Author Archives: Coffee Tea Knits

Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch

Posted in How To Crochet Slip Stitch, Tutorial Series by

Slip stitches in crochet serve to join rounds, connect pieces, create texture, and form edges, making them an essential technique for any crocheter. The crochet slip stitches are tighter stitches that create a dense fabric, providing not only durability but also a polished finish to your projects. In the crochet slip stitch technique, there is no row height increase, allowing for a seamless transition between different sections of your work. In the single crochet slip stitch, a new loop is created with the working yarn that is then slipped through the loop on the crochet hook, effectively allowing you to move through your pattern without adding bulk. The slip stitch technique is useful in enhancing the overall structure and aesthetics of the crocheted item.

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I have used crochet slip stitches as a decorative edging in “The With a Twist Dishcloth“, “The Speckles Dishcloth“, and “The Dotted Dishcloth“. The crochet zigzag slip stitch has been used to join together the “Winterland Cowl“, the “Four Seasons Blanket“, and the “Waiting Season Cowl“.

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The video and written steps below on how to use the Crochet Slip Stitch technique in a single crochet stitch pattern are shown below for right-handed crocheters.

How to Crochet Slip Stitch:


Written Steps on How to Crochet Slip Stitch:

  1. Insert crochet hook under both strands into the next stitch as if to single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet)
  2. Catch the working yarn with the hook and pull the loop under and through both the strands of the next stitch
  3. Pull the same loop through the loop on the crochet hook
  4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 until the end of the row for the crochet slip stitch

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Felted Potholder Pattern

Posted in 2026, The Felted Potholder Pattern by


Ever since I stumbled upon those felted insoles at the New Jersey Sheep and Wool festival last September, I’ve been wanting to learn how to felt wool. Felting wool is the process of shrinking, condensing the fibers and tightening the yarn that is knit or crocheted. The different methods of felting include wet felting (water and soap), needle felting (uses a barbed needle), and Nuno felting (wool fiber agitated with light weight fibers such as silk). Needle felting is mainly used for ornaments, figurines etc. whereas Nuno felting is more for shawls, scarves etc. Wet felting is used for shoe insoles, hats, purses, slippers etc.

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I knit the potholder first and then used the wet felting with hand technique to shrink the knitted piece. The potholder was knit flat in the garter knit stitch pattern with two strands of yarn held together. The knitted piece shown below was measured before wet felting. There is stitch definition, the piece is pliable and can be stretched.

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The Felted Potholder Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

Materials Needed for Knitting the Potholder:
Yarn: Patons® Classic Wool Worsted in Natural Mix colorway
Gauge: 4 stitches per inch garter stitch
Knitting Needle: Size Us #8 (5.0 mm) for cast on and bind off and US #7 (4.5 mm) for knitting the potholder
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

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Materials Needed for Wet Felting the Potholder:
Bowl
Gloves
Soap
Water
Patience

Abbreviations:
K: Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink)
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side

Skill Level: Beginner friendly pattern with knit stitch, cast on and bind off

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Cast on 25 stitches with US #8 (5.0 mm) size knitting needles using any long tail cast method of choice. I cast on using the thumb cast on method (Tutorial Series: The Thumb Method Cast On)

With US #7 (4.5 mm) size knitting needles begin –

  • Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches
  • Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 till the piece measures 5.5 inches

Bind off (Tutorial Series: The Basic Knit Bind Off) using US #8 (5.0 mm) size needles

The dimensions of the knitted potholder is 5.5 x 5.5 inches

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The Wet Felting Process*: YouTube has many tutorials on how to do wet felting by hand

  • In a bowl add warm but not not scalding water, soap and the knitted potholder
  • Rinse (wearing gloves) the potholder and soak it in hot water for about an hour or so
  • Add some more warm but not scalding water in the bowl
  • Take the potholder and with a circular motion rub it together between your hands to create friction for the felting
  • Repeat the previous 2 steps till the fabric becomes dense, taut and has no stitch definition left

The process of wet felting this potholder took about half an hour

Block and dry the potholder. I now use these felted potholders daily to hold pots and pans while cooking.

The dimensions of the Felted Potholder is 5 x 5 inches. It is dense, rustic with fibers that stick out and has no stitch definition

* I found the process of hand wet felting this potholder a bit labor intensive. Rolling pins, agitating in the washer are some other ways to felt knitted items

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Share your experience with wet felting wool in the comment section below

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

Tutorial Series: Increase and Decrease in Single Crochet

Posted in 2026, Increase and Decrease in Single Crochet, Tutorial Series by

As in knitting, shaping in crochet also includes increasing or decreasing of stitches in a pattern. For a stitch increase in single crochet, another single crochet is made in the same stitch. For a stitch decrease, the crochet hook is inserted into two single crochet stitches and then the yarn over loop is pulled through all the loops on the crochet hook. The image below shows one stitch increase and one stitch decrease in single crochet.

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The written instructions and video below show how to increase and decrease a stitch in single crochet for right-handed crocheting.

Stitch Increase in Single Crochet:


Written Instructions for Stitch Increase in Single Crochet:

  1. Single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet)
  2. Insert the crochet hook under both the strands of a stitch
  3. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch
  4. There are two loops on the crochet hook
  5. Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull loop through the two loops on the crochet hook (one single crochet stitch made)
  6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 in the same stitch again for one single crochet stitch increase (two single crochet stitches made in the same stitch)
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Stitch Decrease in Single Crochet:


Written Instructions for Stitch Decrease in Single Crochet:

  1. Insert the crochet hook under both the strands of a stitch as if to single crochet
  2. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch (2 loops on the hook)
  3. Insert crochet hook under both strands of the next stitch
  4. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch (3 loops on the hook)
  5. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull loop through all three loops on the crochet hook
  6. One single crochet stitch decreased
  7. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 to decrease one single crochet stitch

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Serenity Grace Wrap Pattern Pdf

Posted in 2026, Patterns For Sale, The Serenity Grace Wrap Pattern by

The Serenity Wrap Pattern Pdf is now available for purchase on Ravelry and Etsy


The Pattern PDF includes:

  • The crochet skill level needed to make the wrap
  • Step by step written instructions to crochet the Serenity Grace Wrap
  • Photo and links to video clips as visual aid
  • Gauge, yarn, and materials needed for the pattern
  • Specific areas in the pattern where size of the wrap can be modified

Buy the beginner-friendly Serenity Grace Wrap pattern pdf and customize it to any size of choice for a more personal and enjoyable crochet experience

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

Tutorial Series: Knit One Below (K1b)

Posted in Knit One Below (K1b), Tutorial Series by

Knit one below (K1b) is a technique where the stitch on the knitting needle is not worked or knit. Instead the knit stitch right below is worked or knit. Examples of stitch patterns where K1b is used include the twisted seed stitch pattern, fisherman’s rib stitch pattern, some half brioche stitch patterns, honeycomb and textured rib patterns. Knit one below forms a fluffy and textured fabric. I have used K1b technique in the twisted seed stitch pattern for the Summertime Dishcloths and The Comfy Hat 1 patterns.

The twisted seed stitch pattern looks similar to the half brioche stitch pattern but differs in the techniques used to create the textured fabric (see image below)


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The video and written instructions below show how to use the K1b technique for right-hand knitting

Knit One Below (K1b):

Written instructions for Knit one Below (K1b):

  • Insert the right knitting needle from front to back into the center of the stitch below the first stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the top of the right knitting needle to form a new loop (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink)
  • Pull the loop through the center of the stitch below the stitch on the left knitting needle
  • The new knitted stitch is now on the right knitting needle
  • Slip the un-worked first stitch off the left knitting needle

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Textured Dishcloth Pattern

Posted in January 2026, The Textured Dishcloth Pattern by


Knitting or crocheting dishcloths are useful for exploring various stitch patterns, for personal use, and for gifting. Dishcloths are quick projects that can be knit or crocheted in a few days. This makes them perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters looking to learn new techniques. Dishcloths can enhance a kitchen décor or add a pop of color to it. Gifting dishcloths for those domestic muses in our lives that give us delicious and soul-satisfying meals is my way of thanking them for their effort and care. Also, knitting or crocheting dishcloths has been meditative and calming for me this winter season.

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The Textured Dishcloth is crocheted flat from one corner to another in the granite crochet stitch pattern which is a variation of the crochet moss stitch pattern. It begins with a chain of 2 stitches with an increase of 4 stitches every other row, and then a decrease of 4 stitches every other row till a square shape is formed. The dishcloth is finished with a crochet moss stitch border along with a hanging loop of crochet chain stitches. This dishcloth is a two-row repeat pattern that can be customized to any size. It is beginner friendly and can be used with any worsted weight cotton yarn suitable for dishcloths.

The Textured Dishcloth Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

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Materials Needed:

Yarn: Hobby Lobby Crafter’s Secret Cotton Yarn in several different colorways:
Main Colorways – Gray, City Stripe, Shaded Crimson, At The Fairgrounds, Extra Sprinkles, Potpourii Print
Contrast Colorway (for border edge) – White

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Tutorial Series: Make One (M1R and M1L)

Posted in Make One (M1R and M1L), Tutorial Series by

Another way to increase one stitch in knitting is to make one right (M1R) or make one left (M1L). M1L is a left-leaning increase while M1R is a right-leaning increase.

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The horizontal strand between the stitch just worked on the right knitting needle and the stitch on the left knitting needle is lifted and placed on the left knitting needle. The loop made by the horizontal strand on the left knitting needle is then knit to create an extra stitch.

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The make one (M1R or M1L) increase technique is used in the shaping of knitted items such as shawls, sweaters etc.

The video clip and the written instructions below show how to make one right (M1R) and then how to make one left (M1L) for right hand knitting.

Make One (M1R and M1L):

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Written Instructions for M1R and M1L:

Make One Right (M1R):

  • To M1R increase, insert left knitting needle from back to front under the horizontal strand between the stitch on the right and the left knitting needle
  • Slip the horizontal strand loop on the left knitting needle
  • Insert the right knitting needle in the front leg of the loop on the left knitting needle (Tip: Loosen the front leg of the loop by tugging and pulling it with the right knitting needle as shown in the video clip above)
  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the front leg of the horizontal strand loop to increase one stitch
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Make One Left (M1L):

  • To M1L increase, insert left knitting needle front to back under the horizontal strand between the stitch on the right and the left knitting needle
  • Slip the horizontal strand loop on the left knitting needle
  • Insert the right knitting needle in the back leg of the loop on the left knitting needle
  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the back leg of the horizontal strand loop to increase one stitch
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~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern PDF

Posted in January 2026, The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern PDF by


The ad-free Dotted Dishcloth Pattern PDF is now available for download on Ravelry and Etsy

The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern PDF includes the following:

  • It is 4 pages with images
  • It has detailed knitting instructions to knit the Dotted Dishcloth with the textured woven transverse herringbone knit stitch pattern
  • It has the Abbreviations and Materials sections for this dishcloth
  • It also includes detailed instructions with an image on how to crochet the slip stitch border edge

Knitting Skills: knit, purl, slipping stitches purlwise, cast-on, and bind off
Crochet Skills: slip knot, crochet slip stitch, and chain one

Good for beginners who want to explore textured stitch patterns and techniques

Download and enjoy this ad-free pattern pdf. The Dotted Dishcloth pattern was originally posted in June 2024 on Coffee Tea Knits

Thank you to my subscribers and readers of this blog. As always your feedback is much appreciated.

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

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2025 Year in Review and an Announcement

Posted in 2025 Year in Review and an Announcement, December 2025 by

Hello folks, hope 2025 went well for you. For me, 2025 has been an eventful year. I published seven knit or crochet patterns, nine knitting or crochet technique video tutorials, and a few tidbits.

2025 also brought me some endings, loss, grief, celebrations, and not-so-fun health issues.

There’s also been a change in my journey with yarn.

After 55 published patterns, the call of yarn in my life has led me to a new beginning.

Starting January 2026, knit and crochet pattern pdfs will be available for download on a monthly basis on Ravelry and Etsy

Coffee Tea Knits will be returning in January 2026 with new video tutorials and tidbits.

Stay tuned for updates as we explore the world of yarn and needles together.

Thank you to the fiber related crafts community. I am grateful to the subscribers and readers of this blog. Your feedback and encouragement have been invaluable in my journey with yarn.

All the best to you in the New Year!

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Dilemma of Leftover Yarn

Posted in December 2025, The Dilemma of Leftover Yarn by

Hello folks, I’m in the process of organizing my yarn. I face a dilemma because I do not know what to do with the project leftover yarn. The project leftover yarn has accumulated quite a bit over the years I’ve been knitting or crocheting.

I sometimes have a whole skein or two left over and sometimes just a small amount of yarn left over. With a skein or two of leftover yarn, making a hat, a dishcloth, or other small knitted items is possible. I have made such items in the past. I have also donated leftover skeins of yarn to charity.

The small amount of project leftover yarn puzzles me. I have no idea what to do with these bits of yarn leftover from a knitting or crochet project. Below is a picture of a small sample of the leftover yarn that I have. I probably have about 2 bags full of these bits and pieces of yarn.

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Leftover yarn a, b, c, d, and e in the image above are from these knitting and crochet projects:

a. Sweater
b. Sweater
c. Blanket (crochet)
d. Hat
e. Cushion Cover (crochet)

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Is there something I can make out of this that is aesthetically pleasing? It’s hard for me to find the time. I struggle to find the motivation to mix them up to knit or crochet something. I don’t find the prospect of just knitting or crocheting for the sake of making something very appealing.

Your Suggestions/Feedback:

Do you also have an accumulation of project leftover yarn? Comment below on how you deal with these bits and pieces of project leftover yarn?

~coffeeteaknits.com

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