Active Arts & Crafts Posts

How To: Knit two stitches together

This how-to video provides a demonstration of knitting two stitches together. Knitting two together (k2tog) is a neat way to de crease stitches, giving a tighter edge than any left side decrease. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to knit two stitches together.

How To: Sew in an invisible zipper

An invisible zipper adds a nice finish to fancier sewing projects, as it just looks like a regular seam. This how-to video demonstrates sewing in an invisible zipper to a garment. The process is much easier if you have a specialty zipper foot for the sewing machine. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to sew in an invisible zipper.

How To: Origami a paper piano

Learn to make a small origami parlor ornament using a single piece of one-sided black origami paper. In a few steps, this instructional video shows you how to fold a rather unexpected miniature paper piano. You may want to use a pen to draw in some tiny piano keys. It also helps to hum a song while following this simple visual guide to folding paper pianos.

How To: Origami a table and chair

Watch this origami how to video and learn how to make an origami table and chair. If you are a fan or origami, this instructional video will surely satisfy your origami needs. This origami video goes a little fast, but the table and chair are really cute! Just pause the video as you go along.

How To: Knit an elongated stitch

This how-to video demonstrates the elongated knitting stitch. There are a few different ways to make a n elongated stitch, by wrapping the needles before knitting, placing yarnovers, or dropping the knit stitches. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to knit an elongated stitch.

How To: Knit the twin rib stitch pattern

This how-to video demonstrates the twin rib stitch knitting pattern. The twin rib stitch has a lot of stretch and looks the same on both sides, making it useful for knitting projects that will have both side visibility. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the twin rib stitch pattern.

How To: Knit the mistake rib stitch

The mistake rib stitch, as demonstrated in this how-to video, may have started off as a failed attempt at ribbing, but still looks nice. The pattern is easy: knit two, purl two, knit two again, and purl one last one. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do the mistake rib stitch.

How To: Knit a purl stitch using the continental method

This how-to video demonstrates the purl stitch using the continental method, or with the left hand. Start with the yarn in left hand. The middle finger (or index finger) is used to push the yarn down and to the right, to where the right needle can easily push it back through the stitch. This method requires the fewest hand movements of any purl method, and is consequently the fastest (with the exception, perhaps, of the "Combined Knitting Method" of purling). This method of purling, when comb...

How To: Machine knit double bed e-wrap ribbing

If you use a knitting machine to knit your projects, follow this simple example to knit ribbing. This instructional knitting video demonstrates how to e-wrap for double bed knitting and transfer the carriage. You may want to reference some written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video. With a little practice, you can make it look as easy as this.

How To: Knit one-row button holes

Knitting button holes doesn't need to be a pain. With the tips in this how-to video, it can be quick and easy. If the button you're using is 4 stitches wide, make a 3-stitch buttonhole (as demonstrated). For a 5-stitch-wide button, make a 4-stitch buttonhole, etc.

How To: Do a basic, continental, German, or left hand stitch

Officially, anyone who holds the yarn in their left hand is a Continental knitter. Some continental knitters wrap the yarn between the needles to knit it, and some simply scoop, or "pick", the yarn with the needle. The latter requires fewer hand movements, and has a reputation of being the fastest method of knitting there is. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do a basic, continental, German or left-handed knit stitch.

How To: Create a wrought iron rose scrapbook layout

Many wonderful things come from the workshop. However, it's hard to document this land of screws, sweat, and metal on the organized pages of a scrapbook. In this how-to video, Carmen pays tribute to her brother's workmanship and demonstrates how to create a page that tells a story of forged steel. So get out those photos of your favorite craftsman, some wire and a hammer and get ready to test your metal! Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to create a wrought iron rose scrapbook ...

How To: Make a circus themed scrapbook album layout

In this how-to video, Bethany's layout captures all of the fun, whimsy and flavor of the circus. She creates some cotton candy letters for her Title using a Circus die cut alphabet set and some shiny, textured papier paint. With some custom epoxy embellishments, dyed-to-match brads and colorful staples, this page will make you want to be a kid again! Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to make a circus themed album layout.

How To: Make a scrapbook layout for a pet album

A pet is a wonderful addition to any family. They're a best friend and a playmate all rolled into one. In this how-to video, Bethany creates her own title block and shows us how to stitch and distress a scrapbook page that is really something to bark about! If you don't have a pet, you can still pick up some great scrapbook techniques and ideas. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to make a scrapbook layout for a pet album.

How To: Make an altered baby book

This video shows how to take an old book and alter it so you have a beautiful baby book. Using birth announcements, locks of hair and any other mementos you have you can create a beautiful book of memories. Watch this video scrapbooking tutorial and learn how to make an altered baby book.

How To: Make a tag along scrapbook wallet

In this how-to video, tag along with Karen from Yasutomo as she creates a scrapbook wallet that's perfect to keep in your purse. She uses origami paper folding techniques and one sheet of 12" x 12" patterned scrapbook paper. Plain manila tags from the office supply store are the background for photos that are just right for the pockets of the wallet. You end up with a brag book that's worth bragging about. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to make a tag along scrapbook wallet.

How To: Make a garden out of my dreams paper bag scrapbook

In this how-to video, Bethany takes us on a garden tour this week with a lunch sack! She shows how to turn this ordinary household item into a dreamy scrapbook. And then she raids the cupboards again using packing tape to create some filmy image transfer embellishments. So grab your lunch and get ready! Watch this video scrapbooking tutorial and learn how to make a garden of my dreams album out of a paper bag.

How To: Make a style stone scrapbook pendant

In this how-to video, Tricia makes an entire scrapbook that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. She really packs a lot into this tiny album, from embossing techniques and bookbinding to finishing it up with some fun beads. You'll want to watch this video scrapbooking tutorial again and again to catch all of her tricks and tips.

How To: Sew a felt geisha flower embellishment

Cat Morley and her adorable Scottish accent show you how to make a decorative square geisha flower that can be made into a pin or sewn onto clothes or accessories for extra embellishment. For this crafting project, you will need some felt, a square template of paper, a pencil, embroidery thread, normal thread, a needle, a yarn needle, sharp scissors, beads, and a button. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to stitch a pretty felt geisha flower.

How To: Origami a paper crane or tsuru

Here is a demonstration on how to fold an origami crane. Tsuru is the Japanese word for crane. The crane is considered a national treasure, appearing in art, literature, and folklore. The origami crane is also a symbol of good fortune and longevity. Fold several of these origami paper cranes to give to friends and family.

How To: Make a hair scrunchie

Recycle any cloth, or use up scraps of a fabric you like by making a hair scrunchie like the one shown in this how-to video. No need for a pattern, the design is made from simple rectangles with size measurements provided in the video. Follow along with the steps and learn how to make a hair scrunchie by watching this video sewing tutorial.

How To: Decorate a hair clip

This how-to video shows how easy it is to decorate a hair clip, even a cat can do it! All you'll need is some clear nail polish, decorative nail jewels, and a pair of tweezers of a adhesive stick. Add some embellishment to transform a plain clip into a fancy hair ornament. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to decorate a hair clip.

How To: Make an ornamental kanzashi hairpin out of a chopstick

A kanzashi, as shown in this how-to video, is an ornamental hair pin used in Chinese and Japanese hair styles. While they're more of a traditional piece, they're still commonly worn by brides and as part of a kimono costume (for geishas). This video tutorial shows a method of making this beautiful piece yourself out of any chopstick. You will need a chopstick, 10cm of wire, a charm, a big bead, two split rings, 3cm of chain, a 5mm x 2cm scrap of cloth, a pair of nippers, a pair of pliers, a k...

How To: Sew a spa pillow and eye pillow

Melissa Watson from DIY Style shows how to make a spa pillow and eye pillow with micro beads and soothing lavender in this instructional video. You will need a sewing kit (needles, thread, pins, and scissors), 3/8 yard of two different kinds of cotton fabric, a cup of rice, 1/8 cup lavender, another fourth cup of lavender, and a funnel. Follow along with the step by step instructions in this how-to video and learn how to sew relaxing spa and eye pillows.

How To: Finish seam edges

Melissa Watson from DIY Style shows how to finish seam edges in this how-to video. Edges can fray, so sewing off seam allowances will keep fabric from unraveling. As an extra preventative measure, trim the edge with pinking shears. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to finish seam edges.

How To: Fold a five intersecting tetrahedra dodecahedron

This is an instructional video on how to fold a five intersecting tetrahedra dodecahedron, or more simply, call it a spiky ball. All you'll need for this modular origami project is ten sheets of paper in five colors and a lot of patience. Watch this video origami tutorial and learn how to make a modular origami tetrahedra dodecahedron spiky ball. Have fun and try not to get too frustrated!

How To: Take measurements for sewing

When sewing your own clothes, you can take exact measurements to get a perfect fit. This how-to video demonstrates the process of measuring for clothing patterns. All you need is a measuring tape. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to take measurements. Take measurements for sewing.

How To: Make basic shapes with needle felt

This how-to video shows the steps for folding, rolling and needling a torso shape for a soft sculpted figure. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape basic needle felt pieces.

How To: Make needle felt feet

This how-to video series shows a simple technique for needle felting foot shapes and toes for a soft sculpted character. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape feet and toes, as well as attach them to a larger needle felting project.

How To: Make needle felt hands

This how-to video series shows a simple technique for needle felting hand shapes and fingers for a soft sculpted character. While the finished felted product looks professional, the process is much easier than you would think. You will need some wool and a needle. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to shape hands and fingers, as well as attach them to a larger needle felting project.

How To: Make chainmail

This instructional metalsmithing video demonstrates the basics of making chainmail. Making traditional chainmail is a long and involved process. First, you must spin the wire into a spool. Then you have to cut the coil into individual rings. Embark on the long process of closing and linking the metal rings.

How To: Form rough agate into polished cabochons for jewelry

Learn how to turn rough agate into a beautiful drop shape cabochon by hand from a qualified lapidary at Holts, London. A cabochon is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished as opposed to facetted. The resulting form is usually a convex top with a flat bottom. Use this technique of forming softer stones into smooth oval shapes for fine jewelry.