Some Resources to Keep You Stitching

Whether you are an experienced crafter or just learned to knit or crochet at the Knit-Out—or even if you haven't yet picked up needles or hook—these resources should help keep you going.

We know from experience that even after you learn, you sometimes need to remind yourself how to do the stitches. So among these resources are several web sites where you can see videos or illustrations of techniques—including the basics like knit, purl, and single crochet. Use them to help you out if you hit a snag, or to get information on new techniques you want to explore.

We've also included links to text and Word files that contain slightly expanded versions of this information. (They're at the bottom of this post.)

WEB SITES

About.com's Knitting pages
Tons of information and lots of links. The Learning to Knit page has basics for beginners or for those who want to brush up on their skills. Also includes info on more advanced techniques, like multicolored knitting, links to free patterns, etc.

About.com's Crochet page
Similar to above. Also includes Learn to Crochet links.

DIY Network Web site
See photos and written instructions or watch video clips from the network's show "Knitty Gritty" demonstrating various knitting techniques. Each episode's web page has links to a few pages with how-tos.

DIY makes past episodes a little hard to find, but you can click the episode titles below to get to some of the episodes The Word and text documents below include URLs for all the episodes filmed to date.

Episode DKNG-101 Getting Started
Covers choosing needles and yarns for a first-time project, casting on and binding off. A great primer for anyone just learning to knit.

Episode DKNG-102: Knitting and Purling
If you know how to knit and purl, you can do stockinette stitch. This episode shows how to knit and purl so you can make a knitted guitar in stockinette.

Episode DKNG-103: Felting
Felting or "fulling" is a process by which knitted wool is soaked in hot water to shrink and tighten the fibers and create a dense, strong fabric. Great for making knitted purses, like those shown at the Knit-Out. In fact, this episode's featured project is a felted purse.

Episode DKNG-104: Knitting in the Round
How to knit seamlessly using double-pointed needles. Project is a pair of mittens.

Episode DKNG-106: Knitting with Kids
Making a beanbag, a hat, and a scarf.

Stitch Guide
Written instructions on different knitting, crochet, and other needlecraft techniques, with illustrations. There are also videos of many of the techniques that you can watch online using the free Quick Time player.

Valley Café Knitting Resource Page
Includes animated illustrations and short video clips of knitting techniques that you can watch online for free.

BOOKS

How to Crochet
How to Knit
These inexpensive booklets, pubished by The National Needlework Association, each provide instruction on basic techniques. They are available only through retail stores that are members of The National Needlework Association. Ask your local yarn store for recommendations on other good learn-to-knit or -crochet books.

GET AN EXPANDED VERSION OF THIS INFORMATION:

Word document (40K) or
Text document (12K)