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.

Mar 26, 2023

15 Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns that Will Help You Learn to Knit

an assortment of knit dishcloths in various colors

15 Free knit dishcloth patterns includes designs to help you learn new techniques and at the same time create beautiful useful items for the home.

Continue reading "15 Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns that Will Help You Learn to Knit"

Mar 26, 2023

Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth Pattern: Directions and Tips

Stockinette stitch dishcloth with a garter stitch border knit in a pink cotton yarn.

This Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth pattern is not only beginner friendly but also totally free; A great way to improve your knit-purl tension while making something

Continue reading "Free Knit Stockinette Stitch Dishcloth Pattern: Directions and Tips"

Mar 25, 2023

Taking Your Knitting on a Plane: Tips to Keep Your Vacation Care Free

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If you want to take your knitting on a plane, check out these tips that will help you sail through security checkpoints and enjoy knitting during the flight.

Continue reading "Taking Your Knitting on a Plane: Tips to Keep Your Vacation Care Free"

Mar 17, 2023

Safe, Creative and Practical Tips For Storing Yarn at Home

Tips for storing a large stash of yarn in your home

Here are some practical tips for storing yarn at home if you find your yarn stash has gotten a bit out of hand. Safe storage as well as organizational tips/

Continue reading "Safe, Creative and Practical Tips For Storing Yarn at Home"

Mar 15, 2023

How To Make the Double Crochet Post Stitch: Front Post and Back Post

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This tutorial walks you through making the double crochet post stitch, both the front post and the back post stitches in double and treble crochet

Continue reading "How To Make the Double Crochet Post Stitch: Front Post and Back Post"

Feb 19, 2023

Free Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch

This free garter checkerboard knit stitch dishcloth pattern is easy even for the beginning knitter. Try this pattern or any of the other 15 ready to knit

Continue reading "Free Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth Pattern"

Feb 13, 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to Yarn – Everything a Beginner Needs to Know

The Craft Yarn Council Weight of 0 or lace weight

This comprehensive guide to yarn includes understanding types, fibers and weights, as well as how to care for, and choose the best yarn for a particular project

Continue reading "A Comprehensive Guide to Yarn – Everything a Beginner Needs to Know"

Feb 13, 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to the Difference Between Wool and Alpaca Yarns

Three hanks of 100% wool are shown in cream, red and green

There is a difference between wool and alpaca yarns, even though both are animal sourced. Differences, pros and cons of each, and uses of each are explained

Continue reading "A Comprehensive Guide to the Difference Between Wool and Alpaca Yarns"

Feb 09, 2023

Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn: Which One is Better for Your Next Project?

Stacks of acrylic yarn skeins in shades of blue and green

Acrylic vs cotton yarn, what's the difference? The biggest diffference is that cotton is a plant-based fiber and acrylic is a synthetic material. Explanation.

Continue reading "Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn: Which One is Better for Your Next Project?"

Feb 05, 2023

Health Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting

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Did you know that there are health benefits of knitting and crocheting? Physical, emotional and psychological benefits explored.

Continue reading "Health Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting"

Jan 28, 2023

Knit Basketweave Dishcloth Free Pattern for Beginning Knitters

Basketweave Knit Stitch Dishcloth

This knit basketweave dishcloth free pattern is a very easy, beginner-friendly project that creates a cloth that is very practical, and beautiful

Continue reading "Knit Basketweave Dishcloth Free Pattern for Beginning Knitters"

Jan 27, 2023

Free Knit Purl Ridge Dishcloth Pattern: Complete Instructions

Purl Ridge Coral Dishcloth

This free knit Purl Ridge Dishcloth Pattern is super easy and fun to make for the beginning knitter or for anyone that needs a quick hostess gift.

Continue reading "Free Knit Purl Ridge Dishcloth Pattern: Complete Instructions"

Jan 25, 2023

Site Map for Smart Knit Crocheting: Complete Site Index of All Pages

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This Site Map displays links to every page of Smart-Knit-Crocheting.com for easy access to every blog post, tutorial and free pattern available.

Continue reading "Site Map for Smart Knit Crocheting: Complete Site Index of All Pages"

Jan 25, 2023

Free Seed Stitch Knit Dishcloth or Face Wash Cloth

Seeds and Tweeds Dishcloth

This free seed stitch knit dishcloth uses only knit and purl stitches and is a perfect beginner-friendly knit project for anyone just learning to knit.

Continue reading "Free Seed Stitch Knit Dishcloth or Face Wash Cloth"

Jan 25, 2023

Knitting Supplies: Detailed List of Products for the Beginner Knitter

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This knitting supplies list is not exhaustive, but include those essentials that all new knitters should have on hand for a successful start.

Continue reading "Knitting Supplies: Detailed List of Products for the Beginner Knitter"

Jan 25, 2023

Common Knitting Terms and Abbreviations Used in Patterns Explained

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These knitting terms and abbreviations are the most common ones found in knitting patterns; abbreviations and explanations.

Continue reading "Common Knitting Terms and Abbreviations Used in Patterns Explained"

Jan 25, 2023

How to read knitting patterns for the Beginner: Step by Step Guide

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If you need help with reading knitting patterns, here's your guide. This is meant as a basic or beginner guide to reading knitting instructions.

Continue reading "How to read knitting patterns for the Beginner: Step by Step Guide "

Jan 09, 2023

Free Knit Sand Stitch Dishcloth: Ultra Beginner Friendly Pattern

The knit sand stitch, right side knitted in a green, 100% cotton

This free knit sand stitch dishcloth uses knits and purls with a two-row repeat to create a lovely texture that is not reversible, but pretty on both sides.

Continue reading "Free Knit Sand Stitch Dishcloth: Ultra Beginner Friendly Pattern"

Jan 06, 2023

Garter Stitch Dishcloth Patterns: 4 Beginner-Friendly Free Designs

garter stitch dishcloths, 5 different free beginner friendly patterns

These garter stitch dishcloth patterns are beginner-friendly and are free for your personal use. Learn how create these cloths by made by knit stitches.

Continue reading "Garter Stitch Dishcloth Patterns: 4 Beginner-Friendly Free Designs"

Dec 20, 2022

How to Make the Knit Hurdle Stitch: Beginner-friendly, Tutorial

The knit hurdle stitch is a beginner friendly knitting stitch that uses only knit and crochet stitches

The knit hurdle stitch is an easy beginner-friendly knit pattern that resembles a rib stitch and is created with knit and purl stitches

Continue reading "How to Make the Knit Hurdle Stitch: Beginner-friendly, Tutorial"

Dec 20, 2022

Knitting Stitches for Beginners: Complete Tutorials

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These easy knitting stitches for beginners include all the basic stitch patterns with links to detailed tutorials, pictures and instructions.

Continue reading "Knitting Stitches for Beginners: Complete Tutorials"

Dec 20, 2022

Knit and Purl Stitches: How to Make Them, What to Do With Them

A swatch of the knit bamboo stitch showing the right or public side of the fabric

Knit and Purl stitches are the basis of all knit designs and any beginner can master them, but what can you do with them? Find out how useful these stitches are.

Continue reading "Knit and Purl Stitches: How to Make Them, What to Do With Them"

Dec 20, 2022

How to Knit. Basic Techniques and Video Tutorials.

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How to knit basic knitting stitches? The best way to learn to knit them is the set of comprehensive videos.

Continue reading "How to Knit. Basic Techniques and Video Tutorials."

Dec 20, 2022

Knitting Rib Stitches: How to Knit Rib Stitches and Make Them Pop

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Knitting rib stitches is one of those beginner skills that most knitters can master. This tutorial walls you through the process. Tips to master the rib.

Continue reading "Knitting Rib Stitches: How to Knit Rib Stitches and Make Them Pop"

Dec 20, 2022

Crochet in Rounds Using Printed Crochet Charts: How To

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When a crochet in rounds pattern is pretty intricate, it is not easy to describe it in words. Crochet charts help you to visualize pattern. How to read charts?

Continue reading "Crochet in Rounds Using Printed Crochet Charts: How To"

Dec 20, 2022

Crochet in the Round for Beginners: Tutorials, Tips, and Free Patterns

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Crochet in the round for crochet beginners- Learn how to crochet the rounds so you can create beautiful coasters, trivets, hats, even complex wearables

Continue reading "Crochet in the Round for Beginners: Tutorials, Tips, and Free Patterns"

Dec 19, 2022

Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth: Free Pattern

Knitted Rice Stitch dishcloth draped over a kitchen sink

This beginner-friendly knit rice stitch facecloth can also be turned into a dishcloth or square placemat. It's completely free with photos and tutorials.

Continue reading "Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth: Free Pattern"

Dec 19, 2022

How to Make the Knit Rice Stitch: Tutorials and Project Ideas

knitted rice stitch worked in orange cotton yarn, on needles

This tutorial explains how to make the knit rice stitch and includes photos and step by step instructions. Project ideas are also included.

Continue reading "How to Make the Knit Rice Stitch: Tutorials and Project Ideas"

Dec 15, 2022

Crochet Terms and Abbreviations With Free Download Cheat Sheet

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Crochet Terms and Abbreviations is an extensive list of all that crochet vocabulary that experienced crocheters know but beginners struggle with. Free Download

Continue reading "Crochet Terms and Abbreviations With Free Download Cheat Sheet"

Dec 12, 2022

How to Make the Beginner-Friendly Bamboo Knit Stitch: Step-by-Step

Bamboo stitch showing right side of fabric

Here is a complete tutorial on how to make the beginner-friendly bamboo knit stitch with tips and photographs

Continue reading "How to Make the Beginner-Friendly Bamboo Knit Stitch: Step-by-Step "

Dec 12, 2022

Beginner Friendly Knit Bamboo Dishcloth: Free Pattern

Bamboo Knit Stitch Dishcloth Free beginner-friendly pattern

This easy beginner friendly knit bamboo dishcloth uses knit and purl stitches and works up quickly for a last minute gift. Get the free pattern.

Continue reading "Beginner Friendly Knit Bamboo Dishcloth: Free Pattern"

Dec 10, 2022

Andalusian Knit Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner Friendly Project - Free

Andalusian Knit Stitch Dishcloth

Try this free, beginner-friendly Andalusian Knit Stitch Dishcloth pattern which is super fast to make, then whip a couple up for anyone on your list.

Continue reading "Andalusian Knit Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner Friendly Project - Free"

Dec 10, 2022

Old World Garter Square Dishcloth Pattern: Free and Beginner Friendly

garter stitch knit facecloth shown in pink, blue and white yarn

This old world garter square dishcloth pattern is free and beginner friendly. if you can make the knit stitch and yarnovers you can make this handy dishcloth

Continue reading "Old World Garter Square Dishcloth Pattern: Free and Beginner Friendly "

Dec 01, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Knit Crochet Life

organize your yarn and supplies

How do you organize your knit crochet life? Here's a six step process for getting all of your stuff organized and readily available for use whenever you need it

Continue reading "The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Knit Crochet Life"

Dec 01, 2022

Basic Granny Square

Row 1 chain 4 Join with a slip stitch Row 2 chain 3 ( this counts as the first double crochet) , 2 double crochet* 3 double crochet into the ring chain

Continue reading "Basic Granny Square"

Dec 01, 2022

Crochet Butterfly Applique

Pink Crochet Butterflies

You can use any size of hook desired. The larger the hook the larger the butterfly will be. Any kind of yarn can be used for this project. Row 1 With

Continue reading "Crochet Butterfly Applique"

Dec 01, 2022

Beginner-Friendly Knit Hat

Continue working until the total length measures 6.5 to 7.5 inches.

With 3.5 mm circular knitting needles cast on 80 stitches. Work in a knit 1 purl 1 stitch until back at the beginning of the row and join together on

Continue reading "Beginner-Friendly Knit Hat"

Nov 29, 2022

Granny Square Headband -- Free Beginner Friendly-Pattern

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This Granny square headband is super easy and perfect for beginners. It works up fast so if you need a quick, last minute gift for someone, this would be ideal.

Continue reading "Granny Square Headband -- Free Beginner Friendly-Pattern"

Nov 28, 2022

How to Make Crochet Stitches: Beginner Friendly Stitches

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Learn how to make basic crochet stitches and those just slightly more advanced with straightforward instructions, photographs and video tutorials.

Continue reading "How to Make Crochet Stitches: Beginner Friendly Stitches "

Nov 28, 2022

How to Knit Even Stitches: Tips for Solving Knitting Tension Problems

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Learn how to knit even stitches by getting the tension right. Whether you knit loose or tight, there are ways to make each stitch look great.

Continue reading "How to Knit Even Stitches: Tips for Solving Knitting Tension Problems"

Nov 28, 2022

How to crochet - Tips and Tutorials to Get You Started

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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 "

Nov 28, 2022

How to Join Crochet Motifs: Beginner-Friendly Tips and Tutorials

Crochet motifs joined to each other still don't look the way you like? This problem can be solved. Find out how.

Continue reading "How to Join Crochet Motifs: Beginner-Friendly Tips and Tutorials"

Nov 28, 2022

How to Crochet Doilies: Three Timeless Techniques Still Popular Today

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Lace Crochet Doilies are beautiful and can be used and displayed in many ways. To make them, you will need to learn at least one if not three methods.

Continue reading "How to Crochet Doilies: Three Timeless Techniques Still Popular Today"

Nov 28, 2022

Crochet Crab Stitch: Uses and How to Instructions

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Crab stitch is just a single crochet stitch, but instead of right to left it should be worked from left to right. How to make this decorative edging.

Continue reading "Crochet Crab Stitch: Uses and How to Instructions"

Nov 13, 2022

Free Waffle Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner-friendly Knit Pattern

Here's our free waffle stitch dishcloth pattern for beginners, it makes a great gift or keep it to shine your dishes or choose a soft cotton and make a facecloth

Continue reading "Free Waffle Stitch Dishcloth, Beginner-friendly Knit Pattern"

Nov 13, 2022

How to Knit the Andalusian Stitch

Andalusian Knit Stitch Worked in a Cream color yarn

Knit the andalusian stitch, a very easy, beginner-friendly stitch that is great for a wide variety of projects, scarves, hats, mittens and household accessories

Continue reading "How to Knit the Andalusian Stitch"

Nov 11, 2022

How to Knit a Scarf: Ideas for Yarn, Stitch Count, Type of Yarn

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To learn how to knit a scarf is easy. It is one of the simplest projects. But even simple technique can bring glamorous results.

Continue reading "How to Knit a Scarf: Ideas for Yarn, Stitch Count, Type of Yarn"