On the following pages you will find the answers to many of your crochet and knitting questions, along with tips and general helpful information. To learn more about crochet and knitting, we encourage you to also invest in a reference book, take a class and join a local crochet or knitting guild or group.
You will not find how to crochet or knit illustrations at this site. For basic how to crochet and knit diagrams, go to www.learntocrochet.com or www.learntoknit.com. In addition, check out "Helpful Web sites" for more downloadable diagrams and/or video clips.
Overview of this Site
Many crocheting and knitting questions relate to abbreviations or instructions that's why we encourage you to take a quick look at the "Reading Instructions & Other Basics","Top Ten Yarn Questions & Answers"," Abbreviations"," and "New Yarns!" If your question is about a specific crochet or knitting problem, here are topic discuss at the Crochet 911 and Knit 911 areas of the web site:
- Changing yarn colors or starting a new ball or skein of yarn
- Crocheting in the round
- Decreases
- Difficulty pulling hook through loops (Split stitches)
- Edges pucker
- Extra Stitches
- Finishing & blocking
- Increases
- Joining seams (Backstitch, Invisible Weaving also called Mattress Stitch, Slip Stitch)
- Missing stitches…where did they go?
- Turning chains
- Uneven edges
- Weaving in ends of yarn
- Working under front, back or both loop(s)
- Working around the post
- Binding off
- Cable stitches…how to make them
- Casting stitches at the end of a row
- Changing yarn colors or starting a new ball or skein of yarn
- Circular needles….how to use them
- Curled edges
- Decreasing
- Extra stitches…where did they come from?
- Finishing seams (Backstitch, Mattress Stitch, Slip Stitch) & Blocking
- Increasing
- Joining seams
- Make One (M1)-See Increasing
- Missing stitches…where did they go?
- Mistakes….the most common ones (Dropped stitches, Twisted stitches
- Slip stitches…how to make and what they do
- Uneven edges
- Weaving in ends of yarn
- Yarn overs…how to make and what they do
If you cannot find an answer to your specific questions, we suggest that you visit the Craft Yarn Council's bulletin board. Before posting your question, please use the search option. Type in one or two key words that explain your problem and hit the enter key. There may be many helpful posting that answer your specific question and you will not have to wait for an answer. If this is not successful, read through the introductory suggestions at bulletin board home page and then post your question. For questions about how to do specific crochet and knitting stitches, go to Helpful Resources and Web Sites.
Reading Instructions & Other Basics
Whether you are a crocheter or knitter, checkout the helpful tips in this section. Click here.
Left Handed Crocheter & Knitters
Crochet and knitting are two-handed crafts, which means you will use both your right and left hand to manipulate the yarn, needles or hooks. Learners who use either hand often find the first steps awkward, but with a little practice it gets easier. Learning knitting and crocheting in the traditional methods as right-handers learn avoids future problems and ambiguities with patterns and techniques.
Left-handed knitters often times find it easier to learn to knit continental style. With the continental technique, which is taught in Europe, the yarn is held with the left hand rather than throwing the yarn over the needle with your right hand as is shown in U.S. instructions.
Left-handed crocheters, who have difficulty learning to crochet right-handed, should visit the Crochet Guild of America web site and click on left-hand instructions.
Abbreviations
Abbreviations are crochet and knitting shorthand. Click on the links below for an extensive list of the most commonly used abbreviations. Remember, publishers also will provide definitions for special abbreviations used in a pattern.
New Yarns
A look at some of the newer yarns and how they are used. Click here.
Helpful Resources & Web Sites
There are wonderful resources available online, in print and on CDs to help make your crochet and knitting experience more enjoyable. In addition, consider taking classes at your local yarn department or store or joining a guild.