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Fiber Physics (Knitting and Crochet): Getting started

Using just sticks and string, learn to make useful items for yourself and others while exploring the simplicity and complexity of geometric shapes.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the videos linked on this LibGuide are via YouTube and may not work on Chromebooks because YouTube is blocked on school issued devices.

Finger knitting and finger crochet

Knitting and crochet WITHOUT needles or hooks:

How to Finger Knit
A simple technique for creating a rope-like fabric using only your fingers.
20 Finger Knitting Patterns
20 simple patterns to try.
How to Finger Crochet
You can also crochet with your fingers.
Arm Knitting How-to
Use your arms to knit king-sized knits with super bulky yarns and roving.
Cute Finger Knit Necklace
(YouTube) A very cute finger knit necklace from Lion Brand Yarn. Requires bulky yarn and 2 large beads (or similar).

Fiber Animals

Knitting and Crochet

Craft Yarn Council Getting Started
The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) represents the leading yarn companies, accessory manufacturers, magazine and book publishers, and consultants in the yarn industry. The CYC website is a comprehensive resource for all things yarn- and needlecraft-realted.
Basic Knit Instructions
Written instructions and diagrams for learning to knit from the Craft Yarn Council.
Basic Crochet Instructions
Written instructions and diagrams for learning to crochet from the Craft Yarn Council.
How To Knit from Lion Brand Yarns
Written, illustrated, and video instructions for learning to knit from Lion Brand Yarn.
Crochet Guide
Written, illustrated, and video instructions for learning to crochet from Annie's Craft Store.

Helpful videos and tutorials

How to Knit: A Complete Introduction for Beginners
A complete video knitting course from KnittingHelp.com.
KnitPicks Tutorials
A collection of video knitting tutorials from Knit Picks, including English and Continental knitting.
Purl Soho Crochet Tutorials
Illustrated with photographs, this is a series of helpful crochet tutorial from Purl Soho.
Purl Soho Knitting Tutorials
A comprehensive group of tutorials for a wide variety of knitting techniques (some with video).

Historical context

Sheep & Stitch History of Knitting
A brief, illustrated history of knitting (2 parts).
Knit History 101
A brief history of knitting from Knitty.
Wikipedia Knitting Entry
The Wartime Spies Who Used Knitting as an Espionage Tool
Stitch By Stitch, A Brief History of Knitting and Activism

The Secret History of Knitting

This 45-minute video provides an entertaining look at the history of knitting.

Subject Guide

Catherine Clements

Printables

Print out these handy guides for reference.

Finger knitting how-to
Arm knitting how-to
How to crochet
How to knit
Knitting Is Fun! Mini-zine
A mini-zine you can fold yourself about how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Here is a video showing you how to fold the zine: video link

Fiber Plants

Plants used for fiber