Northern Knots Blog | Handmade Knot Creations & Craft Ideas

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8 Must-Know Rules for Towel Etiquette You Need to Know

Did you know that there is an elusive etiquette surrounding towels? Yes, just like any social interaction for humans, there are some rules governing how we should treat and handle our daily wonders, and this towel etiquette for the best bath or kitchen towel sets might seem piffling. But mastering these rules can surprise your guests with smooth hospitality. Whether you are a host or a guest, you must know how important it is to maintain towel cleanliness for high-quality standards in your home. Use Specific Towels for Specific Tasks I feel that each household or setting should have different towels for different purposes. Using bath towels, hand towels, kitchen towels, and gym towels should all have their uses. It’s wrong to take a bath towel to the kitchen or use a dish towel for drying your hands. Not only does this rule serve to help stay clean, but it also helps to minimize contact with germs. Hosts Your Guests with Hospitality To be a great host, it is important to provide a welcoming experience to your guests with organic washcloths for face. Here’s where you can place them for easy access: Your restroom: This is the most logical spot for towels. Leave them neatly folded within a bucket next to your sink, where guests will automatically look for them. Bedroom: If your guests are planning to stay over, consider placing these towels on the bed. It will add a thoughtful gesture and ensure exactly where to find them. Some guests might have skin sensitivity, it is totally okay if they bring their own towels; that will save you your laundry duty! Don’t Use Kitchen Towels as Pot Holders As much as it is tempting, do not use kitchen towels to take care of pots and pans and replace them with pot holders. Cleaning clothes used in the kitchen are not appropriate for handling hot utensils and may cause burns or catch fire. Try using proper mitts! Keep Your Bathroom Towel All in Check Now you must be wondering, what is the size of a regular bath towel? It depends on which body area you want to dry off. Consider going for your personal preference for towel sizes. Well, just in case, a standard bath towel typically measures around 27 inches. Whether you choose a big size bath towel or just little companions to quickly dry your hands off, make sure your bathroom is tidy and well organized for your aesthetics. Handle Your Towels with Care The towels in our home are little absorbent buddies for us through every spill and splash, but taking care of them may seem a little sturdy. Just avoid using fabric softeners and strong detergents because, over time, the chemicals present in these destroy the fibers and reduce the absorbance over time. Instead, you can use mild detergents to wash them daily and avoid wear and tear. Sharing is Caring (But not Always with Towels) While sharing is generally considered good, sharing a towel is a breach of hygiene. Always use your towel rather than borrowing it because a towel, when damp, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and stubborn germs. Make sure that everyone in your home has solid bath towels to avoid skin infections and breakouts. Mind Your Manners In areas like restrooms and kitchens, towel etiquette is very strict. Never use someone else’s towel, and never leave a wet towel lying on the bed or hanging on chairs. On the other hand, hang it up to dry on a hook or towel hanger, and make sure it dries well. Stock Up Your Kitchen with Neat Towels If you want your kitchen to stay tip-top, then 100 linen dish towels are perfect for the kitchen because they are absorbent and extremely durable to use. The one you think you should look for when shopping for kitchen towels is their size and density. Pick a cloth that will cover your biggest pots and still have enough slack to reach your smallest glasses with one hand. Final Thoughts to End With Demonstrating proper towel etiquette is easy, and it goes a long way in preventing the spread of germs and ensuring everyone respects shared spaces by keeping those towels clean for longer use. The presented rules serve as a guide to maintaining cleanliness, freshness, and order of the bath or kitchen towel sets, as well as respect for other people’s space at home or in public places. However, do not forget that a well-maintained towel will not only look best but is also most efficient while presenting your home. Happy drying!

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Beginners How to Start Your Own Crochet Handmade Product?

We all know crochet is fun and a relaxing hobby that anyone can do! But have you ever thought about turning it into a Crochet Handmade Product? You might also wonder, ‘how to start crocheting? Well, in this step-by-step guide, we will discuss how to get started with the basics to knowing the most common stitches. We are so glad that you decided to learn how to crochet! This is a craft that is super easy and fun to do because when you get the hang of it you can make just about anything. All you need to do is get used to holding your hook and your yarn, make a slip knot, crochet a chain, and you’re good to go! But let’s get into the details! What Do You Need to Start Crocheting? The best thing about crocheting is that you don’t need expensive tools to get started, the tools we need are already in the drawers of our houses. But most importantly, you will need yarn, the recommended size of crochet hook, scissors, and yarn needle. It is recommended to start off with the thicker yarn and hook (because it is easy to handle for beginners). But how would you know which yarn is suitable for your craft when you go shopping for it? This is the label showing what size your yarn is. Once you start, you will be looking for the size 4 and up. The yarn label usually states what size hook you will need. For size 4 yarn you will need a hook size 5.5mm or size I-9. How to Hold Your Hook There are no right or wrong ways to hold the hook but there are mostly two common ways, the knife hold, and the pencil hold. Everybody uses different methods and It is totally up to you how you hold it! Here’s How to Make Slip Knot You are going to make a slip knot and place it on your hook. The most common way to start your crochet project will be a slip knot. You will definitely want to know this because almost all patterns aren’t going to tell you to make one at the beginning of the pattern. The pattern is called a “magic circle,” but we’ll get to that in the next tutorial. Congrats, you made your first knot! Insert your hook into the slip and pull the working yarn. Make the tail end faces the end hook. The Second Step is to Hold Your Yarn Now lets conjure on how to hold your yarn. Don’t loose your excitement just yet, because this is the exciting part! Your tension is basically, determined by the holding of yarn. Whether your hand is right handed or left handed you hold the yarn with it relaxed and not tight, nor too loose. Take the slip knot attached to the hook and place it in your working hand between your index finger and your middle finger. Wrap it around your little pinky, then bring it up to the front side of the index finger; wrap it over to the back of the finger. How to Make a Starting Chain We know, crocheting your first chain will still feel hard but the more you practicum the more you get the hang of it. A starting chain is the number of crochet chain stitches that form the foundation for the rest of your craft. To make a starting chain: Working Into Your Chain This picture shows how you can count your stitches, the front should look like a series of interlocking Vs. Now Let’s Learn The Single Crochet The single crochet is probably the easiest stitch and first one to work for a beginner, suitable for your very first project. As one of the most accessible and most often used crochet stitches, the single crochet is shortened sometimes as “SC” in crochet patterns. Learn to Make A Turning Chain At the end of a row, you will turn your work over, do one or several chain stitches (that’s called the turning chain), and then begin the row of stitches. Turning the Work To turn your work, you simply turn it 180 degrees clockwise. Now, that other side is facing you, to ready yourself for the next row of stitches. Finish Off By Weaving The Ends You need to fasten off the yarn once you have completed the last row of your crochet swatch in order to secure the stitches properly. How to Fasten Off And that’s it! You can now create single crochet and make more squares for your blanket or any other craft you have in mind. In the end, learning how to start crocheting open up endless possibilities for making memorable and handmade projects.

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Easy Crochet Dishcloth Pattern for Beginners

Are you tired of your dish towels that leave your dishes damp and streaky? The tidiness of kitchen utensils is something we all value. When your dishes are spotless and gleaming, it’s almost therapeutic to spend time in the kitchen, all soaked up in the beauty and radiance. You can achieve that level of cleanliness and the best part is that with the help of hook and yarn, you can create a crochet dishcloth that wipes it all down for you and is easily washable. What is a Dishcloth? A dishcloth is a small, square cloth used for washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, or wiping up spills. First, let’s go over the stitches and materials as well as the steps to create a crochet hand towel. Stitches Materials Make a Slip Knot First Create a Crochet Chain The first step to starting your crochet dishcloth is making a foundation chain. Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy! Everyone holds their yarn differently, so find what feels best for you. Drape the yarn over the index finger and hold it lightly between your index and middle fingers. Then use your thumb and ring finger to steady the yarn’s loose end. With your slip knot already on your hook, it’s time to make your first chain stitch. To do this, simply loop the yarn over the hook (called “yarn over”) and pull it through the loop on your hook. For this beginner crochet dishcloth, you will need to make 32 chain stitches as the base. Crocheting a Dishcloth Comes in Three Different Steps It is important to learn three different stitches for your own ease. It isn’t complicated at all, so don’t worry about it; they are just stitches built upon each other and once you learn to do a single crochet, it will be easy for you to learn double or triple crochet. How to Single Crochet After chaining your 32 stitches, turn around your work and start working in the other direction. You will now be going into the single-crochet chain and you can also make an entire dishcloth from a single crochet chain but it gives a nice tight weave. To single crochet, you simply insert the hook, with the loop on it, into the first chain after turning your work. Next, you hook the yarn and pull it through the chain; you will then have two loops on your hook. You then hook the yarn again and pull it through the two loops. You have completed a single crochet stitch. For this simple crochet dishcloth, you will complete four rows of single crochet. Each time you turn in your work, you need to chain one between rows. Then, work into the first stitch. How to Double Crochet After completing four rows of single crochet, it’s time to make one row of double crochet. First, chain three and turn your work. Wrap the yarn around your hook once. Next, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over to grab the yarn, and pull it through. You will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through two of the loops. Yarn over one more time and pull through the last two loops. You have now finished a double crochet. Continue this across the entire row. How to Triple Crochet After completing your work, you will have four chains. Wrap the yarn around your hook twice, insert it into the next stitch, and pull the yarn through, resulting in four loops. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops left), yarn over again and pull through the next two (two loops left), then yarn over and pull through the last two. You’ve completed a triple crochet. Work the triple crochet all the way to the end of the row. When you reach the end of the row, chain three and turn your work. You will now do another row of double crochet. Free Dishcloth Pattern Here is a quick and easy dishcloth pattern review that’s both practical and fun to make! Does Handmade Dishcloth Clean Well? YES! Everyone prefers handmade crochet dish cloth and it just feels good to wipe the dishes and the counters with something handmade, right? It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about adding a touch of effort and care to your daily routine, knowing every stitch of this crochet kitchen towel was made with love! Now that you know what stitches you’ll need to know, all about the yarn and the basics of what we’ll be crocheting, you can get started on this easy crochet dishcloth pattern! Remember, take your time, read the pattern thoroughly, and practice as much as you can. Now all that’s left to do is grab your crochet hook and yarn something unique for yourself or your loved ones. Frequently Asked Dishcloth Questions Store bought crochet hand towels are great too, but there is an obvious beauty in dishcloths that are handmade and without the help of machines. You can even add a strand of scrubby yarn along with the cotton yarn to make an extra-thick crocheted dishcloth. Avoid cutting the yarn too close to the knots, as this can cause it to unravel over time. Additionally, ensure your stitches are tight and consistent, especially around the edges, to keep the dishcloth durable during use and washing. A crochet hand towel can be washed with the rest of your laundry. When in use, be sure to ring out the dishcloth really well to avoid any musty smell. Absolutely! Dishcloths are a perfect project for using up leftover yarn. Just make sure all the yarns used are of similar material (preferably cotton) to ensure consistent texture and durability.

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Fun & Easy Guide on How to Crochet a Worry Worm?

Do you love spending your time crocheting small and cute things? Then here you go, a simple guide to crocheting a tiny Worry worm that can take away all your stress. It can be great as a gift to give to your friend to spread a little happiness. Introducing the crochet worry worm teeny, squiggly friend that is easy to make, beginner-friendly, and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face! Whether you are a beginner at crochet or an experienced crafter, this tutorial will show you just how easy it is to make these cute and comfy little creations. Grab your yarn and hook because it’s a fun and stress-free crochet journey! What Are Worry Worms? People are getting crazy over crochet little items and worry worms are one among them. They are little, curly crochet creatures with large googly eyes. Soft yarn is mostly used to create these crochet products, making them perfect as tools for the spreading of joy and comfort. Some people often pass them through random acts of kindness while others use them as little gift-giving stuff to friends or family. These cute little creatures are known for their comforting purpose. Be it for kids, someone feeling anxious, or just as a fun gift, worry worms are great for reminding us to smile and let go of stress. The best part of these worry worms is that they are super easy to crochet and can be made in under 10 minutes. So if you’re a beginner crocheter, this is the perfect project to boost your confidence! How to Crochet a Worry Worm for Beginners If you’re just starting out with crochet, then know that it takes literally a few minutes of work to crochet a worm. It is as easy as anything can be. You just need to know a few very basic stitches, and just a little time and practice will have you making your first worry worm in no time. Here’s what you’ll need to get started: Yarn Pick any yarn you’d like. Thicker yarn will make a fatter worm, and thinner yarn will make a more fragile worm. Acrylic yarn is fantastic for beginners! Crochet Hook You’ll want to use a hook size that’s paired with your yarn-most beginners start with a 4mm or 5mm hook. Googly Eyes or Embroidery Floss You can add fun googly eyes to give your worm a personality, or stitch eyes with yarn for a homemade touch. Scissors You will need the scissors to cut the yarn and tie it into a knot or if you are making separate strands. Yarn Needle To sew in the ends and make them hooked together. If you are using googly eyes, you just need glue for it. The plastic eyes won’t be sewn with a needle. Crochet Worry Worm Pattern The pattern of crocheting a worry worm generally entails making a long spiral-shaped body by using a series of stitches such as single crochet, half-double crochet, or double crochet. Patterns can be made in any length, color, or design, and the worm can be more or less a classic one-color version or brightly multicolored. For special events, the worm can be made with a party or holiday theme. Follow these step-by-step instructions to crochet your themed worry worms. Make a Slip Knot Start by creating a slip knot on your crochet hook. This is the foundation for your crochet worry worm. If you’re not familiar with how to make a slip knot, then just tie a simple loop that tightens around your hook. Create a Chain Chain about 25-30 stitches (or more if you want a longer worm). To do this, yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. Repeat until you have your desired chain length. The chain will determine how long your worm will be! Make the Spiral This is where it gets magic! Insert your hook to work 2 single crochets in each chain and stitch down that chain all the way. With this doubling of stitches, your work will start to curl into a spiral form as you work it along. Insert your hook through the first chain stitch on the hook. Turn the yarn over and pull that chain through. Yarn over again; pull through both loops. And that is one single crochet. Work one more single crochet into the same chain stitch, and continue this pattern 2 SC per chain, until you reach the end of the chain. Finish Off Once you’ve worked 2 single crochets into each chain and reached the end, cut your yarn, leaving a tail about 6 inches long. Yarn over and pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure it. Final Thoughts And that’s all. Here is how you can crochet an adorable worry worm in no time. These cute little spiraled creatures are not only easy to make but also ideal for gifting, spreading kindness, or keeping as a cheerful reminder to let go of worries. With a few more requirements along with yarn like a hook, and a splash of creativity crochet your own worry worm to either give away as a gift or keep it as your comfy little companion.

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How Do You Wash a Handmade Crocheted Blanket

Crocheted blankets are like a snuggly hug for any room, instantly making it feel warmer and more inviting. These blankets bring a little extra charm to your space, no matter where you got them from. But, like anything you love, they deserve some tender loving care to keep them looking great for years to come. However many people don’t know the right way to wash handmade crocheted blanket. Most of them don’t know the right techniques that can keep these blankets fresh and fluffy. Check the Yarn Care Instructions Before starting the washing process, it is important to check the care instructions for the yarn that you used in your handmade crocheted blanket. It is not enough simply to wash different fibers in the same washing condition, as their needs are different. Therefore, you should be well-informed on whether your blanket is made of wool, cotton, acrylic, or a blend. It usually is the occasion that yarn labels have directions for machine washing, hand washing, drying methods, and temperature settings. If the blanket was a handmade gift, you can often ask the creator for advice on care instructions. Test for Colorfastness To keep the colors from bleeding, especially if the handmade crocheted blanket is brightly colored or uses multiple shades, it is a good idea to test for colorfastness. You can do this by dipping a small, hidden area of the blanket in cold water with a bit of mild detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. If the water runs clear, you are good to go. If the dye runs, you may need to hand wash the blanket separately or use a color catcher sheet. How to Wash Your Crocheted Blanket Once you are familiar with the yarn type and tested the colors, you can decide whether to hand wash or machine wash your handmade crocheted blanket. Both methods are effective, but the method you choose depends on the blanket’s size, the yarn type, and personal preference. Hand Washing Method Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean a crocheted blanket, especially for delicate yarns like wool or alpaca. Machine Washing Method If your blanket is made of durable, machine-washable yarn like acrylic, you can use your washing machine, but it is important to be cautious. Drying Your Crocheted Blanket After washing, drying your handmade crocheted blanket properly is just as important as cleaning it. The wrong drying method can result in shrinkage, misshaping, or damage to the fibers. Air Drying (Preferred Method) Air drying is the best way to save the shape and texture of your blanket. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can cause damage to the fibers. Using a Dryer (For Acrylic and Durable Yarns) For blankets made of acrylic or other synthetic fibers, you may be able to use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Storing Your Crocheted Blanket Once your handmade crocheted blanket is washed and dried, proper storage is important to keep it looking its best. If you follow proper care instructions, then your crocheted blanket will be a constant source of warmth and joy in your home. The above cleaning way if followed can make your crochet blanket clean, fresh, and intact for years.

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How Many Skeins of Yarn You Need to Crochet a Baby Blanket

This heartwarming gift project is for new mommies, grandparents, or anyone looking to create something unique for their loved ones. However, one of the most common questions from the new mommies is how to crochet a blanket for their baby, what the right size for a baby blanket is, and how many yards of yarn in a skein is. Whether crochet a weighted blanket to give the baby a cozy feeling. These questions alone can be intimidating enough for a person to step back. But Northern Knots heart-warmingly explains this step by step so that you can easily crochet a beautiful baby blanket. How Much Yarn Do You Need to Crochet a Baby Blanket? This is the amount needed to crochet the best yarn for a baby blanket, which depends on the size of the baby blanket, the type of yarn used, and the crochet pattern. However, it’s important to keep in mind these are just rough estimates. The yardage of yarn that one will actually need has a little bit to do with the type of stitch pattern and how thick the yarn is. The chunky yarn needs much fewer yards than light yarns. So remember to take all these factors into account whenever you start planning your project. How many yards of yarn in a skein? Yarn is sold in skeins or balls. It depends on the yardage per skein and how many you will require. For example, it will take about 4 to 6 skeins of worsted-weight yarn to make a medium-sized baby blanket crochet, depending upon the skein and the yarn, which will run around 200 to 220 yards per skein. However, bulky yarn, with about 100 to 120 yards per skein, may require 10 to 12 skeins for the same-size blanket. Always check the label on your yarn for the exact yardage. Most crochet patterns contain detailed yarn requirements, including how many skeins you buy. Choosing the Right Yarn for a Baby Blanket Choosing the best yarn for a baby blanket is very important because it has to be soft, safe, and durable. Babies have sensitive skin, so look for yarns labeled baby-friendly. These include soft and non-irritating materials like acrylic, cotton, or bamboo blends, The other factor to consider is washability. Babies are messy creatures, so selecting a yarn that allows for machine washing would be great. Acrylic yarns are also excellent because they are strong, inexpensive, and come in various colors. Natural fibers, such as bamboo and organic cotton, are also fantastic for babies with sensitive skin allergies because they are generally hypoallergenic. How Big Should a Baby Blanket Be? It will also depend on the baby blanket’s use and its age. A receiving blanket that is 30 by 30 inches is very suitable for swaddling and for light coverage at birth. For infants, it can be around 36 by 36 inches, and it can double as a play mat or a stroller cover. For toddlers, a size similar to 36 by 48 inches is great for napping or to serve as a security blanket. Size would also consider its practicability. A small blanket will be easy to carry and useful for several purposes when the baby has grown up. If a blanket is going to go in a particular place, such as a crib or in the car seat, then its measurements should be taken into consideration for fitting purposes. Tips on Crocheting Your Baby Blanket It is exciting when a beginner starts with very simple designs as they are starting their crochet project. Here are some useful tips for beginners: End on a soft finish The most useful stitches one can add to baby blankets are either single crochet stitches or double crochet stitches, and these will give the finished blanket a firm yet soft finish. Stick to such foundational stitches if you are a first-time crocheter as you become comfortable with the process in its entirety. Opt for funky colors Plan your color scheme ahead of time to ensure that your crochet rectangle blanket isn’t a jumbled mess. Soft pastels or neutrals are popular picks for baby blankets, but don’t be afraid to get bold or multi-colored to make your project stand out. Choose the right hook size The hook size is important to ensure that the desired texture and drape are achieved. Most yarn labels will indicate the recommended hook size. A larger hook will result in a looser, softer blanket, while a smaller hook will produce a denser, warmer fabric. It is always a good idea to test your gauge before starting the project. Crochet a small swatch to determine if your stitches match the pattern’s requirements. Add a decorative border Adding a decorative border can give your baby blanket a more polished finish. Scallop or picot edges are easy to crochet and add an element of class to your finished project. It can also help to increase the weight of the blanket. Conclusion Making a baby blanket is more than making a functional product; it is a labor of love. Knowing how many yards of yarn in a skein you will use can help you easily with the whole crocheting process. Choosing the best yarn for baby blanket, size, and design can create a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. Whether you’re making a lightweight receiving blanket, a playful toddler cover, or a crochet weighted blanket, the process is as rewarding as the finished product. Enjoy every stitch, and remember—your handmade blanket carries the warmth of your motherhood effort and care. Handmade items hold a special place in the heart, and while you watch your baby grow, the memory will be cherished over time.

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