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.

Apr 13, 2026

Smart Knit Crocheting – Knitting & Crochet Tutorials for Beginners

Balls of white yarn, needles and work on a blue background

Clear, beginner-friendly knitting and crochet tutorials, stitch dictionaries, free patterns, and yarn/tool guides—learn the smart way.

Continue reading "Smart Knit Crocheting – Knitting & Crochet Tutorials for Beginners"

Apr 13, 2026

How to Knit for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

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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 (Step-by-Step Guide)"

Apr 13, 2026

Color Theory for Knitting and Crocheting Projects: How to

yarn shop showing shelves of yarns

Using color theory for knitting and crocheting can be very helpful in picking the right colors for your next project. Learn what works and chose colors you love

Continue reading "Color Theory for Knitting and Crocheting Projects: How to"

Apr 13, 2026

Mosaic Knitting - an Easy Alternative of Fair Isle Knitting.

A mosaic knitting chart marked up to allow viewers to understand how to read it.

Mosaic knitting is one of a few knitting techniques which gives so many variations of patterns to choose from. Design colorful knitwear in easiest way.

Continue reading "Mosaic Knitting - an Easy Alternative of Fair Isle Knitting."

Apr 13, 2026

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 "

Apr 12, 2026

Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

A swatch of the knit parallelogram knit stitch pattern worked in pink showing right side

Learn how to knit the Parallelogram Stitch with this beginner-friendly, textured 16-row repeat pattern. Includes tips, photos, chart, and project ideas.

Continue reading "Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Apr 11, 2026

Crochet Accessories: What's in Your Tool Box?

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Crochet accessories don't stop with yarn and a hook. There is a wide variety of supplies and tools that will make your crochet projects so much easier

Continue reading "Crochet Accessories: What's in Your Tool Box?"

Apr 11, 2026

17 Best Crochet Books for Beginners and Beyond

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My Recommendations for the Best Crochet Books to check out: We include general guides, pattern books, stitch dictionaries

Continue reading "17 Best Crochet Books for Beginners and Beyond"

Apr 11, 2026

16 Knitting Mistakes Beginners Make: How to Fix Them

A person is seen knitting with gray yarn.

Many common knitting mistakes beginners make are easy to fix. Find out how.

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Apr 11, 2026

Knitting Supplies: List of Products for the Beginner Knitter

A selection of yarn balls in various colors and two knitting needles

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: List of Products for the Beginner Knitter"

Apr 03, 2026

Roman Knit Rib Stitch: Easy 8-Row Knit & Purl Pattern for Beginners

A knitted swatch of the Roman knit rib stitch shown in a beige color

Learn how to knit the Roman knit rib stitch with this easy beginner tutorial. Includes stitch multiple, 8-row repeat, written directions, chart, and a simple cup cozy pattern.

Continue reading "Roman Knit Rib Stitch: Easy 8-Row Knit & Purl Pattern for Beginners"

Mar 24, 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"

Mar 24, 2026

Wide Chevron Zig Zag Knit Stitch Pattern (Easy & Reversible)

The wrong side is showing of a swatch worked with the wide chevron zig zag stitch

Learn how to knit the wide chevron zig zag stitch with step-by-step instructions, charts, and beginner tips. This easy, reversible pattern is perfect for scarves, blankets, and more.

Continue reading "Wide Chevron Zig Zag Knit Stitch Pattern (Easy & Reversible)"

Mar 24, 2026

How to Knit the Close Check Stitch (Easy Reversible Pattern)

The close check washclorth worked in 100% cotton without a border.

Learn how to knit the close check stitch with written instructions, chart, tips, and project ideas. This easy knit and purl pattern is reversible and lies flat.

Continue reading "How to Knit the Close Check Stitch (Easy Reversible Pattern)"

Mar 24, 2026

Tumbling Moss Block Stitch Pattern for Beginners

The tumbling moss block in chart form

Tumbling Moss Block stitch uses knit and purl stitches repeating, to create a reversible fabric that can be worked flat and in the round.

Continue reading "Tumbling Moss Block Stitch Pattern for Beginners"

Mar 24, 2026

How to Knit the Simple Checker Stitch (Easy Reversible Pattern)

Instructions for working the simple checker stitch in chart form

Learn how to knit the simple checker stitch with written instructions, chart, tips, and in-the-round directions. This reversible knit & purl pattern lies flat.

Continue reading "How to Knit the Simple Checker Stitch (Easy Reversible Pattern)"

Mar 24, 2026

How to Knit the Shingle Stitch (Easy Textured Knit Pattern)

The shingle stitch instructions presented in a chart

Learn how to knit the shingle stitch with written instructions, chart, tips, and project ideas. This easy textured knit pattern is reversible and lies flat.

Continue reading "How to Knit the Shingle Stitch (Easy Textured Knit Pattern)"

Mar 20, 2026

How to Make a Slip Knot for Knitting (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

The complete slip knot for knitting held in fingers

Learn how to make a slip knot for knitting with clear photos and simple steps. Includes two easy methods and beginner tips for perfect cast-ons.

Continue reading "How to Make a Slip Knot for Knitting (Step-by-Step for Beginners)"

Mar 19, 2026

Knit Condo Stitch Pattern (Beginner Tutorial + Needle Tips)

The knit condo stitch shown on needles, worked in pink

Learn how to knit the condo stitch using two needle sizes. Beginner-friendly tutorial with photos, yarn tips, common mistakes, and project ideas.

Continue reading "Knit Condo Stitch Pattern (Beginner Tutorial + Needle Tips)"

Mar 19, 2026

Cartridge Belt Rib Stitch: Perfect for Those Who Hate to Purl

Cartridge Rib Knit Stitch Swatch

The cartridge belt rib stitch is a lovely textured knit stitch that is accomplished with knit and slip stitch stitches. Learn how.

Continue reading "Cartridge Belt Rib Stitch: Perfect for Those Who Hate to Purl"

Mar 17, 2026

Knit Waffle Stitch Pattern Tutorial for Beginners

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The knit waffle stitch pattern is a great choice for the beginner--easy to learn and remember and only uses two basic stitches.

Continue reading "Knit Waffle Stitch Pattern Tutorial for Beginners"

Mar 17, 2026

Thermal Knit Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners

Shown is the knit thermal stitch

The cozy thermal knit stitch pattern, is not only warm, it's beginner-friendly and easy to make if you know how to make knit and purl stitches.

Continue reading "Thermal Knit Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners"

Mar 17, 2026

Stamen Stitch Knitting Pattern (Beginner Tutorial + Chart)

The stamen knit stitch pattern still on needles worked in 100% pink wool.

Learn how to knit the stamen stitch with written instructions, photos, and a knitting chart. A beginner-friendly textured stitch perfect for dishcloths and home projects.

Continue reading "Stamen Stitch Knitting Pattern (Beginner Tutorial + Chart)"

Mar 17, 2026

Old Shale Knit Pattern (Old Shell) Tutorial for Beginners

A swatch of feathers and fan knit stitch pattern worked in cotton yarn

Old shale knit pattern (also called the old shell) is separate from the feathers and fan knit stitch. Learn how to make this lovely lace.

Continue reading "Old Shale Knit Pattern (Old Shell) Tutorial for Beginners"

Mar 17, 2026

Half-Linen Knit Stitch Pattern: Complete Tutorial for Beginners

Right side showing of the half linen knit stitch

The Half-Linen Knit Stitch Pattern is easy and beginner-friendly and is worked witth knit, purl, and slip stitches.It creates a thick woven fabric.

Continue reading "Half-Linen Knit Stitch Pattern: Complete Tutorial for Beginners"

Mar 17, 2026

Knit Grid Stitch Pattern: How to Make, Tips and Tutorials

The grid knit stitch pattern swatch worked in white shown with yarn and a pair of scissors

The knit grid stitch pattern is an easy beginner-friendly stitch pattern that uses knit and purl stitches to create a textured fabric useful for many projects

Continue reading "Knit Grid Stitch Pattern: How to Make, Tips and Tutorials"

Mar 17, 2026

Feather and Fan Knitting Pattern: Tutorial, Tips, Ideas

Close up view of the feather and fan knit stitch pattern

The traditional feather and fan knitting pattern is one of the first lace patterns new knitters can learn. The 4 row-repeat makes it ideal for many projects

Continue reading "Feather and Fan Knitting Pattern: Tutorial, Tips, Ideas"

Mar 17, 2026

Double Woven Knit Stitch: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

A swatch of the double woven knit stitch worked in a teal color

The double woven knit stitch is a slip stitch knitting pattern that is surprisingly easy. It's made with knit, purl and slip stitches

Continue reading "Double Woven Knit Stitch: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Mar 17, 2026

Double Alternate Andalou Stitch: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

A swatch of the double alternate andalou stitch worked in yellow

The double alternate andalou stitch is an easy, beginner-friendly pattern that uses only knits and purls and is worked over a four-row repeat.

Continue reading "Double Alternate Andalou Stitch: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Mar 17, 2026

Knit the Andalusian Stitch: Easy 4-Row Repeat

A swatch of the andalusian stitch worked in orange yarn and still on the needle

Knit the andalusian stitch in minutes: fast texture like stockinette, less curling, and clear rows 1–4 directions. Great for scarves, shawls, and dishcloths.

Continue reading "Knit the Andalusian Stitch: Easy 4-Row Repeat"

Mar 12, 2026

Pique Triangle Stitch: Easy Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

The pique triangle knit stitch is an easy pattern worked with just knits and purls and over a stitch multiple of 12 and a row repeat of 12.

Learn how to knit the Pique Triangle Stitch with written instructions, a chart, tips, and in-the-round directions for this easy reversible pattern.

Continue reading "Pique Triangle Stitch: Easy Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern"

Mar 12, 2026

Pennant Stitch: Beginner-friendly and Reversible Knit Stitch

The pennant knit stitch instructions represented in chart form with a key below the chart

The pennant stitch is a beginner-friendly knit stitch worked solely with knit and purl stitches and is reversible, making it a great choice for many projects.

Continue reading "Pennant Stitch: Beginner-friendly and Reversible Knit Stitch"

Mar 12, 2026

Diagonal Zig Zag Stitch: A Textured, Reversible Knit Stitch

Diagonal zig-zag knit stitch instructions represented in chart form

Knit the diagonal zig zag stitch, a reversible, highly textured beginner friendly 16-row repeat with a stitch multiple of 8.

Continue reading "Diagonal Zig Zag Stitch: A Textured, Reversible Knit Stitch"

Mar 12, 2026

Pythagorean Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy How-To Guide

A swatch of the pythagorean knit stitch pattern worked in blue wool.

Learn the Pythagorean knit stitch pattern with this beginner-ready tutorial. Step-by-step instructions, photos, and tips help you learn this textured stitch

Continue reading "Pythagorean Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy How-To Guide"

Mar 12, 2026

Simple Tips to Improve Your Knitting or Crocheting

How to Improve your knitting or crocheting

Simple ways to improve your knitting or crocheting through 13 tips that help beginners build skills, relax into the process, and enjoy each stitch.

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Mar 12, 2026

Basket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Texture

The right side showing of a swatch made with the basket rib knit stitch pattern

Learn the Basket Rib Knit Stitch with this easy-to-follow tutorial. Step-by-step instructions, abbreviations, skill level, and a swatch guide for knitters.

Continue reading "Basket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Texture "

Mar 12, 2026

Diagonal Rib Stitch: Easy Reversible Knitting Pattern

Right side showing of a swatch of the diagonal rib stitch worked in blue

Discover the Diagonal Rib Stitch, a textured, reversible pattern that twists traditional ribs into a diagonal texture.

Continue reading "Diagonal Rib Stitch: Easy Reversible Knitting Pattern"

Mar 12, 2026

Circular Knitting Basics and Beyond for All Levels

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Learn circular knitting with circular needles, DPNs, Magic Loop, and short circulars. A beginner-friendly guide to knitting in the round.

Continue reading "Circular Knitting Basics and Beyond for All Levels"