook. You will first need to clip holes in the blanket with a slip stitch blade. These wholes will distinguish where the crotchet chains will go around the fleece blanket. The slip stitch will leave you with holes so you can crochet around the blanket. You should do a foundation slip. Start by doing a slip stitch and pull your needle through the back and from the front complete the st...

How To: Crochet a star stitch winter hat

Watch this instructional crochet video to crochet a star stitch hat or winter cap. This crochet method creates an intricate rotating pattern. Use any type of thread and crochet needle to complete this project. This star stitch pattern creates a complex crochet weave for warm yet breathable winter caps.

How To: Crochet a wavy shell stitch pattern

This wavy shell crochet pattern uses three colors to make the design look complex and random. Actually it's quite simple. There are only two rows in this wavy shell crochet pattern. One row alternates between a few standard stitches and half pinwheel shape. The second row is completely plain. Try out this crochet project to achieve satisfying results.

How To: Knit Straight on a Circular Needle

I love circular needles! I use a circular most of the time, even when I am knitting straight. One of the reasons I love knitting on a circular is because with a circular needle, you don't have to worry about dropping a needle. You just have one. It's particularly good to knit straight on a circular needle when you're making a large project such as an afghan or blanket, but I use one even if I'm knitting a small project such as a scarf or wash rag. The photo below is of a scarf I'm making with...

How To: Knit a picot cast on for baby sweaters, blankets and other knitted projects

Master knitter Judy shows you how to knit a picot cast on in this knitting video. If you haven't figured out how to cast on yet, you should probably watch her video on that first. This is a sweet edging for the bottom of a baby sweater or blanket. There are many other instances where you would want to use a picot cast on, as well. Learn it with this up close demonstration by Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars.

How To: Do a knitting provisional cast-on

Watch this knitting instructional video to learn how to do a knitting provisional cast-on. A provisional cast-on is usually worked in a contrasting waste yarn so the cast-on stitches can be easily removed later. The live stitches are then recovered so you can knit down from that point without the joining line you'd have if you picked up stitches along the edge. There are several provisional cast-ons; this is the one I like the best, because I find it to be the easiest to work. You'll need a c...

How To: Crochet a bead rope necklace

For anyone interested in learning a new jewelry technique, this video tutorial shows how to crochet a bead rope necklace. You can use large pony beads like the video tutorial, or use much smaller beads. The pony beads are suggested for beginners so that you can see what you are doing. To begin, thread all of the beads you will use onto your yarn. You can alternate colors or place them onto the string at random. Both techniques will yield two different effects. Begin with six chains slip stitc...

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: Master the knitting technique short-row shaping

Watch this video demonstration of the knitting technique short row shaping. In traditional knitting shoulder shaping, stitches are bound off across the top edge of the shoulder on sequential rows, creating a stair-step line. It can be difficult to make a neat job of seaming this shoulder line. Short-row shaping provides the same slope, but creates an even line across the top edge to facilitate a neater finish.

How To: Crochet a beanie hat as a beginner

In this video, we learn how to crochet a beanie hat as a beginner. Start out with a slipknot then chain 50 chains. For row 1, you will single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Then, chain one and skin the next chain. Repeat this 24 times total. After this, single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and then chain one and skip the next chain. Continue this until you reach all the way around and make a beanie that is your desired size. Bind the knot off at the end, then you can wear...

How To: Crochet a kids beanie cap

Follow this simple step by step video demonstrating a series of stages involved in crocheting a kids beanie cap. Prepare the tools you are going to use, which will be mainly a hook for crocheting and woolen thread. Since the beanie cap is intended for kids one should choose a nice lively color. The first step is to make sure to tighten the first stitch. Afterwards make six consecutive stitches, and then make a loop by twisting it over. Pull the string through the slipknot and pull inwards. Yo...

How To: Knit a simple baby hat

Purchasing expensive and oh-so-cute babies clothes poses a conundrum: Yes, your little pea in a pod will look like as cute as a jelly bean, but he or she will soon outgrow the sailor outfit in less than a few months, letting all cuteness go to waste.

How To: Sew ear flaps onto a crocheted hat

Watch this instructional knitting video to attach a single crocheted half circle ear flap to a single crocheted baby beanie. Use a tapestry needle to thread some yarn. This same process can be applied to adult caps and hats. Just use a larger needle and thicker yarn. It's easy to sew crocheted pieces together with regular yarn for an almost invisible seam.