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Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Free Patterns

Dozens of free knitting and crochet patterns ranging from basic scarves to cabled sweaters.

A free crochet pattern & tutorial for granny square throw pillows!

Granny Throw Pillows

April 6, 2015 4 Comments

I wanted to incorporate more knitting and crochet into my home decor this year, so I recently whipped up this pair of granny throw pillows to add some color, texture and classic kitsch to my living room.

Get a free knitting pattern for an Outlander-inspired shawl, the Outlander Chevron Shawl from Hands Occupied

Outlander Chevron Shawl

March 30, 2015 20 Comments

Knit in yarn in colors inspired by the Outlander series, this shawl is a modern reimagining of a garter stitch triangle shawl featuring bright, spring colors and a chevron accent.

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Rug (or throw!)

Bulky Knit Rug Pattern

March 23, 2015 52 Comments

I have wanted to knit a bulky area rug for my office for years, and I finally found the right combo of yarn and needles to do it. What’s so great about this design is its beginner-friendliness. You only need to knit and purl to make this room-warming 5×7′ rug.

Chunky Ribbed Cowl - Click through for the free knitting pattern!

Chunky Ribbed Cowl & How to Knit Rib Stitch

March 16, 2015 1 Comment

Spring has almost sprung, but that doesn’t mean cowl weather has left us just yet. Knit yourself a quick and easy chunky cowl to help keep a stiff spring breeze off your neck with this beginner friendly Chunky Ribbed Cowl Pattern.

The Newbie Fringe Scarf - A free beginner pattern!

Newbie Fringe Scarf Pattern

March 2, 2015 2 Comments

This absolute beginner-friendly pattern is knit entirely in garter stitch, which means you only have to know how to do a basic cast on, knit stitch, and a basic bind off.

The Hat Hat | Hands Occupied

The Hat Hat

January 26, 2015 33 Comments

What better name for this than The Hat Hat? Made with Australian Superfine Merino wool, this hat is lightweight enough to be worn year-round if you love accessorizing with a beanie that won’t make your head sweat.

Vintage Checked Mittens at HandsOccupied.com

Vintage Checked Mittens

January 19, 2015 2 Comments

My grandmother knitted these mittens for my mom when she was a teen. When I was home for Christmas, my mom said I could have them, and I was obviously excited. They’re really a sweet little set of mittens with a basic checked motif, and I absolutely love the color.

Free Pattern - The Long John Cowl by Hands Occupied

Long John Cowl Pattern

January 12, 2015 13 Comments

As I said last week, it’s another cold January in Chicago this year! It’s not quite the polar vortex level of cold temps of 30 below from last year, but it’s been close. A Fargo native, I can handle my cold weather. Part of handling cold weather in chill-town (see what I did there? Like Chi-town, eh? Eh?), is leaving the house prepared. Not unlike the Faux Woven Cowl designed during last year’s polar vortex, the Long John Cowl is all about comfortably keeping warm and layering for the cold.

Red Hats for Preemies - Click through for the free pattern & donate a hat to help raise awareness about congenital heart defects in newborns. | hands occupied.com.

Red Hats for Preemies

December 29, 2014 14 Comments

A couple months ago I shared a very personal story about losing a relative to a congenital heart defect as a teen. In that post I shared a pattern called Baby Hearts Hat in two sizes, newborn and infant, and I let you guys know about the American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts drive. For those who missed it, the AHA is looking for red baby hat donations to be given to (hopefully!) every baby born in February in Chicago.

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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handsoccupied

Craft book author & pattern designer ❤️💛💙
knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Please email for pattern support. 🧶

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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What’s on your needles this week? 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
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#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies, so getting a few hung in my new studio has been a priority. Here’s my first attempt. 🔨 
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Details: This pegboard panel is for organizing my knitting needles, latch hook tools, sewing thread, etc. It doesn’t need to hold much weight, so I didn’t anchor this into a stud - just used basic drywall anchors. I’ve also got a set of two 2’x4’ panels for another spot in my studio, and those will need a stud/more than 3 drywall anchors. Wish me luck! 
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[description: video features a woman hanging a panel of pegboard using a square dowel and drill]
It’s time for the annual Hands Occupied new year It’s time for the annual Hands Occupied new year update, and for the first time in years, I feel like I have some clarity about what I’m doing next. ❤️ Head to the blog to read all about it, the 1ink is where you’d think. 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #creativeburnout
June’s face is giving, “What fresh heck is thi June’s face is giving, “What fresh heck is this?” 😆
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June’s big ears can get cold in winter, so I’m improvising a doggie ear warmer/hood for her. What are the odds she tries to shred it immediately when it’s done? 
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#knitting #knittingfordogs #handsoccupied #schneagle #wipwednesday #wip
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