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, 2024

25 Easy and Free Crochet Poncho Patterns

Here's 25 easy and free crochet poncho patterns to keep you warm and add style to your wardrobe.

Continue reading "25 Easy and Free Crochet Poncho Patterns "

Sep 17, 2024

Jacob's Ladder Crochet Stitch: Guide for Beginners

The Jacob's Ladder Crochet Stitch creates a rich textured fabric that looks hard, but really is not. Step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "Jacob's Ladder Crochet Stitch: Guide for Beginners"

Sep 16, 2024

Wool Knitting Yarn: Pros and Cons for Knitting and Crochet

The best natural fiber for knitting is Wool Knitting Yarn - soft, durable easy to use, and oh, so warm. What are the pros and cons of using it for crafts?

Continue reading "Wool Knitting Yarn: Pros and Cons for Knitting and Crochet"

Sep 16, 2024

Knit Hand Mitts: Super Easy, Beginner Project Free Pattern

These knit hand mitts will keep your hands toasty warm but allow you to text or use your fingers freely. This free pattern is a beginner project -super easy.

Continue reading "Knit Hand Mitts: Super Easy, Beginner Project Free Pattern"

Sep 16, 2024

Blocking Knitting Projects: Beginner's Guide to Success

Blocking knitting projects can add a touch of professionalism and is essential if you want a polished finish. There are three ways to do this properly.

Continue reading "Blocking Knitting Projects: Beginner's Guide to Success"

Sep 16, 2024

21 Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations for Beginners

Here's 21 half double crochet stitch variations for beginners to try, all easy to master, and each creates a different textured fabric useful to many projects.

Continue reading "21 Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations for Beginners"

Sep 16, 2024

Exploring the Types of Crochet Stitches: A Comprehensive Guide

There are hundreds of different types of crochet stitches. This growing collect includes beginner-friendly to advanced stitches.

Continue reading "Exploring the Types of Crochet Stitches: A Comprehensive Guide"

Sep 16, 2024

Half-Double Crochet Spike Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The half-double crochet spike stitch is a beginner friendly stitch that adds interest and texture to your fabric. Learn how.

Continue reading "Half-Double Crochet Spike Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Sep 15, 2024

Tunisian Simple Stitch: Beginner-friendly Introduction & Tutorial

Tunisian simple stitchcrochet, despite its name, didn't originate in Tunisia. Learn the background and how to make this stitch.

Continue reading "Tunisian Simple Stitch: Beginner-friendly Introduction & Tutorial"

Sep 14, 2024

Free Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns For Those New to Crocheting

These easy beginner crochet patterns are for anyone who is new to crocheting but are so fast and easy that those advanced crocheters will love them too.

Continue reading "Free Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns For Those New to Crocheting"

Sep 14, 2024

Crochet Toilet Paper Cover: Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern

This crochet toilet paper cover makes an ideal gift or a useful addition to your bathroom. It's easy and quick and requires only single and crochet stitches.

Continue reading "Crochet Toilet Paper Cover: Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern"

Sep 13, 2024

Double Crochet Mesh Stitch Tutorial for Beginners

The double crochet mesh stitch is a beginner-friendly reversible pattern created with just chains and double crochet stitches

Continue reading "Double Crochet Mesh Stitch Tutorial for Beginners"

Sep 12, 2024

Crochet in the Round for Beginners: Tips & Tutorials

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: Tips & Tutorials"

Sep 11, 2024

Knit Dog Sweater Pattern: Free Beginner-Friendly Knit Patterns

For Beginner Knitters, here are 6 Knit Dog Sweater Patterns with instructions on how to measure and begin your project for that perfect fit.

Continue reading "Knit Dog Sweater Pattern: Free Beginner-Friendly Knit Patterns"

Sep 11, 2024

Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns: How To

Discover the possibilities with slip stitch knitting patterns. Tips, techniques and tutorials for adding knit slip stitch patterns to your skills

Continue reading "Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns: How To"

Sep 11, 2024

The Stockinette Stitch: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

The stockinette stitch is one of the basic knitting stitch patterns that beginners learn, but there are more than one way to do it.

Continue reading "The Stockinette Stitch: Beginner-friendly Tutorial"

Sep 11, 2024

Is Superwash Wool Yarn a Must-Have for Your Next Project?

Have you worked with superwash wool yarn? Superwash wool yarn is a type of yarn that has been treated to be machine-washable without shrinking or felting.

Continue reading "Is Superwash Wool Yarn a Must-Have for Your Next Project?"

Sep 11, 2024

What is kfb in knitting? Knit the Front and Back Increase

Wondering what is kfb in knitting? This is an easy increase meaning, :knit, front and back. Learn how to do this with picture tutorials, and tips for beginners

Continue reading "What is kfb in knitting? Knit the Front and Back Increase"

Sep 09, 2024

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

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 09, 2024

Crochet Waffle Stitch: Beginner Step by Step Photo Tutorial

The crochet waffle stitch is an easy beginner friendly stitch that creates a richly textured fabric great for a wide variety of projects.

Continue reading "Crochet Waffle Stitch: Beginner Step by Step Photo Tutorial"

Sep 09, 2024

Crochet V Stitch: Tips and Tutorial Plus Free Pattern With the V

The Crochet V stitch is an easy beginner stitch that creates a lovely pattern that can be incorporated into many different patterns, washcloths, scarves, etc.

Continue reading "Crochet V Stitch: Tips and Tutorial Plus Free Pattern With the V"

Sep 09, 2024

From Coloring Pages to Crochet: Translating Designs into Yarn Art

From coloring pages to crochet is another way to find inspiration for your next creative project. Find out how to use coloring pages for crocheting.

Continue reading "From Coloring Pages to Crochet: Translating Designs into Yarn Art"

Sep 08, 2024

Feather and Fan Knitting Pattern: Tutorial, Tips, Ideas

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"

Sep 07, 2024

Old Shale Knit Pattern (Old Shell) Tutorial for Beginners

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"

Sep 07, 2024

SKP Knitting: How to Knit this Left-leaning Decrease

A common abbreviation, SKP knitting stands for Slip one stitch, knit one stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch.

Continue reading "SKP Knitting: How to Knit this Left-leaning Decrease"

Sep 06, 2024

Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet: Tutorial and Free Pattern

The lemon peel stitch crochet is a lovely textured stitch that is easy to make with only two crochet stitches: single and double crochets.

Continue reading "Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet: Tutorial and Free Pattern"

Sep 05, 2024

Crochet Bean Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

The crochet bean stitch creates a lovely textured fabric that appears as a zigzag puff stitch. Learn how tto make this easy, beginner-friendly stitch.

Continue reading "Crochet Bean Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners"

Aug 28, 2024

29 Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try

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

Continue reading "29 Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns You Must Try"

Aug 28, 2024

Project Bags for Knitting: Find the Perfect Bag for Your WIPs

What makes the best project bags for knitting? What works best for you: Clear totebags, expensive totes, backpacks, old purses? What works?

Continue reading "Project Bags for Knitting: Find the Perfect Bag for Your WIPs"

Aug 28, 2024

How to Make the Pique Knit Stitch Pattern

The pique knit stitch pattern is an interesting textured rib stitch that is beginner-friendly and can be made with just knit and purl stitches. Tutorial

Continue reading "How to Make the Pique Knit Stitch Pattern "

Aug 28, 2024

Mistake Rib Stitch Pattern: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The mistake rib stitch pattern is a highly textured variation of the 2x2 rib pattern. It's easy and beginner-friendly. Learn how to create this stitch.

Continue reading "Mistake Rib Stitch Pattern: Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Aug 28, 2024

Common Knitting Terms and Abbreviations, Explained

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"

Aug 28, 2024

Knitting Supplies: List of Products for the Beginner Knitter

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"

Aug 28, 2024

How to read knitting patterns for the Beginner

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"

Aug 28, 2024

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

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: Keep Your Vacation Care Free"

Aug 28, 2024

Understanding Knitting Instructions: How to Read Patterns

How to Understand knitting Instructions including the anatomy of a knit pattern and how to understand each part so you can confidently create a lovely project.

Continue reading "Understanding Knitting Instructions: How to Read Patterns"

Aug 28, 2024

Knitting Edge Stitches Neatly: Tips for Making Stitches Even

Knitting edge stitches that look lovely is often a challenge for some knitters Here are some methods that will improve your tension.

Continue reading "Knitting Edge Stitches Neatly: Tips for Making Stitches Even"

Aug 28, 2024

How to Knit Even Stitches: Tips for Solving Tension Problems

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 Tension Problems"

Aug 26, 2024

25 Free Crochet Bandana Patterns for Beginners

Here 25 free crochet bandana patterns for beginners. Patterns for people (adults and children) and your favorite fur babies.

Continue reading "25 Free Crochet Bandana Patterns for Beginners"

Aug 24, 2024

23 Knitting Rib Stitches: Plus Tips and Tutorals

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 "23 Knitting Rib Stitches: Plus Tips and Tutorals"

Aug 24, 2024

How to Knit 2 x 2 Ribbing Stitch: Complete Tutorial for Beginners

The 2 x 2 ribbing stitch is a knitting pattern that creates a stretchy fabric with vertical columns of knit and purl stitches. Complete tutorial.

Continue reading "How to Knit 2 x 2 Ribbing Stitch: Complete Tutorial for Beginners"

Aug 24, 2024

Crochet Bobble Stitch: A Beginner's Guide to this Textured Stitch

The crochet bobble stitch is a way to add texture and dimension to your crochet projects. Learn how to make this beginner-friendly stitch.

Continue reading "Crochet Bobble Stitch: A Beginner's Guide to this Textured Stitch"

Aug 20, 2024

How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch: A Beginner's Tutorial

When you crochet the popcorn stitch, you are making a highly textured stitch that is beautiful and useful for many projects.

Continue reading "How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch: A Beginner's Tutorial"

Aug 17, 2024

Tapestry Crochet: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Colorful Designs

Tapestry Crochet is an easy way to add color to your crochet designs without the need to learn Fair Isle or Intarsia. Tips and Pattern

Continue reading "Tapestry Crochet: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Colorful Designs "

Aug 15, 2024

Lace Knitting Stitches: Easy Lace and Eyelet Patterns

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 15, 2024

Straight Lace Knitting Stitch: Tutorial for those New to Knitting

The straight lace knitting stitch is an easy lace stitch that is open, airy and has a wonderful drape. Learn this one-row repeat pattern.

Continue reading "Straight Lace Knitting Stitch: Tutorial for those New to Knitting"

Aug 14, 2024

Staggered Half-Double Crochet Pairs: A Unique Textured Stitch

Staggered half-double crochet pairs create a beautiful, textured fabric with a unique geometric pattern. An easy, beginner-friendly stitch.

Continue reading "Staggered Half-Double Crochet Pairs: A Unique Textured Stitch "

Aug 14, 2024

Crossed Half-Double Crochet Stitch: A Beginner's Guide

The crossed half-double crochet stitch (XHDC) is beautiful and versatile. It adds texture and interest and creates a thick and slightly stretchy fabric.

Continue reading "Crossed Half-Double Crochet Stitch: A Beginner's Guide"

Aug 14, 2024

Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch and Ribbing Tutorial

The half double crochet slip stitch produces a thick textured fabric that is easy to make even for the beginner. Tutorial & Free Pattern

Continue reading "Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch and Ribbing Tutorial"

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

Most Popular Pages

How to Crochet the Second Row

How to Crochet the Second Row of Crochet

Dog Sweater Patterns

Free Dog Sweater Patterns to Knit

Working with Alpaca Yarn

Guide to Alpaca Yarn

Free eBooks, Just for You

Get my beginner eBook guides to Knitting and Crocheting, just for signing up for my monthly newsletter.

Choose one or both when you sign up.  

Email

I am at least 16 years of age.

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

I understand that you will use my information to send me a newsletter.

Subscribe