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 07, 2024

Learn to Knit for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

A project worked in red yarn shown with two human hands

Learn to knit for beginners offers a step by step guide to get you started on your adventure with a list of skills every beginner should know.

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

Mar 02, 2024

Knit Stamen Stitch Tutorial for Beginning Knitters

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

This knit stamen stitch tutorial explains step-by-step how to create this knit pattern and provides a free pattern to put it to use.

Continue reading "Knit Stamen Stitch Tutorial for Beginning Knitters"

Feb 17, 2024

How to Count Knitting Stitches and Rows

How to count stitches in stockinette stitch

To learn how to count knitting stitches and rows, you must first learn to recognize stitches. Learn the easiest way to count and keep track of your stitches.

Continue reading "How to Count Knitting Stitches and Rows"

Feb 16, 2024

How to Make a Slip Knot for Knitting

The complete slip knot for knitting held in fingers

The slip knot for knitting is the first step towards casting on stitches and is not difficult to make. Step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "How to Make a Slip Knot for Knitting"

Feb 16, 2024

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

stockinette-reverse350.jpg

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

Feb 16, 2024

Granite Lace Knitting Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

First of a five part tutorial on how to make the knit two together

The granite lace knitting stitch is a lovely lacy textured knit stitch that is beginner-friendly and perfect for blankets and scarves.

Continue reading "Granite Lace Knitting Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Feb 12, 2024

Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns: Discover How to Create Stunning Designs

Linen stitch knitting showing wrong side of fabric

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: Discover How to Create Stunning Designs"

Feb 12, 2024

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"

Feb 09, 2024

How to Make Crochet Stitches: Beginner Friendly Stitches

crochet-stitches-head.jpg

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 "

Feb 09, 2024

Crochet Crunch Stitch Pattern: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Free Pattern

A swatch of the crochet crunch stitch worked in olive green cotton yarn

The crochet crunch stitch pattern is an easy beginner-friendly stitch that is created with half double crochet and slip stitchs.

Continue reading "Crochet Crunch Stitch Pattern: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Free Pattern"

Feb 07, 2024

How to Increase in Knitting: Four Different Methods To Master

knit-increase-a-stitch.jpg

How to increase in knitting looks at the various ways to make increases in different stitch patterns with photos and written tutorials.

Continue reading "How to Increase in Knitting: Four Different Methods To Master"

Feb 07, 2024

Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

The seersucker knit stitch pattern worked in blue wool yarn

The seersucker knit stitch pattern is a lovely textured stitch that creates a fabric that has a puckered appearance and is created with knit and purl stitches.

Continue reading "Seersucker Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial"

Feb 03, 2024

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"

Jan 29, 2024

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

an example of knit front and back in the last row of ribbing before moving on to the stockinette stitch

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? Learn How to Knit the Front and Back Increase"

Jan 29, 2024

Knitted Waffle Stitch: Tutorials, Instructions and Free Pattern

waffle-stitch-closeup.jpg

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

Continue reading "Knitted Waffle Stitch: Tutorials, Instructions and Free Pattern"

Jan 27, 2024

Mistake Rib Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Tutorial

The Mistake rib knit chart worked in pink wool shown still on needles

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: Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Jan 27, 2024

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

rib-stitch-knitting-stretched.jpg

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

Jan 27, 2024

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

Garter rib stitch pattern on needles, worked in green yarn

The garter rib stitch pattern is a beginner-friendly textured knit pattern that is made with alternating columns of garter and stockinette stitches.

Continue reading "Garter Rib Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial"

Jan 27, 2024

Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: How to: Tips and Tutorials

Fisherman's rib knit stitch pattern worked in pink worsted weight yarn

The fisherman's rib knit stitch pattern is a classic rib stitch that is thicker than typical ribs and is reversible. Learn how to create it.

Continue reading "Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: How to: Tips and Tutorials"

Jan 27, 2024

Beaded Rib Stitch Knit: Complete tutorial and tips for success

A swatch of the beaded rib knit stitch pattern worked in a light gray acrylic yarn

The beaded rib stitch knit is a beautiful textured rib pattern that can be used as a stand-alone or as the ribbing where a rib is indicated, sweaters & hats

Continue reading "Beaded Rib Stitch Knit: Complete tutorial and tips for success"

Jan 27, 2024

Bamboo Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

The bamboo rib knit stitch pattern shown on the needles with yarn

The bamboo rib knit stitch pattern is a beginner-friendly stitch made up of knits and purls and worked on a four-row repeat. Tutorial

Continue reading "Bamboo Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial"

Jan 23, 2024

20 Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations for Beginners

A half double crochet stitch worked in 100% pink cotton yarn.

Here's 20 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 "20 Half Double Crochet Stitch Variations for Beginners"

Jan 23, 2024

Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch Pattern: Beginner Tutorial

The extended half double crochet stitch pattern worked in pink wool

The extended half double crochet stitch pattern is a beginner-friendly that is a stitch that is taller than the hdc and shorter than the dc stitch.

Continue reading "Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch Pattern: Beginner Tutorial"

Jan 17, 2024

Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch: EasyTutorial & Free Pattern

A forked half double crochet washcloth worked in 100% cotton

The forked half double crochet stitch is a beginner-friendly pattern that creates a beautiful textured fabric. Picture tutorial & step-by-step instructions.

Continue reading "Forked Half Double Crochet Stitch: EasyTutorial & Free Pattern "

Jan 17, 2024

Knit Dog Sweater Pattern: 6 Free Beginner Friendly Knit Dog Sweaters

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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: 6 Free Beginner Friendly Knit Dog Sweaters"

Jan 11, 2024

Grit Crochet Stitch: Three Ways to Make it Tutorial

Single-grit-stitch-green.jpg

The Grit Crochet Stitch is a lovely pattern that creates a dense fabric with a little bit of texture. It's also an easy beginner stitch. Tutorials and Pattern

Continue reading "Grit Crochet Stitch: Three Ways to Make it Tutorial"

Jan 10, 2024

Crochet Waffle Stitch: Beginner Step by Step Photo Tutorial

A swatch of the crochet waffle stitch shown worked in orange acrylic worsted weight yarn

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"

Jan 04, 2024

Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis

An assortment of ergonomic crochet hooks from many different manufacturers

The best ergonomic crochet hooks for arthritis have certain features in common. Learn all about them and read our recommendations for the best.

Continue reading "Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis"

Jan 01, 2024

Pythagorean Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

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

The pythagorean knit stitch pattern creates a nice textured fabric with a geometric twist. Learn how to make this with a beginne-friendly tutorial.

Continue reading "Pythagorean Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Dec 31, 2023

29 Reversible Knit Stitch Patterns: Creating Fabric Same on Both Sides

Garter knit stitch worked in beige yarn

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: Creating Fabric Same on Both Sides"

Dec 27, 2023

Basic Knitting Stitches for Beginners: Easy How-to tutorials

Garter knit stitch worked in beige yarn

Mastering these basic knitting stitches for beginners will set a foundation for knitting success. Learn what they are and how to make them.

Continue reading "Basic Knitting Stitches for Beginners: Easy How-to tutorials"

Dec 27, 2023

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

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

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"

Dec 27, 2023

Best Yarn to Choose for Beginner Crocheters: Top Guide 2023

Sample of a round crochet motif worked in a light grey yarn

This ultimate guide to the best yarn to choose for beginner crocheters looks at all the important factors to consider when buying yarn, plus suggestions.

Continue reading "Best Yarn to Choose for Beginner Crocheters: Top Guide 2023"

Dec 21, 2023

Mock Ribbing Slip Stitch Design: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

The Mock ribbing slip stitch pattern on the needles worked in an orange acrylic yarn

The mock ribbing slip Stitch is a versatile and visually appealing design that is beginner-friendly and easy to learn and memorize.

Continue reading "Mock Ribbing Slip Stitch Design: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Dec 18, 2023

Linen Knit Stitch Pattern: A Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

The Linen Knit Stitch pattern still on needles worked on a chunky acrylic yarn

The linen knit stitch pattern creates a dense fabric that resembles linen. With a two-row repeat, this is a great pattern for anyone who can knit and purl.

Continue reading "Linen Knit Stitch Pattern: A Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Dec 18, 2023

Building a Business from Your Hobby: Turning Leisure into Legacy

A young woman is studing something on her computer as she begins to create a design.

Building a business from your hobby is typically a labor of love and truly a dream job. It does require a lot of work but the rewards are immense

Continue reading "Building a Business from Your Hobby: Turning Leisure into Legacy"

Dec 11, 2023

Twisted Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

Twisted Rib Knit Stitch on needles, worked in white acrylic yarn.

The twisted rib knit stitch pattern is a great alternative to the common 1 x 1 rib stitch, but adds a bit of texture and interest. Learn how.

Continue reading "Twisted Rib Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial"

Dec 11, 2023

Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch: How-to Tutorial for Beginners

The drop stitch garter stitch swatch worked in a light lavender 100% acrylic yarn.

The drop stitch garter knit stitch pattern is a beginner-friendly stitch that is reversible and is made with knit stitches only.

Continue reading "Drop Stitch Garter Knit Stitch: How-to Tutorial for Beginners"

Dec 08, 2023

Thermal Knit Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners

The thermal knit stitch pattern worked in a olive green wool blend yarn

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"

Dec 01, 2023

Interrupted Rib Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners

The interrupted knit stitch patter worked in a light colored wool yarn

The interrupted rib stitch pattern is an easy, beginner-friendly rib stitch created with knit and purl stitches

Continue reading "Interrupted Rib Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners"

Nov 27, 2023

Ridged Rib Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners

Ridged rib knit stitch pattern worked in pin acrylic yarn

The ridged rib stitch pattern is a stretch, reversible knit stitch that is easy to learn and perfect for beginners.Tutorial

Continue reading "Ridged Rib Stitch Pattern: How to Tutorial for Beginners"

Nov 20, 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"

Nov 17, 2023

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"

Nov 15, 2023

Farrow Knit Rib Stitch for Beginners: Complete Tutorial

Farrow  Knit Rib Stitch Pattern worked in pink worsted weight acrylic yarn

The farrow knit rib stitch is a beginner-friendly pattern that uses knits and purls to create a reversible, stretchy fabric great for many different projects.

Continue reading "Farrow Knit Rib Stitch for Beginners: Complete Tutorial"

Nov 13, 2023

Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

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

The Parallelogram knit stitch pattern is a relatively easy knit and purl stitch that beginners can add to their repretoire of their knit stitches

Continue reading "Parallelogram Knit Stitch Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Tutorial"

Nov 04, 2023

Creating the Half Double Crochet Post Stitch: Front and Back

Swatch worked in blue yarn demonstrating the half double crochet front post stitch.

The half double crochet post stitch tutorial walks you step-by-step to make this highly textured stitch. Beginner-friendly.

Continue reading "Creating the Half Double Crochet Post Stitch: Front and Back"

Nov 03, 2023

Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern: How-to Tutorial, Tips and Suggestions

Bumpy Knit Stitch

The bumpy knit stitch pattern is a beginner-friendly stitch that anyone can learn. Find out how to make it and what you can do with it once you master it.

Continue reading "Bumpy Knit Stitch Pattern: How-to Tutorial, Tips and Suggestions"