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.

Oct 21, 2025

How Crocheting Can Enhance Mental Clarity

A sample of crochet showing hook and varigated yarn.

See how crocheting can enhance mental clarity

Continue reading "How Crocheting Can Enhance Mental Clarity"

Oct 17, 2025

Double Basket Stitch Knitting Pattern (18-Row Repeat)

A swatch of the double basket stitch worked in pink yarn.

Learn how to knit the Double Basket Stitch with this 18-row repeat pattern, and just knit and purl stitches.

Continue reading "Double Basket Stitch Knitting Pattern (18-Row Repeat)"

Oct 17, 2025

Knit Cut Diagonals Stitch Pattern – Easy Textured Diagonal Knit Design

A swatch of the cut diagonals worked in purple

Learn how to knit the Cut Diagonals Stitch — a striking 12-row textured pattern made with simple knits and purls. Perfect for dishcloths, scarves, and blankets. Includes tips and FAQ.

Continue reading "Knit Cut Diagonals Stitch Pattern – Easy Textured Diagonal Knit Design"

Oct 17, 2025

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

A collage of small knit and purl stitch swatches

Knit & 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 "58 Knit and Purl Stitches: How to Make Them, What to Do With Them"

Oct 17, 2025

Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try

Sampler of reversible knit stitch patterns creating a pin image

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

Continue reading "Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try"

Oct 12, 2025

Free Knit Sand Stitch Dishcloth: Ultra Beginner Friendly Pattern

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

Free knit sand stitch dishcloth pattern for beginners! Includes materials, easy row-by-row instructions, and photos of both sides of the fabric.

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

Oct 12, 2025

How to Crochet the Parquet Stitch and Free Beginner Pattern

Crochet parquet stitch worked in varigated worsted weight yarn.

Learn how to crochet the parquet stitch (step-by-step) beginner friendly tutorial along with a free easy crochet pattern for a parquet stitch dishcloth.

Continue reading "How to Crochet the Parquet Stitch and Free Beginner Pattern"

Oct 11, 2025

Easy Crochet Pumpkin Dishcloth: Free Pattern

crochet-pumpkin-dishcloth.jpg

Need a quick easy crochet pumpkin dishcloth for a hostess gift this holiday season? Here's a free pattern that only requires you to know the double crochet stitch.

Continue reading "Easy Crochet Pumpkin Dishcloth: Free Pattern"

Oct 09, 2025

Diagonal Spiral Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Free Knitting Tutorial

A swatched worked in the diagonal spiral rib knit stitch

Learn how to knit the Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch with this step-by-step pattern, written + in-the-round instructions, Tips and Tutorials

Continue reading "Diagonal Spiral Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Free Knitting Tutorial"

Oct 09, 2025

Magic Loop Knitting: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The set up steps for making the magic loop knitting

Magic loop knitting is a technique to allow you to work in the round on small diameter projects like socks and mittens. Step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "Magic Loop Knitting: Step-by-Step Tutorial "

Oct 09, 2025

Best Cleaner for Wool: Safe Detergents & Washing Guide (2025)

A woman is washing a wool sweater in a wash bowl

Discover the best cleaners for wool, from mild shampoo to specialty detergents. Step-by-step washing, drying and tips keep sweaters soft without shrinking.

Continue reading "Best Cleaner for Wool: Safe Detergents & Washing Guide (2025)"

Oct 08, 2025

How to Knit for Beginners: Step-by-Step Lessons & Easy Projects

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: Step-by-Step Lessons & Easy Projects "

Oct 07, 2025

How to Knit One Below (K1B) – Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial with Photos

Photo showing where to place the knitting needle when making the Fisherman's Rib (K1B)

Learn how to knit one below (K1B) with this beginner-friendly guide. Includes photos, comparisons to brioche, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

Continue reading "How to Knit One Below (K1B) – Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial with Photos"

Oct 06, 2025

Lace Knitting Stitch Patterns for Beginners

Beginners will love these lace knitting stitch patterns for their beautiful design and ease of knitting.

Continue reading "Lace Knitting Stitch Patterns for Beginners"

Oct 05, 2025

How to Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog) Step-by-Step Tutorial

A triangular shaped swatch of single crochet showing how decreases might appear.

Learn how to do a single crochet decrease (sc2tog) with this clear step-by-step tutorial for beginners. Includes written instructions, practice swatch, tips, and more.

Continue reading "How to Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog) Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Oct 05, 2025

Knitting Blankets for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide + Free Patterns

A pile of four knit blankets in various yarns and colors

New to knitting? Follow this beginner-friendly blanket tutorial with simple stitches, materials list, and easy free patterns to get started.

Continue reading "Knitting Blankets for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide + Free Patterns"

Oct 04, 2025

Knitting Cast On Methods: 7 Beginner-Friendly Methods

German twisted cast on on needles

There are many knitting cast on methods, but this article will focus on the three most basic methods that all knitters use regularly.

Continue reading "Knitting Cast On Methods: 7 Beginner-Friendly Methods"

Oct 03, 2025

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 reversible knitting pattern that twists traditional ribs into a diagonal texture. Great for blankets, sweaters, and accessories.

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

Oct 03, 2025

Chevron Rib Stitch: Reversible Knitting Pattern + Tutorial

The Chevron rib stitch swatch worked in orange

Learn how to knit the Chevron Rib Stitch — a reversible rib pattern with a subtle zigzag design. Perfect for scarves, cowls, and textured knit projects.

Continue reading "Chevron Rib Stitch: Reversible Knitting Pattern + Tutorial"

Sep 29, 2025

Knitting a Scarf for Beginners: Two Free Patterns For You

Learn to knit your first scarf with two easy patterns, a no-math cast-on calculator, width x weight chart, edge options, and quick fixes for beginners.

Continue reading "Knitting a Scarf for Beginners: Two Free Patterns For You"

Sep 26, 2025

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"

Sep 25, 2025

Mattress Stitch in Knitting – Easy Invisible Seam Guide

The mattress stitch has been pulled tight

Learn how to do mattress stitch in knitting for invisible, professional seams. Step-by-step photo tutorial with tips for stockinette, garter, and ribbing.

Continue reading "Mattress Stitch in Knitting – Easy Invisible Seam Guide"

Sep 25, 2025

Best Yarn for Beginning Knitters (Top 8 Picks + Easy Tips)

straight-knitting-needles.jpg

See the best yarns for beginning knitters: Easy, non-splitting picks in worsted weight wool, acrylic & blends, plus needle sizes & beginner tips.

Continue reading "Best Yarn for Beginning Knitters (Top 8 Picks + Easy Tips)"

Sep 25, 2025

Crochet V Stitch Variations: Tips, Tutorials, Ideas

crochet-v-stitch-washcloth.jpg

Here's some Crochet V Stitch Variations for you to try all using similar but different techniques. Directions and Patterns for 12 washcloths.

Continue reading "Crochet V Stitch Variations: Tips, Tutorials, Ideas"

Sep 23, 2025

Grandmacore: Cozy Crafting & Nostalgic Living in 2025

An older person is crocheting

Discover Grandmacore, a lifestyle rooted in cozy crafts, handmade traditions, and nostalgic memories of knitting, crochet, and home comfort.

Continue reading "Grandmacore: Cozy Crafting & Nostalgic Living in 2025"

Sep 21, 2025

What Is a Skein of Yarn? Beginner’s Guide with Tips & Brands

Assortment of skeins of yarn in a variety of colors

Learn what a skein of yarn is, how it differs from a ball or hank, tips for finding the center pull, fixing yarn barf, and brands that make pull skeins.

Continue reading "What Is a Skein of Yarn? Beginner’s Guide with Tips & Brands"

Sep 19, 2025

Eco-Friendly Knitting for Beginners: A 2025 Guide

An assortment of different colors and textures of yarn.l

Discover eco-friendly knitting with sustainable yarns, zero-waste tips, and beginner projects that align with slow living and the Grandmacore trend.

Continue reading "Eco-Friendly Knitting for Beginners: A 2025 Guide"

Sep 07, 2025

Waved Welt Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

Waved Welt Knit Stitch worked in green color acrylic yarn

The waved welt knit stitch produces a textured fabric that resembles waves or ripples and is created entirely of knit and purl stitches. Tutorial and tips

Continue reading "Waved Welt Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Sep 07, 2025

Knitting Cable Stitches for Beginners: Library of Stitches

A collage of knit cable stitch patterns

Library of Knitting Cable Stitches for Beginners with complete step-by-step instructions, tips, photos, and troubleshooting

Continue reading "Knitting Cable Stitches for Beginners: Library of Stitches"

Sep 05, 2025

Common Knitting Terms and Abbreviations, Explained with Free PDF

knitting-begin.jpg

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

Continue reading "Common Knitting Terms and Abbreviations, Explained with Free PDF"

Sep 05, 2025

Knit Hurdle Stitch: Beginner-friendly, Tutorial and Free Pattern

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 "Knit Hurdle Stitch: Beginner-friendly, Tutorial and Free Pattern"

Sep 04, 2025

Double Stockinette Stitch Tutorial for Beginners

Swatch of the double stockinette stitch pattern in blue

The double stockinette stitch is a reversible way to work the stockinette stitch that lays flat and perfect for any project needed a reversible pattern.

Continue reading "Double Stockinette Stitch Tutorial for Beginners"

Aug 16, 2025

Horseshoe Cable Stitch with Garter Border – Free Knitting Tutorial

Swatch of the Knitted Horseshoe Cable Stitch Pattern, worked in pink yarn

Learn how to knit the Horseshoe Cable Stitch with a garter stitch border. Includes step-by-step instructions for flat and in-the-round knitting, tips, and FAQs.

Continue reading "Horseshoe Cable Stitch with Garter Border – Free Knitting Tutorial"

Aug 16, 2025

How to Knit the Honeycomb Cable Stitch

A swatch of the honeycomb cable worked in blue yarn

The Honeycomb cable stitch looks more complicated than it is. Learn how it's made with simple photo tutorials, faq, and project ideas

Continue reading "How to Knit the Honeycomb Cable Stitch"

Aug 16, 2025

How to Knit a Right-Leaning 2/2 Cable (2/2RC or C4B)

A cable swatch worked in the pattern of four stitches that lean to the right

Learn how to knit C4B (Cable 4 Back), also called 2/2 RC. Step-by-step instructions, tips, and alternate names for this easy right-leaning cable stitch.

Continue reading "How to Knit a Right-Leaning 2/2 Cable (2/2RC or C4B)"

Aug 13, 2025

How to Knit the Open Honeycomb Stitch: Easy Lace Pattern Tutorial

The right side showing of the open honeycomb stitch

Learn how to knit the Open Honeycomb Stitch with our step-by-step guide, tips, and FAQs. Perfect for scarves, shawls, and lightweight lace projects.

Continue reading "How to Knit the Open Honeycomb Stitch: Easy Lace Pattern Tutorial"

Aug 13, 2025

Lace Knitting Stitches: Easy Lace and Eyelet Patterns

A swatch worked in cream color yarn of a simple lace design

Lace knitting stitches may seem beyond the scope of beginning knitters' abilities, but many are easy and can be tackled by any novice. Tutorial.

Continue reading "Lace Knitting Stitches: Easy Lace and Eyelet Patterns"

Aug 13, 2025

How to knit the Double Fleck Stitch Pattern: Step-by-step Tutorial

Right side showing of a knitted  swatch of the double fleck stitch worked in yellow yarn.

Learn to knit the easy double fleck knit stitch with step-by-step instructions. This is a beautiful textured design especially for beginners.

Continue reading "How to knit the Double Fleck Stitch Pattern: Step-by-step Tutorial"

Aug 13, 2025

Seed Stitch Chevron Knitting Pattern (Free Instructions)

A knitted swatch of the diagnonal seed stitch pattern worked in yellow

Learn how to knit the Seed Stitch Chevron Pattern with step-by-step instructions. Great for scarves, blankets, and textured projects. Free and reversible!

Continue reading "Seed Stitch Chevron Knitting Pattern (Free Instructions)"

Aug 10, 2025

Smart Knit Crocheting Signature Patterns: Our Favorites

Alpaca logo Signature Pattern

The Smart Knit Crocheting Signature Patterns is a collection of all original knit and crochet patterns found on this site.

Continue reading "Smart Knit Crocheting Signature Patterns: Our Favorites"