Useful Goodies for Helix the Hat

Helix the Hat

Stretchy Cast-On

I have a new favorite stretchy cast-on! It is the German Twisted Cast On. Here is a helpful tutorial that is cool to include left-handed and right-handed instructions.

Helix Knitting

This technique is explained thoroughly in the pattern. But there are various preferences out there in the world of helical knitting! Here is one designer's written tutorial.

Here is a video

Tassel

I learned to make a tassel from this tutorial. It is my favorite embellishment of the moment!

Useful Goodies for Real Men Wear Lace Socks

Real Men Wear Lace Socks shown in Men's medium in Knit Picks Gloss Fingering

So many fun techniques in these elegant socks! Here are the cheats:

Judy's Magic Cast-On

Truth be told, I hardly ever use video tutorials. When it comes to Judy’s Magic Cast-On, however, I was about to give up on toe-up socks for good after several attempts to use a written tutorial, when I was miraculously rescued by Cat Bordhi and her video tutorial. (I’ve included the link to Judy Becker’s article in Knitty.com in case you are smarter than I.)

Judy's Magic Cast-On Written Tutorial

TAAT Socks

I love knitting socks two at a time (TAAT). I love seeing both socks grow, I love being done when I am done. And I love feeling clever. Here is a tutorial that walks you through how to do it!

Two at a Time Written Tutorial

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off

I find Jeny’s written tutorial of her inspired technique to be easy to follow. If you prefer video tutorials, I’ve included Cat Bordhi’s on the assumption that it is as helpful as her cast-on video was to me.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off Written Tutorial

Erase the Jog in your Bind-Off in the Round

Don't you hate it? That unseemly step between the first and last stitch you bound off? There are many versions of this quick fix. Here is a tutorial that includes a video and written instructions:

How to Neaten the Last Stitch of Your Bind-Off In the Round.

Anything I left out? Other neat-o tricks to share? Leave me a comment!

Happy Knitting!

Useful Goodies for Big Kid Declan and Prince Sammy Pullovers

Big Kid Declan in Size 4 and Prince Sammy in Size 6

You will be amazed at how quickly these precious pullovers knit up in worsted weight yarn! Perfect for boys and girls alike!

Here are some handy tricks for your very own Big Kid Declan and Prince Sammy.

Neaten Bind Off in the Round

I love this trick! As you know, when you knit in the round, you are really working a spiral, so there is always an annoying "step" where you leave off. Not anymore! Check out this nifty trick:

How to Neaten the Last Stitch of Your Bind-Off in the Round

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off

This is my preferred stretchy bind off. Perfect for kid heads!

JSSBO

Backward Loop Cast On

This is my favorite technique for adding a few under-arm stitches when knitting a top-down raglan. This tutorial has it all: written and video!

Backward Loop Cast On

Useful Goodies for Girl's Best Friend Pullover

This is such a simple, fun, satisfying knit! And you get to use some cool tricks of the trade.

Neaten Bind Off in the Round

I love this trick! As you know, when you knit in the round, you are really working a spiral, so there is always an annoying "step" where you leave off. Not anymore! Check out this nifty magic:

Neaten the Last Stitch

Backward Loop Cast On

This is my favorite technique for adding a few under-arm stitches when knitting a top-down raglan. This tutorial has it all: written and video!

Backward Loop Cast On

Let me know if there are other tricks or treats you want to learn by leaving them in the comments!

Useful Goodies for Declan Baby Pullover

Declan is super-sweet, super-fast, super-seamless, and super-stashbusting! Baby not included. Here are some clever tricks and goodies to make your super baby pullover extra super!

Neaten Bind Off in the Round

I love this trick! As you know, when you knit in the round, you are really working a spiral, so there is always an annoying "step" where you leave off. Not anymore! Check out this nifty trick:

How to Neaten the Last Stitch of Your Bind-Off in the Round

3 Needle Bind Off

No, I wasn't lying. It really is seamless! But you use a technique just like the 3 Needle Bind-Off, minus the binding off part, to connect the base of the neck with a little cross-over. Here is a video tutorial: 

How to Knit the 3 Needle Bind Off

And here is a written one: 3 Needle Bind Off

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off

This is my preferred stretchy bind off. Perfect for baby sleeves!

JSSBO

Backward Loop Cast On

This is my favorite technique for adding a few under-arm stitches when knitting a top-down raglan. This tutorial has it all: written and video!

Backward Loop Cast On

Did I leave something out? Nudge me in the comments!

Useful Goodies for your Shiny Happy Socks

So many fun techniques! Here are the cheats:

Judy's Magic Cast-On

Truth be told, I hardly ever use video tutorials. When it comes to Judy’s Magic Cast-On, however, I was about to give up on toe-up socks for good after several attempts to use a written tutorial, when I was miraculously rescued by Cat Bordhi and her video tutorial. (I’ve included the link to Judy Becker’s article in Knitty.com in case you are smarter than I.)

Judy's Magic Cast-On Written Tutorial

TAAT Socks

I love knitting socks two at a time (TAAT). I love seeing both socks grow, I love being done when I am done. And I love feeling clever. Here is a tutorial that walks you through how to do it!

Two at a Time Written Tutorial

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off

I find Jeny’s written tutorial of her inspired technique to be easy to follow. If you prefer video tutorials, I’ve included Cat Bordhi’s on the assumption that it is as helpful as her cast-on video was to me.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off Written Tutorial

Erase the Jog in your Bind-Off in the Round

Don't you hate it? That unseemly step between the first and last stitch you bound off? There are many versions of this quick fix. Here is a tutorial that includes a video and written instructions:

How to Neaten the Last Stitch of Your Bind-Off In the Round.

Anything I left out? Other neat-o tricks to share? Leave me a comment!

Happy Knitting!

Useful Goodies for Your Roberta the Librarian Mitts

Mitts are quick and fun and let you use some nifty techniques. Here are some handy links to some dandy tricks!

German Twisted Cast On

My new, go-to stretchy cast-on. So easy and clever. It is like long-tail cast on with a kick!

New Stitch a Day has both video and written, conveniently all in the same place.

Personally, I'm a written tutorial kind of gal, and I think Craftsy does a stand-up job.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off

This is just a lovely bind-off for the top of your mitts (or socks, or neckline...) It is pretty easy to do. Check out the Knitty Tutorial.

Erase the Jog on your Bind Off in the Round

Don't you hate it? That unseemly step between the first and last stitch you bound off? There are many versions of this quick fix. Here is a tutorial that includes a video and written instructions: How to Neaten the Last Stitch of Your Bind-Off In the Round.

Anything I left out? Other neat-o tricks to share? Leave me a comment!

Happy Knitting!