How to Crochet a Border Around a Knitted Piece

After working on my first Oddball Baby Blanket which was knitted all except for the border which was crocheted, I thought that making a little video tutorial on how to work a single crochet border around a knitted piece might be helpful to some knitters out there who are not very confident with a crochet hook. And now that I think of it, it might also be helpful to confident crocheters who are not very comfortable working on a knitted piece too.

This technique can be used to crochet a border around a knitted baby blanket as is done on all the knitted Oddball Blankets, and other things too. You could knit squares for a patchwork type of afghan and crochet a simple border around them before joining them together. I find joining squares with a crocheted border much easier than joining the edges of knitted squares. Another good use for this technique would be for knitted dishcloths or face clothes which tend to be a bit stretchy. Crocheting a simple border around them would help them retain their shape better and reduce the stretch factor.

Take a look at the video and then maybe give it a try on your next knitted project.




If you would like to work a decorative border after the single crochet border but you are not sure how to do one, take a look at the Finished Oddball Baby Blanket and try the border pattern given there. I'll be posting a video on how to do that border pattern soon, just in case someone out there would rather See It Done!

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Crocheted Cast Off

Time for another little video to share with you a cast off or bind off technique that I really like. It's called Crocheted Cast Off or Crocheted Bind Off. Now you know why I like it ... because it's really crochet, my first love in handwork!

I recently used this method to finish off the garter stitch edge of my very first Oddball Baby Blanket that I had the privilege of working on. It worked out nicely for that project because I was going to be crocheting a border around the blanket anyway.

If you've never tried this method of binding off your knitting, take a look and see how easy it is.




Give it a try on your next pair of booties or your next baby blanket and let me know what you think.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Double Crochet Decrease from 3 stitches down to 1 stitch

Not too long ago I came upon a wonderful knitting forum that I started to read and eventually participate in. It's called KnittingHelp.com Forum and I've found some really nice people there. Some of them, like me, enjoy crocheting as well. I recently found one thread where Merryknitter, a new crocheter, was having difficulty understanding part of an instruction in a pattern she was trying out. So here is a video demonstrating the Double Crochet Decrease from 3 stitches to 1 stitch. The written directions are included after the video, just as Merryknitter provided them in her forum thread.




Here are the directions:

Row 1 ch 115, 2 dc in 4th ch from hook(first 3 chs count as first dc), *dc in each of next 3 chs, I understand up to this point.
[dc dec in next 3 chs] twice, dc in each of next 3 chs**, 3dc in each of next 2 chs, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 3 dc in last ch, turn.

And this is the explanation of the "dc dec" which Merryknitter provided:

(YO, insert hook, yo, draw loop through, draw through 2 lps on hook) in each of the sts indicated, yo, draw through all lps on hook.

I think there is a missing YO between "draw loop through" and "draw through 2 lps on hook" which could make this explanation confusing for a beginner.

This is how the first row on my sample turned out. I really like it and I'm anxious to see how it comes out in the project that Merryknitter is doing called Noah's Ark Blanket. She says it's the water and the ark sits on it. It sounds so cute.

Merryknitter also provided the instructions for the next row which I found after I had finished the video, so I will include it here in case anyone else is interested in it. I certainly plan to play with this pattern and perhaps put it on my List of Stitches To Use In The Future.

Row 2 : Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *dc in each of next 3 sts, [dc dec in next 3 sts] twice, dc in each of next 3 sts**, 3 dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * around, ending last rep at **, 3 dc in last st, turn.

I hope this is helpful to Merryknitter and anyone else who might be having trouble with this instruction. I would love to see how your project turns out.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Close Scallops Stitch

The Close Scallops Crochet Stitch which I am going to show you in the following video is what I am using to make an afghan which will be a wedding gift for one of my nieces who is getting married in November. I chose this stitch for several reasons:

• It is a stitch I had not used before and I wanted to see if it would be a good one for an afghan.
• It is reversible and that has become a prerequisite for any stitch I use to make an afghan. I really do not like afghans or baby blankets that have a right and wrong side.
• It is a stitch pattern that is a simple repetition of one single crochet and four doubles so it does not require following a complicated pattern.
• It is a fairly flat stitch pattern, with just a little bit of texture to it, and it doesn't leave big holes in the fabric for fingers and toes to get stuck in.
  
• It is a pattern that works up quickly because of the double crochets, and combined with the bulky weight yarn I am using and the size K crochet hook, this afghan is coming along pretty quickly. It might even arrive before the wedding!
  

So here's the video showing how to work the Close Scallops Stitch in Crochet.




If you are interested in trying this stitch, here is the pattern for it:

Chain multiple of 6 plus 1.

Row 1: Sk first 3 ch, 2 dc in next ch, * sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, sk 2 ch, 4 dc.* Repeat from * to * until 3 ch remain. Sk 2 ch, sc in last chain.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. 2 dc in first sc, * sc between posts of 2nd and 3rd dc, 4 dc in sc.* Repeat from * to * until last half scallop remains. Sc in space between turning chain and dc.

Repeat Row 2 to desired size.

This is the sample piece I made while doing the video. You can see the small holes that are made from stitching the 4 double crochet stitches into the single crochet from the previous row. This is happening on the sample because, for demonstration purposes, I am using a crochet hook that is two sizes larger than what is recommended for this yarn. In the pictures of the afghan I am making with this stitch which I will show you tomorrow, you will see that the holes all but disappear. Some people don't have a hang-up about holes in afghans, but I do!

One other note on this video: I mention towards the end that this stitch pattern does not require stitching into the top of any stitches, only in the spaces between stitches. This is not accurate because the scallops themselves are stitched into the single crochet stitch between the scallops of the previous row. It is the single crochet that is stitched between the posts of the doubles and into the space made by the turning chain. I just thought I should clarify that in case it caused any confusion.

If you're looking for a quick-to-stitch project, pick up some chunky or bulky weight yarn and a big hook and give Close Scallops a try. Let me know if you like it.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Simple Bind Off Video Tutorial

Time for another tutorial -- this one is a video showing the most common method for binding off or casting off in knitting. This is the process which secures the last row of stitches as they come off the needle. This Simple Bind Off technique I am going to show you is done in the knit stitch, but binding off can also be done in purl or in a rib pattern that has been established, or two pieces can be bound off at the same time so that they are joined together in the process. There are many ways of binding off and I will demonstrate some of them later, but this one, as I said, is the most common, and it really is quite simple. See for yourself. Here's the video.

Just a note to keep in mind while you are watching the video...I don't really knit that fast! I wanted you to see the binding off of the whole row so I made the middle section play in double time just so the video wouldn't take quite so long! The beginning and ending of the row when you can hear me talking are at normal speed.



One thing I neglected to mention in the video is that you need to make sure you don't pull your yarn tight after each bind off. You need to keep the bound off stitches loose so that the edge doesn't get drawn up from too much tension. Sometimes this takes practice, but if you just leave the yarn as it is when it comes off the needle instead of pulling on it, your edge should be fine.

With this video and the stitches I have shown you in the different videos listed in my video library, you have all the information you need to make a good start with your new knitting hobby. I hope you find as much joy in creating clothing and accessories for yourself and others as I have.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Increase by Knitting in Front and Back of Stitch

Here's another video tutorial for your knitting library, this time showing an increase method where you knit into the front and the back of the stitch. This is a good increase to use when you want a solid fabric without any holes, for instance when knitting a sleeve from the cuff to the shoulder.

You might recognize the yarn I am using in this video and from that clue perhaps you can guess what I am making. If not, I will be sure to show it to you when I am finished with it. In this project, I am using a pattern that I made up myself and at first I was not so sure I would like how it was turning out. But I pressed on, and after finishing a few repetitions of the design, decided that the effect was pretty darn cool looking. Anyway, more about that when it is finished.

Here's the video. I hope you find it helpful.



It occurred to me after watching the video again that I may have given the impression that this is ordinarily an increase that would be done all the way across a row of knitting. In fact, normally this increase would be done once at the beginning and end of a row, or perhaps spaced evenly a number of times across a row. It just so happens, in this particular project I am making right now, that I want to double the number of stitches from one row to the next. You'll see what I mean when it is finished so stay tuned!

And don't forget to enter my fall giveaway by October 14th for a chance to win a very nice pincushion bag and other fall goodies. Good luck!

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Easy Knit 2 Together Decrease

Here is another technique to add to your knitting repertoire which is used for a very simple decrease. It's called Knit 2 Together and in a pattern it would look like this: K2tog

It is used in my Swirl Top Baby Hat to shape the crown of the hat and make the cool looking swirl design that gives the hat its name.

Here's a very quick video showing the Knit 2 Together Decrease:





Coming up soon, I will show you the little project I made from the sample I used in this video and in the Yarn Over Increase video so stay tuned.

And don't forget to enter my Fall Giveaway that is open until October 14 for a chance to win a really nice pincushion bag, needle book and other Fall-ish goodies.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Easy Yarn Over Increase

When learning to knit, besides learning the basics for even stitching which would be how to cast on, how to knit and how to purl, it is also important to learn one or two simple ways to shape your knitted piece. In the video below, you will learn how to do a very simple increase, called a Yarn Over Increase. This increase, besides adding a stitch, will also create a bit of a lace effect on your piece since it leaves a hole in your work. There are other methods of increasing in knitting which I will show you soon, but this is a good one to start out with.






Coming up soon, I will show you the second half of the piece featured in this video while teaching you how to decrease, along with pictures of another project I made using this same method. I'll share with you a few ideas for using this very simple increase/decrease pattern to make quick gifts for the holidays. Stay tuned!

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Triple Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's is the next stitch in the Learn to Crochet series of Video Tutorials I've been sharing with you...Triple Crochet. If you're looking for a very tall and loose crochet stitch to work with, this is the one for you!

Take a look and then give it a try!




If you want to practice Triple Crochet while making something useful, I would recommend making a scarf. Because Triple Crochet is so tall, it works up very quickly. And since it is such a loose stitch, it makes a very loose fabric that drapes nicely. Pick out your yarn and the appropriately sized hook, chain 25 or 30 or however many stitches to make the width you want, then add 4 chains. Work your first triple crochet into the 5th chain from the hook and in each chain across. Chain 4 and turn. Work a triple crochet into the 2nd stitch from the hook and in each stitch across, remembering to work a triple crochet into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. If you forget that, you will decrease the number of stitches on each row by 1 and end up with a very short pointed piece!

This would be a good thing to make if you want to do some charity crocheting for a local shelter or church fair or for the Special Olympics.

Happy Stitching!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

After mastering the Chain Stitch, Single Crochet and Half Double Crochet, it's time to move on to the next stitch.

Here is a Video Tutorial on the Double Crochet Stitch, which is a very easy and versatile stitch in crochet. It is the base for quite a lot of other pattern stitches and techniques such as Filet Crochet and the Square Block.

Take a look...



If you want to practice this stitch and make something practical at the same time, a simple lap blanket or baby blanket would work up quickly in double crochet. Just pick up a few skeins of your favorite yarn and the size hook suggested for that yarn (or go a size bigger for a softer and quicker finish!). Work a chain as wide as you want and work your first double crochet into the third chain from the hook. Double crochet into each chain all the way across, work three chain stitches before turning your work. Work your first double crochet of the next row into the second stitch and continue working every row in this manner until the piece is as big as you want it. Don't forget to work a double crochet into the third chain of the turning chain from the previous row at the end of each row or you will end up with a triangle instead of a square!

I'd love to see what you come up with!

Don't forget to sign up for my 100th post give-away before Wednesday, September 17th!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Half Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Here is another Video Tutorial to add to the Library -- this time on the Half Double Crochet Stitch. This stitch is a little taller than the single crochet stitch, but still makes a nice firm fabric. It can be used on its own, stitching through both loops or just the front or back loops. It is very often used in combination with other stitches to make patterns like scallops since it is a nice transition between single and double crochet.

Watch the video and see how easy it is...




If you would like to practice this stitch while making something useful, pick up a skein of Red Heart worsted weight yarn in a color that brings out your beautiful eyes. Start with a chain of about 25 or 30 stitches, then work every row in half double crochet until the piece is about 60 inches long. Weave in the ends and wear it around your neck on the next chilly morning. I bet you'll get one or two compliments from friends!

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Cable Cast On Method Video Tutorial

The video below shows how to cast on in knitting using the Cable Cast On method. This method is good to use if you want an elastic and decorative edge such as for socks or hats, and works well also for ribbing such as for sweaters. You will notice it is very similar to the Knitting On method of casting on, except that for each stitch the needle is inserted between the two previous stitches instead of into the front of the previous stitch.

One thing to keep in mind when casting on using this method, as with all cast on methods, is to keep your stitches l-o-o-s-e! You will see in the video that my stitches were a tad snug on the needle, partly because I tend to be a tight knitter, but also because it's hard to knit around a camera and tripod!

If you find your cast on edges consistently too tight, try using a needle one or two sizes larger for your cast on row, or cast on over two needles and pull one out when you are finished casting on.

So here's the video. I hope you find it helpful.

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Knit -- Simple Seed Stitch Video Tutorial

Time for another knitting video -- woo hoo! This one is on the Simple Seed Stitch which is, very simply, purl stitches interspersed on a stockinette stitch background. In this video, the sample is being knit with three knit stitches between each purl stitch on each of the pattern rows. There are three rows in between each pattern row, one purl, one knit, one purl. The purl stitches, or seed stitches, are also off set in each pattern row so that they are not one on top of the other, but produce more of a diagonal or diamond design. You could arrange your seed stitches as close or as far apart or in whatever design you would like, but the basics of the stitch will still be the same, that is, some number of knit stitches between purls and some number of stockinette rows between pattern rows.

I hope you find this video helpful in working this simple, but decorative stitch.





This Simple Seed Stitch would be a nice addition to dress up any plain stockinette piece like a sweater, or alternate blocks on a blanket, or even a simple scarf or hat.

This picture shows four pattern rows of the Simple Seed Stitch worked, the top row still being on the needle. You can see here how the second row of seed stitches is not lined up with the first and third. You could alter the pattern to line up the rows, or space them differently, to produce the result that you want on your piece of knitting.


This picture shows the little bit of texture the seed stitches give to the stockinette background. It's not much, but just enough to fancy up a plain piece, and so simple to do.

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Learn to Crochet -- Slip Knot and Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

Let's start at the very beginning...I believe someone famous used those very words in a song once! This next set of video tutorials is for those of you who have always wanted to learn how to crochet, but didn't have someone to show you. The first, which is presented below, shows how to make a Slip Knot which is the beginning of knitting and crochet alike. It also shows how to work the Chain Stitch, which is the beginning base of a crocheted piece.




Over the next week or so, I will present more crochet videos for the basics such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet stitches. I'll also show how to increase and decrease. After that, we'll get into some fancier stitch patterns that can be used for many crocheted items. If there is a stitch that you are having particular trouble with or would just like to learn, write a comment and I'll see if I can do a video on it for everyone.

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com

Library of Needlework Video Tutorials

This page will list all the video tutorials available on Hooked On Needles for easy reference, and a link to it will be on the sidebar under Hooked On Needles Links. I will add each new video as it becomes available.

I hope you find this helpful.


Knitting Video Tutorials

• Single Cast On Method of Casting On
  
• Knitting On Method of Casting On
• Cable Cast On Method of Casting On
  
• Knit Stitch
  
• Purl Stitch
  
• Simple Seed Stitch
  
• Right Twist Cable and Left Twist Cable
• Eyelet Row
• Easy Yarn Over Increase
  
• Easy Knit 2 Together Decrease
• Simple Bind Off
• Crocheted Cast Off or Crocheted Bind Off
• Increase by knitting into the front and back of stitch
  

Crocheting Video Tutorials

• Slip Knot and Chain Stitch
  
• Single Crochet Stitch
• Half Double Crochet Stitch
• Double Crochet Stitch
• Triple Crochet Stitch
  
• Reverse Single Crochet
  
• Joining Blocks using Single Crochet
• Close Scallops Stitch
• Double Crochet Decrease from 3 to 1
  

Hand Embroidery Video Tutorials

• Chain Stitch
  
• Easy way to Thread a Needle
  
• Separating Stranded Embroidery Floss
  

Beading Video Tutorials

• None yet, but something is coming soon!
  

Click here to return to HookedOnNeedles.com