Tag Archives: knitting blog

Tutorial Series: The Basic Knit Bind Off

Posted in June 2025, The Basic Knit Bind Off by

The live stitches on a knitting needle of a knitted piece are secured with a bind off row. This is also the last row. There are many bind off techniques. Some examples include the basic knit bind off, the stretchy bind off and the crochet bind off. Other examples include the picot bind off, the Icelandic bind off and so on. The basic knit method is the most common bind off method. In this technique, the first knitted stitch on the right knitting needle is passed over the second knitted stitch. This basic knit bind off is my favorite for blankets, dishcloths etc. since I can easily pick up the stitches to make a more decorative crochet or knitted border edge. I use knitting needles a size or two larger for the basic knit bind off. This makes the stitches easier to pick up for a border edge. The video and written instructions below for the basic knit bind off method are for right-hand knitting.

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The Basic Knit Bind Off:


Written instructions for Basic Knit Bind Off Method:

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  1. Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the first 2 stitches at beginning of the row
  2. Pass the first stitch knitted over the second stitch on the right hand knitting needle
  3. Slip the passed stitch off the right knitting needle (one stitch remains on the needle)
  4. Knit the next stitch on the left knitting needle
  5. Pass and slip the remaining stitch over the newly knitted stitch on the right knitting needle (one stitch remains on the right knitting needle)
  6. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 till the end of the row
  7. Break yarn and pull the working yarn through the last remaining stitch

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

Tutorial Series: K1tbl and P1tbl

Posted in K1tbl and P1tbl, Tutorial Series by

A knit (Tutorial Series: Knit or Tink) or a purl (Tutorial Series: Purl or Un-Purl) stitch is created through the front loop of the stitch. A variation of the the knit or purl stitch is created through the back loop of the stitch. Knitting or purling through the back loop (K1tbl/Ktbl or P1tbl/Ptbl) twists the stitches. It looks quite different from the knit and purl stitch. K1tbl and P1tbl makes the knitted fabric more dense and is sometimes used in ribbing or as a design element.


The video and written instructions below show how to K1tbl and P1tbl for right-hand knitting.

Knit 1 through the Back Loop (K1tbl):


Written Instructions for Knit 1 through the Back Loop (K1tbl):

  • Insert the right knitting needle front to back through the back loop of the 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 and onto the right needle
  • Slip the remaining stitch off the left needle

Purl 1 through the Back Loop (P1tbl):


Written Instructions for Purl 1 through the Back Loop (P1tbl):

  • Insert the right needle from back to front through the back loop of the stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the inserted right needle
  • Catch the loop made made by the working yarn (the new stitch) with the right needle
  • Slip the loop (the new stitch) onto the right needle and the old stitch off the left needle

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Favorite Things Cowl Pattern

Posted in April 2025, The Favorite Things Cowl by


Change is inevitable, whether we want it or not, and embracing it allows us to move forward with enthusiasm. Whenever I face challenges in decision-making, thinking about my favorite activities brings me joy. I like exploring the yarn aisles at arts and craft stores and choosing beautiful yarn. Spending time knitting or crocheting is also a favorite thing of mine. While it’s true that Jo-Ann stores are closing, I will cherish the memories of browsing their colorful yarn selections. I’ve created some wonderful patterns using Jo-Ann yarns, like The Long Striped Crochet Scarf and The Unexpected Find Wrap. I, of course, had to stock up on some Jo-Ann store-brand yarn before the store closes. Every time I knit or crochet with these yarns, I will fondly remember the joy of exploring their yarn aisles.

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The Favorite Things Cowls are bandana-style cowls crocheted flat with a variation of the crochet moss stitch pattern. One uses K + C yarn and the other uses Loops and Threads yarn. Both start with a chain of 2 and are increased every other row to form a triangle. The cowl lengths are then extended without any row increases. One cowl is extended over 2 inches long, and the other over 3 inches. The edges of the extended section are joined, and a fringe is added at the end. These cowls are quick one-skein projects, perfect for keeping the neck warm and cozy.

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The Favorite Things Cowl Pattern

Materials Needed:
Yarn: Cowl 1 – K + C Botanical yarn in Colorway: Feather Gray (one skein of yarn from Jo-Ann store)
Yarn: Cowl 2 – Loops and Threads® Luxe Merino™ Wool Blend Colorway: Raindrops
Gauge: 4.0 stitches per inch for Favorite Things Cowl 1 and Favorite Things Cowl 2 in the variation crochet moss stitch pattern (gauge not necessary)
Crochet hook: US size H-8 (5.00 mm) for Favorite Things Cowl 1 and US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the Favorite Things Cowl 2
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations:
sc: single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet)
[…]: pattern repeat
Skill Level: Beginner friendly pattern with single crochet and crochet chains

The Favorite Things Cowl Pattern (images and text for personal use only)

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Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet in Back Loop (SCBL)

Posted in How to Single Crochet in Back Loop, Tutorial Series by

One variation of single crochet stitch pattern is the single crochet in back loop (SCBL). This stitch pattern is commonly used as a ribbed border for sweaters, blankets etc. In the February 2025 Earwarmer, the ribbing sections for the earwarmers are in the single crochet in the back loop stitch pattern.

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Once the foundation row is worked for a single crochet, the crochet hook is inserted only into the back loop for all the the stitches in the next and the subsequent rows. After inserting the crochet hook in the back loop, a single crochet is worked. This differs from a regular single crochet where the crochet hook is inserted under both loops (strands) of a stitch. Using the single crochet in back loops gives the worked fabric a ribbed look.


The video and written instructions are below showing how to make a single crochet in the back loop. This technique is used for all the rows after the foundation chain row. The video and instructions below are for right-handed crocheting

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How to Single Crochet in Back Loop (SCBL):

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Written Instructions on How to Single Crochet in Back Loop (SCBL):

  1. After working single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet) in the last stitch of the foundation chain row, chain one and turn
  2. Skip the first stitch and insert crochet hook in the back loop of the next stitch
  3. Catch and pull yarn loop under the back loop of the stitch and on to the crochet hook
  4. There are two loops on the crochet hook now
  5. Yarn over (wrap the working yarn around the hook counterclockwise)
  6. Catch and pull yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook.
  7. There is one loop left on the crochet hook.
  8. Insert hook into the back loop of the next stitch and repeat Steps 3 to 7 till the end of the row
  9. Chain one after working the last stitch of the row and turn to the next row
  10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 for all subsequent rows as specified in a pattern.
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~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The February 2025 Earwarmer Pattern

Posted in March 2025, The February 2025 Earwarmer Pattern by
February 2025 Earwarmer 1
February 2025 Earwarmer 2


Hello folks, it’s been a while since my last pattern post. A bad case of the flu at the end of January, the passing of my adorable pet dog in mid-February, and other personal issues needed my time. I started working on the February 2025 Earwarmer crochet pattern a few days before my beloved dog passed away. I am grateful that my knitting and crocheting hobby gave me much-needed comfort. It supported me during this difficult period of grief and reflection. I am also thankful to all the readers and subscribers of this blog. I appreciate the knitting and crocheting community for their support and understanding.

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The February 2025 Earwarmer is crocheted flat and then the two ends are joined together with slip stitch crochet. The construction of this Earwarmer pattern is comparable to the “Goes with Everything Earwarmer” knitted version. It starts with a chain of eight stitches and ribbing. Then, it goes through a series of increases and length extension. It ends with a series of decreases and ribbing. The two ends are then joined together with a slip stitch crochet. A variation of the crochet moss stitch pattern is used for both earwarmers. February 2025 Earwarmer 1 is made with a cotton blend yarn and measures about 4.5 inches x 20 inches. February 2025 Earwarmer 2 is made with a merino wool blend yarn and measures about 4 inches x 19 inches.

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The February 2025 Earwarmer Pattern

Materials Needed:
Yarn: Earwarmer 1 – Caron Blossom Cakes® yarn in Colorway: Bark
Yarn: Earwarmer 2 – Loops and Threads® Luxe Merino™ Wool Blend Colorway: Raindrops
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch for Earwarmer 1 and 5.0 stitches per inch for Earwarmer 2 in the variation crochet moss stitch pattern
Crochet hook: US size H-8 (5.00 mm) for February 2025 Earwarmer 1 and US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the February 2025 Earwarmer 2
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

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The Light Unexpected Find Wrap Pattern

Posted in December 2024, The Light Unexpected Find Wrap Pattern by


The Light Unexpected Find Wrap pattern is mostly based on the The Unexpected Find Wrap Pattern. The Light Unexpected Find Wrap is also a triangular shaped shawl. It is knit bottom up. The shawl features a two row repeat brioche honeycomb stitch pattern. However, nine stitches instead of seven are cast on for this shawl. It is also knit with a merino wool blend DK weight yarn (Loops and Threads® Luxe Merino™ Wool Blend). This yarn is lighter yet warm, making it suitable for this winter season. The yarn is also budget friendly and can be purchased at Michaels store.

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The Light Unexpected Find Wrap Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

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Tutorial Series: The Thumb Method Cast-on

Posted in The Thumb Method Cast-on, Tutorial Series by

The Thumb method cast-on is a commonly used long tail cast-on technique. A long tail of yarn is set aside on one side of the slip knot. The working yarn is on the other side of the slip knot. The thumb is used to form the loop that is used to make a new stitch on the knitting needle. Another example of a long tail cast-on technique is the slingshot method. In this method, the thumb and the index finger create a new stitch. The thumb method is beginner-friendly and a quick cast-on method. I use the thumb method cast-on mostly for knitting projects with few stitches (dishcloths, etc.). The written instructions and video below on how to do the thumb method cast-on are shown for right-handed knitting.

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The Thumb Method Cast-On:

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The Steps for the Thumb Method Cast-On:

  1. Make a slip knot (Tutorial Series: How to Slip Knot) with a yarn tail that will be enough for the number of stitches for a specific knitting project
  2. Insert the slip knot onto a knitting needle
  3. Holding the yarn tail with some tension in the left fist, wrap the left thumb under and over the yarn tail to make a loop
  4. Insert the right hand needle into the front strand of the loop on the thumb
  5. Bring the working yarn around the top of the right needle and wrap it between the thumb and the right knitting needle
  6. Catch and pick up the working yarn loop (a new stitch) with the right needle
  7. Repeat Steps 3 – 6 to cast-on the required number of stitches needed for a knitting project

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

August 2024

Posted in 2024, August 2024 by

Since July 2020, I have created and shared 44 knitting and crochet patterns. I am grateful for the support and feedback from the knitting and crochet community, which has inspired and motivated me. I look forward to sharing more patterns in the future.

Coffee Tea Knits is returning in September with new video tutorials, blog posts, and a collection of free knitting patterns for all skill levels. Stay tuned for updates as we explore the world of yarn and needles together.

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Happy Knitting/Crocheting!

~coffeeteaknits.com

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

The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern

Posted in June 2024, The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern by
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During a heatwave, knitting dishcloths with cotton yarn is practical both for personal use as well as for gifting. I knit dishcloths so I can explore and learn the different knit stitch patterns. Knitting dishcloths is also very therapeutic and calming amidst the chaos that sometimes happens in our personal lives. The Dotted Dishcloth is knit flat in the woven transverse herringbone stitch pattern with slip stitches for the herringbone shape. The dishcloth is finished with a slip stitch, chain one border edge.

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

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Materials Needed for the Dotted Dishcloth:
Yarn: Premier Home Cotton® Cone yarn in Jelly Dots (Colorway 1) and Colorway 2 – any solid color worsted weight cotton yarn for the border (I used a pink color cotton yarn that I had) 
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch in woven transverse herringbone stitch pattern
Knitting Needles: US #7 (4.5 mm) for knitting the dishcloth and US #9 (5.0 mm) for cast on and bind off.
Crochet hook: US size 7 (4.5 mm) for the border edge

Knitting Skill Level: Advanced beginner level – knit, purl and slip stitches
Crochet Skill Level: Basic level with chain one and slip stitch 

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Abbreviations:

  • K: Knit
  • P: Purl
  • wyib S2: with yarn held back slip two stitches purlwise
  • wyif S2: with yarn in front slip two stitches purlwise
  • sm: slip marker
  • wyif S1: with yarn in front slip one stitch purlwise
  • wyib S1: with yarn held back slip one stitch purlwise
  • RS: right side
  • WS: wrong side
  • […]: stitch pattern repeats
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The Dotted Dishcloth Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

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The Patchwork Petal Scarf Pattern

Posted in March 2024, The Patchwork Petal Scarf Pattern by


Although early Spring flowers have appeared and so have the birds, winter has not yet left us. Below freezing temperatures and cold winter air still lingers. Nevertheless, I will make items with Spring weather in mind. The Patchwork Petal Scarf uses cotton yarn more suitable for pleasant weather. It’s made up of eight center out crochet moss stitch squares which are then joined using the zig zag slip stitch crochet join method. Two rounds of crochet moss stitch are used for the border edge of the joined squares. Fringes are added to the Patchwork Petal Scarf.

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The Patchwork Petal Scarf Pattern (text and images for personal use only)

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