Knitting & Crochet
Knitting
Video, web resources, and titles from our catalog are featured on this page.
If you're just starting out or need a refresher, watch the basic videos below (use the CC button to turn on captions). For advanced techniques and more detailed resources, check out the "Online Reference Resources" section for links to helpful websites and video tutorials.
The sidebar has links to information on knitting needles, common terms, and chart reading.
Cast On, Bind Off, Weave In
To begin your projects you will need to cast on your first row of stitches. See KnittingHelp's Cast On pages for even more techniques. If your patterns call for specific techniques, tutorials can often be found on YouTube as well.
The single knit cast on is also known as the backwards loop cast on.
To begin your projects you will need to cast on your first row of stitches. See KnittingHelp's Cast On pages for even more techniques. If your patterns call for specific techniques, tutorials can often be found on YouTube as well.
To end your projects, you will need to bind your project off your needles. See KnittingHelp's Bind Off page for even more techniques.
If your patterns call for specific techniques, tutorials can often be found on YouTube as well. One popular bind off method is known as Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (sometimes abbreviated as JSSBO).
To end your projects, you will need to bind your project off your needles. See KnittingHelp's Bind Off page for even more techniques.
If your patterns call for specific techniques, tutorials can often be found on YouTube as well. One popular bind off method is known as Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (sometimes abbreviated as JSSBO).
After you are finished binding off, you will need to weave the remaining yarn ends into your project. See below for a video tutorial (or the Nimble Needles website for a step-by-step guide). Purl Soho also has a picture guide available for basic techniques with contrasting yarn colors for demonstration purposes.
Basic Techniques
A project that is knit "in the round" (as opposed to "flat") is knitting done in a tube. This allows you to make hats, sweaters, socks, etc., without having to connect two edges of fabric together.
Online Reference Resources
- Accessible Patterns IndexAccessible Patterns Index is an index of patterns formatted for blind or low vision crafters. The index links to online patterns and books, both print and digital.
- KnitiversityKnitiversity is a YouTube channel. The knitting videos highlight specific stitches and techniques in depth. Make sure to explore the "Knitting Stitchionary" playlists. The playlists explores many advanced stitch patterns.
- KnittingHelp.comKnittingHelp.com has video tutorials on basic and advanced knitting techniques, categorized into helpful sections. Many techniques are demonstrated in both Continental and English style. There is also a forum, pattern section, and store.
- Loom Knitting: KnittingBoard.comWhile KnittingBoard sells knitting looms and accessories, they also have a comprehensive section on learning to loom knit. Knitting looms are sets of boards with pegs, and can be gentler on hands and wrists than knitting needles.
- RavelryRavelry is an extensive database of patterns and yarns for knitting and crochet. There are many filters available for advanced searching. Forums feature conversation and help. An account is required to browse the website.
- The Spruce CraftsThis website covers many hobbies. Their knitting section includes many articles on the basics with lots of photos and clear directions. There's also a section on knitting patterns.
Featured Titles
In addition to books and eBooks, BPL also has access to digital knitting magazines in OverDrive. You will need to log in with your library card number and PIN to borrow the titles.
200 Fair Isle Motifs by Call Number: TT819.S35 M83 2011ISBN: 9781596684379Publication Date: 2011200 Fair Isle Motifs offers simple solutions to the seemingly complex technique of stranded colorwork. From simple single row patterns to complex all-over motifs, you'll find colorways for beginning or experienced knitters.
Adorable Knitted Animals by Call Number: TT819.J3 H3513 2019xISBN: 9780804854023Publication Date: 2021Sweet and soft animal friends made with popular Japanese knitting techniques. Clear explanations of the knitting charts and symbols help you learn the basics of Japanese-style knitting.
Beginner's Guide to Colorwork Knitting by Call Number: TT825 .A844 2019xISBN: 9781446307410Publication Date: 2019Beginner's guide to colorwork knitting explains all the techniques and stitches you need to start your journey to knitting with color.
Cast on, Bind Off by Call Number: TT820 .B598 2012ISBN: 9781603427241Publication Date: 2012Detailed instructions for each technique are combined with step-by-step photography to help you create edges that are tighter, looser, stretchier, or lacier.
Easy Knits for Beautiful Yarns by Call Number: TT825 .B29573 2021ISBN: 9780811738590Publication Date: 2021Toby Roxane Barna designed all of the pieces in this book--hats, shawls, mittens, sweaters, and more--to let the yarn be the main feature. Over 20 patterns are organized from beginner to intermediate and experienced.
Kids' Knitting Workshop by Call Number: TT825 .A5553 2015ISBN: 9781579655907Publication Date: 2015The Kid's Knitting Workshop is an introduction to knitting including easy-to-follow illustrated tutorials on techniques from casting on and binding off to joining colors to make stripes, and 14 progressively challenging knitting projects.
Knitters Stitch Collection by Call Number: TT820 .S69 2021xISBN: 9781782219880Publication Date: 2021This is a creative guide to the 300 knitting stitches you really need to know, including brand new stitches and timeless classics. Easy-to-read charts are provided throughout.
Knitting for Radical Self-Care by Call Number: TT820 .H274 2021xISBN: 9781419744884Publication Date: 2021Harper offers tips and suggestions for carving out time for creativity, alongside beautiful patterns to try yourself. The book includes ten original patterns inspired by revolutionary women of color.
One-Skein Wonders® for Babies by Call Number: TT825 .O544 2015ISBN: 9781612124803Publication Date: 2015This collection offers 101 original knitting projects for babies and toddlers -- each using just a single skein of yarn! These projects were contributed by designers and crafters around the world.
Sock Knitting Master Class by Call Number: TT825 .B824 2011ISBN: 9781596683129Publication Date: 2011This book showcases methods for designing and knitting creative socks. You'll learn what makes good sock design, and then dive into knitting 18 patterns featuring the widest variety of techniques.
Vogue® Knitting the Ultimate Quick Reference by Call Number: TT820 .V6268 2019ISBN: 9781640210516Publication Date: 2019Knitters can rely on this edition to lead them through more techniques than ever before. From cast-ons to Kitchener stitch, all the tried-and-true skills are covered as well as more recent mainstays such as entrelac and brioche.
