Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Knit a long tail cast on
Ever wonder how to do the long tail cast on for knitting? Well, wonder no more with this knitting demonstration video! Begin by measuring out a length of yarn for the tail. (Search video "Estimate the length of tail when knitting" on WonderHowTo)
How To: Estimate the length of tail when knitting
Ever wonder how to estimate the length of tail when knitting? Watch this knitting demonstration video and soon you will be a pro at estimating the length of tail.
How To: Do the E wrap cast on for knitting
Pay attention to this knitting demonstration video and learn how to do the e wrap cast on. This is not a good knitting cast-on for long lengths because it is not possible to control the tension well when knitting the first row, resulting in a loopy, uneven edge.
How To: Do a knitting cable cast-on
Watch this knitting instructional video to learn how to do the knitting cable cast on. Start by making a slip knot with a 6" tail and place it on the left-hand needle with the working yarn coming from the back.
How To: Do a knitting provisional cast-on
Watch this knitting instructional video to learn how to do a knitting provisional cast-on. A provisional cast-on is usually worked in a contrasting waste yarn so the cast-on stitches can be easily removed later. The live stitches are then recovered so you can knit down from that point without the joining line you'd have if you picked up stitches along the edge. There are several provisional cast-ons; this is the one I like the best, because I find it to be the easiest to work. You'll need a c...
How To: Turn a heel when knitting a sock
Stay tuned for this knitting instructional video on how to turn a heel when making a knitted sock. This knitting process is a lot less mystifying after you've done it once. (Isn't everything?)
How To: Master the gusset stitch for knitting
Stay tuned for this knitting instructional video on the gusset stitch. When you knit the heel flap, you slipped a stitch at the beginning of each row. This made a very nice chain through which you can pick up the gusset stitches. You can either pick up stitches through the whole chain stitch, or through the back loop of the chain stitch. Picking up stitches through the whole chain stitch creates a rather definite seam on the inside which could be uncomfortable to wear. I prefer to pick up the...
How To: Insert a heel when knitting a sock
Stay tuned for this knitting instructional video on inserting a heel for a knitted sock. This is a very large scale knitted sock. It's going to be a felted Christmas stocking. The knitting is finished except for inserting the heel. The knitting technique demonstrated is exactly the same for a more normal, human-size knitted sock. It's also the same technique used to insert a pocket in a sweater.
How to Do the M1R/M1L: Make One Right/Left knitting technique
Watch this instructional video to accomplish the knitting technique: M1R / M1L: Make One Right / Left. A make one, abbreviated M1 in knitting patterns, is an increase stitch. In some instances the slant of the increase does not matter, but, when it does, it's helpful to know how to make one left-slanting and how to make one right-slanting. A make one right slanting is abbreviated M1R:
How To: Master the knitting technique short-row shaping
Watch this video demonstration of the knitting technique short row shaping. In traditional knitting shoulder shaping, stitches are bound off across the top edge of the shoulder on sequential rows, creating a stair-step line. It can be difficult to make a neat job of seaming this shoulder line. Short-row shaping provides the same slope, but creates an even line across the top edge to facilitate a neater finish.
How To: Do a three-needle bind off for knitting
Stay tuned for this knitting demonstration video. This three needle bind off technique produces a very neat, flexible shoulder seam – and, no sewing is required. Begin by moving the shoulder stitches from their stitch holders to appropriately sized needles.
How To: Do an improved ssk (or slip slip knit) for knitting
This is an improved ssk (slip slip knit), for which I must give credit to Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen. It's improved because it lays a bit flatter and more closely matches the right slanting knit two together (k2tog).
How To: Get tips for lining up a panto in quilting
These four quilting how to videos demonstrate the proper way to line up a panto. Watch and learn how easy it is. In addition to getting tips for lining up pantos, our host also gives you more tips for quilting.
How To: Make buttonholes on a knitted-on I-cord
This video knitting tutorial shows how to attach an I-cord along the right front of a sweater and then work buttonholes into the I-cord. When you come to each marker:
How To: Knit faux eyelet cable
This video knitting tutorial demonstrates how to stitch the "cabled" eyelet that can be used to make really warm knits. The important steps are worked in rows 1 and 2; rows 3 and 4 are worked in simple ribbing. Watch this instructional knitting video and learn how to knit a faux eyelet cable.
How To: Knit an I-cord
This video knitting tutorial demonstrates making a 3-stitch I-cord, so cast on 3 stitches. Use 2 double-pointed needles to make an I-cord. After casting on, instead of turning the work, slide it down such that the first stitch you will knit is at the opposite end of the stitches from the working yarn. Pull the working yarn across the back and knit three stitches. Now slide the work again, give the cord end a tug, pull the yarn across the back and knit three stitches. You need to add some tens...
How To: Do a double e wrap cast-on on a knitting machine
Even though everything else is automated on a knitting machine, you're still going to need to cast on. This is a short video demo showing how to make an 'e' wrap cast-on when knitting double bed rib that works only on Japanese knitting machines. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to do a double e wrap cast-on on a Japanese knitting machine.
How To: Make hand-made postcards
Post cards aren't just for vacations. This video from Piece of Craft shows how to make hand made post cards any time you want to send a nice greeting to a friend. You will need a cutting board, glue, tape, a cutting mat, scissors, makers, pens, pencils, paper, and inspiration for what you want to put on your postcard. Watch this video paper design tutorial and learn how to craft hand-made postcards.
How To: Craft an original stencil
Stencils allow you make an image for easy duplication. The stencil can be used for tagging, fabric painting, t-shirts, or whatever else you want. Follow along with the steps in this video from Piece of Craft. You will need an X-acto knife or a wood burning tool (for advanced stencil makers), stencil plastic, tracing paper, a cutting board, and the image to be stenciled. Watch this video crafting tutorial and learn how to make a stencil.
How To: Machine knit with a Brother KE-100 motor drive
If you have been curious about the Brother KE-100 electric motor drive, this video will explain some of it's features and demonstrate how it works. Basically what the motor drives does is replace the movement of your own hands, or even more simply put, it can't change stitches, increase or decrease, but just simply moves the knitting carriage back and forth. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn how to use the Brother KE-100 motor drive knitting machine, including how to use the Brothe...
How To: Do the twisted cord knitting technique
Watch this knitting instructional video for tips on mastering the twisted cord knitting technique. This is a fast, easy cord, and, with a sturdy fiber, it makes a durable bag handle.
How To: Create a Jacob's Ladder with post-it note pads
From the creators of the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, EeepyBird show us how to have fun with sticky notes. Glue together stacks of post it pads. Write whatever you like on the side of the stack. End result has a cool Jacob's Ladder effect. Fun paper trick!
How To: Make rolling pinwheels with post it's
From the creators of the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, EeepyBird demonstrates how to have fun with sticky notes. All you need is a stack of post its, and a glue stick. Glue each post it to one another, alternating sides, to create a chain. Next connect in a post it circle & you get an amazing post it pinwheel! Fun paper craft project. Enjoy.
How To: Embroider gift card holders for birthdays and holidays
These in-the-embroidery hoop gift card holders are a wonderful way to dress up cards and make gifts even more appreciated! You can even add a ribbon loop to hang them onto a Christmas tree. It's not only the gift that counts - it's the embroidered wrapping too! Watch this instructional video to learn how to create your own embroidered gift card holders for birthdays and holidays.
How To: Embroider freestanding lace ornament covers
Freestanding lace ornament covers add elegance and tradition to your Christmas decorations. Wonderful as gifts for family as friends! Be sure to pay attention to all the necessary steps in this embroidery tutorial video. You need to start stocking up on these ornament covers for the holidays!
How To: Master the art of fringe embroidery
Add dimension and excitement to your embroidery collection! Fringe embroidery is not only fun, but the added texture and three-dimensional quality of fringe makes these specially-digitized designs look as if they could literally jump off the fabric! Watch this exciting embroidery tutorial video and start embroidering some fringe today!
How To: Embroider a towel topper decoration
Give ordinary towels a fun new embroidered look with a topper. Colorful and vibrant embroidery hangs from cupboard pulls, towel bars, and oven door handles. Fashionable and functional! Learn how to do this fun embroidery project.
How To: Embroider with thick thread
Thick, wool, 12 weight embroidery thread makes any embroidery project soft and lush. The results are similar to centuries-old hand crewel embroidery. This instructional embroider video will provide some handy tips for this technique.
How To: Create embroidered door hangers
Fast and fun, these embroidered door hanger designs will dress up door knobs. Stretch embroidery to all areas of your home - inside and out - with this in-the-embroidery hoop project! Follow the instructional video to learn how.
How To: Create an embroidered purse
A new fashion trend on the rise: In-the-embroidery hoop purses! Add flair and fun with these embroidery project designs. Just follow this instructional video, and you can make fun gifts.
How To: Embroider on satin
Satin fabric is luxurious, delicate, and surprisingly sturdy and resilient. To learn more about embroidering on satin: stabilizer choices, needles, and design selections, watch this embroidery video tutorial. Master the art of satin embroidery!
How To: Embroider your own customized coasters
Whether it's everyday dining, or a wine tasting for 20, matching embroidered coasters add a festive flair to any occasion. Watch this instructional embroidery video to learn how to make your own custom coasters. Wonderful gift or party decoration, so embroider away!
How To: Employ the perfect placement embroidery technique
Put the embroidery design where you want it, each and every time, with "perfect placement" techniques. This instructional embroidery video shows you how to measure twice and mark once for perfect placement every time. Watch for some great embroidery tips.
How To: Embroider mini wine bottle aprons for party favors
Add a dash of creativity and a pinch of color to your kitchen with embroidered bottle aprons. Dress up soaps, syrups, oil, and wine bottles with a bit of embroidery frill and fun. These mini aprons will definitely be the talk of the party! Watch this instructional video and start embroidering right now.
How To: Embroider metallic threads without the headache
Metallic thread is a fun way to add a little shimmer and sparkle to holiday decorations, and a bit of "Bling" to garments, too. Avoid embroidery "threadaches" from working with metallic thread with the tips and tricks in this instructional video. Soon you will be a master at embroidering metallic threads.
How To: Embroider on velvet without any snags
One of the most popular fabrics to embroider on during the winter holidays is velvet. Learn about stabilizer choice, needle choice, and how to get great results when embroidering on this kind of fabric. This instructional video will demonstrate everything necessary for embroidering on velvet fabric.
How To: Master the art of trapunto embroidery
Trapunto embroidery features running stitches sewn through fabric, batting, and stabilizer. The trapunto "puffed" negative spaces form a high relief design that makes a big visual impact. This instructional embroidery videos will take you through the steps to mastering the trapunto technique. Fun technique for your next embroidery project!
How To: Embroider on leather
Fashionable and luxurious, leather embroidery will expand your project ideas to an exciting new level. This leather embroidery instructional video discusses design choice, needle choice, stabilizing, and hooping tips. Plan your next project, whether it be an embroidered leather purse or pair of shoes.
How To: Embroider a customized photo christmas ornament
Photo ornaments use a combination of applique fabric and stitches to create a great frame for pictures. This project is fast, fun, and made entirely in the embroidery hoop! This instructional embroidery video will take you through all the necessary steps - Soon you will be embroidering all of your Christmas ornaments!
How To: Embroider your own t-shirts
Tshirts are a warm weather favorite and are available in a variety of colors and styles. This instructional embroidery video demonstrates tips and tricks for getting great results when embroidering on thin and stretchy knits. Partake in this embroidery project - makes for fantastic gifts.