Category Archives: Tutorials

Learn to Knit a Benefaction Knit Hat

Have you ever wanted to learn to knit in the round, or on double pointed needles, but are unsure how? A simple hat, with handsome stripes and the perfect fit is an excellent way to get started on these techniques, and our new tutorial featuring the Benefaction Knit Hat will take you through every step! Stacey, who designed the hat, uses circular needles from our shorties set, and then changes to double pointed needles when the decreases result in too few stitches to continue with a circular needle. KP Staffer Jennifer, relatively new to knitting, tried out knitting in the round for the very first time. She watched the tutorial, and tentatively cast on.

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Learn to Knit a ZickZack Dishcloth!

It's no surprise that dishcloth patterns are some of the most popular downloads on our site. They're a fun way to learn and practice stitches, without committing to a whole project at once. If you're new to knitting, they're a great way to swatch, while still creating something beautiful and useful for your home. Our Zickzack Dishcloth is perfect for new knitters. With only knits and purls, you can create a lovely dishcloth, and learn to read a simple chart, while making it! Of course, if chart reading seems hard, all the instructions are written out in the free pattern, as well. So grab your needles (we recommend a size US 7/4.5mm set), some yarn (we recommend Dishie, but Cotlin, Shine, or Comfy would work, too), download the free pattern, and follow Stacey through the steps you'll need to complete your Zickzack dishcloth, today!

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Crochet the Jazz Age Washcloth!

Have you downloaded the Jazz Age Crochet Washcloth pattern yet? I have, and like many people somewhat new to crochet, I was not very confident that I have what it takes to make one. If this sounds like you, fear no more! We have a new video tutorial that will teach you all the key steps to crocheting your very own Jazz Age Washcloth. So grab some yarn (any will do, though the pattern suggests CotLin and that's what Jenny uses for the video), a crochet hook (we use a 4mm hook, though gauge isn't so important for a washcloth), watch the tutorial, and complete your very own Jazz Age Washcloth!

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Sock Talk

Let's talk about sock knitting, shall we? I'm not one to be constantly knitting socks, but occasionally I get so excited about a pattern that I'll knit up a pair or two quickly, only to return to sock knitting a couple of years later. I also love sock yarn. I love it for everything from cardigans to baby items to socks, of course! With our sock yarn sale going on until tomorrow (up to 40% off sock yarns!) it's a great time to stock up on your favorites. So let's discuss some great Knit Picks items, related to socks, shall we?

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Learn to Knit a Mitered Square!

So many of you have knit our Hue Shift Afghan, and even more of you have the pattern at home, but haven't started yet. Am I right? Perhaps it's the daunting mitered square design that has you a bit stumped. Well, if it is, fear not! We've just released a video tutorial teaching you everything you need to know to knit a mitered square.

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Meet Your Teacher: Heidi

Meet Heidi: Newlywed, Art Director, and Avid Crocheter. Heidi loves color, and she loves using colorful yarns to crochet blankets for her friends and family. Heidi teaches our online course on our Crochet Beginner Blanket (pattern available for free, here). We thought you'd might like to know a bit more about her, so I asked her some questions, below!

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Learn to Knit Club: Meet Your Teacher, Stacey!

Are you new to knitting, or do you have a friend who's been wanting to learn for a while now? Our new Learn to Knit Kits come in three levels, perfect for beginners of all levels. Each kit contain needles, yarn, a yarn needle, an instruction booklet, and a pin to wear when you've completed your project, all in a handsome box great for storage or giving. We also have tutorials for each of these kits, so any new knitter will be instructed by a Knit Picks staff member, each step of the way. The scarf pattern in our Level 2 kit was written by Stacey, who also teaches the class!

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Learn to Knit Club: Meet Your Teacher, Hannah!

Last week we launched 3 exciting new projects that we've been working on for months now, our Learn to Knit Kits! There's a kit for beginners of every level. Level 1 teaches you how to make a dishcloth (with enough yarn to make a few of them, in 3 different colors). Level 2 teaches you how to make a beautiful (and washable!) four color scarf, and Level 3 teaches you how to make a hat on two needles.  These kits have all the supplies you need, plus a handy full color booklet teaching you everything you need to know, and a pin to wear once you've completed your project!  Best of all, should you be a visual learner, we're offering tutorial classes for each kit. In the tutorials, a member of the Knit Picks staff takes you, step by step, through every technique you'll need to know to complete your project. Best of all, the classes are free on our site! We thought it might be fun for you to meet the teachers of these classes. So this week, we're featuring Hannah! Hannah is our Catalog Director here at Knit Picks. She wrote the pattern for the Learn to Knit Club Hat, and she teaches the tutorial class on making the hat. From casting on to ribbing, decreasing, and seaming, Hannah's got it covered!  I asked her a few questions related to her own personal love of craft. You can find her answers, below!

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Tips & Tricks for Lace Knitting

Summer is here and so is the warm weather, which means it's a great time to hone your lace skills! Whether lace is your passion or your knitting nemesis, here are a few handy guidelines and tutorials to help keep your needles flying and your frustration at bay, the next time you cast on.

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Crafting for Kids: Needle Felted Hearts (with Tutorial)!

Would you like the kids in your child's class to receive a super special treat this Valentine's Day? Are you looking for a fun craft to do with your kids this Saturday? Do you want to incorporate some fiber fun into your Valentine's Day, no matter what age you are? Here's a cute and super simple craft that can be done with kids or for kids, or by kids of all ages:)! Since it involves needles, this felting project is suitable for the slightly older child, and supervision is essential. These needle felted hearts are easy to make, adorable to wear or give, and are sure to make your Valentine smile. To make this project, you'll need:

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