Knitting and Crochet Techniques

Life is short, but the craft is long! Here are some crochet and knitting techniques you may find helpful.

In each case, I've linked to a tutorial. I'll add to this page each time one of my patterns calls for a technique, so if you're trying to make something I've made and are not sure how to go about it, this page will let you know!

Crochet Techniques

Getting Started

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single stitch! These techniques will get your crochet project off to a great start. 

Magic Ring/Magic Loop

How to crochet the magic ring/magic loop. This makes for a nice, neat start to your project in the round

Different Crochet Stitches

So we've started, now what?? This section will demystify the different crochet stitches.

Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is most often worked to join pieces together. To work a slip stitch:

Insert hook, yarn over, draw yarn through.

US Single Crochet/UK Double Crochet

US single crochet/UK double crochet. (I learned to crochet the American way, so that's the terminology I use!) 

A US single crochet is equivalent to a UK double crochet. This stitch can be worked quite firmly, and is good for creating amigurumi. For clarity, a single crochet (sc) is made in the following way:

Insert hook, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (two loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through both loops.

US Double Crochet/UK Treble Crochet

US double crochet/UK treble crochet. (I learned to crochet the American way, so that's the terminology I use!) 

A US double crochet is equivalent to a UK treble crochet. You are probably quite familiar with this stitch, as it's the basis of everyone's favourite motif, the granny square! Here's how you make it:

Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and draw yarn through (three loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over a final time and pull through the remaining two loops.

US Treble Crochet/UK Double Crochet

US treble crochet/UK double crochet. (I learned to crochet the American way, so that's the terminology I use!) 

A US treble crochet is equivalent to a UK double treble crochet.

Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over and draw yarn through (four loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two loops (three loops remaining on hook),Yarn over and pull through two loops (two loops remaining on hook) then yarn over a final time and pull through the remaining two loops.

Finishing

Break the yarn, and tah-dah! You're done! Well, almost. Here are some techniques for finishing your crochet creations! 

How To Seam Granny Squares Invisibly 

How to seam granny squares invisibly. This is the crochet version of mattress stitch which is worked in knitting.

Knitting Techniques

Getting Started

Let's knit! There are literally hundreds of ways to cast on a project, but here's one way to get started... 

Judy's Magic Cast On
This is a little tricky to learn, but well worth mastering! Use it to start toe up socks, or circular shawls.
Provisional Cast On

Provisional cast on. Use this cast on when you plan to graft two ends of the work together.

Knitting's Knitty Gritty

You've cast on, now what?  

How to Yarn Over in Knitting 
Yarning over in knitting couldn't be simpler. Just bring your yarn over your right needle. You've created an extra stitch, so the pattern may tell you to decrease one stitch to keep the stitch count stable.
Picking Up Stitches in Knitting

Picking up stitches. Lots of patterns will have you "pick up stitches". Here's what that means.

Centered double decrease (SL2 K1 PSSO) 
The most common thing I hear when talking about a SL2 K1 PSSO decrease is "whaaaat?". Take a minute to understand this decrease - it's worth it. Let's break it down. SL2 K1 PSSO means SLip two stitches, Knit one stitch, Pass Slipped Stitches Over (the stitch you just knit). Take it one step at a time, and it's easy enough - and makes a lovely neat decrease too!
*What's up with the astricks in knitting patterns?*

Any time you see instructions *inside asterisks*, repeat them as many times as instructed. Imagine if knitting patterns said:

knit one yarn over knit one yarn over knit one yarn over knit one yarn over knit one yarn over

You'd have to print out the pattern and hunch over it with a pencil, crossing out each knit one yarn over as you went, and getting muddled for sure. It may not seem like it, but *K1 YO* is much easier.

Knit 2 Together / K2tog 

This is a simple right-leaning decrease. Just knit the next two stitches together as if they were one. You have decreased one stitch. 

Slip Slip Knit / SSK

SSK is Slip, Slip Knit. Just slip the next two stitches from your left to right needle as if to knit, then knit them together. This is a left leaning decrease. 

Using Circular Needles which are too long with the Magic Loop
You can use circular needles which are longer than the piece you're knitting! Just tug a (magic) loop out to one side of your work.
Twisted Ribbing
Make a neater ribbing by working into the back of all knit stitches.

Casting Off

You have as many different options for casting off as casting on! Here's just one... 

Three Needle Bind Off

Three needle bind off. This bind off neatly grafts two rows of live stitches together, leaving a firm, decorative seam.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off
An extra yarn over makes this cast off appropriate for the tops of socks, and the bottoms of hats. Written instructions for Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off.

Other Tips

One of my favourite things about knitting and crochet is there's always more to learn! 

What Size Should I Make My Hat?

This website gives helpful tips on typical head sizes.

Provisional Cast On

Provisional cast on. Use this cast on when you plan to graft two ends of the work together.