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How To: Warp an Inkle loom

With all those pegs sticking out, inkle looms can look intimidating -- but in truth they're both easy to warp and easy to use. To get the loom ready for weaving, you alternate threadings: One thread goes through a heddle, the next one doesn't. The preparation is easy and the weaving that follows is all about how well you can use this tool.

How To: Maintain straight edges for narrow weavings

So you're weaving a narrow band. How do you keep the edges nice and straight? Here's a technique that combines weft insertion, beat, and selvedge control. It's useful for inkle weaving, tabletweaving, rigid heddle weaving, backstrap weaving... or even weaving small bands on a big loom. Try it!

How To: Weave on an Inkle loom

This intro to inkle weaving focusses on the the inkle loom. The weaving area is one one end, in between the weaver and the heddles. For centuries, inkle weavers have used looms similar to this to produce narrow tapes, ribbons and bands. Inkle looms are thought to have their origins in Britain.

How To: Advance the warp for Inkle loom weaving

When the shuttle feels cramped as you pass the weft through your weaving, it's clearly time to advance the warp. This video shows the steps involved in advancing the warp on an inkle loom: loosen the tension, move the warp around the pegs, reposition the heddles. At the end, check the position of the warp threads on the pegs and re-tighten the warp.

How To: Decrease width using a knitting machine

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to decrease the size of your knit piece. Use a single prong tool to unhook and tie off a single stitch on either side of the piece before completing each row to gradually decrease the width of the knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Crochet cast on with a knitting machine

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to crochet cast on. This is one way to cleverly weave your yarn onto the knitting machine and begin the piece of knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Crochet a cast off with a knitting machine

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to crochet a cast off. This is one way to cleverly remove your work from the knitting machine and complete the piece of knit work. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Weave a cast on for a knitting machine

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to use a knitting machine to weave a cast on. This is a cast on that many people find difficulty with. You may want to reference written instructions in addition to watching this knitting video.

How To: Pick up stitches using a knitting machine

This instructional knitting video provides tips for making interesting patterns using a knitting machine. This is a demonstration of how to pick up and hang stitches. Use a three prong tool to attach one piece of knitting work to the knitting machine. Once you set the set the machine up, you can knit a wearable piece with an altering pattern.

How To: Machine knit with a Knitmaster MK70 Mid-Gauge

If you have been curious about the Knitmaster MK70, this short video will show some of the special features that make this fold-up knitting machine so unique. These machines were designed in the early 1980's. This type of knitting machine can fit into a small box and set up for spontaneous holiday knitting projects. The Knitmaster is a flexible machine that can knit almost any pattern.

How To: Forge texture on steel for blacksmithing

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to use hammering and punch techniques to create different textures on the hot steel. You can use these techniques to forge textured metal gates and smaller decorative metal designs. Forge steel texture by hand or with an air hammer. Follow these clear instructions to begin the craft of metalsmithing and add a creative flare to your blacksmithing projects.

How To: Blacksmith steel leaves

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to forge different types of steel leaves. You can use these techniques to forge fence posts and other decorative metal designs. Forge steel leaves by hand or with an air hammer. Follow these clear instructions to begin the craft of metalsmithing and add a creative flare to your blacksmithing projects.

How To: Blacksmith decorative steel scrolls

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to forge three different types of steel scrolls. You can use these techniques to forge fence posts and other decorative metal designs. Follow these clear instructions to begin the craft of metalsmithing and add a creative flare to your blacksmithing projects.

How To: Blacksmith a steel rose

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to forge and sculpt a steel rose. This blacksmith demonstrates the techniques involved in making an ornamental metal rose as well as other organic shapes. Follow these clear instructions to begin the craft of metalsmithing and forge a decorative flower.

How To: Forge blacksmithing tongs

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to forge a pair of tongs for a small blacksmithing workshop. You can use this technique to make other tools for metalworking. Follow these clear instructions to begin the craft of metalsmithing and forge a useful tool.

How To: Forge a steel striker for flint and steel

Watch this instructional blacksmithing video to forge a high carbon steel striker for flint and steel. The flint and steel striker served as the original portable lighter. Flint and steel lighters are also used on outdoor trips to light camp fires. These detailed instructions will allow you to begin the craft of metalsmithing and forge a useful tool.

How To: Weld figurines

Watch this instructional metalsmithing video to weld a set of figurines out of sheet metal, nails, and a coat hanger. Oxy-acetylene welding is the only gas flame type of welding that is hot enough to melt all commercial metals. Use 22 gauge sheet metal to make clean and safe metalwork. Use a plasma cutter to quickly cut out the basic pieces. You can also use a blacksmithing hammer to bend the metal into unique props fpr your metal figurines.

How To: Crochet a thread butterfly variation

Watch this instructional crochet video to crochet a variation of a classic thread butterfly. Use any type of thread and a small crochet needle to complete this project. The small stitch creates a complex crochet weave for hyper-designed crochet projects such as this butterfly. You may want to reference some written instructions in addition to watching this video.

How To: Crochet a star stitch winter hat

Watch this instructional crochet video to crochet a star stitch hat or winter cap. This crochet method creates an intricate rotating pattern. Use any type of thread and crochet needle to complete this project. This star stitch pattern creates a complex crochet weave for warm yet breathable winter caps.

How To: Sew and hide crocheted yarn tails

Watch this instructional crochet video to hide crocheted yarn tails. Use the same type of yarn you used to crochet your patterned hat. You will also need a tapestry needle to sew in the hanging yarn tails in the inside of the hat. You can also use this method to sew up the top of the hat and tie together any mistakes you may have made while crocheting your winter hat.

How To: Sew ear flaps onto a crocheted hat

Watch this instructional knitting video to attach a single crocheted half circle ear flap to a single crocheted baby beanie. Use a tapestry needle to thread some yarn. This same process can be applied to adult caps and hats. Just use a larger needle and thicker yarn. It's easy to sew crocheted pieces together with regular yarn for an almost invisible seam.

How To: Crochet a pot holder with a seed stitch

Watch this instructional video to crochet a popular pot holder known as the magic pot holder with a seed stitch. Use four ply crochet yarn to crochet this thick and durable pot holder. You can crochet your pot holders to be larger or smaller than the ones shown in this video. These clear visual guidelines also include written instructions to help make your crochet project easy and enjoyable.

How To: Double crochet left handed

This instructional crocheting video demonstrates how to do a front post double crochet stitch and a back post double crochet stitch with your left hand. The double crochet stitch creates thick and tightly woven stitch that is good for blankets, sweaters, and other warm winter garments.

How To: Crochet a pansy flower

Watch this instructional crocheting video to crochet a pansy flower. Use any size of yarn or thread and your choice of crochet needle. This method will allow you to crochet unique pansy flowers that can be added to sweaters or blankets, or hung as decorative ornaments on their own.

How To: Crochet a left handed solid granny square

Watch this instructional crocheting video to crochet a classic solid granny square with your left hand. Now, if you're not left handed , this simple crochet lesson may prove to be quite difficult. If you are left handed, these instructions provide an efficient way to crochet creative granny squares for blankets, pot holders, hats, scarves, and other crochet projects.

How To: Crochet a left handed granny square

Are you left handed? While some people have perfected the art of playing left handed guitar, it's still a little challenging to figure out how to crochet with your left hand. Follow the guidelines on this instructional video to crochet a granny square left handed. The granny square is a useful crochet model that allows you to crochet blankets with a creative flare.

How To: Crochet a mid-row color change with a Tunisian stitch

While crocheting an Afghan or Tunisian style crochet blanket, you can crochet different patterns and colors into a single row of stitches. Use a large crochet needle and several types of yarn to learn this crocheting trick. You can switch back and forth between colors in the same row of Tunisian stitches by keeping yarn on hanging bobbins. Don't forget to sew in the loose ends of colored yarn.