I’ve recently released this simple brioche rib cowl pattern. I’ve pulled together this accompanying tutorial to show you how to brioche rib “in the round”. I want to persuade you all that brioche knitting really is simpler than is looks, so go on, go get the pattern (its free until 10th Feb 2019!) find some […]
How to make a knitting kit for beginners
Last year, my friend decided that she wanted to learn to knit. That meant that I had to rack my brain to think about what she might need in terms of a knitting kit to get her started. Obviously, all she really needed was a ball of yarn and a pair of needles. But it’s […]
Ever fancied learning Tunisian Crochet?
Ever fancied learning Tunisian Crochet. The Tunisian Crochet “simple stitch” is exactly what it says…simple! I’ve created this (hopefully!) easy to follow step-by-step tutorial to help you learn how to crochet the Tunisian Crochet Simple Stitch
How to crochet a granny square..it really is simple!
When you think of crochet, you may think “granny square”. Whilst there are a lot of other things you can do with crochet, the granny square is still (in my opinion!) one of the simplest ways to create something beautiful!
The Granny Square is surprisingly simple and in this quick photo tutorial, I’m going to show you step by step how to make a granny square!
Learn how to crochet a Magic-Loop with this easy photo-tutorial
How to crochet a magic loop was one of the first tutorials that I posted. Here is an updated version. The steps are all the same but I felt it needed updating a bit! 🙂
This is a crochet tutorial, for a technique used to start crocheting “in the round”, for example when making a mandala or some amigurumi. Please don’t confuse it with the magic-loop knitting technique!
How to make the Slip Slip Knit (SSK) and why!
Slip Slip Knit (SSK) is the “sister stitch” to K2tog. Both decrease the number of stitches you have. Like most knitting stitches, “Slip Slip Knit (SSK”), describes what you do…to reduce a stitch this way, you will carry out the following steps: Slipping “knitwise” simply means putting your needle under the stitch as if you […]
How to Knit two together (K2tog) and Purl two together (P2tog)
In this post I’m going to show you how to Knit two together (K2tog) and Purl two together (P2tog) These are both “decrease” knitting stitches. These techniques will help you reduce the number of stitches that you have. Your pattern will usually tell you which to use. How to Knit two together (K2tog) This is […]
How to M1L and M1R and remember which is which!!
How to Make 1 Left (M1L) and Make 1 Right (M1R) I’m going to show you how to M1L and M1R. These are increases made on the knitted side of your work. Not sure what I mean by “knitted side”? check out this post here To make a M1L or a M1R, you will use […]
How to Knit front and Back (KfB) and Purl Front and Back (PfB)
Knit Front and Back (KfB) and Purl Front and Back (PfB) Knit front and Back (KfB) and Purl front and back (PfB) are the easiest ways (in my opinion) to increase the number of stitches you have when knitting. To make this increase stitch, you simply have to knit or purl the same stitch twice. […]
How to count Rows and stitches in Stockinette Stitch
In pretty much everything you knit, you will at some point need to learn how to count rows and stitches. This is especially important if you’re making something that needs to be a certain size, as you will need to make sure you knit in the same “gauge” as the designer. If you’re not sure […]
How to knit and measure your “gauge”
In this post, I’m going to talk about “gauge” and specifically, how to use a gauge swatch to measure your gauge. Why is “gauge” important? The pattern will describe the “gauge” the designer used. This simply means the number of stitches and rows in a specified measurement. Gauge is normally measured over either 4″ or […]
Which Yarn to use for knitting or crochet?
There are so many types of yarn to choose from. If you’re just starting to learn to knit or crochet, you might find this a bit confusing…I know I did!! I’m hoping this post will help you with which yarn to use for your next project! Whether you crochet or knit, yarn is yarn and […]
My favourite tutorials of 2017
Earlier this week I shared some of the projects I’ve been working on in 2017. In this post I thought I’d look back at some of the tutorials I’ve shared, just in case you missed them! It started in February, when I shared this Magic Loop technique for crocheting in the round. In May, […]
How to knit the Purl Stitch – a photo and video tutorial
In this post I’m going to show you how to knit the purl stitch. I’ve taken this from my “Learn to Knit for Beginners Course”. Because I thought you might want to have a handy reference guide for different technique, I’ve split my course into a series of specific posts like this one too.
How to knit the Knit Stitch – a photo and video tutorial
In this post I’m going to show you how to knit the knit stitch. I’ve taken this from my “Learn to Knit for Beginners Course” which you can find here. Because I thought that you may want to look at specific techniques, I’ve broken it up into a set of posts like this.
How to Increase or Decrease Knitting Stitches – Learn to Knit for Beginners – Lesson 6
Welcome back to my Learn to Knit for Beginners course. You’ve made it to Lesson 6, well done! In this lesson we’re going to learn about how to increase knitting stitches and how to decrease knitting stitches. That basically means we’re going to look at how to add or reduce the number of stitches using […]
Scheepjes Whirl Pattern – Rough Diamonds Shawl now released
You’ll have seen in this sneak preview that I’ve been creating a new Scheepjes Whirl Pattern. For a few months now I’ve been busy designing and testing a new shawl using Scheepjes Whirl. I LOVE a Scheepjes Whirl pattern! It’s such a lovely yarn to work with! Rough Diamonds – a Scheepjes Whirl Pattern So […]
Making Yarn Overs and Picking up Dropped Stitches. Learn to Knit for Beginners – Lesson 5
Welcome back to my Learn to Knit for Beginners course. In this lesson we’re going to explore some of the reasons you may have ended up with a greater or fewer number of stitches. When you didn’t intend to! In particular we are going to look at making a yarn over accidentally. I’ll also show […]
How to knit a simple cable. Its not wizzardry!
Hello, here is a quick “knit-bit” lesson for you! This post is to describe how to knit a simple cable. It’s REALLY simple, not wizzardry and once you learn how simple I’m sure you’ll be off cabling everything…because other people think you are magic!!! 🙂 For this tutorial you will need a pair of knitting […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners – Lesson 4, “tinking”
Welcome back to my Learn to Knit for Beginners course. I’m sure by now you are getting into your knitting and may have been making some easy knitting mistakes. If you’ve missed them, you can find the Introduction to this Learn to Knit course here. In Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 We’ve been learning how […]
How to read a knitting pattern – Learn to Knit for Beginners Lesson 3
Welcome to this Lesson 3 of the Learn to Knit for Beginners course. In this lesson we’re going to look at how to read a knitting pattern. I’ll also share my favourite place to find knitting patterns and how to decide if the pattern is right for you. I’m using the pattern for a knitted […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners – Free Scarf Pattern
Hello. I’m hoping you’re here to find the details on the free scarf pattern that I’ve been promising in the Introduction, Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 of my Learn to Knit for Beginners course. If you’ve stumbled in here by mistake then welcome anyway. Fancy a free scarf pattern? You’re welcome to join in with […]
Difference between a Knit and Purl Stitch – Learn to Knit for Beginners – Lesson 2
Welcome to lesson 2 of my Learn to Knit for Beginners Course. One of the first things we will learn in this lesson is the difference between a knit and purl stitch. We will start learning about the different knitted fabrics you can create using knit and purl stitches. We are also going to look […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners – Lesson 1, How to Knit and Purl
Welcome back to my Learn to Knit for Beginners series. This lesson we are going to start to learn how to knit! If you missed it, I put an introductory post here describing the course and the equipment you will need to learn to knit. If you didn’t already, please check it out! For this […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners Lesson 1 – How to Knit and Purl
Welcome back to my Learn to Knit for Beginners series. In this Lesson we’ll be learning how to knit! If you missed it, I put an introductory post here describing the course and the equipment you will need to learn how to knit. If you didn’t already, please check it out! For this lesson you […]
Learn to Knit for Beginners – Introduction to Knitting
Hello! Welcome to my Learn to Knit for Beginners series of posts. In the next few posts I’ll be exploring the basics of knitting. I’ll also provide some hints tips and tutorials to help you learn to knit. What’s this all about? In this introduction to the Learn to Knit for Beginners course I’ll describe […]
Dye your own yarn – How to dye self-striping yarn at home!
Photo Tutorial showing you how to Dye your own Yarn at home. Create self-striping yarn at home, using Acid Dyes or Food Colouring
Get more organised. Simple craft storage ideas for the untidy (like me!)
Is your yarn piled up and shoved in a box (like mine used to be!)? Or are you super organised and neat (like I’m trying to be!). I’m the furthest thing from “neat” that you can imagine, much to the exasperation of my other half. As a result, I’m always looking for craft storage ideas!
The 11 things I learned about yarn dyeing my first Skein
I’ve recently been experimenting with yarn dyeing. Step 1 was lots of googling and research, I thought I’d share what I learned about yarn dyeing on my first trip down “dye-street”. Why 11? I dunno, just the number I ended up with!
How to Knit an i-cord, using DPN or Circular Needles – its easy!
Welcome to this Jo-Creates “knit-bit” lesson. In this lesson I’m going to show you how to knit an i-cord. This is a super simple technique for knitting a cable / cord. It has a sort of “rope” effect and is often used in knitting patterns.
How to … m1L and m1R … and to never forget which is which …
I’m making a new cardigan and it has tonnes of M1L, M1R, M1pR M1pL in it, I’m constantly forgetting which is which but this is a really handy tutorial to remember which is which! 🙂
Sore hands from knitting or crocheting? These stretches might help!
Do you get pains in your hands and wrists when crocheting or knitting?
The Long Tail Cast On – photo and video tutorial
Is it really sad to have a “favourite” cast-on? If so, sign me up, I’m sad! The long tail cast on is my favourite cast-on, its simple and quick and relatively painless (once you have your head around it!)
Experimenting with Colour – How to use a Colour Wheel
I’ve been having fun this week using a colour wheel to experiment with colours for some Mandala’s that I’m making. I thought I’d share my thoughts on how to use a colour wheel in the hope that it will help you do some experimentation too!
Mexican Sun Mandala Free Crochet Pattern
What do you do when you have left-over yarn? Make a mandala! This could be used as a coaster or just to look pretty on your desk!