Active Arts & Crafts Posts

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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.