French knitting is easy and fun. Anyone can learn, all you need is yarn and a bobbin. It's a really mindful craft to do as an adult, but it's also a lovely thing to learn with a child and a great introduction to knitting. I used this tutorial here to start me off. You can buy a bobbin here and we highly recommend buying a crochet hook to to help with hooking over your stitches. As with learning any new skill, your first few attempts might not be as good as you hoped. After giving it a go myself, I’ve compiled a list of things that helped keep my stitches neat. Read the tips and tricks to improve your french knitting from the start! Hints & Tips Even with a good tutorial your french knitting may be messy at first, but don't give up - embrace the process! Read these tips to speed up your progress... Use cotton or polyester yarn, not wool or acrylic as their fibres are more likely to get stuck or pulled. This also applies to any fuzzy thread of any material, the added friction of the fuzzy fibres will make the yarn pull more. A tightly spun yarn or jersey is ideal. We recommend a crochet hook (around 2-4 mm depending on the size of your yarn and spool) to help you pull over your stitches. Although you are using a crochet hook to knit, a metal darning needle is easiest to thread the spool with. This is because it has a wide eye hole but the metal has a little extra weight which makes it easier to fall through the hole. Try to keep your loops loose so that you don’t have to struggle wedging your crochet hook into the loops. You can pull the yarn coming through the bottom of the hole to bring the knit tube downward through the hole instead of clogging up at the top. This also helps keep the tension, and therefore stitches, even.
Learn the steps you need to take to start designing your own amigurumi. I also share some top tips I’ve learned on my own journey as an amigurumi crochet designer.
Learn how to stabilize shoulder seams in this tutorial. Learn tips and tricks in reinforcing the shoulder seam of your shirt or blouse or dress.
Want to learn how to sew a v-neck or learn tricks for a perfect V? Check out this v-neck video tutorial to score all my tips and tricks!
This free blanket knitting pattern is an easy throw perfect for beginners. Snag my detailed step-by-step pattern for the Block Blanket!
How To Sew Stretch Fabric. Tips how to sew stretchy fabric. Sewing stretchy fabric & sewing on stretch fabric need not be hard. See my guide.
This is the ultimate guide to sewing with piping. Learn how to sew with piping, and how to make it yourself. Sewing with piping is easy - if you know the right tips and tricks.
Are you having trouble sewing straight lines on your sewing machine? Here are all the things I wish I'd known when I started learning to sew.
What is free standing lace or FSL? Free standing lace is a type of embroidery made entirely of embroidery thread. FSL is used in many ways.
Top-down sweaters are all the rage, and for good reason: many of them are knit in the round, so no purling, and there's relatively no finishing except weaving in ends.Ann Budd has jumped on the
Using invisible thread can be tricky when working on a quilt project. This video gives a few helpful tips on when to use the thread and the type you should look for.
3 tips that every beginning quilter should know. These simple tips can help you improve your accuracy when piecing quilts.
Whip up some gorgeous knit tops this season with some of these rfree top knitting patterns. All levels of knitters.
Want to learn how to sew a v-neck or learn tricks for a perfect V? Check out this v-neck video tutorial to score all my tips and tricks!
I have to be honest, woven t-shirts are usually not my friend. I have a hard time fitting them and bias tape makes me cringe (but so do facings)….it’s so hard. But, before my trip to Utah I really wanted to sew up some new rayon tops and was so happy I did – there’s […]
There is no anxiety sewists dread more than the anxiety that comes when you are snipping away at your precious fabric. The saying "measure twice, cut once" is there for a reason. If you cut your fabric incorrectly, it can ruin a project and it can cost you a ton of money. That's why we have this quick guide on How to Cut Fabric. This resource is going to provide you with the basics of cutting fabric for sewing and more. Fabric is not cheap and if you do not know how to cut fabric properly, it can do some serious damage. It is even harder to learn how to pin and cut a pattern on the fabric. You have to cut your fabric to match your piece, ensure that your print is going the right way, and make sure that you cut the right side facing out. Stressed out yet? Don’t worry, sewists. That’s why we are here yet again to help you out. This sewing guide is going to give you the top 5 things you can do to cut fabric perfectly every single time. For more sewing inspiration, sign up for our e-newsletter!
In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing an increase technique easy to do and practically undetectable, ideal for knitted pieces made in Stockinette (Stocking) stitch.
Today I have a big tutorial for you. It is a very detailed step-by-step instruction how to finish the neckline in sweaters impeccably. Finishing is not the most fun part of the process, but this is the reality - good finishing can save a sweater hiding all the imperfections and bad finishin
Learn to sew difficult fabrics like rayon knit with these tips for slinky knit fabrics - ITY knit, tissue knit, rayon jersey, bamboo knit and more - Melly Sews
Be sure to check out my UPDATED Four-at-a-Time Flying Geese Tutorial and Sizing Tables. I think you might find a lot more success with the intermediate sizing I suggest there! Over the years, IR…
Knitting color work can be daunting when starting out. Read for some color work tips that make it easier to do and get a lovely result!
What we like the least as knitters is having to join one yarn ball to another with bothersome knots, which later show on our projects. That’s why in the We…
Is your top too restrictive in the armpit area? Learn how to insert simple diamond gussets for added mobility and FREEDOM!
Quilt bindings are the most magical, and sometime confusing part of quilt making, especially for a new quilter! I shared a tutorial a few years back, but have adapted and made a few changes as I’ve grown as a quilter, and thought it was enough to update the post. Any tips or suggestions you might […]
This week I'm enjoying my autumn break. A whole week to do some much needed sewing. The plan is to do some easy sewing. Nothing too com...
Are you a new knitter or crocheter? Here are 5 things I think are helpful when you are getting started!
Learn how to sew a knit neckband on a t-shirt, with no gaping, gathers and draglines following this easy step-by-step method for perfect result.
Today, you'll learn everything you need to know before knitting/crocheting your own projects. This is the Essential Guide to stitches, yarn, and measurements.
I love cardigans! They can be worn anytime of the year regardless of the season and are very versatile. Whether complimenting an outfit or using as your very own cozy blanket with sleeves they are a must have in everyone’s wardrobe. One thing that makes them versatile is the fact that you can wear them open or closed.
How to Sew with Knit Fabrics Tips for Beginners. Learn how to sew knit fabric. Find out what type of thread and needle to use and machine settings.
Någon som kan gissa vad det här ska bli? Det är i alla fall inte en barnstrumpa. En säl kanske? Eller myrslok? Sjöhäst? Nej en hund! Mönstret heter Poklon och är gjort av Ysolda, och som vanligt med hennes mönster är det en fröjd att sticka. Allt är genomtänkt, varenda minskning lutar åt ett specifikt håll av en anledning och ingenting lämnas utan beskrivning. Jag stickade på 3mm och med ett BFL garn som jag färgat själv, mest för att jag inte ville köpa något nytt. Vet inte exakt hur mycket som gick åt, men under hundra gram. Kanske 70? Tror det kan funka i lite alla möjliga garner, jag är sugen på att försöka göra en till som ser mer ut som en katt! Orangespräcklig eller kanske grå.
Find, select, sew, and care for spandex, lycra or elastane with the tips and information in this guide for sewing success.