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Hands Occupied

Contemporary yarn crafts by Heidi Gustad. Knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame.

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Knitting

All of the knitting patterns, tutorials and inspiration from the Blog. There's a lot of it, so if you're looking for something in particular, the search bar at the top left might come in handy.

How to Block a Knitting Project at Hands Occupied

How to Block a Knitting Project

March 18, 2014 4 Comments

Blocking is something I took years to start doing with finished knitting projects. Just like test swatches. It turns out that both can be pretty important as your knitting gets more sophisticated. Especially if you are making a wearable item, testing your yarn by knitting a sample swatch and blocking it is how you’ll establish a good fit. Here are the basics of how to block a knitting project.

These Colors Won't Run: How to set yarn color at Hands Occupied

These Colors Won’t Run

March 17, 2014 41 Comments

The basketweave baby blanket knitting pattern I shared recently was made with one of my favorite yarn colors ever. As much as I love the color, I noticed early on that it turned my fingers blue! Using a simple vinegar bath, I was able to keep my fingers dye-free and preserve the yarn color’s vibrance.

Simple Basketweave Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern at Hands Occupied

Simple Basketweave Baby Blanket

March 4, 2014 25 Comments

A baby blanket knitting pattern designed for speed and ease. This pattern is ideal for beginners – there aren’t any stitches beyond knit and purl at all! So even if you just learned to knit to make your first project for a new niece or nephew or your own baby on the way, this pattern is 100% doable.

All Cables Cowl Knitting Pattern at Hands Occupied

All Cables Cowl Pattern

February 18, 2014 1 Comment

It thundersnowed in Chicago yesterday, which means winter knitting season isn’t quite over yet. Unlike my faux woven cowl from last month, today’s cowl features a series of small cabled stripes all the way around and is made with less bulky yarn. Also unlike that cowl, it breathes a little more, so it’s great for transitional weather.

Staggered Holes Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern at Hands Occupied

Staggered Holes Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

February 3, 2014 43 Comments

I have about 15 friends and relatives who have recently had babies or are currently pregnant. It’s SO MANY ladies, you guys! While all of this baby news is super exciting, it can be a bit of a burden when you try to knit blankets for that many babies. The pattern I’m sharing today is one I came up with for two of the blankets I’ve gifted so far. It’s easy and is good even for beginner knitters. The only things you need to know how to do beyond casting on & off and knit & purl is how to knit 2 together and yarn over.

Knitted Faux Woven Cowl - Free Knitting Pattern at Hands Occupied

Faux Woven Cowl – The Warmest in the World!

January 20, 2014 33 Comments

Knit a cowl with a woven effect and you’ll have the warmest DIY accessory ever! Includes a video tutorial to help you master the faux weave.

How to Finger Knit, a.k.a. Crochet Without a Crochet Hook

DIY FYI: Finger Knitting

January 8, 2014 3 Comments

Add to your crafty toolkit by learning to finger knit, a super simple & useful skill!

Lovely Lacey Scarf at Hands Occupied

Lovely Lacey Scarf

December 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

My take on a great, free knitting pattern for a beautiful lace scarf, and a bit about why I became an ambidextrous knitter.

How-to: DIY a Knitting Loom & Knit With It | Hands Occupied

How-to: DIY a Knitting Loom & Knit With It

November 21, 2013 31 Comments

A comprehensive guide to teaching yourself, a friend or a kid to knit practically for free!

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

Hi! I’m Heidi, an author, yarn craft designer and content creator specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. My work unapologetically features primary colors and vintage-meets-modern style. My first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available!

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Latch Hook by Heidi Gustad

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handsoccupied

Craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. / #latchhookbook out now!
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knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
There’s an update on the blog today, & it’s ab There’s an update on the blog today, & it’s about how I’m going to take the next 2 weeks off to rest & recharge. ☺️🧶 No new content for y’all means I can also take a moment to zoom out & plan what’s next. Link is in bio. 
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A note on Very Serious Crafts: In the post I discuss stepping away from the @seriouscrafts podcast to give myself more time to devote to some minor medical issues. Don’t you worry - my health will be fine, & @molliejohanson @redhandledscissors and I are still pals, and after a short break of their own, the podcast will be back! Just sans moi. 💁🏼‍♀️😆 
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See you in a couple weeks! ✌🏻#handsoccupied #knitdesign #craftdesign #sofadedsweater
Been a little quiet this holiday week, as it shoul Been a little quiet this holiday week, as it should be. ☺️🎄The past few days have been filled with a lot of catching up on festive zoom calls & raising toasts to the camera. 🥂 Connecting with people has been a welcome change of pace! Now I’m feeling ready to meet my inevitable end-of-year deadlines. 😆
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Warmest wishes for the season, my friends! ❤️💛💙
Hi, I’m Heidi, the craft book author & maker beh Hi, I’m Heidi, the craft book author & maker behind Hands Occupied! 👋🏻 I’ve been enjoying making Reels a lot lately, but I wanted to bop in to share a regular photo & say hello. 🤓 
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rather than giving you my bio right now, I have a question. I just got this new sweater & I can’t stop imaging how funny it would be to wear this to a knitting class ... is that bad? 🤣🤣🤣
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Pictured: a blond woman with glasses wearing a sweater that reads “all your sweaters are ugly” standing in front of a Christmas tree.
Wet blocking, also called immersive blocking, is o Wet blocking, also called immersive blocking, is one of the most common methods for finishing a knitting project and helping ensure its final size and shape. Learn basic blocking for absolute beginners in an easy-to-follow (non-Reel!) video tutorial! Catch the tutorial on YouTube or the Hands Occupied Blog, link is in bio. 🧶 #handsoccupied #stopswatchandblockit #KPAmbassadorsDec20 #sponsored
Had to share this perfect capture of one of my fav Had to share this perfect capture of one of my favorite weird homemade Christmas ornaments: a simple macramé Santa face with beads for the eyes and nose! My Great-Grandma made it too. 🎄
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Might have to try making a quickie Reel tutorial for this guy - I think it’s the perfect project for it, don’t you? 🎅🏼 #handsoccupied #macrame
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