Smart Knit Crocheting
Knitting and Crochet for Beginners

Knitting and Crochet for Beginners:  The Smart Way

Have you caught the knit or crochet bug yet?  It's not a germ, but it could become addictive.

Knitting and crochet for beginners, the smart way is for anyone who loves to knit or crochet?   

Or, for anyone who thinks they might like to give knitting or crocheting a try.

Why Knitting and Crocheting for Beginners?

Row of different colors of heart-shaped yarn balls.We love to knit and crochet, do you?

There's something so satisfying about using your hands to make something.  Research has shown that these hobbies are good for your health.  

Knitting and Crocheting could very well be the

  • Most versatile
  • Most portable
  • Most inexpensive
  • Most fulfilling way to add meaning to your life

So How Exactly do you Knit or Crochet Smart?

Many years ago, when I was in high school, there were 3 kinds of kids:

  • Those A students who memorized everything
  • Those C students who didn't try at all and
  • Those A-B students who actually understood the subject matter at it's core.  

I want you to be the last kind of student because in the long run you will knit or crochet better, enjoy it more, and make it a life-long hobby (or maybe something more).

(Confession) I was always in the first group and it took many years to figure out that I should have been in the third group.

You're knitting or crocheting smart when you

  • Learn a few techniques and stitches to get you started
  • Practice and develop that muscle memory
  • Get so hooked all you want to do is learn more
  • Feel the creative juices running through your veins

Knitting and Crochet for Beginners:  What You'll Find on This Site

But I thought you said this website is all about knitting and crocheting for beginners?

A young Shih Tzu puppy is sitting on a basket of yarn and swatchesKnitting and Crocheting for Beginners

Yes, you heard right. 

Everyone must start somewhere so I've decided to focus on easy projects and step-by-step tutorials to help you gain a good foundation. 

Plus I'll throw in a good dose of tips and tricks, and even toss in a few background facts you might not know.  So, where should you begin?

Knitting and Crochet For Beginners Where to Start

Knitting or Crocheting?  If you are on the fence as to which one to choose, start here with Difference Between Knitting and Crocheting.

Knitting

thumbnail of how to knit with link to corresponding pageHow to Knit
How to KnitBasics Stitches
Thumbnail image with link to knit and purl stitchesKnit and Purl Stitches
A knit swatch of a reversible stitch worked in green and used as a linkable thumbnail image Reversible Stitches
How to knit scarfReading Patterns
Understanding Yarn Labels, thumb linkDeciphering Labels
how to read a knitting pattern thumbnailGuide to Yarn
Bamboo dischcloth thumbnail pictureEasy Projects
Basic Knitting supplies thumb and linkKnitting Supplies
Knitting abbreviations thumbnail imageAbbreviations
A simple knitting chart in a linked thumbnail image Understanding Charts
A thumbnail picture of knitting gaugeWhat is gauge

Beginning Crochet

How to crochetCrochet Stitches
how to crochet link to pageHow to Crochet
Filet crochetGauge
About crochet hooks with link to corresponding pageCrochet Hooks
Thumbnail of a purple granny square motifGranny Squares
crochet supplies linkTools and Supplies
Thumbnail of an easy crochet projectsEasy Crochet Projects
red crochet heart with link to crochet terms and abbreviationsAbbreviations
Thumbnail picture of pink yarn and a crochet hookReading Patterns

What This Site is All About

Have you ever been faced with one or more of these common situations?

  • You've read the instructions and think you understand until you try to do it for yourself and that's when your eyes glaze over.
  • You walk into a yarn store, only to overwhelmed by the choices.  The sales person is helpful, but you find your eyes begin to glaze over by all the info thrown your way.
  • You are very proud of that new gorgeous doily which you crocheted last week. It looks perfect. The only thing bothers you. It does not lay flat on the surface. Why doesn't it?
  • You have a pattern for a sweater. It is exactly your size; everything looks the way you would like to. You buy the recommended brand of yarn, the very same size of needles but in the end, it doesn't fit.
  • You learned how to knit and purl, now what?
  • Someone taught you how to make a granny square.  Great, but after making 100 granny squares, you decide it's time to move on.

All of these scenarios and more are addressed on this site, so grab your favorite beverage, sit down, relax and lets knit and crochet the smart way.

What You Won't Find on This Site

  • A bunch of spamy product reviews.  If I recommend a product its because I've used it myself and like it.
  • A bunch of patterns and tutorials written for someone who is already a master.  (Yes, you might find a couple of pages like this on this site--they were written by the previous owner and I just haven't gotten around to revising them yet so the rest of us can understand.
  • A place where you're afraid to ask a question.  That's how we all learn, so no question is silly.
  • A site where I take all the credit.  I believe that credit should be given where credit is do, so if you have a great idea, I'm all ears.

Smart Knit Crocheting - Over the Years

Hi, I'm Janice and I'm the new owner of this website.  The site fell into my hands in 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic.  I was so excited to jump in with yarn in hand, and hopefully provide some answers to your questions and problems along the way. 

If you are curious about the person behind the scenes, you know, the one writing the articles, taking photographs, researching and trying to explain the details, please feel free to get to know me on my about me page.

P.S. I'm in the US so all of the information, tutorials, and patterns use US terminology.

Janice JonesJanice Jones

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. 36 Knit and Purl Stitches: How to Make Them, What to Do With Them

    May 02, 24 04:27 PM

    4x4-rib-photo.jpg
    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.

    Read More

  2. Roman Knit Rib Stitch Tutorial: Step-by-Step Directions

    May 02, 24 04:23 PM

    A knitted swatch of the Roman knit rib stitch shown in a beige color
    The Roman Knit Rib Stitch tutorial is perfect for beginners. An easy textured knit and purl stitch pattern that is lovely on both sides

    Read More

  3. How Many Types of Knit Stitches Are There?

    May 01, 24 04:09 PM

    Garter knit stitch worked in gold yarn
    Beginners often ask how many types of knit stitches are there to be mastered. The answer may surprise you.

    Read More

About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting