Articles & Books From Crafts

Cricut For Dummies
Your simple guide to the DIY die-cutting machine that lets you create without limitations Your new Cricut can help you cut paper, vinyl, fabric, and beyond. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts, scrapbookers, and professional designers, Cricut machines are favorites among makers of all types. Cricut For Dummies gives you clear, simple instructions for using a Cricut machine, so you can start creating today.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-13-2024
When I was new to my career, there was information I wished I could get my hands on as I was learning more about the craft. (I’m talking about inside-the-industry information — way past what I learned in college). The information in this Cheat Sheet is what I was thrilled to learn (and have often forgotten until I was ready to put it in to practice).
Sewing For Dummies
Learn the basic skills and techniques you need for successful hand and machine sewing Over the past ten years, interest in sewing has grown. If want to learn how to sew or to improve your skills, Sewing For Dummies is the book you need to get started. This complete guide to sewing basics teaches you basic hand stitches and sewing machine operation, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations.
Step by Step / Updated 10-27-2023
The half double crochet (abbreviated hdc) is kind of an oddball stitch. It falls in between a single crochet and a double crochet in height, but instead of working off two loops at a time, you draw the yarn through three loops on the hook. It produces a fairly tight fabric similar to one made with a single crochet stitch:Do 15 chain stitches.
Article / Updated 10-20-2023
A good hat is a must-have in your knitting repertoire, and this basic beanie, sized for babies through adults, fits the bill. Make it plain or cabled. Add in stripes or a color pattern. After your beanie is knit, top it with a pompom or tassel. The variations are endless. ©Ivanikova Tatyana/Shutterstock.com Materials and vital statistics Yarn: Berrocco Smart Mohair (41 percent mohair, 54 percent acrylic, 5 percent polyester); 108 yards (100 meters) per 50 grams; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) balls; color: Pink Needles: US 10 (6 mm) circular needle, 16-inch length, or the size needed to match gauge; US 8 (5 mm) circular needle, 16-inch length; US 10 (6 mm) double-pointed needles Other materials: Eight stitch markers; yarn needle to weave in ends Size: Baby (toddler, child, small adult, large adult); circumference: 14 (16, 18, 20, 22) inches, unstretched Gauge: 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles This beanie is worked in the round, starting on circular needles and switching to double-pointed needles when you shape the crown of the hat.
Article / Updated 10-10-2023
Pumpkin-carving kits are convenient, but if you don't have one, then use household tools. Carving Halloween pumpkins with tools you have at home is budget-smart. It's just as fun, and you'll get the same great results. ©Joshua Resnick / Adobe StockIf you don't have something on the list of equipment below, then borrow it.
Video / Updated 08-15-2023
It can be difficult to know what you really need when it comes to jewelry and beading design, especially if you're standing in front of racks of supplies. Don't fret; use the following list of supplies you should have handy so you can create jewelry at a moment's notice. And watch the video above to learn about the tools you should have and where to find jewelry making supplies.
Video / Updated 08-09-2023
When you knit in the round on a circular needle, you first cast on, join the round, and then begin knitting. Joining simply means that when you work the first stitch, you bring the first and last cast-on stitches together, joining the circle of stitches. See the following instructions and video for how to do it.
Video / Updated 08-09-2023
A dropped stitch is one that has come off the needle. Whether it is a dropped knit stitch or purl stitch, fear not. You can fix it. You might see it right away after you knit a round or you might miss it for a few rounds.Depending on the type of yarn you’re using, the dropped stitch might just sit without going anywhere or it might “run,” leaving a ladder behind.
Video / Updated 08-08-2023
If you catch your knitting mistake before the end of the row, you can rip out stitches back to your mistake. Just rip out one stitch at a time. Basically, you undo what you’ve just done until you get to the problem spot. See the written steps, illustration, and video below. Insert the LH needle from front to back (away from you) into the stitch below the one on the RH needle.