Untitled

Every crafter dreams of designing a project with colorful yarn. Most of them enjoy the slow movement of knitting needles or the flow of a crochet hook; each stitch relaxes your mind.

With a crochet hook, every loop you create adds a unique story that slowly takes shape in the fabric through your hands. When you have the right tools, even the simplest project feels exciting and rewarding.

In this blog, you will learn the essential knitting tools for beginners and crochet tools for beginners, along with easy tips for shaping knitting projects and shaping crochet projects.

As a beginner, if you are wondering what you need to knit, this guide will take you through everything step by step so you can create projects with confidence.

How Knitting and Crocheting are The Heart of The Craft?

Knitting and crocheting, both crafts use yarn to create beautiful fabric, but their techniques differ in terms of tools and texture.

Two or more needles are used in knitting, which form loops that interlink together row after row. These stitches remain active until you bind them off in your final stitch in knitting.

These pieces often look neat and stretchy, making this craft ideal for garments, scarves, and socks.

In crochet, you just require a single hook. You complete each stitch before moving to the next one. This will improve the quality, and it's faster to create. After finishing your final stitch in a crochet project, your fabric becomes firm, textured, and full of personality, great for blankets, hats, and home décor.

Both crafts are beautiful in their style. However, to create the first loop, you need the proper tools. Let’s start from the very beginning:

First Journey - The First Loop in Knitting and Crocheting

Crafting a masterpiece requires proper tools and quality yarn. Start a small project with your first loop. This loop sets the journey of your complete creation.

Knitting begins with a slip knot. Make a small adjustable loop on the yarn and slip it onto your wooden needle. This is the first step in casting on. You can use either the longtail or single cast-on method, which creates the foundation row of stitches.

Crochet also begins with a slip knot. However, instead of needles, you place the loop onto your crochet hook and make a chain with additional loops drawn through the first.

The loops are simple to make, but they are the foundation of every scarf, cardigan, or cushion cover that you create. 

Beginner's Knitting Tool

Beginners must start with simple tools like wooden knitting needls from Lantern Moon, which provide a comfortable grip. These needles are available in various sizes and materials, such as metal, bamboo, aluminium, wood, or plastic.

Straight needles in size US 8 (5 mm) are a good choice for beginners, because they are easy to handle. Choose a medium-weight yarn, worsted weight, in a light shade so you can see your stitches clearly.

Other Essential Tools Include:

Stitch Markers: To keep track of your row in a pattern.

Scissors: To cut yarn.

Measuring Tape: To check the size of your work.

Yarn needle or tapestry needle: To weave the loose ends.

Row counter: Count how many rows you have knitted.

Beginner's Crochet Tools

For beginners, focusing on simplicity is a must. In crochet, you only need one tool, a crochet hook. These come in various sizes, which are marked by letters or numbers, like H-8 (5 mm). Aluminum, wooden, or plastic hooks are smooth and easy to use.

Essential Tools:

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Measuring tape

Yarn Needle or Tapestry Needle

Row Counter

Learn the basics - How to Knit for Beginners

Now that you are ready with your tools and have created the first loop, let's start with how to knit for beginners. Knitting involves two main stitches: knit and purl.

Steps:

Cast On: This technique creates first row loops. Use any easy methods, like the long-tail cast-on or knit cast-on.

Knit Stitch: This easy process involves inserting your needle through a loop, wrapping the yarn, pulling through, and sliding the old loop off. Repeat this to form rows.

Purl Stitch: it's different from knit stitch; it creates texture and contrast. Alternating knit and purl creates a ribbing stitch, used in cuffs and hems.

Bind Off (or Cast Off): After finishing the project, this technique secures your last row so it doesn’t unravel; it's a final step in knitting.

Weaving Yarn Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave the loose yarns.

Read About: Popular Cast-on methods in Knitting

How to give a perfect shape to your Knitting Project?

Once you know how to create basic stitches, the next step is shaping your knitting project. The shape requires forming curves, angles, or 3D structures by increasing or decreasing stitches. This technique brings life to flat pieces, turning them into well-fitted garments or intricate patterns.

Let's see how it works:

Increasing stitches means adding stitches to make your work wider. This process involves:

Yarn Over (YO): This adds an eyelet and increases the stitch count.

Make One (M1): Uses a strand between stitches to create a new loop.

Decreasing stitches means removing stitches to make your work taper. You can work with two common methods:

Knit Two Together (K2tog): Knit two stitches as one.

Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): This gives a mirrored decrease on the opposite side.

Short Rows: Knit partial rows to create curves (used in shaping shoulders or sock heels).

Once you understand the shaping, your knitted work begins to fit all the right places.

Shaping the Crochet Project

Shaping crochet projects gives them dimension and outline. Whether you’re forming a doll, making an amigurumi toy, or designing a fitted garment, shaping gives them a perfect life.

Let's check it:

Increases: You can easily add extra stitches into the same stitch space to widen your fabric. For example, two single crochets (SC) in one stitch create an increase.

Decreases: In this, crochet two stitches together to narrow or curve your work.

Working in Rounds: This is often used in crochet hats and toys. Use a stitch marker to mark the starting point and count as you increase evenly around.

Short Rounds and Turns: Used for shaping shoulders, busts, or the tops of bags.

Crochet builds vertically and horizontally in one loop at a time, and shaping makes it a fitted piece.

Learn in Detail: CROCHET INCREASE AND DECREASES IN EASY STEPS

Additional Tools to Elevate Your Craft

Here are some added items that you need to improve the project:

Blocking mats and pins are required for shaping and setting finished pieces.

Yarn swifts and winders are convenient for organizing yarn skeins into neat balls.

Needle gauge and hook sizer ensure you’re using the correct tool size.

Project bags are used to keep all yarns and accessories neatly stored.

Pattern books and journals help you record project details and notes.

Final Stitch in Knitting

To finish a knitting stitch, you must bind off. For that, you knit two stitches together and lift the first stitch over the second one, and then, off the needle.

Keep repeating the steps until one stitch remains on the needle. Then, cut the yarn, pull it through the final loop, and tighten it. You get a neat edge. To stretch the edge, use a slightly bigger needle. Lastly, weave in the loose ends with a yarn needle.

Final Stitch in Crochet

The last step in crochet is fastening off. So, cut the yarn, pull it through the loop, and tighten it.

When you work in rounds, use a slip stitch to join the last stitch to the first. To keep the project neat, weave the yarn tails into the fabric. Both crafts end with simple steps.

Conclusion

As a crafter, your journey begins with suspense, a ball of yarn, and the courage to try. Starting with the first loop in knitting or in crochet, your hands learn to create warmth, color, and comfort. At Lantern Moon, you can choose the right knitting tools for beginners or crochet tools for beginners. You’ll soon become a master in shaping knitting projects, craft seamless finishes, and understand pulling through your final stitch in crochet or final stitch in knitting with confidence.

Handmade items add a beautiful texture and personality to your room, while still maintaining a modern touch. Modern interior design often features sleek surfaces, polished furniture, and a stylish look. However, without an emotional touch, it can be unwelcoming or cold.

Keep in mind, just a single handcrafted piece can transform a clean space into a warm and expressive one. In this blog, you will learn how a custom-made piece makes a big impact, why it matters, and how you can start using it in a simple way.

What Does Modern Interior Design Mean Today?

It's all about keeping your home clean, open, clutter-free, and organized, making your everyday life easier. It focuses on simplicity, a balanced color scheme, and proper use of materials.

Modern interior design is not just about how stylish you make it, but it's also about the feeling you get after decorating it. This reflects your lifestyle and values.

Nowadays, people are seeking ways to add a modern touch to their homes. This is where handmade projects come into the picture, adding an elegant touch to your home.

How does a Handmade Project Transform a Space?

Adding a few handmade creations will completely change the overall look of your home. However, most modern interiors are dominated by glass or metal materials, which creates a clean and polished space. Handmade projects bring warmth to a cool space. 

Handmade creations include:

Woven textures, pottery, and a hand-painted surface give visual and tactile richness.

A handcrafted wall hanging or table runner naturally attracts attention.

Unusual items catch attention at your home, such as an amigurumi crochet.

Handmade projects do not need to be a large one to create an impact; even a small one can be visually appealing.

Types of Handcrafted Projects in Modern Interiors

1. Art and Decor

You can create paintings, sketches, or mixed media art.

Handmade ceramics such as vases, bowls, or candle holders.

Decorative items made of clay, wood, or metal, such as sculptures.

2. Textiles

Cushions and pillow covers are made using block printing, embroidery, or with simple patterns.

Crochet tablecloths or knitted blankets made with crochet hooks and knitting needles, using hand-dyed yarns.

Rugs can be handwoven or made using a punch needle. 

Macrame designs include wall hangings that add a soft touch.

3. Furniture or Woodworking

Add tables, stools, or benches made from wood or metal.

Floating shelves in the kitchen or in your home can be made in a simple design.

Note: Furniture design requires more skills and tools, but even a simple handcrafted piece makes a difference.

4. Upgrading and DIY

Repainting old windows, tables, or chairs.

Using bottles, jars, or tins as planters or vases. 

Framing fabric scraps, old maps, or interesting paper as wall art.

Design Principles When Using Handmade Pieces

Handcrafted items look wonderful when placed intentionally, not randomly scattered all over the place.

Follow these basic design principles:

Balance and Proportion: If your room is full of tiny handmade pieces, try to balance them with those that look creative and unique. For example, a large handmade rug with a couple of cushions looks much better than ten small handcrafted items.

Color and Material Harmony: Modern interior style uses neutral shades, with one or two accent colors. Handmade items can work beautifully if you pay attention to the hues and materials. Select a handmade textile that matches the color of the existing room. If you like bold colors, limit them to a few standout pieces so they feel intentional, not forceful.

Mixing Handmade with Store-Bought Items: You don't need to replace everything; instead, combine them with a few handmade items to achieve the best result. For example, use a simple modern sofa and add crocheted cushions to it.

What are the Benefits beyond their Look?

Handmade crafts are becoming a signature style element in modern homes. These items not only change the look of your space but also affect how you feel and live in it.

When you create a handcrafted piece, you naturally take care of it, and in this way, you make a connection.

Doing DIY projects enhances your skills, creativity, and gives you a sense of achievement.

When you buy a handmade creation, you support local artisans, small businesses, and preserve the traditional skills.

The future of modern interiors is not about mass-produced, but it's about handmade magic.

Practical Tips for Integrating Handmade Projects

If your home doesn't make an emotional connection with you because it has more store-bought items, then it's time to revamp it. 

Here are some tips for you to follow:

Begin with one room, find a space that looks empty. It could be a bed, a table, or a blank wall.

Decide on a single handmade element to introduce first, like a rug, a wall hanging, a set of cushions, or a piece of art. Once this is in place, you can build around it.

You can find handcrafted pieces at the local market, shops, or online.

Make sure to take care of them properly by following the washing or cleaning instructions.

Mistakes to Prevent

Handmade projects add charm to your home, but it's essential that they are used intentionally.

Covering every corner of the room with small handmade creations can make it messy, so focus on a few items that look like a masterpiece.

If a project feels weak or unstable, use it decoratively or remake it with better materials.

If your style focuses on calm and neutral, be careful not to add too many bold colors.

Conclusion

Handmade projects play a crucial role in modern interior design by bridging the gap between clean, contemporary aesthetics and the human need for warmth, story, and individuality. They help soften the sharp edges of modern spaces, bring in texture and character, and remind us that our homes are places to live and feel, not just to look at.