Knitbits: Introducing Knitting and Crochet Tidbits

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

4Sep2026

The Striped Spiral Hotpad/Trivet Pattern Pdf

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

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

31Aug2026

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

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

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:

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
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
There are two stitches on the right knitting needle
Move the working yarn back of the work
Insert the left knitting needle into the front loop of the first stitch on the right knitting needle
Pull and lift the first stitch with the left knitting needle and pass it over the second stitch on the right knitting needle
One stitch remains on the right knitting needle
Knit the next stitch on the left knitting needle and place it on the right knitting needle
There are two stitches on the right knitting needle
Insert the left knitting needle into the front loop of the first stitch on the right knitting needle
Pull and lift the first stitch with the left knitting needle and pass it over the second stitch on the right knitting needle
One stitch remains on the right knitting needle
Repeat Steps 2 to 7
Repeat Steps 8 to 13 to the end of the bind-off row and one remaining stitch
Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitch on the right knitting needle

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~coffeeteaknits.com

21Aug2026

Tutorial Series: The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch

Posted in The 1 x 1 Rib Stitch, Tutorial Series by Coffee Tea Knits

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

14Aug2026

Weaving Tales: My Rigid Heddle Loom

Posted in My Rigid Heddle Loom, Weaving Tales by Coffee Tea Knits

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

5Aug2026

Mitered Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern Pdf

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

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

28Jul2026

Tutorial Series: The Garter Stitch Pattern

Posted in The Garter Stitch Pattern, Tutorial Series by Coffee Tea Knits

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 Dishcloth

The Interwoven Earwarmer

The Layered Bricks Scarf

The Nostalgic Wrap

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~coffeeteaknits.com

17Jul2026

Towards Center Mitered Dishcloth Pattern PDF

Posted in Patterns For Sale, Towards Center Mitered Dishcloth by Coffee Tea Knits

Towards Center Mitered Dishcloth Pattern Pdf now available for purchase on
RAVELRY and ETSY

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

Towards Center Mitered Dishcloth is knit in one piece and in the round.

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.

Towards Center Mitered 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, join round, 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

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Buy the beginner to advanced beginner-friendly Towards Center Mitered Dishcloth Pattern Pdf to explore and learn knitting in the round and some stitch decreasing techniques

~coffeeteaknits.com

8Jul2026

Tutorial Series: Pick Up Slipped Edge Stitches

Posted in Pick Up Slipped Edge Stitches, Uncategorized by Coffee Tea Knits

Introduction:

The technique of picking up the edge stitches in knitting is useful for adding borders, for seamless garment construction etc. Picking up the number of stitches from the cast on edge or the bind off edge is more straightforward than picking up stitches from the side (vertical) edges. It is easier to insert the knitting needle and pick up the V shaped stitches (< or >) of the cast on and bind off edges. Whether working on scarves, sweaters, or intricate lace designs, understanding how to effectively pick up edge stitches is an essential skill that can elevate one’s knitting projects and experience.

One way to make picking up vertical (side edge) stitches more straightforward is to slip the last stitch in a row with yarn in front (Tutorial Series: WYIF and WYIB)

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Comparison of Side Edge Stitches:

The images below show two garter stitch pattern (knit all rows) swatches. One swatch was knit with no slipped side edge stitches while the other swatch was knit with slipped side edge stitches.

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As in the images above, the V shape created by the slipped side edge stitches not only enhances the visual appeal of the knitting project but also makes it significantly easier to know exactly where to insert the knitting needle. In contrast, when there are no slipped edge stitches, determining the appropriate insertion point for the needle becomes a bit of guesswork, leading to potential frustration. Having these stitches as a reference point can greatly improve the overall experience, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable knitting process.

Most of my knitted dishcloth patterns have slipped side edge stitches that are later picked up for a crochet or knit border. The Knotted Dishcloth, The Upside Down Dishcloth, The Center Out Mitered Dishcloth, The Summertime Dishcloth etc. patterns have the last stitches in all the rows slipped with yarn in front.

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How to Pick up Slipped Edge Stitches:

The video and written instructions below on how to pick up slipped side edge stitches are for right handed knitting.

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Written Instructions on how to Pick Up Slipped Side Edge Stitches:

Insert the knitting needle under the slipped side edge V stitch (either < shaped or > shaped depending on the direction of the knitting)
Yarn over with the working yarn (wrap the working yarn counter clockwise around the top of the knitting needle). This yarn over creates a loop
Catch and pull the yarn loop under the V shaped slipped edge stitch with the knitting needle (one stitch picked up)
Repeat the above steps to pick up the slipped edge stitches

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~coffeeteaknits.com

2Jul2026

Weaving Tales: It’s All About Weaving

Posted in It's All About Weaving, Weaving Tales by Coffee Tea Knits

Welcome to my tales of weaving adventures, misadventures and some tips I’ve learnt along the way.

Weaving dates back to Paleolithic times. It’s much older than knitting or crochet.

As a knitter and a crocheter, my interest in weaving started more as a way to reduce the amount of yarn I had, but has slowly grown into a genuine interest in the craft.

Weaving projects such as wraps or blankets can be completed in days rather than weeks or months, making it an appealing option for completing fiber related projects in a shorter time frame.

Like knitting or crocheting, I find the rhythmic motion of the loom not only satisfying but also a fascinating way to explore the colors and textures of yarn.

The ability to experiment with different weaving patterns and techniques has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me and I find myself increasingly captivated by the endless potential weaving holds for creating beautiful, functional pieces.

Come join me on my weaving journey.

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A recap of weaving content on this site:

Yarn and a loom
The Warp and Weft Floats in Weaving

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My weaving items over the years:

From a DIY potholder loom to weave blankets –

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To a rigid heddle loom to weave blankets, towels and wraps –

Stay tuned for more weaving content

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~coffeeteaknits.com

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