Knit & Crochet Blog, What's New on This Site

The "Knit & Crochet Blog" is the sites mini-journal that keeps you up-to-date with the latest information submitted to the Smart Knit crocheting.com site as well as major changes. On this page you will find the following:

  • New pages that have been added.
  • Pages that have been substantially updated.
  • Other up-to-date postings or relevant news about knitting-crocheting that I find in books, media, and around the Web.
  • Important older pages that you might have otherwise missed.

This is a great page to start with when visiting my site, but it's not the only way to find important information.

You may want to check out my Sitemap where I list all the pages on this website.

Sep 17, 2026

Textured Knitting Stitch Patterns: Beginner-Friendly Tutorials

A knit stitch swatch of the Trinity or Rasberry stitch pattern worked in pink yarn

Textured knitting stitch patterns use knit and purl stitches to produce a textured fabric that is perfect for many projects. Textured knit stitches tutorials.

Continue reading "Textured Knitting Stitch Patterns: Beginner-Friendly Tutorials"

Sep 17, 2026

Complete Yarn Guide for Knitting and Crochet Beginners

A young Shih Tzu puppy is sitting on a basket of yarn and swatches

Learn about yarn weights, fibers, labels, ply, care, substitutions, and project choices in this practical guide for beginning knitters and crocheters.

Continue reading "Complete Yarn Guide for Knitting and Crochet Beginners"

Sep 07, 2026

Five Essential Knitting Stitches to Learn First

knitting-stitches-header.jpg

Learn five essential knitting stitches in a comfortable order, with clear explanations, linked tutorials, fabric characteristics, and suitable first projects.

Continue reading "Five Essential Knitting Stitches to Learn First"

Sep 07, 2026

Colorwork Knitting: 9 Beginner Techniques for Adding Color

Multicolored yarn

Explore nine colorwork knitting techniques, from stripes and multicolored yarn to stranded knitting, intarsia, mosaic, duplicate stitch, and embroidery.

Continue reading "Colorwork Knitting: 9 Beginner Techniques for Adding Color"

Sep 07, 2026

Easy Flat-Knit Hat Pattern for Beginners

Garter stitch beannie done in varigated purple yarn and modeled on a young woman

Knit a simple adult hat flat using garter stitch and straight needles, then learn how to seam and close the crown, adjust the fit, and add a pompom.

Continue reading "Easy Flat-Knit Hat Pattern for Beginners"

Sep 07, 2026

How to Knit for Beginners: A Calm Step-by-Step Guide

How-to-knuit.jpg

Learn how to knit with this complete beginner guide! Discover the best tools, stitches, and easy patterns for first-time knitters; photos and tips.

Continue reading "How to Knit for Beginners: A Calm Step-by-Step Guide"

Sep 07, 2026

Types of Knit Stitches: A Beginner’s Complete Guide

Garter knit stitch worked in gold yarn

Explore the main types of knit stitches, from knit-and-purl textures to ribbing, lace, cables, slip stitches, colorwork, and reversible patterns.

Continue reading "Types of Knit Stitches: A Beginner’s Complete Guide"

Sep 06, 2026

German Short Rows Knitting: Easy Tutorial for Beginners

A swatch showing the German Short Row worked in stockinette and garter Stitches

Learn how to knit German short rows step-by-step. Discover why this method is popular for sock heels, bust darts, and curved shaping in handknits.

Continue reading "German Short Rows Knitting: Easy Tutorial for Beginners"

Sep 06, 2026

30+ Knitting Rib Stitch Patterns and Helpful Tips

rib-stitch-knitting-stretched.jpg

Explore 30+ knitting rib stitch patterns, compare their stretch and best uses, and learn how to knit neater ribbing with more even tension.

Continue reading "30+ Knitting Rib Stitch Patterns and Helpful Tips"

Sep 06, 2026

50 + Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try

A collage of reversible knit stitch pattern swatches in different colors

These Reversible Knit Stitch patterns explore various reversible knit stitches, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your knitting projects.

Continue reading "50 + Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try"

Sep 06, 2026

Elongated Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern: Flat & in the Round

The elongated rib stitch is an easy rib that resembles the 2 x 2 rib but it is broken after 7 rows to create an entirely new appearance

Learn how to knit the elongated rib stitch with written instructions and a chart. Includes directions for knitting flat and in the round.

Continue reading "Elongated Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern: Flat & in the Round"

Aug 14, 2026

Types of Crochet Stitches: A Beginner’s Guide

A collage of crochet stitches worked in a variety of colors

Explore basic, textured, lace, colorwork, and Tunisian crochet stitches. Compare their appearance, difficulty, and best uses for your next project.

Continue reading "Types of Crochet Stitches: A Beginner’s Guide"

Aug 14, 2026

9 Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis: Tested

All nine ergonomic crochet hooks reviewed on this page held in one hand

I tested 9 ergonomic crochet hooks with wool, cotton, and acrylic. Compare comfort, grip style, yarn glide, pros, and cons for sore or arthritic hands.

Continue reading "9 Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis: Tested"

Aug 06, 2026

What are the fastest skill milestones in crochet? Free Patterns

A chain of 24 chain stitches worked in 100% cotton

Follow this beginner crochet roadmap to learn key skills in the right order. Discover the projects that help you master each crochet milestone.

Continue reading "What are the fastest skill milestones in crochet? Free Patterns"

Jul 30, 2026

Absolutely Beginner Friendly Crochet Dish or Washcloth

A folded washcloth and background washcloth shown with a bar of soap

Learn how to crochet a simple half double crochet washcloth with this beginner-friendly pattern. Practice rows, turning chains, borders, and finishing.

Continue reading "Absolutely Beginner Friendly Crochet Dish or Washcloth"

Jul 26, 2026

What's Wrong With My Knitting? 20 Common Beginner Problems Solved

A person is seen knitting with gray yarn.

Wondering why your knitting has holes, curls, or uneven stitches? Learn how to identify 20 beginner knitting problems, what causes them, and how to fix them.

Continue reading "What's Wrong With My Knitting? 20 Common Beginner Problems Solved"

Jul 22, 2026

Jumbo Yarn: A Guide for Beginners to Advanced Crafters

A swatch of Jumbo weight yarn on crochet hook

Jumbo yarn or number 7 weight yarn is popular for many projects, but before you stock up, learn more about this thick yarn.

Continue reading "Jumbo Yarn: A Guide for Beginners to Advanced Crafters"

Jul 22, 2026

Easy Crochet Sedge Stitch Blanket for Babies, Pets & Lap Throws

crochet sedge stitch close up view

This easy pattern uses the crochet sedge stitch to work up a quick baby blanket, but it can also serve as a dog blanket just as easily.

Continue reading "Easy Crochet Sedge Stitch Blanket for Babies, Pets & Lap Throws"

Jul 18, 2026

Free Crochet Sedge Stitch Dishcloth

Crochet Sedge Stitch, close up

This beginner-friendly crochet dishcloth uses the sedge stitch made up of single, double, and half-double crochet stitches to create a textured beautiful cloth

Continue reading "Free Crochet Sedge Stitch Dishcloth"

Jul 18, 2026

Easy Twisted Knit Headband Pattern for Beginners (Free Pattern)

A twisted knit headband project modeled by a young woman

Learn how to knit an easy twisted headband using a simple 2×2 rib stitch. This beginner-friendly pattern includes sizing tips for the perfect fit.

Continue reading "Easy Twisted Knit Headband Pattern for Beginners (Free Pattern)"

Jul 18, 2026

How to crochet - Tips and Tutorials to Get You Started

how-to-crochet.jpg

How to crochet takes you one step at a time, introducing all basic skills one must learn as a crochet beginner, from making a slip knot to blocking a project.

Continue reading "How to crochet - Tips and Tutorials to Get You Started "

Jul 02, 2026

How to Join Knitting in the Round with Circular Needles (Beginners)

Stitches are being placed on a circular needle

Learn how to join knitting in the round step-by-step without twisting your stitches. Includes beginner tips, photos, and troubleshooting help.

Continue reading "How to Join Knitting in the Round with Circular Needles (Beginners)"

Jun 18, 2026

Plush Yarn Easy Crochet Blanket: Free Pattern for Weekend Crochet

Plush yarn is used to make this queen sized crochet blanket

Ths plush yarn easy crochet blanket pattern is perfect for beginners and can be completed in one weekend.

Continue reading "Plush Yarn Easy Crochet Blanket: Free Pattern for Weekend Crochet"

Jun 10, 2026

10 Ergonomic Knitting Needles for Arthritis [2026 Guide]

A blue hat still on the needles (Knit Picks Ergonomic Needles)

I tested 10 ergonomic knitting needles to find the best options for arthritis, hand pain, and carpal tunnel. Knit longer—with less pain.

Continue reading "10 Ergonomic Knitting Needles for Arthritis [2026 Guide]"

May 31, 2026

Knitting Resources for Beginners | Planners, Charts & Helpful Tools

A downloadable thumbnail of the knit project planner

Discover beginner-friendly knitting resources, planners, charts, and printable tools to help you stay organized, solve problems, and knit with confidence.

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May 30, 2026

Understanding Crochet Symbols: Plus How to Read and Use

Yarn and crochet fabric in the background with an assortment of crochet symbols

Understanding crochet symbols

Continue reading "Understanding Crochet Symbols: Plus How to Read and Use"

May 29, 2026

Knitting Swatch Record Sheet | Free Printable for Knitters

Collage of Knitted swatches in different colors

Download a free knitting swatch record sheet printable to track yarn, gauge, needle sizes, and swatch details for future knitting projects.

Continue reading "Knitting Swatch Record Sheet | Free Printable for Knitters"

May 27, 2026

How to Finish Knitting Projects: Seaming, Blocking & More

Blocking-soak.jpg

Learn the finishing techniques that help knitted projects look neat, polished, and wearable, even if you are still a beginner.

Continue reading "How to Finish Knitting Projects: Seaming, Blocking & More"

May 18, 2026

Brioche Knitting: Beginner's Guide to Basic Brioche in One Color

A swatch of Brioche knit stitch worked in pink wool

Brioche knitting is a category of knit stitches that create a fluffy, thick texture and has many uses. Learn the basic knit brioche stitch

Continue reading "Brioche Knitting: Beginner's Guide to Basic Brioche in One Color"

May 18, 2026

How to Bind Off Knitting: How to Knit Series

bind-off1.jpg

Bind off knitting or casting off is the last step when knitting your piece. It's the way to get your stitches off the needle and create a finished edge.

Continue reading "How to Bind Off Knitting: How to Knit Series"

May 17, 2026

How to Make the little pyramids Knit Stitch: Tutorial with photos

little pyramids knit stitch pattern swatch

Learn how to knit the little pyramids stitch pattern, reversible and beginner-friendly with step-by-step tutorials with photos

Continue reading "How to Make the little pyramids Knit Stitch: Tutorial with photos"

May 16, 2026

How to Knit the Whelk Stitch Pattern (Step-by-Step Guide)

A whelk shell on a black background

Learn how to knit the whelk stitch with step-by-step instructions. Inspired by sea whelks, this textured pattern is perfect for scarves and blankets.

Continue reading "How to Knit the Whelk Stitch Pattern (Step-by-Step Guide)"