Blogs Posts

Most beginners stitch one color at a time: finish every square of one color in an area, then switch. Row by row also works. When to use each method, which color to start with, and tips for kids.

Thread a blunt needle, come up through one hole and go down through the next, following the printed colors until no plastic shows. Step-by-step needlepoint on plastic canvas for kids, plus the easiest stitches.

Cut an arm's length of thread, push it through the eye (or use a needle threader), pull a short tail through, and tie a knot at the long end. Step-by-step for kids, with the easiest knot to learn.

Start a knitting loom with a slip knot on the anchor peg, then e-wrap each peg once around the knitting loom. Step-by-step cast on, the first row, how to finish, and the mistakes beginners make most.

Yes, usually. Embroidery floss is 6 thin strands twisted together, and most hand embroidery uses 2 to 3 of them. How to separate floss without tangles and how many strands to use for outlines, fills and lettering.

The easiest hand-sewing projects for kids are small felt pieces with pre-punched holes: keychains, felt dolls, mini pillows and ornaments. 8 first projects, in order from easiest, with the stitches each one uses.

To start embroidery you need 6 things: fabric with a design, a hoop, embroidery floss, embroidery needles, a threader and small scissors. What each is for, what size to buy, and what you can skip as a beginner.

Start with running stitch on a stamped design in a tight hoop, then move to backstitch. Show it once, stitch the first few together, then let them lead. A first-session plan for parents and grandparents.

Put the fabric in the hoop, cut an 18-inch length of floss, thread the needle, knot the end and come up from the back. Then make each X in two half-stitches. A step-by-step first session for kids and the grown-up helping.

Yes. Latch hook is one of the easiest yarn crafts to learn: one 4-step knot repeated on a printed grid. What makes it easy, the 3 common mistakes and the best first project for kids and adults.

Yes. Needlepoint on plastic canvas is one of the easiest needle crafts for kids from about 6: a stiff grid, big holes, a blunt needle and a printed design. How it works and how to start.

Yes. Embroidery is one of the easiest needle crafts for adults to learn: a stamped design, a hoop and 3 or 4 basic stitches are enough for a first project. What's easy, what's hard and how to start.