Category Archives: Tutorial Series

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

Tutorial Series: Pick Up Slipped Edge Stitches

Posted in Pick Up Slipped Edge Stitches, Uncategorized by

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

Tutorial Series: The Crochet Moss Stitch

Posted in The Crochet Moss Stitch, Tutorial Series by

The crochet moss stitch is a variation of the single crochet stitch with chain ones, which adds a unique texture and depth to crochet projects. Adding a simple chain one to the single crochet and the placement of where the hook is inserted gives the crocheted item a visually different look than the single crochet stitch, resulting in a soft, flowing and unique pattern. This versatile stitch can be used in various projects, from blankets to scarves, lending itself well to both simple and intricate designs. The crochet moss stitch is also referred to as the crochet linen stitch, owing to its resemblance to the knit linen stitch. This stitch not only offers aesthetic appeal but also provides a fun challenge for crocheters looking to expand their skills and explore more stitch patterns.

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The crochet moss stitch is one of my favorite crochet stitches, largely due to its versatility and beautiful texture. It is a simple stitch pattern that lays flat, making it ideal for various projects. It can be crocheted back and forth flat as well as in the round. I am drawn to this stitch pattern because it resembles the knit linen stitch pattern. I have used the crochet moss stitch in several projects, including the Summertime Market Bag, and the Speckles Dishcloths.

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The video and written instructions below show how to crochet the moss stitch.

The Crochet Moss Stitch:

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Written Steps for the Crochet Moss Stitch:

  • Insert the crochet hook into the chain 1 space
  • Yarn over and pull loop through the chain 1 space (two loops on the crochet hook)
  • Single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet) with another yarn over and pull the yarn through both the loops on the crochet hook
  • Chain one (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Chain)
  • Skip a stitch and insert the crochet hook into the next chain one space
  • Repeat the steps above till the end of the row
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: K2tog vs K2tog tbl

Posted in K2tog vs K2tog tbl, Tutorial Series by

Knit 2 together (K2tog) and Knit 2 together through the back loop (K2tog tbl) are knitting techniques used for decreasing one stitch. Decreasing stitches are used for garment shaping and in lace knitting patterns. How to K2tog is shown below for right handed knitting.

K2tog (Tutorial Series: K2tog and P2tog):

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K2tog tbl:

Knit 2 together in the back loop (K2tog tbl) is also used for stitch decrease and but differs from K2tog. It is also used for garment shaping and in lace patterns. There is, however, a visual and directional difference between the two techniques. K2tog is a right leaning decrease while K2tog tbl is a left leaning decrease. K2tog tbl adds more texture to the knitted piece and is commonly used in twisted stockinette or twisted rib stitch patterns. Sometimes it may be used as an alternative to the SSK technique (Tutorial Series: Slip Slip Knit SSK) Shown below in stockinette stitch pattern K2tog vs K2tog tbl

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K2tog vs K2tog tbl:

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Knit 2 together in the back loop (K2tog tbl) for right handed knitting:

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Written Steps for K2togt tbl:

  • Turn the left knitting needle to the back of the work
  • Insert right needle into the back loops of the first stitch and then the second stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the inserted right needle
  • Pull the right knitting needle and working yarn loop into and through the 2 stitches on the left needle
  • Keep the working yarn loop (the new stitch) on the right needle and slide the 2 stitches off the left needle

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

Tutorial Series: The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging

Posted in The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging, Tutorial Series by

A crochet border edging on crochet or knit blankets, dishcloths, and various other projects is frequently employed to enhance their aesthetic appeal, providing a more finished or decorative look that transforms simple items into something more. There are numerous crochet border edgings available, each offering a unique texture and style. For instance, a single crochet border adds a subtle, clean finish, whereas a crochet moss stitch border introduces a more textured feel. Another edging is the crochet zig zag braid edging, which is accomplished by alternating between slip stitches and chain stitches, creating a braid-like pattern that adds both texture and visual interest. Incorporating the various border edging adds more visual interest and elevates the overall design of a knitted or crocheted item.

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I have used the crochet zig zag braid edging in several dishcloth patterns, including the Dotted Dishcloth, With a Twist Dishcloth, and a few other dishcloths that I have created over time. This straightforward edging technique gives the finished product a textured and decorative look.

The Dotted Dishcloth
With a Twist Dishcloth


The video and written instructions below show how to crochet zig zag braid edging for right-handed crochet

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The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging:

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Written steps to crochet the Zig Zag Edging:

  • Insert crochet hook under both strands of the edge stitch or a crochet stitch
  • Yarn over and pull the yarn loop under and through both stands of the edge stitch.
  • Slip stitch (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch) the loop with the loop on the crochet hook
  • Chain one
  • Repeat the steps above for the crochet zig zag edging
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Zig Zag Join

Posted in How to Crochet Zig Zag Join, Tutorial Series by

Crocheted or knitted pieces can be joined together in several ways, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic qualities. They can be seamed together with a mattress stitch, which provides a nearly invisible join, or joined with the three-needle bind-off technique used in joining knitted pieces together. Alternatively, certain crochet slip-stitch techniques, such as the crochet zig zag join is used not only to secure the pieces (knitted or crocheted) firmly but to also give the seam a decorative zig zag look. The join in this technique is created by a repetition of alternating crochet slip stitches from one piece to the other, resulting in a visually appealing texture that enhances the overall design.

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The crochet zig zag join technique is one of my favorite join methods and I’ve included it in many of my patterns. The Comfy Poncho, Winterland Cowl, The Waiting Season Cowl, The Patchwork Petal Scarf, The Four Section Blanket, and Goes with Everything Cowl are some patterns that use the crochet zig zag method.

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The written instructions and video below show how to use the Crochet Zig Zag join for right-handed crochet.

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Written Instructions on how to Crochet Zig Zag Join:

  1. Insert the crochet hook from front to back under both the strands of the edge stitch in the first knitted or crocheted piece
  2. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the first piece
  3. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
  4. Insert the crochet hook from back to front under both the strands of the edge stitch in the second knitted or crocheted piece
  5. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the second piece
  6. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
  7. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 for the Crochet Zig Zag Join
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

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

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© 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

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