Archive for June, 2007

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How to sell crafts online.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

Knowing how to sell crafts online is one of the key components of a successful approach to marketing and selling your homemade crafts.  Here are some tips to help you learn how you can sell crafts online and make a profit doing so.

Thousands of crafters have discovered the Internet as a great way to sell their crafts and to supplement their crafting business.  Using the Internet to sell crafts can be a great tool and a great opportunity.   However, a number of people who make and sell crafts are missing out on a great business opportunity with the Internet, either because they aren’t using the Internet at all, or because they aren’t using the Internet the right way.

Let’s start with people who aren’t using the Internet at all.  Here are some ways that you can use the Internet successfully to sell your crafts online.

1.  Set up your own website.

A website is a fantastic place where people can learn all about your different products that you have to offer.  A website is a place where new customers can find out about you.  A website is also a fantastic place for old customers to find out about your new products.  Old customers can also reorder products through your website.

Make sure that your website is designed well.  If you don’t know anything about website design, then you should think about hiring a professional.  The upfront cost will be recouped through the profits that you will win.

When you set up a website, buy a domain name that will be easy for people to think of.  Don’t find some freeware site that assigns you a random web address that’s full of numbers.  Instead, purchase a domain name that has your company’s name in it, or your name in it.

2.  Use email to your advantage.

Email lists are a fantastic way to contact people who are interested in your products.  Whenever you are selling at a trade show or at a craft store, have a mailing list available for people to sign up on.  Ask for their name, their address, their city, their state, their zip code, and an email address.  Even if you only sign out a hard copy snail mail newsletter once a year, having states and cities can help you send out regional emails.

Send out your emails about every couple months.  Send people updates on your products.  Let them know about any special deals or discounts that are going on.  When you are visiting a trade show in a particular area, then you can send out emails to people in that region.

3.  Use other people’s websites.

Ask other crafters to add links to your website on their own website.  Also advertise on other people’s sites and on the sites of major magazines and forums.

Common mistakes that people make with the Internet

Even when people have websites and use the Internet, a lot of the time they make mistakes with what they do.  Here are some common mistakes that people make when they try to sell crafts online.

1.  Badly designed websites.

Many times, people design poor websites.  Their websites are too bloated with too many graphics and sensory overload.  This takes the website a long time to load and is confusing for people to navigate.  They’re going to leave before it happens.

2.  Lack of contact information.

Do you have your phone number, your fax number, your toll free number, your email address, and your mailing address on your website?  Otherwise people won’t be able to contact you.  Have the information on every page of your website, easy to find and easy to see.

3.  Inability to order online.

If people are looking at crafts online, they are going to want to be able to purchase your crafts online.  If they can’t buy online, then they’re going to go somewhere else where they can.

 

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Kids crafts that you can do with what you have at home

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

There are so many different crafts that you can do with your kids. But not all of them involve having to go to the craft store to get what you are looking for. There are lots of things that you can find around your house to use for kids crafts. Here are some kid’s crafts that you can do with what you have at home.

The first kids craft that you can do with what you have at home is play dough. Play dough can be fun for kids of all ages and you can make it with ingredients that can be found in your own kitchen. All you need is 1 cup flour, 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, ¼ cup salt, and food coloring. Mix all of the ingredients together adding the food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth without any lumps. Remove from the pan and knead the dough until blended. Then once your kids are done playing with the play dough and it is completely cool place in a air tight plastic bag.. This is a great craft for kids because it is one that they can play with over and over.

The second kid’s craft that you can do with what you have at home is making musical instruments. This can be done by taking either one paper plate and folding it in half or taking two paper plates and connecting them together. Once you decide how big you want your instrument to be set your paper plate down on the table and take a handful of beans and place them on the plate. Then take the other paper plate or if you are doing a half of a paper plate fold it over and take a stapler and staple around the edges making sure that the beans cannot fall out. Then let your kids take markers or paint and decorate the outside of the plate. Then their paper plate shaker will be complete and they will be ready to shake and have some fun.

The third kid’s crafts that you can do with what you have at home are making paper bag puppets. All you will need is a brown or white paper bag and some markers. Take the bags and let you kids draw faces on each bag. Then taking some sting or yarn glue on some hair and if you have any other knick knacks like palm palm balls or cotton balls you can glues those on the paper bag for the nose. Then your kids will have them selves some puppets that they can do a puppet show with.

The fourth kid’s craft that you can do with what you have at home is making a Kazoo. This can be done with a paper towel tube, wax paper, a rubber band, and markers. First take the markers and let your kids decorate the outside of the paper towel tube. Then cut 5 inch square pieces of wax paper and warp the wax paper around the end of the paper towel tube. Then secure the wax paper with a rubber band. Then have your kids hum into the other end of the paper towel tube that is not covered with wax paper and you have yourself a kazoo.

There are so many different kids crafts that you can do with what you have at home. You can go online to get more ideas or make up you own crafts. The sky is the limit when it comes to crafts. It doesn’t matter what the craft is as long as you are getting your kids involved and you are all having fun with the kids crafts you choose.

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Knitting classes

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

Knitting classes are available for the full spectrum of knitters from the beginner knitter to the most advanced. Classes vary in price and projects. The main thing is getting into a class that will help you get a good grasp of the project you want to make and help you learn a life long skill of knitting.

Knitting classes are fun ways to build friendships, talk about knitting and learn new things. Maybe get a new pattern that will be fun to knit.

Here is a basic run down of some pricing of knitting classes.

Beginning knitters class

•    Two 2-Hour Classes for $59  (includes needles & yarn; drinks & snacks)

•    Learn the basics: Cast-on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ribbing, changing colors, bind-off and if time allows, much more.
Advanced Beginning Knitting Class

•    Three 2-hour classes for $40

•    You can cast on, knit, purl, and bind-off and you are tired of just doing scarves or maybe you need a refresher on the techniques, this class is for you.

•    Learn exactly how to correct the gauge, increase several ways, decrease several ways and complete a project at the same time.
Knitting groups for Those Who Already Know the Basics:

•    Three 2-Hour Knitting Group Sessions for $49 or $19 per session

•    Meet other knitters and get help on your current projects. You can go whenever you need help.
Project Classes

•    These classes will teach you how to read patterns, measure gauge, how to shape pieces & how to put them together.

•    One 2-Hour class $40

There are many options available for the needs you would have for a knitting class. You can find many classes either on the Internet, your churches, recreation centers, adult education classes, fabric and knitting stores and hobby stores. You can purchase DVDs or CDROMs with the knitting class you would be looking for also if you do not want to get out.

You can also expand your knitting knowledge by reading knitting blogs that are related to the area of knitting you are trying to learn. There are many blogs sites available to help.

Here is a list of a few blogs about knitting you might want to check out.

•    Bronx Girl Knits- a blogs about knitting and whatever else is on her mind.

•    EnigLdy Knitting and Crocheting & Kitty Alexandra- a blogs about like, knitting, and crocheting.

•    Craftin4Christ – Join me in my musings. I love to crochet and knit. I have designed many things and will from time to time share the patterns with viewers.

•    Violet Knits- a blogs about knitting, crocheting and her love of yarn.

•    Tight Knit Friends – This is a message board for crochet, and knitters. Swap patterns, ask questions, show off your creations and make some friends.

In addition, you can see many free movies of other knitters on the Internet explaining their projects and the steps to do them. This is similar to going to a class, but just on a more informal basis.

Learning to knit is probably easier to do with a teacher sitting next to you. However, that is not always a possibility. You may not have a grandma, mother or other family member that can sit right by you giving your their loving knowledge. Therefore you need to find a teacher of sorts either through a class near by, online or on video.

There are many web sites on the Internet that can link you to the knitting classes that are available in your area. In your basic search engine, I like to use Google, type in knitting classes and your location. There you will see many listing for classes you can sign up for in your hometown.

Whatever way you decide to learn to knit with online classes or in your neighborhood, be patient and enjoy yourself. This is a gift of knowledge for a lifetime.

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How to know how much fabric to buy.

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

How can you know how much fabric you should buy for a pattern?  This is a great question to ask.  It is often difficult to know how much fabric you will really need for a sewing project, and too often we end up with too little—and then discover that it is impossible to find this now discontinued pattern and material. 

So here are some general guidelines to help you know how much fabric you should buy.  These guidelines apply whether you are buying for a specific project, or whether or have simply found a great fabric that you think that you really should have.  It’s always a good idea to have a considerable amount of fabric on hand.  Who knows when you can find that fabric again?  And maybe in a few months you will find the perfect outfit for that fabric you bought on the spur of the moment while visiting your in-laws.

Top 8 rules for purchasing fabric for your sewing projects.

1.  The first thing that you have to remember is that you always, always need to purchase more fabric.  You can never have enough fabric.  This isn’t necessarily for just one project, but every time you purchase any fabric at all.  Buy in quantity, as long as it is economical to do so.  You will never find this fabric again!
 
2.  Don’t pass up on any opportunity to shop for fabric.  If you need more fabric all the time, then you might as well go to the fabric store with your next door neighbor.  Who knows what you’ll find?

3.  Here are some basic rules and guidelines for purchasing inexpensive fabric.
If you find any fabric that is on sale for $1/yard and it’s tolerable, then you should purchase 3 yards of it.  If it’s $1/yard and all right, then buy 5 yards.  If it’s $1/yard and the social equivalent of someone you would give your phone number to, purchase 10 yards.  And if you love it, then buy 15 to 20 yards of the fabric.

4.  Don’t purchase any fabric that is not 45” or 60”.  You should also purchase no less than four yards of the stuff, unless it meets any of the criteria in the above rule.  If you are purchasing fabric with a pattern, anything that has a print along the border, anything with stripes, or essentially anything that is not a solid color, you should purchase five yards.

You should always follow this basic rule.  Figuring out exactly how much you need for a particular pattern, then purchasing only that much fabric, will end you up in serious trouble when you accidentally mess up one of the pieces and discover that the fabric is no longer manufactured.

5.  If you find any fabric that you immediately love, then you should buy it immediately and buy a significant amount of it.  Chances are that everyone else will also love the fabric, so it will sell out quite quickly.

6.  If you happen upon very expensive fabric that is less than 40” wide or that is so pricey that you can’t buy more than 2 yards, still purchase it, but not to use for clothing.  You can frame it, you can make a table runner out of it, etc., but not clothing.

7.  When you look at your store of fabric, you should have a basic ratio of prints to solids that is 10:1.  Why?  Because finding a solid is not really particularly difficult.  Finding a great print is.

8.  Whenever you travel, make time to go fabric shopping.  This is particularly important if you are traveling overseas.  You will never find these fabrics again; take advantage of your trip.

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How to know which embroidery stitch to use.

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Embroidery uses a number of different stitches, depending on the user’s personal preference and the type of work being done. Many times, embroidery patterns utilize a variety of different stitches to come up with complex and intricate designs.

With embroidery, some stitches are functional, while others are purely decorative. The following are some commonly used stitches and which embroidery stitches you should use:

• Back stitch. The back stitch usually for outlining an area of a design. It’s the strongest stitch by hand and is designed to imitate a machine’s stitch. Each back stitch is worked along one side of a square or diagonally across the, depending on the design and fabric being used. Backstitching is usually reserved for finer threads, and the threads are doubled up. 

• Bullion knot. This kind of stitch is a knot used to keep the thread in place, regardless of the project, and should be known by all embroiders. To make this type of knot, bring the needle up at one end of the stitch. Then, take a stitch through the fabric the length of the finished knot and wrap the thread around the needle several times. Then, keeping the thread wrapped tightly around the needle, gently pull the needle through the fabric. The knot is completed by taking the needle back at the end of the stitch.

• Chain stitch. This type of stitch is a series of looped stitches that, when completed, form a chain. A chain stitch can be both functional and decorative, depending on your

• Cross stitch. The cross stitch is used mainly for cross stitching decorative pieces. It can be either counted cross stitch, which follows a particular pattern, or freestyle. The cross stitch is done by stitching tiny stitches shaped like the letter “x” in squares throughout the fabric.

• Oversewing stitch. If you are working with heavier fabrics, you may want to use the oversewing stitch. With this stitch, you can neaten up a raw edge and keep it from fraying. It is done by making diagonal stitches over the raw edge of the fabrics.

• Running stitches. These are some of the most basic stitches in any type of needlework or sewing and are done by passing the needle in and out of the fabric. The stitches on the top are all the same length, while the ones on the bottom are about half as long. If you are gathering or stitching seams, you will want to use the running stitch.

• Stem stitch. The stem stitch is used for decorative purposes, usually outlines like flower stems and such. You can do a stem stitch by working from left to right and taking regular, small stitches along the edge of the design, with the needle always coming up on design’s line.

• Woven picots. This stitch is used primarily for creating leaves or baskets, either short or long and thin depending on the method you use. The woven picot is an intricate stitch that has several steps.

There are dozens of stitches used when embroidering. When trying to determine which stitch to use, most patterns will let you know which stitch you should use. However, if you create your own patterns and designs, the above tips will help you decide which of the more common stitches you should use.

 

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Scrapbook page ideas for teens

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

If you have a teenager, you probably know that they take photos of everything, and do nothing with them, just stacks and stacks of photos. So, why don’t you make a scrapbook with your teens photos? The following are some great scrapbook page ideas for an appropriate teen themed scrapbook:

• Dances: one of the big events in most teens lives are dances that they go to. They pretty much always take pictures of these, and once they graduate, these expensive photos generally get tossed out, or stored away. So, now you can turn a variety of these photos into a great looking scrapbook page that will interest your teen.

• Sports and activities: besides going to school, for most teens, their sports, dance, and other teams or extra curricular activities are what they spend the majority of their time doing. This takes up a lot of their life, so why not document these on their scrapbook pages? Get photos of team mates, coaches, friends, events, performances, etc. Get a photo with their team, get a photo in uniform, get a photo with the equipment they use, etc. You will want to document every portion of this part of their life, so get photos of practice not just recitals, and meets, and games.

• First car: nothing is as exciting to a teen as their first car as maybe their first significant other. So, be sure to document the first car. Take photos of their old means of transportation, whether that is the bus, skates, a bike, their friends, or you! Then put it next to their new form. Point out that they are going to have to pay for gas now, and get oil changes, etc. You can make a page, or several pages out of their reaction, excitement, and use of their car. You may even have the opportunity to document their first car wreck, or at least the wrecked car. However, for everyone’s sake let’s hope not. Photograph their driver’s license, and stick that on the page for added interest.

• First date: you do not want to embarrass your son or daughter by taking photos of their date, but this is a significant step or milestone in your child’s life. Their first formal date, where they ask, pay, or get paid for, etc. This could be a group date, and if it is, be sure to include photos of the whole group. If they see a movie, use their ticket stubs on the page, or give it a cinematic theme. This is a page your teen will look at and laugh about.

• Friends: for the majority of teens, their friends are more important to them than anyone else in their life…including their family. So, be sure to use pages devoted to their friends for your teen’s scrapbook. Your child will be more likely to look at and appreciate a scrapbook that includes their buddies, than otherwise.

• Family vacations: Even though friends are the most important people for most teens, it is important to include good memories that involve family in your teens scrapbook. If you do this appropriately you will remind your teen that their family is not that bad, and how much fun they had together in ________. So, don’t forget with all their other activities that positive family activities, holidays, and memories are important to include as well.

Your teen may not seem too interested in having a scrapbook, but if you choose page ideas that interest them, they won’t be able to help but look through it, and will thank you for making it for them.

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Basic Types of Yarn

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Crocheting has experienced a comeback in recent years, and many people are finding this form of handiwork as the perfect hobby – it’s relaxing and a great way to be artistic without messy or expensive materials.
 
One of the things that makes crochet appealing to people is the ability to choose different types and colors of yarn. However, it is important to know the different types of yarns before starting on a project, as each pattern has specific requirements with regards to yarn.
 
Types of Yarn by Weight

Although it varies throughout the world, in the United States, yarn is classified in terms of size, from the smallest to the largest. There are five basic types of yarn used in crocheting (from smallest in thickness to the largest):

  •    Cobweb. This type of yarn is used for very lightweight projects, such as baby clothing or lacy items.
  •     Baby/fingering. Also used for baby clothing and lightweight projects, baby/fingering yarn is also used for heavier projects that require greater detail.
  •     Sport/double knitting. This is one of the most versatile yarns and can be used for an assortment of projects, from baby booties to heavy blankets.
  •     Worsted weight. Keep in mind that worsted weight yarn is often broken down into “light worsted” and “heavy worsted.” This type is usually used for garments that require cables.
  •     Chunky. This is a good yarn for beginners, since it is easy to work with. It is most often used for throws, afghans, or caps.
  •     Bulky. Bulky yarn is similar in weight and purpose to chunky yarn.

The pattern you are crocheting will tell you what type of yarn to use. Be sure to follow the pattern’s instructions. A bulky yarn, for example, would not work with the type of stitches and finished product of a pattern that calls for baby yarn.

Types of Yarn by Structure

Yarn is also often classified by its structure, or the way it is spun to give it its distinct appearance. Types of yarn by structure include:

  •    Chenille. This is a soft yarn that is very popular for blankets and baby clothing. A strand of chenille yarn is often similar in appearance to a pipe cleaner, but the short threads are much softer. Chenille is formed when two binding strands of yarn and pulled very tightly together in order to hold the fuzzy velveteen fibers in place.
  •     Boucle. Boucle is another popular type of yarn. With this structure, two threads are held together by a binding structure to give the yarn a looped appearance.
  •     Loop. Loop yarn is very similar to boucle, only the loops are larger and more exaggerated.

Types of Yarn by Fibers

Another way to categorize yarn is through fibers. A number of different fibers are used to make yarn, and include those from animals, plants, and synthetic (or fake) fibers. Wool, mohair, angora, silk, cashmere and alpaca are forms of protein fibers, which come from animals. Yarn made from cotton and linen, for example, is derived from plants. And fibers such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are all synthetic fibers.

As you can see, there is more to crocheting that just going to the fabric store and grabbing a spool of yarn. There are many different types of yarn, and it’s important to pick the correct one for your project.

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What is paper piecing, and how do you do it

Monday, June 25th, 2007

What is paper piecing?
Paper piecing is a simple technique used to make cut paper designs from various items such as freehand shapes, punches, design templates, patterns etc.

How do you do it?
Paper piecing is really easy to do. Basically follow these steps:

Step one: Choose a theme for your page. For example, you can choose birthday, snow, farm yard, etc.

Step two: Choose common items found within your theme. For example, you could use balloons and birthday cake for a birthday theme, a snow man with his hat, etc. for a snow theme, pigs, hay stacks, etc. for a farm theme.

Step three: Find patterns, punches, or free hand cut the outline of these shapes. For example, if you were to make a mouse, you could use an outline of a mouse with big ears, an outline of cheese, etc.

Step four: Make your paper pieces for the rest of the item. So, if it is a mouse, you will want to cut out eyes, a nose, whiskers, etc. If it is cheese, you may want to do an overlay piece with paper punched holes, etc.

Step five: Accent your pieces. So, now you want to use items like chalk to give your paper pieces depth. You will use a q-tip swab to soften edges with like color chalk, or give detail to your paper pieces.

Step six: Mount photos. If you are going to use these paper pieces as a framing technique for your scrapbook photos, you will want to mount the photos as this stage. Cut the photos in a similar shape so as not to distract from the paper piece.

Step seven: Assemble. Once you have your photos mounted you can assemble your page and layer the pieces, and put together the intended shapes. For example, if it is a mouse, you may have chosen to mount photos on the ear pieces. You would put those down, then the main head piece, then the eyes, whiskers, nose on top of whiskers, etc.

Step eight: Do any finished touches you may need. And, enjoy!

Where is the best place to get paper piecing patterns and products?
Well, there are a number of places you can get patterns for paper piecing, or for a unique and original feel, you can draw and cut out your own rendition. You can purchase precut paper pieces at most craft and scrapbook supply stores. You can get free paper piecing patterns online at a variety of sites. You pretty much just need to type “scrapbook paper piece” into a search engine and you will be given a variety of options for ideas, purchasing, patterns etc. Be sure to type “Scrapbook” in or you will not get what you are looking for as a common quilting technique is also called paper piecing.

Paper piecing is a great way to add life to any page. You will want to find patterns and materials that are appropriate to the theme and age of your child, or whomever the scrapbook is for. So, piece a castle to act as a display for your little princess’s Princess Halloween costume. Use a snow man to highlight your child’s winter fun photos. Use beach balls, sunshine, and sandcastles for your beach photos. Or, come up with your own unique twist to paper piecing. But whatever you do, use it, it is a fun creative way to embellish a page without high cost.

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Easy Wire Crafts

Monday, June 25th, 2007

Wire crafts or wire working is a craft that literally spans the world.  Almost every culture has some type of wire craft that is done.  Recently in the United States wire crafts have experienced a surge in popularity.  Amongst the hundreds of types of crafts that any crafter can choose from wire working has moved front and center.  Entering almost any craft shop reveals dozens of items made from wire and the tools and supplies needed to make them.

One could assume that this is a recent trend but the origins of this craft can be traced back over four hundred years to central Europe.  It was here where the beginnings of wire work started with generations of tinkers making a living repairing items with wire. On this small scale developed the wave of popularity that wire crafts know today.  At its height literally thousands of people were employed across America and Europe as wire workers.  They made everything from fruit bowls and lampshades to chandeliers and elaborate pieces of furniture.  There are dozens of different kinds of wire available today with all sorts of surface finishes and colors.  But the basis of wire working has not changed.  Wire working is still a craft that does not need expensive equipment but rather simple hand tools.  Modern wire workers are again using many of the same skills and techniques used by those traveling tinkers so many centuries ago.  Here is a brief overview of some easy wire crafts that can introduce you to the wonderful world of wire working.

• Wire objects-Some of the easiest wire crafts simply involve fashioning useful wire objects.  Some of the patterns available are swirled paperclips or book marks. Included in this category are simple jewelry items. Simple wire earrings and necklaces can be fashioned using wire and beads can be added if desired.  The wire crafter simply obtains the needed supplies, patterns and then fashions the chosen craft using the wire shaping tools. 

• Scrap booking with wire- Wire accents can be used to accent almost any scrapbook page.  The scrap booker simply decides where to attach the wire on the page and designs any needed embellishments. Wire is usually attached using a brad or wire holder.  There is virtually no limit on what can be done to a scrap book page with wire though most experienced scrap bookers advise using flat wire to accent pages to avoid tearing or catching on pages.

• Accenting existing objects-Many wire crafters choose to accent existing objects with their wire working.  A recent project that was highlighted on a craft show involved simply adding gold wire to the stem of a wine glass when the stem was completely covered a decorative bead was added and the end of the wire folded in.  This can help transform plain goblets into something definitely high fashion!

• Using wire to create-An easy project that involves wire working is done when making a memory board.  This is done by attaching chicken wire to a plain black frame that is then filled with special or meaningful objects.  While this may sound complicated the crafter simply attaches the chicken wire to the back of a frame securing it down with small craft nails.  Then the crafter attaches to the back of the chicken wire small baskets that can hold the mementos.  The baskets are attached using a find gauge wire.  The entire project can be done in an hour.

Whether you choose to make simple objects, jewelry or embellish something else with wire when you begin wire working you join a legacy of craftsmen that has been passed through many generations.

 

 

 

 

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Knitting buttonholes

Monday, June 25th, 2007

Whether your pattern calls for buttonholes and gives instructions or if it just tells you to knit a buttonhole, you may want to add some of your own creativity by trying a different type of buttonhole.

Either way, the best thing to know is how to make buttonholes and as many as you can know. Even if the pattern does give you instruction, they may be for the most basic of buttonholes; yarn over and then k2tog.  This will make a buttonhole, but there are so many choices to look at.

The way a basic buttonhole is instructed determines the look, how strong it is, and how neat it is. If you plan to use a larger button then what was on the pattern, you will need to create larger buttonholes. If you decide on a smaller button, the same will need to occur, just making smaller buttonholes.

Here are some different techniques and styles you can try for your unique buttonholes.

Buttonhole Techniques in Knitting;

•    The basic buttonhole- yarn over and then k2tog

•    Eyelet buttonhole- work desired buttonhole location, yarn over, and decrease.

•    Two-row buttonhole-this is a horizontal buttonhole, bind off an appropriate number of stitches, then cast them back on in the next row. The yarn will usually be woven and bound off stitching to reinforce.

•    Vertical buttonhole- knit to desired buttonhole location, then attaches the second yarn and begin knitting with this yarn. Knit with the two fabrics flanking the buttonhole independently. This will be until the desired length of the buttonhole. Rejoin the two flanks, drop the other yarn end and work as one.

•    One-row buttonhole-this is horizontal also, work to where you want the buttonhole to be, then slip the next stitch. Move the yarn to the back of the knitting. Slip the second stitch pass the first slipped stitch over the second, slip the next stitch, pass the second stitch over the third stitch. Repeat until the width you wanted is reached. Turn your work again. Slip the next stitch to the needle in your right hand, pass the extra cas-on stitch over the slipped stitch.

Any type of buttonhole can be strengthened and given a more neater edge appearance with embroider using the buttonhole stitch.
The buttonhole stitch are stitches that catch a loop of thread on the surface of the fabric, though the main difference is that the needle does not return to the original hole to pass back to the back of the fabric.

In the classic buttonhole stitch the needle is returned to the back of the fabric at a right angle to the original start of the thread. As a result the finished stitch ends up looking like an “L” shape. Depending on the spacing of the stitches.

To go along with buttonholes you need to know how to attach the buttons.

Sew buttons on loosely, and then wrap the thread around under the button 4-5 times. To finish, run the needle through the wraps 2-3 times and cut, do this with out a knot!

You can start with no knot also, by taking a small stitch in the fabric and another at right angles to it. This anchors the thread for sewing on the button. Remember to leave the button loose enough for the fabric that will go under it.

Thicker materials require more room for the button. There are attachments you can use to put between the button and the fabric to keep the button loose enough. You also can use a yarn needle and pull it out before wrapping.

Well, you cannot have the button without the buttonhole. Nor can you have the buttonhole withoutthe button. Therefore, now with some practice you will be able to finish your blouse, dress or sweater with both the button and the buttonhole with ease.

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