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.

Dec 16, 2024

Long Raindrop Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy Tutorial

A swatch of the long raindrop knit stitch still on the needles

The long raindrop knit stitch is an easy 8-row repeat made entirely of knit and purl stitches. Learn how with this photo tutorial.

Continue reading "Long Raindrop Knit Stitch Pattern: Easy Tutorial"

Dec 10, 2024

Colorwork Knitting: 8 Colorful Techniques to Try

Ready to try colorwork knitting? Learn the many ways to incorporate color into your designs and what methods to use. 7 different colorwork techniques to try.

Continue reading "Colorwork Knitting: 8 Colorful Techniques to Try "

Dec 10, 2024

Mosaic Knitting Patterns: Free Just for You

These mosaic knitting patterns are beginner-friendly and offer both chart and written instructions.

Continue reading "Mosaic Knitting Patterns: Free Just for You"

Dec 10, 2024

Illusian Knitting or Shadow Knitting: Beginner Tutorial

Illusian or shadow knitting looking at a swatch straight on

Illusian knitting or Shadow Knitting is a technique that produces a fabric with a hidden image. Learn how to knit this technique.

Continue reading "Illusian Knitting or Shadow Knitting: Beginner Tutorial"

Dec 06, 2024

Crochet Dog Sweaters: Free Patterns for Beginners

Discover many crochet dog sweaters, all free and that are perfect for beginners and adventurous beginners

Continue reading "Crochet Dog Sweaters: Free Patterns for Beginners"

Dec 05, 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"

Dec 05, 2024

Crochet Alpine Stitch: A Complete Beginner's Guide

A swatch of the crochet aspen stitch shown in orange yarn

Learn the crochet alpine stitch, a beautifully textured, thick stitch pattern that is created with single, double and front post stitches.

Continue reading "Crochet Alpine Stitch: A Complete Beginner's Guide"

Nov 20, 2024

Longtail Cast On for Beginners: Step-by-step Tutorial

Learn how to do the longtail cast on for beginners that gives you a stretchy beginning for your project. Step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "Longtail Cast On for Beginners: Step-by-step Tutorial"

Nov 20, 2024

Long Wave Crochet Pattern Tutorial for Beginners

Long wave crochet stitch pattern worked in blue and white

The long wave crochet pattern is a beginner-friendly stitch that uses only basic stitches to make a fabric that looks like ocean waves.

Continue reading "Long Wave Crochet Pattern Tutorial for Beginners"

Nov 20, 2024

Beginner Friendly Crocheted Bags and Purses - FREE Patterns

Knit and Crocheted Bags and Purses:Test out your skills or learn a new stitch with this library of free bags and purses.

Continue reading "Beginner Friendly Crocheted Bags and Purses - FREE Patterns "

Nov 19, 2024

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"

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.

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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"