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.

Nov 06, 2024

Exploring the Types of Crochet Stitches: A Comprehensive Guide

A collage of crochet stitches worked in a variety of colors

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"

Nov 06, 2024

Tunisian Full Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The Tunisian Full Stitch is a beautiful, thick dense stitch that is easy to learn. Step-by-step tutorial with photos for one or two color fabrics.

Continue reading "Tunisian Full Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Nov 05, 2024

Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn: Which One to Choose?

Stacks of acrylic yarn skeins in shades of blue and green

Acrylic vs cotton yarn, what's the difference? The biggest diffference is that cotton is a plant-based fiber and acrylic is a synthetic material. Explanation.

Continue reading "Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn: Which One to Choose?"

Nov 04, 2024

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."

Oct 28, 2024

25 Knit Cowl Patterns: Free for the Adventurous Beginner

Here's 25 knit cowl patterns, all free for the adventurous beginning knitter in a wide range of designs

Continue reading "25 Knit Cowl Patterns: Free for the Adventurous Beginner"

Oct 27, 2024

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

Oct 27, 2024

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"

Oct 26, 2024

Scrubby Dishcloth Free Pattern Using the Grit Crochet Stitch

Here's a scrubby dishcloth free pattern for you perfect for cleaning your dirtiest dishes, or just looking pretty near your kitchen sink.

Continue reading "Scrubby Dishcloth Free Pattern Using the Grit Crochet Stitch"

Oct 19, 2024

Fingering Weight Yarn: Everything You Need to Know

a sample of fingering weight yarn created by a local indie dye company

Your guide to fingering weight yarn will help you understand this yarn before you purchase your first hank.

Continue reading "Fingering Weight Yarn: Everything You Need to Know"

Oct 15, 2024

Buying a Ball of Yarn: Unraveling Your Options

A ball of yarn is a mass of yarn wound into a ball, but for the beginner, there is more to know. Skeins, Hanks, Cones, Balls, what's the difference?

Continue reading "Buying a Ball of Yarn: Unraveling Your Options"

Oct 13, 2024

Kitchener Stitch Tutorial: A Seamless Finish for Your Knitting

Set up of the kitchener stitch showing swatches on needles

The Kitchener Stitch is a way to join two sets of live stitches creating an invisible, stretchy bind-off perfect for socks, shoulder seams, and mittens

Continue reading "Kitchener Stitch Tutorial: A Seamless Finish for Your Knitting"

Oct 13, 2024

45 Free Halloween Crochet Patterns for a Spooktacular Celebration

Here's 45 free Halloween Crochet Patterns for beginners through intermediate level crocheters.

Continue reading "45 Free Halloween Crochet Patterns for a Spooktacular Celebration"

Oct 07, 2024

Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Swatch of the Tunisian Knit Stitch still on the hook

The Tunisian crochet knit stitch looks like the knit stockinette stitch, but is actually a crochet stitch. This tutorial will teach you how to make it.

Continue reading "Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners"

Oct 07, 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"

Oct 07, 2024

Drunken Granny Stitch: A Lovely Crochet Stitch with a Funny Name

A gorgeous crochet stitch with a funny name - Drunken Granny Stitch...

Continue reading "Drunken Granny Stitch: A Lovely Crochet Stitch with a Funny Name"

Oct 07, 2024

Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth: Free Pattern

Knitted Rice Stitch dishcloth draped over a kitchen sink

This knit rice stitch facecloth can also be turned into a dishcloth or square placemat. It's completely free with photos and tutorials.

Continue reading "Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth: Free Pattern"

Sep 24, 2024

Free Easy Beginner Crochet Patterns For Those New to Crocheting

The finished product of a crocheted toilet paper cover

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 24, 2024

Weaving In Ends Knitting: How to Do it Correctly

Weaving in ends knitting is a beginner level skill that is essential to know when learning how to knit otherwise all of your hard creative work could ravel out

Continue reading "Weaving In Ends Knitting: How to Do it Correctly"

Sep 24, 2024

25 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns for Beginners

Project difficulty levels determined by the Craft Yarn Council

These crochet cowl patterns are easy and appropriate for beginners who have mastered basic stitches. All are free.

Continue reading "25 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns for Beginners"

Sep 19, 2024

How to Make the Beginner-Friendly Bamboo Knit Stitch

Bamboo stitch showing right side of fabric

Here is a complete tutorial on how to make the beginner-friendly bamboo knit stitch with tips and photographs

Continue reading "How to Make the Beginner-Friendly Bamboo Knit Stitch"

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

A swatch of the Jacob's Ladder Crochet Stitch

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

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

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

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

half double crochet spike stitch swatch with yarn

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

A swatch of the tunisian simple stitch crochet worked in 100% cotton

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

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 swatch worked in pink acrylic yarn

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

Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns: How To

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

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?

A pair of wool knitted mittens using varigated yarn

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 09, 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"

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

A coloring page with hands holding crayons coloring the picture.

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

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"

Sep 07, 2024

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"

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

Lemon Peel Crochet Stitch with yarn and hook

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

Crochet bean stitch swatch worked in green acrylic yarn.

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"