Tag Archives: knitting blog

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. 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. 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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~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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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.

The Hydrangea Dishcloth Pattern

Posted in July 2025, The Hydrangea Dishcloth Pattern by


Five years ago I posted my first pattern “A Seed Stitch Mitered Dishcloth“. It was a time of social distancing and staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since we couldn’t go out much the yard and the flowers became our outdoor retreat. At that time the Hydrangeas were in full bloom (June-July) and I took a picture of these flowers with the “Seed Stitch Mitered Dishcloth”

A Seed Stitch Mitered Dishcloth
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It’s five years later, and the hydrangeas are in bloom again.


Hence, the name of the dishcloth pattern for the month is the Hydrangea Dishcloth pattern. The Hydrangea Dishcloth is a mitered square dishcloth with a double vertical decrease and a 1×1 mistake rib stitch pattern. Two stitches are decreased using the double vertical decrease technique. I prefer this technique to the K2tog and SSK techniques I used in the Seed Stitch Mitered Dishcloth. The SSK does not form a straight line like the K2tog or the double vertical decrease.

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The Hydrangea Dishcloth is then finished with a round of the wrapped single crochet stitch. Crochet chain stitches are added end of the round for the hanging loop.

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

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When life gave me yarn revisited

Posted in July 2025, When life gave me yarn revisited by

It’s been five years since the March 2020 post “When life gave me yarn“. At that time a stay at home order was in place for a couple of weeks due to the coronavirus.

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What yarn meant to me then:

March 2020

When life gave me yarn, I became an avid knitter.
I started a knitting blog and embarked on a journey paved with intricate designs, colors, and textures.
Thoughts of becoming a fiber artist crossed my path several times.
On this path I also picked up the yarn related crafts of crocheting and weaving.
All throughout the journey recurring dreams of someday designing my own yarn related items beckoned me towards more and more yarn.
Now, despite my efforts to the contrary, the yarn in my life keeps growing and growing.
So, tell me my friends, is this yarn in my life just a temporary haven or is the yarn calling me?

coffeeteaknits.com

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And what yarn is to me now:

July 2025

When life gave me yarn, I became an avid knitter and crocheter.
On this journey paved with intricate designs and texture, I discovered the strength of prayer and manifestation.
The meditative rhythm of fiber related crafts soothed me during coronovirus pandemic and health issues.
While on this path I became immersed in creating video tutorials.
Recurring dreams of someday designing my own yarn related items led to publishing fifty two patterns and more yarn.
Now, I’m grateful for the abundance of yarn in my life.
So, tell me my friends, is this yarn in my life here to stay? If so, I must answer.

coffeeteaknits.com

The image in the background above is a cloth I wove using the rigid heddle loom. The yarn Home Cotton® Cone Select Colors in Vineyard Dots colorway for the warp and Jelly Dots colorway for the weft.

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Thank you to the fiber related crafts community, subscribers and readers of this blog for your feedback and encouragement all along my journey with yarn.

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~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The With a Twist Dishcloth Pattern

Posted in 2025, The With a Twist Dishcloth Pattern by


The With a Twist Dishcloth is a knitted mitered square dishcloth. Two stitches are decreased in the middle every other row to create a mitered square. The dishcloth is knitted using cotton yarn and the twisted stockinette pattern. The mitered square is created using the double vertical decrease technique. The double decrease technique creates a vertical stitch in the center of the mitered square. Dishcloths are budget friendly and versatile in their use for cleaning, wiping, and drying. They are also useful for learning new knitting stitch patterns and techniques. The With a Twist Dishcloth is finished using the crochet moss stitch in the round. This is followed by a round of slip stitch and a chain one border edge. A hanging loop of crochet chain is added to the dishcloth in the end.

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Materials Needed to knit the With a Twist Dishcloth:

Yarn: Capri Eco Cotton™ by Loops and Threads® yarn in Gray Splash colorway. The yarn was purchased from Michaels and is now discontinued. Substitute for this yarn can be found on Yarn Sub
Gauge: 4.0 stitches / 7 rows per inch after blocking in the twisted stockinette stitch pattern
Knitting Needles: US #8 (5.0 mm) for knitting the dishcloth and US #9 (5.5 mm) for cast on.
Crochet hook: US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the border edge
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Knitting Skill Level: Advanced beginner – knit, purl, knit through back loop, slip 2 together
Crochet Skill Level: Basic level with chain one and slip stitch

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The With a Twist Dishcloth Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

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