Tutorial Series: The Crochet Granite Stitch

Posted in The Crochet Granite Stitch, Tutorial Series by

As the Crochet Moss Stitch (Tutorial Series: The Crochet Moss Stitch), the Crochet Granite Stitch is another variation of the single crochet stitches and chain ones

A square of crochet work showcasing the granite stitch in a light pink yarn, with a textured pattern. The top of the image features the text 'The Crochet Granite Stitch'.
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Comparing the Crochet Granite and Moss Stitches:

The crochet moss and the crochet granite are both reversible and beginner-friendly stitch patterns. The two stitches, however, differ in the placement of the crochet hook to make the single crochet stitch. In the crochet moss stitch, the crochet hook is inserted into the chain one space to make the single crochet stitch, whereas in the crochet granite stitch, the crochet hook is inserted into the “V” of the single crochet stitch of the previous row.

A crochet swatch demonstrating the Granite Stitch on the left labeled 'Crochet Granite Stitch' with an arrow pointing to a single crochet, and the Moss Stitch on the right labeled 'Crochet Moss Stitch' with an arrow pointing to a chain 1 space, both made with light-colored yarn.
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The location of the crochet hook to make the single crochet stitch changes both the appearance and texture of these two crocheted items. This stitch is one of my favorite crochet stitches and I have used this stitch in several of my patterns including The Serenity Grace Wrap, The Four Section Blanket, Textured Dishcloth, Favorite Things Cowl, The Silky Long Scarf etc.

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The video and written steps below on how to crochet the Granite Stitch is for right hand crochet.

The Crochet Granite Stitch:

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Written Steps for the Crochet Granite Stitch:

  1. Insert the crochet hook into the single crochet stitch of the previous row
  2. Yarn over and pull loop through the single crochet stitch and onto the hook (two loops on the crochet hook)
  3. Single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet) with another yarn over and pull the yarn through both the loops on the crochet hook
  4. Chain one (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Chain)
  5. Skip a stitch and insert the crochet hook into the next single crochet
  6. Repeat the steps 1 to 5 for the crochet granite stitch pattern
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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

The Autumnal Leaves Cowl Pattern Pdf

Posted in Patterns For Sale, The Autumnal Leaves Cowl Pattern Pdf by

The Autumnal Leaves Cowl Pattern Pdf is now available for purchase on Ravelry and Etsy

A close-up view of an Autumn Leaves cowl made with rich, warm brown yarn, displayed on a mannequin. The cowl features a textured knit pattern and is designed to provide warmth during cold weather.
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The Autumnal Leaves Cowl Pattern was first posted October 2022 on Coffee Tea Knits. It continues to be available as a free pattern for subscribers of this blog

Yarn Bee Authentic™ Hand-dyed Tonal Yarn in chestnut ember colorway was used to knit this cowl. This yarn colorway may not be currently available. Alternately any fingering weight merino wool yarn (about 400 yards needed) and colorway of choice may be used to knit this cowl

The Autumnal Leaves Cowl Pattern is knit seamlessly bottom up and in the round in a textured stitch pattern

Try this beginner friendly seamless cowl in the round

The Pattern Pdf for the Autumnal Leaves Cowl includes:

  • Materials needed, gauge and abbreviations
  • Separate sections for the borders and body of the cowl
  • Sections where the cowl can be customized to preferred length and width
  • Step by step tutorial photos as visual aid on how to pass slipped stich over the textured stitch pattern
  • Links to video tutorial clips and written instructions on how to join round, yarn over and the cable cast-on method

Buy the ad-free Autumnal Cowl Pattern Pdf that is beginner friendly for a quick and seamless knitting project

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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: How to Treble Crochet

Posted in How to Treble Crochet, Tutorial Series by

The last fundamental crochet stitch is the Treble or Triple Crochet. It is the tallest of all the fundamental crochet stitches, offering a unique texture and height that can dramatically alter the appearance of your crochet project. This stitch also has the most number of yarn overs and loops on the crochet hook than single, half double, and double crochet stitches. The image below shows eight rows of the four different crochet stitches with the same yarn and crochet hook size, providing a clear comparison of how each stitch varies in height and density, and enabling you to visualize the effects of incorporating the Treble Crochet stitch into a crochet project.

A visual guide to different crochet stitches, including single, half-double, double, and treble stitches, displayed in four textured swatches made of golden yarn.
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The Treble Crochet stitch creates the most open, least dense and drapey fabric compared to the other fundamental crochet stitches. It can be used for summer tops and cardigans, market bags, or lightweight cowls and scarves.

The videos and written instructions below show how to a make treble crochet stitch from a foundation chain and the rest of the rows for right handed crocheting.

How to Treble Crochet:

Foundation Chain Treble Crochet:

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Written Steps for a Treble Crochet in a Foundation Row:

  1. Skip the first four chain stitches from the loop on the crochet hook
  2. Wrap working yarn counter clockwise around hook (yarn over) two times
  3. Insert the crochet hook into the top strand of the fifth chain stitch
  4. Catch and pull the yarn loop through the top strand of the fifth chain stitch
  5. There are four loops on the crochet hook
  6. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the first two loops on the crochet hook (three loops on the crochet hook)
  7. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the first two loops on the crochet hook (two loops on the crochet hook)
  8. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the remaining two loops on the crochet hook (one loop on the crochet hook)
  9. Repeat Steps 2 to 8 for the rest of the foundation chain stitches till the last stitch if the row (slip knot stitch)
  10. Chain four and turn to treble crochet the next row
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The Treble Crochet Stitch:

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Written Steps for Treble Crochet:

  1. Wrap working yarn counter clockwise around hook (yarn over) two times
  2. Insert the crochet hook into the top strand of the second stitch of the row
  3. Catch and pull the yarn loop under and through both the strand of that stitch
  4. There are four loops on the crochet hook
  5. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the first two loops on the crochet hook (three loops on the crochet hook)
  6. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the first two loops on the crochet hook (two loops on the crochet hook)
  7. Yarn over and pull yarn loop through the remaining two loops on the crochet hook (one loop on the crochet hook)
  8. Repeat Steps 1 to 7 to treble crochet stitch the next stitch
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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Knitbits: Introducing Knitting and Crochet Tidbits

Posted in Introducing Knitting and Crochet Tidbits, Knitbits by

Welcome to Knitting and Crochet Tidbits!

Here you will find my musings on knitting and crochet, book reviews, news, or any other fiber related topics of interest all served in bite sized bits.

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My Knitting Journey:

Knitting became an obsessive hobby of mine in 2010. Little did I know all the different paths this hobby of mine would lead me to. At first knitting was mostly a solitary activity that engaged my mind and provided comfort and a sense of healing during challenging times. I spent many hours knitting blankets, scarves, sweaters etc., exploring and learning new stitch patterns, as well as discovering and enjoying knitting podcasts and tutorials.

Then I joined Ravelry in 2014 and found myself connected to an online community of like-minded individuals who shared the same enthusiasm for the craft of knitting. My first project page on Ravelry was the Autumn Raglan Cardigan. This cardigan is one of my favorites and still a part of my winter wardrobe.

An orange knitted cardigan displayed on a dress form, featuring a V-neck, long sleeves, and three buttons down the front.
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I was so captivated by the knitting blogs and podcasts that I started my own blog called Coffee Tea or Knits.

“To Knit or To Knot” was my first blog post followed by eight more posts about various knitting topics and projects.

Eventually I renamed the blog in December 2015 with “Coffee Tea or Knits is now Coffee Tea Knits” as the first post along with Piece by Piece Blanket knitting project (shown below) and “Product vs Process Knitter” knitting topic.

A knitted blanket with concentric squares in alternating light pink and lavender colors placed on a wooden floor.
A knitted blanket with a geometric pattern featuring concentric squares in shades of pink and lavender, placed on a wooden floor.
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Over the years, Instagram (@coffeetea_knits), knit-alongs, crochet, weaving, tutorial videos and free pattern posts became part of my knitting journey. This year I also opened Ravelry and Etsy shops, where I offer knitting and crochet pattern PDFs.

If I had been told in 2010 what I would be doing in 2026, I would have been quite incredulous. Yet here I am, with knitting tidbits still amazed, still fascinated by the versatile craft of knitting and crochet. What started as a simple hobby that brought me comfort and healing has grown into something so much more. The community of fellow knitters and crocheters I’ve met has continued to fuel my interest and joy of knitting and crochet.

I would love to hear about your knitting and crochet journey. Please share in the comments below.

Thank you and stay tuned for more knitbits.

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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf

Posted in Patterns For Sale, The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf by

The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf is now available for purchase on Ravelry and Etsy

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The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern was first posted September 2020 on Coffee Tea Knits. It is still available as a free pattern for subscribers of this blog

Patons Classic Wool Worsted is the yarn used to knit this trivet. Alternately any other worsted weight 100% wool yarn or colorway of choice can be substituted to knit this trivet/hotpad

The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet is knit in the round with a series of decreases in a spiral towards the center

The trivet pattern is beginner friendly

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The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf includes:

  • A list of the abbreviations used in the pattern, gauge, and the materials needed
  • Links to several video tutorial clips including how to single crochet, K2tog etc.
  • Step by step written instructions on how to knit this dishcloth
  • Written instructions on how to crochet the border with links to video tutorial clips of the techniqes

Buy the ad free and beginner friendly Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf that includes knitting garter stitch in the round

~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Bind-Off

Posted in The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Bind Off, Tutorial Series by

There are several ways to bind off in knitting. The bind-off row technique is after the last row of a knitting project. This technique secures the loops that are on the knitting needle so they don’t unravel at the end of a knitting project. There is the basic knit bind-off (Tutorial Series: The Basic Knit Bind Off), the crochet bind-off, the three needle bind-off, the sewn bind-off, the I-cord bind-off etc. as well as the 1 x 1 rib stitch bind-off.

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The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch (Tutorial Series: 1 x 1 Rib Stitch) bind-off method looks different and is stretchier than the regular knit stitch bind-off, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the elasticity of your project. It is the preferred bind-off technique for 1 x 1 ribbing knitting patterns, as it seamlessly blends with the stitch pattern, allowing the ribbing to maintain its characteristic stretch and texture. I have used this bind-off technique in The Increasing and Decreasing Cowl pattern, where it provides a polished look while ensuring the cowl fits comfortably around the neck. This method has become a go-to in my knitting repertoire, especially for the 1 x 1 ribbing patterns in sweaters and hats.

The image below shows the two bind-off methods.

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The video and written instructions below on how to knit the 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Bind-off is for right-hand knitting.

The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Bind-Off:

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Written Steps for the 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Bind-off:

  1. At the beginning of the bind-off row, knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the first stitch on the left knitting needle and place the new stitch on the right knitting needle
  2. Purl (Tutorial Series: Purl and Un-Purl) the next stitch on the left knitting needle and place the new stitch on the right knitting needle
  3. There are two stitches on the right knitting needle
  4. Move the working yarn back of the work
  5. Insert the left knitting needle into the front loop of the first stitch on the right knitting needle
  6. Pull and lift the first stitch with the left knitting needle and pass it over the second stitch on the right knitting needle
  7. One stitch remains on the right knitting needle
  8. Knit the next stitch on the left knitting needle and place it on the right knitting needle
  9. There are two stitches on the right knitting needle
  10. Insert the left knitting needle into the front loop of the first stitch on the right knitting needle
  11. Pull and lift the first stitch with the left knitting needle and pass it over the second stitch on the right knitting needle
  12. One stitch remains on the right knitting needle
  13. Repeat Steps 2 to 7
  14. Repeat Steps 8 to 13 to the end of the bind-off row and one remaining stitch
  15. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitch on the right knitting needle
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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch

Posted in The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch, Tutorial Series by

The 1 x 1 rib stitch is a knit stitch pattern that is reversible, stretchy, and lays flat, making it an ideal choice for various knitting projects. This pattern alternates between the knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) and purl (Tutorial Series: Purl and Un-purl) stitches, providing a textured look and elasticity to the finished garment. It is versatile in that it can be used as the main stitch pattern for a knitted item, such as sweaters, scarves, and hats, as well as for borders, neckbands, cuffs, and hems, showcasing its ability to blend seamlessly with other stitch patterns.

The sample below shows 1 x 1 rib stitch with a garter stitch (Tutorial Series: The Garter Stitch Pattern) for the first and last stitches. The knitted piece can be stretched horizontally but the fabric tends pull inward and go back to it’s original shape. The repeated alternating of the knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) gives the knitted piece the vertical lines and ridges.

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I have used the 1 x 1 rib stitch pattern mostly for neck band or border edge in cowls (The Increasing and Decreasing Cowl and The Waiting Season Cowl) and for the body or the brims of knitted hats (The Wintry Weather Hat and The Wistful Hat)

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The video and the written steps below show how to knit the first and second rows of the 1 x 1 rib stitch for right-hand knitting.

The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch (first row):

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The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch (second row):

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Written Steps for 1 x 1 Rib Stitch (first and second row):

Cast on even number of stitches with any cast-on method of choice

First Row:

  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the first stitch – insert the right knitting needle from back to front of the first stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Take the working yarn around the top of the right knitting needle and wrap it between the two needles on top of the first stitch
  • Catch and pick up the working yarn loop (the new stitch) with the right needle
  • Slip the first stitch off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle for the new knit stitch
  • Bring yarn from the back of the right knitting needle to the front of the work
  • Purl (Tutorial Series: Purl and Un-purl) the second stitch – insert the right knitting needle from front to back of the second stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the inserted right knitting needle
  • Catch the loop made by the working yarn (the new stitch) with the right knitting needle
  • Slip the loop (the new stitch) onto the right knitting needle and the first stitch off the left knitting needle
  • Bring yarn from the front of the right knitting needle to the back of the work
  • Repeat all the steps above of alternating between the knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) for the remaining stitches of the row ending with the purl stitch as the last stitch of the row

Second Row and all Subsequent Rows:

  • Repeat all the steps of the First Row for the 1 x 1 Rib Stitch Pattern
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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Weaving Tales: My Rigid Heddle Loom

Posted in My Rigid Heddle Loom, Weaving Tales by

Choosing a loom depends on time, budget, space, and project interests.

Types of Weaving Looms:

There are various types of weaving looms tailored for different techniques, including frame looms for beginners, potholder looms for children or adults, specialized tapestry looms for intricate designs, versatile rigid heddle looms, and complex multi-shaft table or floor looms for advanced weavers, each capable of handling different yarn types and creating diverse fabrics.

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Which Loom to use:

Beginning weavers usually start with the frame looms or potholder type looms before moving to a different type of loom. The projects are smaller with a short learning curve.

For scarves and larger projects, rigid heddle or multi-shaft looms are suitable based on the weaver’s interest and skill level. Rigid heddle looms are more beginner-friendly and affordable, while multi-shaft looms, though more expensive and less portable, allow experienced weavers to create complex designs and patterns.

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I got interested in weaving as a way to reduce my yarn stash. At first I dabbled with a DIY potholder type loom that I made with push pins on a bulletin board. I wove a few blankets with this DIY loom.

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My Rigid Heddle Loom:

I soon developed an interest in weaving as a craft and sought a portable, affordable loom for creating blankets and wraps. In 2019, I purchased a 32-inch Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom from Amazon. Thus began my weaving journey with plain weave and an exploration of colors and textures that the warps and wefts could produce.

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There are so many intricate patterns and textures to explore with the rigid heddle loom and I eagerly look forward to expanding and sharing my weaving experience.

I would love to hear your weaving experience and how you chose your loom in the comments.

~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Pdf

Posted in Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern, Patterns For Sale by

Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Pdf now available for purchase on
RAVELRY and ETSY

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Yarns used to knit this dishcloth: PREMIER HOME® COTTON CONE YARN and Classic Cotton™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®

Any worsted weight cotton yarn can be used to knit this dishcloth.

Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth is knit flat and in one piece.

The mitered square knitting is a modular knitting technique

This dishcloth knits up quickly and is a useful way to explore and learn some knitting techniques.

You need beginning crochet skills and advanced beginners knitting skills to knit this dishcloth.

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Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Pdf includes:

  • A list of the abbreviations used in the pattern, gauge, and the materials needed
  • Links to several video tutorial clips including how to single crochet, SSK, K2tog etc.
  • Step by step written instructions on how to knit this dishcloth
  • Written instructions on how to crochet the border with photos as visual aid

Buy the beginner to advanced beginner-friendly Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Pdf to explore and learn the mitered square modular knitting technique

~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: The Garter Stitch Pattern

Posted in The Garter Stitch Pattern, Tutorial Series by

The garter stitch pattern is usually the first pattern that begins a knitter’s knitting journey. It is the first pattern taught to knit a scarf, blanket etc, This stitch pattern is a one-row repeat pattern where all the stitches in a row are knit stitches (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink). The garter stitch is a reversible, textured and simple stitch pattern that lays flat with no curling. Since it lays flat, the garter stitch is also used for borders and edges of various knit projects, seamlessly integrating with other stitch patterns to create visually appealing contrasts. The garter stitch pattern with a combination of slipped stitches (Tutorial Series: Slipping Stitches – Knitwise versus Purlwise) or yarn over (Tutorial Series: Yarn Over (YO) with Knit Stitches) patterns can create many beautiful and versatile knits.

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The video below shows how to knit the garter stitch pattern with slipped edge stitches for right-hand knitting

The Garter Stitch Pattern with Slipped Edge Stitches:

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Written Steps for the Garter Stitch with Slipped Edge Stitches:

  • Insert the right knitting needle from back to front of the first stitch on the left knitting needle.
  • Take the working yarn around the top of the right needle and wrap it between the two needles on top of the first stitch
  • Catch and pick up the working yarn loop (the new stitch) with the right needle
  • Slip the first stitch off the left needle and onto the right needle for the new knit stitch
  • Repeat the steps above till one stitch before end of row
  • Bring the working yarn to front (Tutorial Series: WYIF and WYIB), slip the last stitch (Tutorial Series: Slipping Stitches – Knitwise versus Purlwise)
  • Turn to the next row and repeat all the steps above for the one-row garter stitch pattern with slipped edge stitches
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Some of my patterns where I’ve used the garter stitch are shown below:

The Upside Down DishclothThe Interwoven Earwarmer
The Upside Down Dishcloth
The Interwoven Earwarmer

The Layered Bricks ScarfThe Nostalgic Wrap
The Layered Bricks Scarf
The Nostalgic Wrap
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~coffeeteaknits.com

© Coffee Tea Knits, LLC. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.