Learn to Knit - If you've ever wanted to learn to knit but aren't sure where to begin, this guide covers the basics you'll need to learn to knit, pick a first knitting project, deal with problems you'll encounter and more.
Casting On - The first step in all knitting is casting on. Here are two easy ways to cast on, allowing you to get started knitting quickly and easily.
Knit Stitch - The knit stitch is the basis of all other knitting. Once you've mastered the knit stitch you can make your first knitted project. These instructions show you how to form the knit stitch using the English or right-handed knitting method.
Circular Needles - Knitting with circular needles is a little mysterious for the beginning knitter. Patterns assume that you know how to knit with circular needles, but if you don't, this guide will help.
Valentine's Knitting Patterns - Knit something for your special someone or for yourself with our collection of Valentine's Day-inspired knitting projects.
Stockinette Stitch - Stockinette stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches out there, and it is one of the first stitch patterns most people learn.
Garter Stitch Scarf - This is a perfect first knitting project for any beginning knitter because all you have to do is knit. It's also a very quick project, which a beginner could complete in a weekend and a more advanced knitter could pull off in a few hours.
Binding Off - So you've learned to cast on, knit and purl, but how do you finish a project? That's where binding off comes in.
Quick Knitting Patterns - Looking for quick knitting patterns? Here are some good, free, easy knitting patterns that you can use when you need a quick gift or just want a project that's pretty close to instant gratification.
Fingerless Gloves - Fingerless gloves are a wonderful, quick knitting project that you'll want to wear all the time when working on the computer or doing other tasks that require use of your fingers.
Ribbed Flat Hat - Flat hats are a great way to make a quick project without the worry of having to work with circular and/or double-pointed knitting needles. This ribbed hat has a little bit of shaping at the top for a snug fit and is perfect for cool days.
Seed Stitch - Seed stitch is a fun and simple stitch pattern that makes raised stitch areas that look like seeds.
How to Felt - Felting your knitting is a fun way to transform a project into something completely different. Here's a tutorial on how to felt a knitting project.
Yarn Over - Yarn over, abbreviated YO, is an easy way to increase your stitches by making a hole in your knitting.
Basketweave Scarf - This free knitting pattern for a basketweave scarf is easy for beginners, quick to knit and super warm.
Rice Stitch Scarf - Rice Stitch is an easy stitch pattern that brings a lot of texture to any project. This super-long scarf is quick and easy to knit and will keep people of any height warm throughout the cold season.
Rolled Brim Hat - A rolled brim hat is a about the simplest hat design there is, but it's a really cute project that is perfect for a colorful, chunky yarn and when you need to get a hat knit in a hurry.
Garter Stitch - Garter stitch is the most basic pattern stitch out there, but it is actually quite useful for scarves, washcloths and other utilitarian projects.
Making Pom-Poms - Pom-poms are a fun finishing touch to hats, scarves, and other knitting projects. Here's a quick and easy way to make your own pom-poms.
Lap Afghan - This free knitting pattern for a moss stitch lap afghan is a quick and easy project for beginners, and you can make it as large as you want just by using more yarn.
Purl Stitch English - The second-most common stitch in the knitting world is the purl stitch, sort of the opposite of a knit. Once you know how to knit and purl, you can make all sorts of fun knitted items. Here is how you purl using the English method of holding the yarn in the right hand.
Block Knitting - Blocking knitting is a great way to smooth out imperfections in your knitting, to make pieces uniform in size and to make garments look and fit better. Learn how to block your knitting and enjoy better looking projects.
Knitting Abbreviations - Knitting Abbreviations Don't Get Lost in Translation One of the most frustrating things for beginning
Fun Fur Scarf - Eyelash yarn or fun fur is a great product that is like nothing else you've worked with. A quick and easy scarf made of this fun yarn is reminiscent of a feather boa and brings a bit of pizzazz to your everyday wardrobe.
Slouchy Hat - This is a very easy hat pattern that makes a slouchy, fun hat for teens or adults. Three sizes are given, so you can knit it big or small.
Washcloth Patterns - Everyone needs more washcloths and dishcloths, and these little projects are a great way to try out a new stitch pattern or decorate for the holidays. They make great gifts, too.
Women's Cabled Hat - This easy cabled hat is a great knit for teens or women with smaller sized heads. The simple cables are quick to work up, and the snug hat is sure to keep you warm and stylish throughout the cooler months.
Cast On Methods - There are so many different ways to cast on, and all of those ways seem to have multiple names. This list aims to clear up some of the confusion in vocabulary and direct you to tutorials where you can learn the different cast on methods.
Scarf Hat - The scarf hat (or hat scarf) is a combination hat and scarf where the scarf is attached to the hat like ear flaps. This is the ultimate cold-weather accessory because there is no way for the wind to get to your ears or neck since there's no space between the hat and scarf.
Yarn Weights - Different yarns are said to have different weights, or thicknesses, and different weights of yarns are used for different types of projects. Learn what the different weights are and how to use them.
Knitted Helmet Liner - Helmet liners are a wonderful charity knitting project for soldiers serving in colder climates. Here are the instructions for a knitted helmet liner being collected and sent to the troops.
Ripple Stitch Scarf - Ripple Stitch is a fun and easy knitting stitch, and this Ripple Stitch Scarf knit in bulky yarn knits up in a flash for gift giving or almost-instant warmth.
KFB - Knitting in the front and back of a stitch (kfb) is a relatively easy way to make an increase. If the name isn't explanatory enough, here's a look at how to do it step by step.
Stockinette Washcloth - Washcloths and dish towels are a lot of fun to make. They are quick projects and completely useful. This stockinette stitch washcloth has a seed stitch border to keep it from curling.
Continental Knit Stitch - Continental knitting, sometimes also referred to as German knitting or picking knitting, is one of the most common ways to knit. Here's how you make the knit stitch using continental knitting style.
Flat Hat - Knitting a hat flat is an easy way for beginners to learn to make hats, and it's also a quick way for established knitters to finish a project on the double. Knit with Ozark Handspun, this hat looks much fancier than it is.
Party Wrap - If you're looking for a cute little knitted wrap for a holiday party or any other time you want to dress up, this quick and easy knitting pattern fits the bill.
Feather and Fan - Feather and Fan is a classic knitting stitch pattern that makes a scalloped edge and rows of lacy fans.
Slip Slip Knit - SSK or slip, slip, knit is an easy way to decrease the number of stitches on your knitting needle. This makes a decrease that leans to the left.
Wrap Cast On - The wrap cast on is probably the easiest cast on method to master, but it isn't easy to get the tension even with this method. Still, it's a good one for beginners and it gets stitches on the needle quickly.
Bamboo Stitch - Bamboo stitch is an interesting but relatively easy knitting stitch that involves slipping a yarn over over two knit stitches, making an interesting texture.
Knit Heart - This cute heart-shaped pillow or sachet is a nice quick and easy gift for Valentine's Day or any other time you want to show someone you love them.
Farrow Rib Scarf - This free knitting pattern is for an easy-to-knit farrow rib scarf.
Weaving Ends - Weaving in ends is a necessary part of any knitting project. A lot of knitters don't like these finishing tasks, but they are necessary if you want a knitted item that looks good and is going to last.
Knit Stripes - Knitting with different colors is easier than you might think. This quick tutorial will show you how to knit with color and make stripes.
Box Stitch Scarf - The box stitch is an easy knitting stitch that makes a fabric with a lot of texture. This scarf uses the stitch to make a chenille yarn a little more interesting.
Ribbed Hat - This men's ribbed hat is very easy to knit and offers a classic style that even the most knit-phobic guy will like. Knit slightly shorter (or with the bottom edge turned up) this hat would also fit a woman.
Cropped Cardigan - This cropped cardigan is a great introduction to cardigan knitting for someone who's never knit one before. Worked in chunky yarn, the cropped shape takes no time to knit up, and the boxy, roomy shape is comfortable to wear when you need just a little cover up.
Aran Honeycomb - Aran Honeycomb, also known as a Chain Cable when only one repeat is knit in an area, is a very cool cabled pattern that gives a honeycomb look to your knitted fabric. Learn to knit the Aran Honeycomb.
Seed Stitch Baby Hat - This free knitting pattern for a seed stitch baby hat is quick and easy to knit up and includes sizing for preemies and newborns. The textured stitch makes the hat stretchy, and the cotton yarn makes it perfect for a new mom.
Long-Tail Cast On - The long-tail cast on method is one of the most popular cast on methods in knitting. While it takes a little fancy fingerwork, it's quick and easy once you know how to do it.
Andalusian Stitch - Andalusian stitch is a very easy knitting stitch pattern than is mostly stockinette stitch with a row of knits and purls thrown in. This gives the knit fabric a textured, tweedy look that is nice.
Horizontal Scarf - Turn basic scarf knitting on its head with a Horizontal Scarf. Knit side to side rather than lengthwise, you'll be finished in just a few rows. It's a great way to use up largish scraps of yarn, too.
Stash Scarf - If you have a bunch of little extra balls of medium weight yarn lying around, you can easily and quickly knit yourself a Stash Scarf of whatever length and width you like. This basic pattern will give you some ideas to get started.
Woven Scarf - This free knitting pattern is a quick and easy knitting pattern for a woven pattern scarf.
Roman Stitch Baby Blanket - Roman Stitch is an easy knitting stitch that gives a nice textured look to anything you knit in it. This alpaca baby blanket is the perfect way to use this quick-knitting stitch.
Triple Rib Baby Blanket - The triple rib makes a lovely baby blanket for a modern-looking baby room. This pattern is easy and quick to knit.
Easy Baby Booties - Baby booties or baby socks are a great present for a new little one, and they're super quick to knit as well. This basic pattern leaves lots of room for embellishment, from changing the stitch pattern to adding embroidery when they're finished.
Cabled Headband - This free knitting pattern for a cabled headband and earwarmer is an easy way to learn how to knit cables and a perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.
Two Circulars - Most knitters learn to knit small projects in the round using double-pointed needles, but many prefer to knit in the round using two circular needles instead. This tutorial will show you how to knit in the round with two circular needles.
Staghorn Cable Scarf - This staghorn cable scarf is super warm thanks to being knit in the round for a double thickness, so you never have to see the less-attractive back of the cable panel.
Bed and Blanket Sizes - Did you know bed sizes are different in different countries? If you want to design your own knitted blankets, here are some guidelines for blanket sizes to help you know how big to make your blankets.
Cable Knitting Patterns - Free cable knitting patterns from around the knitting site show you some of the things that can be done with cable knitting. It doesn't have to be difficult.
Striped Stocking Hat - This candy-striped stocking hat in red and white reminds me of a candy cane and would be a great variation on the traditional Santa hat.
Picking up Stitches - Some patterns say you should pick up stitches, while some say to pick up and knit. This is what they mean
OXO Scarf - This OXO Scarf is the perfect pattern for a little girl to wear around Valentine's Day, or really any other time of year. The OXO cable is easy to remember, and the super soft yarn may convince your little one it's acceptable to wear a scarf.
Butterfly Stitch - Butterfly Stitch is a lovely knitting stitch that involves slipping stitches between lengths of yarn, then working those strands together with a stitch to give them the gathered look of butterfly wings.
Condo Scarf - Condo knitting is a fun technique that uses two different sized needles on different rows of the same project. This simple sport weight condo knit scarf is the perfect accessory for springtime.
Moss Stitch - Moss Stitch is a fun little pattern that makes little bunches of raised stitches that have a look reminiscent of moss. It's a cute pattern that is very simple to complete.
Sprout Baby Hat - This cute infant hat knitting pattern features a picot edge, a quick knitting Stockinette body with easy decreases into an I-cord topper with a cute little leaf on the end.
Pomp Scarf - Red Heart's Pomp-a-Doodle yarn is a fun yarn accented with pom-poms. One skein is all you need to knit up this cute little neck warmer.
Read a Pattern - Knitting patterns often seem like they are written in code. Here are some tips for reading your first knitting patterns.
Women's Stockinette Sock - A Stockinette Stitch sock is as easy as sock knitting gets, and is a great way for new sock knitters to focus on the instructions without getting distracted by a complex pattern stitch.
Quaker Rib Afghan - This Quaker Rib afghan is super easy to knit and makes a nice warm throw for cool spring evenings. In the summer, it's a great picnic blanket.
Big Needle Stash Afghan - Combining leftover bits of your yarn stash with knitting on huge needles makes quick work both of your leftovers and of this blanket project. Make one panel for an easy lap afghan or join two together to keep more than one person warm.
Needle Sizes - Knitting needles come in many different sizes, and those sizes can be labeled in several different ways. Here are the basics you need to know about sizing knitting needles.
Arrowhead Lace - Arrowhead Lace is a lovely knitting stitch that makes a bold V shape (like an arrowhead) surrounded by eyelets of various sizes. This would be a great pattern for a simple shawl or any other lacy thing you'd want to knit.
Sock Basics - Many knitters are afraid of knitting socks, but there's nothing to be worried about. Just trust the pattern and read this pep talk to get started.
Knit Two Together - Knit two together (k2tog) is a basic and quick way to decrease stitches, which slants slightly to the right. It is the decreasing method that most people learn first.
Box Stitch - Box stitch is an easy knitting stitch pattern involving a four-row repeat that makes boxes of knits and purls on the fabric.
Wristwarmers - The free knitting pattern for Valentine's Day inspired wristwarmers is a fun and festive project for knitters of all skill levels.
Reading a Chart - Reading a knitting chart is a basic of multi-colored knitting, but it can be a little intimidating for new knitters. Here are some basics on how to read a knitting chart.
Using Double-Pointed Needles - Double-pointed needles are the tool of choice when knitting a small circular object such as a sock. But they can be a little tricky to deal with. Here are some tips to help you use double-pointed needles.
3x3 Ribbing - 3x3 rib is an easy ribbing pattern with a little more character than the narrower ribs.
Needle Felting - Needle felting is a fun and easy way to add texture and color to knit and felted fabric. It's not difficult to do, but a few needle felting tips will help you to be successful.
Cat's Eye - Cat's Eye lace is a wonderful openwork knitting stitch pattern that's really quick and easy to knit and makes a wonderful stitch for a lacy shawl or scarf.
Favorie Color Scarf - Knitting a scarf with a bunch of different yarns on huge needles is a quick and easy way to finish a project. Choosing yarns that are all in the same color makes for an interesting look and the perfect gift for someone when you knit them a scarf in their favorite color.
Ribbed Baby Hat - This adorable ribbed baby hat is really quick to knit and super cute on any little head. Sizes from preemie to age 4.
Chevron Stitch - The Chevron is a nice, relatively easy knitting stitch pattern that makes knit zig-zags on a field of purls. The back side is just as good looking as the front.
Knitting Gauge - Nearly every knitting pattern warns you to be sure to check your gauge. Learn why it is important to check your gauge.
Stash Afghan - A stash afghan is the perfect way to use up a bunch of odds and ends that are taking up space in your knitting storage. This basic recipe will show you how to knit a stash afghan no matter what size you want or what kind of yarn you're trying to use up.
Learn to Knit a Sock - This super easy pattern takes you through the basics of sock knitting on a small scale with large needles. It aims to get you comfortable with all the techniques needed to knit socks without having to worry about knitting on tiny needles or if the finished sock will actually fit on a foot.
Rice Stitch - Rice stitch is a fun and interesting knitting stitch pattern that makes a cool raised pattern that looks somewhat like kernels of rice.
Stash-Busting Projects - Everyone at one time or another gets the feeling they need to pare down their stash. Here are some ideas for projects to try and books to look at for more ideas for stash-busting projects.
Linen Stitch - Linen stitch is a nice, firm knitting stitch pattern that looks similar to the woven fabric called linen. It's a great reversible pattern perfect for bags, scarves and just about anything else you can think of.
Knit Bead Necklace - The inspiration for this Knit Bead Necklace is Mardi Gras beads, but knit in a different color it could be worn as a cool choker (or longer necklace if you keep knitting) any time of year.
Basketweave - Basketweave stitch is a fun knitting stitch pattern that comes in several different variations that look like woven fabric.
Favorite Color Scarf - A scarf knit on huge needles is a good lesson in working with multiple yarns at once.
Garter Stitch - Garter stitch is the most basic knitting pattern stitch out there, but that doesn't mean you should stop using it when you are a more experienced knitter.
Cable Cast On - Cable cast on is a handy cast on method that makes a firm edge that looks a bit like a cable when completed. It's a little tricky because the stitches must be kept very loose. Here's how to complete a cable cast on.
Cotton Baby Hat - This easy cotton baby hat is super comfortable and slightly stretchy, so it will fit your favorite little one for a lot longer than it takes to knit.
I-Cord - I-cord seems difficult until you know how to do it, and once you learn how to make an I-cord, you'll come up with tons of reasons to use them.
Garter Stitch Baby Blanket - This large and wooly garter stitch baby blanket is easy enough for beginners, will keep babies warm in even the coldest of winters, and is big enough to be used for a long time.
Vine Lace - Vine lace is a very pretty (and very easy) lace knitting pattern that involves an easy four-row repeat with just two lace rows, which are almost exactly the same pattern. It has a lovely look and a slightly scalloped edge.
Trinity Stitch - Trinity Stitch, also sometimes called cluster or bramble stitch, is a cool textured pattern that requires knitting, purling and knitting again all in the same stitch. Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun.
Popcorn Stitch - Popcorn stitch or knit popcorn is an easy way to add a textured embellishment to knit fabric. It's technically different from bobbles but gives a similar look to the finished piece.
Broken Rib - Broken rib is a fun, easy, slightly feminine knitting stitch pattern that is perfect for beginners.
Slanted Scarf - This easy scarf is knit out of self-striping yarn with a slanted edge at the beginning and end to make it a little more interesting. This is a quick and easy project for knitters of all skill levels.
Very Easy Circular Knits - Very Easy Circular Knits is a book that lives up to its name. It's full of great instructions and easy patterns for all sorts of projects knit on circular or double-pointed needles.
Fleck Stitch Envelope Purse - A gallery of some easy knitting patterns to help new knitters make projects with confidence.
Join New Yarn - Joining a new ball of yarn to your project is an essential skill if you want to knit something bigger than one skein of yarn will allow. There are a few different ways to join start a new yarn ball, and here are couple of the most popular.
First Knitting Project - The first real step in every knitting project is making loops of yarn on the needle so that you can knit. This is known as casting on. There are many different methods for casting on, but a couple are best for new knitters.
Striped Baby Hat - All infants need a nice collection of hats to help keep them warm, and this cute little number meets that task with style. It's a great way to use up bits of leftover yarn in tow or several colors.
Cable Needle - Cable needles are small but helpful items when you want to knit cables. Here's a quick look at what cable needles are and when you can do without them.
Cloverleaf Eyelet - Cloverleaf Eyelet is a pretty knitting stitch pattern that will help you learn how to make two basic decreases, knit two together and slip, slip, knit, as you make a cool clover-shaped eyelet pattern.
King Charles Brocade - King Charles Brocade is a famous diamond-shaped knitting stitch pattern that is beautifully masculine and relatively easy to make.
Mattress Stitch - Mattress stitch is a very easy and sharp-looking way to join two pieces of stockinette stitch into a virtually seamless whole.
Fish Scale Lace - Fish Scale Lace is a relatively easy, Stockinette Stitch based lace pattern that makes arcs of Stockinette Stitch that look a bit like fish tails, along with eyelets that look a bit like scales.
Coffee Cup Cozy - This free knitting pattern for a coffee cup cozy is very quick to knit, but you or anyone you make this project for will get a lot of use out of it.
Broken Rib Washcloth - Broken rib is an easy and lovely knitting stitch pattern that makes a quick-to-knit, easy knitted washcloth pattern.
Pumpkin Hat - A tiny pumpkin hat is a cute gift for a newborn and makes a perfect Halloween costume with the addition of an orange onesie.
Fizzy, Fuzzy Scarf - Combining a colorful, playful yarn with one that is more conservative is a lot of fun and can make for amazing results, as this free scarf knitting pattern shows.
Fuzzy Garter Stitch Scarf - Garter Stitch scarves are quick and easy, but they can be a little boring. This fuzzy scarf adds a bit of fun with a wispy yarn that makes this project irresistibly soft as well as super-quick to knit.
Farrow Rib Scarf - The farrow rib is a nice textured ribbing that makes a wonderful, warm scarf.
Roman Rib - Roman Rib stitch is a very easy knitting stitch pattern that puts rows of ribbing into a Stockinette Stitch fabric. It's a great choice for anything you might otherwise use Stockinette Stitch for.
Box Stitch Scarf - The Box Stitch is a pretty easy knitting stitch pattern with a lot of texture, and the Box Stitch Scarf shows that texture off nicely when combined with a chenille yarn.
Felted House Scarf - Everyone who has read a Harry Potter book or seen one of the movies knows about the house scarves, and knitters the world over have been making their own interpretations of them for years. This is mine; a felted striped scarf with a classic, masculine look.
OXO Cable - The OXO cable is an adorable cable pattern that makes a series of Xs and Os that are cute on a sweater, scarf or any cabled project.
Ruffles Scarf - This scarf combines Lion Brand's fun Ruffles Yarn with a warm wooly blend for a cozy scarf with a fancy look.
Mistake Rib - Mistake rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that produces columns of knit stitches.
Garter Eyelet Lace - This simple knitting stitch pattern makes a row of lacy eyelets in between rows of garter stitch. The only things you need to know to make this work are how to knit, yarn over and knit two together.
Waterfall Pattern - Waterfall Pattern is a relatively easy and pretty lacy pattern made with yarn overs and decreases that don't always happen on the same rows. The result is a cool cascade of eyelets.
Beginner FAQs - Beginning knitters have a lot of questions about how to learn to knit, developing knitting skills and more. Here are the top questions beginning knitters have, along with their answers.
Loom Knitted Hat - This loom knitted hat is a great way to learn the technique of loom knitting while showing your support for breast cancer awareness.
Pocket Scarf - A scarf with pockets is handy because it gives you a place to put your hands or small items when you're walking around. It's the perfect thing to throw over your shoulders if you work in a cold office.
Farrow Rib - Farrow rib is a fun, easy knitting stitch pattern that makes a manly looking ribbing perfect for a scarf.
Knit-Purl Block Stitch - Knit Purl Block Stitch is exactly what it sounds like: a checkerboard-like pattern of knit blocks and purl blocks. This super-easy knitting stitch pattern is cute for scarves and sweaters.
Basketweave Scarf - This basketweave scarf pattern is easy to make and quick to knit.
Vegas Armwarmers - These armwarmers (or fingerless gloves, or gauntlets) are about the easiest thing you'll ever knit that will look so cool. They're knit flat and sewn up on the side--just leave a hole for your thumb.
Stranded Knitting - Fair Isle, or, more accurately, stranded knitting, is an easy technique for working two colors of yarn in the same row. You simply carry the yarn you aren't working with across the back of the work, leaving a "strand" or "float" of yarn where you weren't knitting with it.
Beginner Tools - There are so many knitting tools out there, it's hard to know what you really need in order to get started. This quick guide should help.
Flat Hat - A flat hat is just a rectangle sewn up to make the hat shape.
Felted Bowl - This quick knitting, spring-colored felted bowl is an easy first felting project and a perfect little bowl to hold yarn or give as a gift.
Marriage Lines - Marriage Lines or Double Lightning is an easy zigzag pattern that would make a great border or panel on a vest, sweater or jacket.
Flower Eyelet - Flower Eyelet is a classic eyelet knitting pattern that looks like daisies on the fabric. It's really easy to knit and makes nice large eyelet holes thanks to the double yarn overs.
Knitting Mistakes - Knitting mistakes happen, whether they're a single knit where you should have purled or a problem with a pattern. Here are some tips on how to fix them.
Duplicate Stitch - Duplicate stitch is an easy way to add color to a basic stockinette stitch fabric. It's somewhat similar to cross stitch, but makes Vs instead of Xs.
Brioche Stitch - Brioche Stitch makes a fluffy, squishy, adaptable pattern that's fun to knit and even more fun to play with. It's great for scarves, afghans or even as ribbing on a sweater or other project.
Blanket Rib - Blanket rib makes a very dense, ribbed looking fabric by increasing on one row and decreasing on the next.
Bamboo Yarn - Bamboo yarn is a lot of fun to work with and produces beautiful knitted items that are also antibacterial. Here's more information on pros, cons and tips for knitting with bamboo yarn.
Ripple Stitch - Ripple stitch is a really fun and easy knitting stitch pattern that is created with undulating purl stitches that make a zig-zag pattern across a field of knit stitches.
Dot Stitch - Dot stitch is an easy four-row repeat knitting stitch pattern in which two of the rows are straight knitting. It makes a nice pebbled surface "dotted" with purls.
Swatch Afghan - One quick and easy way to use up a bunch of stitch pattern swatches of different sizes and shapes is to sew them all together (by hand or machine) into a blanket of whatever size is appropriate for the number of swatches you have. Here's how to get started.
How to Make Tassels - Making tassels for knitting projects is a fun and easy way to embellish projects, making them a little more special and interesting than they might be otherwise. Here's a really quick way to make tassels for any project.
Get Your Sock in Shape - Turning a heel is probably the part that most keeps people from knitting socks. Don't be scared! It's actually pretty easy to turn a sock heel once you understand what the instructions are asking you to do.
Knitting Seams - There are many different methods for seaming knitting, but here's a quick and easy way to sew up small seams.
Knit Through Back - Knitting through the back of a stitch produces a twisted stitch, which is a very cool look if you're doing it on purpose.
Purse Stitch - Purse stitch is one of the faggoting lace stitches that involves one row--this time largely of purl stitches--repeated over and over to make a lacy pattern.
Beaded Rib - Beaded Rib is a lovely variation on ribbing that features little purl "beads" between columns of knit stitches. It's easy to work up and great to use wherever you'd use ribbing.
Cat's Paw/Croen of Glory - Cat's Paw, also known as Crown of Glory, is an interesting stitch pattern that makes giant holes in the fabric, along with smaller eyelets that make the whole thing look like an animal paw or a crown.
Making Bobbles - Bobbles are a relatively common way to add dimensional texture to a piece of knitting. They involve increasing several times in the same stitch, turning the work, purling back and decreasing those stitches immediately.
Father's Day Knits - Free knitting patterns for the men in your life, perfect for knitting up for Father's Day, birthdays, Christmas or other holidays that merit a bit of fibery goodness.
Hand Felting - Felting with the use of a washing machine is the preferred method because it is quick and easy, but if you don't have access to a machine, you can felt by hand with these tips.
Double Cable - Double Cable or Horseshoe Cable is an easy cable pattern that can be varied in a multitude of ways. Work it over more stitches or make the cross more or less frequently to change the look.
German Twisted Cast On - German twisted cast on, sometimes referred to as Old Norwegian cast on, is a great, stretchy cast on method that is perfect for socks. It's a little tricky at first but you will love to use it.
Glisten Shawl - The Glisten Shawl is an easy triangle shaped shawl knit in Stockinette Stitch with increases on each side every other row. The glittery yarn and fringe make this wrap an evening-worthy project.
Felted Hot Pad - Hot pads are incredibly useful items to have in the kitchen, whether you're pulling something out of the oven or serving something hot on the table. Using a felted hot pad means you've got something nice, thick and heat resistant that you can knit up in no time.
Knit Bear - Knit toys are a lot of fun to make and to play with, and this fat little bear is no exception. He's great practice for knitting with double-pointed needles and he's very squishable.
Substituting Yarns - Substituting yarns is something every knitter has to do from time to time. Learn how to substitute yarns with ease and confidence.
Checkerboard Stitch - Checkerboard stitch is a combination of two colors of squares alternated to make a checkerboard pattern.
Little Shell Pattern - Little Shell pattern is an easy knitting stitch that's lovely for scarves, sweaters, afghans or any other project that needs a little bit of pretty lacy texture.
Crossed Stockinette - Crossed stockinette stitch is a slightly jazzed-up version of regular stockinette stitch in which the knit stitches are knit through the back loop, making a crossed stitch.
Chain Stripes - Chain stripes is a fun and easy pattern using three different colors -- a background and two chain colors -- to make an interesting textured fabric without a lot of effort.
Flemish Block Lace - Flemish Block Lace is a lovely knitting stitch that is not actually the difficult to accomplish, though it does require your attention as you knit. It would make a beautiful shawl or wrap, or use anywhere else you'd use lace knitting.
Knit on Plane - All knitters who travel wonder if they can take their knitting on a plane. The answer is yes, but there are some guidelines to make knitting on a plane safer and easier.
Twisted Tree - Twisted Tree is one of the easiest cable knitting patterns out there because you're only switching the order of one stitch at a time on a few rows, making a design that looks a bit like a gnarled old tree.
Fir Cone - Fir Cone is a delightful knitting stitch that involves double decreases that make an interesting texture on the fabric as well as a rippled edge similar to what you get with Feather and Fan.
Horseshoe Lace - Horseshoe Lace is a classic lace knitting stitch that might be the sort of thing a lot of people think of when they think of lace knitting. Luckily for us it's also a pretty easy lace that's good for tons of different uses.
Baby Blanket Yardage - Sometimes you have your own idea for a design for a baby blanket and you might not know how much yarn to buy. This quick estimate will give you an idea of the yardage requirements for a basic baby blanket.
Diamond Brocade - Diamond Brocade is a very popular knitting stitch pattern that involves raised purl diamond shapes on a field of stockinette. There are many variations to this easy and pretty stitch.
Mock Cable - There are many different ways to make mock cables. This is one of the easiest of all, involving knitting two stitches together and then knitting into one stitch again to make a twist.
Ribbed Wrap - This ribbed wrap is a great project for people who've mastered knit and purl.
Knotted Rib - Knotted rib is a nicely textured knitting stitch in which increases and decreases on different rows combine to make knot-like bumps on the knit fabric.
Seed Stitch - Seed stitch is an easy and good-looking knitting stitch pattern that is very versatile.
Graceful Shawl - The grace note stitch is a beautiful lace stitch pattern that makes a simple rectangular something really special.
Hourglass Eyelets - Though the eyelets themselves are pretty subtle, the Hourglass Eyelet knitting pattern is a lovely, textured pattern that would be great for a sweater or vest.
Double Basket - Double Basket is a really cool knitting stitch pattern that is full of texture. The undulating ribs make this stitch really interesting to knit and to look at on finished projects.
Diagonal Seed Stitch - Diagonal Seed Stitch is a really fun knitting stitch that makes diagonal lines of purls across a background of Stockinette. It's easy to knit and adds interest to otherwise basic knitting.
Hug Doll - Inspired by the "Hugs" doll in a Mastercard commercial, this easy to knit hug doll is worked in two colors in Garter Stitch and embellished however you like with bits of felt.
Little Checks - Little Checks is an ancient knitting stitch pattern that is made of knit blocks on a background of purl stitches. This stitch looks great on both sides, making it a great choice for afghans and scarves.
Bodywarmer - This free knitting pattern is for what I call a bodywarmer: part scarf, part shrug and part head wrap, it's all warm and lots of fun to knit.
Felting Tips - Felting is a lot of fun, but it can be a little intimidating. Here are some felting tips that will help you felt with ease.
Picot Bind Off - The picot bind off is a really cute way to finish off the bottom of a sweater (or the neckline) or anything else that you want to give a cute, girly flourish to.
