Knitting & Crochet Tutorials | Duffys Craft Days

Grow Your Skills

Welcome 😊

On this tutorials page you will find links to videos available on my Youtube channel.

Each video series is designed to guide you as you learn the first steps in either knitting & crochet.

I will then help you to build on those basic skills by regularly introducing new stitch or technique tutorials to assist you on your crafting journey!

Learn to Knit Series

Learn to knit part 1 - How to create a slip knot.

Part 1 of this series will show you how to create a slip knot - the first thing any knitter (or crocheter) needs to know. For an easy pattern to practice your new skills, check out my easy knitted coasters - a free pattern available on the blog.

Learn to knit part 2 - How to cast on.

Part 2 of this series you will show you how to cast on for your first project.

Learn to knit Part 3 - How to make a knit stitch.

Part 3 of this series you will show you how to create the knit stitch.

Learn to knit part 4 - Casting off/Binding off.

Part 4 of this series you will show you how to cast off or bind off as it's also known - basically finishing your knitting & getting it off the needles without it all falling apart 😄

Learn to knit part 5 - How to work a Purl stitch.

Part 5 of this series will show you how to start to building on your knitting skills with the Purl stitch.

Along with showing you how to work purl stitch, I will also show you how to use it, alongside the knit stitch, to create two common stitch patterns, the stocking (also called stockinette) stitch & rib stitch - these are easy knitting stitches to master with a little practice.

If you would like to practice your new skills, check out the free version of my Candy dreams fingerless gloves on the blog.

Learn to knit part 6 - How to work a cable cast on & bind off.

In Part 6 of this learn to knit series, I will show you how to work a cable cast on as well as how I mirror that with a cable bind off - for when you need consistency such as if your cast on & bind off edges were to become the top of a bag.

Learn to Crochet Series

Learn to crochet part 1 - Make a foundation chain & work your first double crochet.

In part 1 of this series you will learn all you need to know to start your first project, including how to create a slip knot, make a foundation chain, work into the back of a foundation chain, work a double crochet stitch (UK Terms or single crochet in US Terms), create a turning chain, fasten off your project.

For an easy pattern to test out your new skills, check out the free version of my easy crochet coasters available on the blog.

Learn to crochet Part 2 - How to work a UK Half Treble crochet.

In part 2 of this series you will learn how to work the UK half treble crochet (half double crochet in US Terms).

To try out this new stitch, check out the free version of my "Not so granny jar cosy" pattern on the blog.

Learn to crochet Part 3 - How to do a UK Treble crochet (US Double crochet).

In part 3 of this series you will learn how to work a UK treble crochet (double crochet in US Terms). You can find a free pattern which uses this stitch here.

Learn to crochet Part 4 - creating an invisible seam when working in the round.

In part 4 of this series you will learn how to reduce the gaps that can often occur when crocheting in the round by using the invisible join method.

Learn to crochet Part 5 - Finishing projects with a slip stitch or scalloped edge.

In part 5 of this series you will learn how to how to use either slip stitches or Scalloped (shell stitches) to finish off your crochet projects.

You can practice this skill with my easy crochet preemie hat, available for free on the blog.

Learn to crochet Part 6 - Making crochet ribbing.

In part 6 of this series you will learn how to make your own crochet ribbing using double crochet stitches - UK Terms (single crochet in US Terms).

Learn to crochet Part 7 - How to work crochet post stitches.

In part 7 of this series you will learn how to work both the Front post treble crochet stitch (FPTR) & the Back post treble crochet stitch (BPTR) - UK Terms. In US Terms these are Front post double crochet (FPDC) & Back post double crochet (BPDC).

I will also demonstrate the basketweave stitch pattern. You can also find a photo tutorial for this stitch & the free pattern for my crochet basketweave washcloth on the blog.

Learn to crochet Part 8 - Working the bobble stitch/puff stitch/popcorn stitch.

In part 8 of this series you will learn how to how to work the crochet bobble stitch, sometimes known as the Puff or Popcorn stitch.

In the tutorial I use Chain stitches, double crochet & triple crochet stitches - UK Terms. In US Terms these are single crochet & double crochet stitches.

The bobble stitch is made by working five treble crochet's into one stitch from the row below & creates a gorgeous, textured fabric which can be used in a variety of projects.

Learn to crochet Part 9 - How to create shell stitches.

In part 9 of this series you will learn how to create crochet shell stitches using UK treble crochets (double crochets - in US Terms).

Learn to crochet Part 10 - Bobble stitch border tutorial.

In part 10 of this series you will learn how to how to work a crochet bobble stitch border - perfect for blankets.

I will begin by showing you how to add a double crochet round which will give you a straight edge all the way round your blanket.

Next I will show you how to create the bobble stitch round by using half treble crochets (UK Terms) & the half treble two together stitch.

Why not check out the Peaches & cream baby blanket which uses this border. You can find the free version on the blog.

Knitting & Crochet Tips & Tricks

Knitting & crochet tips Part 1 - How to add fringing to your projects.

In part 1 of this series, you will learn how to add fringing to a knitted scarf. You can then use this technique to add fringing to any of your hand knitted or crocheted items.

Knitting & crochet tips Part 2 - How to add a double crochet (UK Terms) border to a knitted item.

In part 2 of this series you will learn how to how you can add a double crochet border to a knitted washcloth or any knitted project.

To practice this skill, why not check out the free version of my weaved washcloth pattern on the blog which uses this technique.

Knitting & crochet tips Part 3 - How to make pompom style tassels using a tassel maker.

In part 3 of this series you will learn how to use a tassel maker to create pompom or spherical style tassels. You can also make standard tassels by simply cutting the finished tassel slightly differently - as explained in the video.

You can also find a photo tutorial to make tassels on my blog.

Make a Knitted Zipper Pouch

How to make a knitted moss stitch zipper pouch part 1 - Supplies through to binding off

In part 1 of this 3 part video series, I will discuss the supplies needed to make your own moss stitch zipper pouch, I will then talk you through the number of stitches you need to cast on (You will need to work a cable cast on & can find a video tutorial for that here: https://youtu.be/_gNBWN4QcnI ) Next, I will show you how to knit the moss stitch, how many rows to work & finally, I will also show you how to work a cable bind off/cast off.

How to make a knitted Moss stitch zipper pouch Part 2 - Using mattress stitch to seam up the sides

In Part 2 of this mini video series, I will show you how to seam up the sides of your pouch using the mattress stitch. This method is also useful for seaming up garments or smaller shapes to create a blanket.

How to make a knitted Moss stitch zipper pouch part 3 - How to add a zip

Part 3 of this series of videos will take you through adding the zip to your knitted pouch.

Crochet Projects

Learn to crochet a rose with me.

Learn to crochet a rose with me using Paintbox yarns simply chunky and a 6mm crochet hook. As long as you know how to chain and work both a double and treble crochet (UK Terms), then you will be able to follow along and have your own crocheted rose in about 30 minutes..