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Hands Occupied

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

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Knitting 101

We've all been there. Whether you're a first time knitter, just getting back into it after awhile, or can't quite remember how to work that bind off, Hands Occupied has you covered. This section of the site features beginner-friendly tutorials & patterns to that help you improve while making something you can actually use!

Heidi from Hands Occupied walks you through how to knit the beautiful Diamond Brocade Stitch. This stitch has a clear right side and is worked over 8 rows.

Diamond Brocade Stitch Video Tutorial

February 17, 2021 2 Comments

Learn how to knit the beautiful Diamond Brocade Stitch in an easy-to-follow video tutorial. This stitch has a clear right side and is worked over 8 rows.

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 video tutorial.

Blocking 101 Video Tutorial

December 11, 2020 Leave a Comment

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 video tutorial.

The 45-Minute Wrap, a free arm knitting pattern made with Zen Yarn Garden's Big Up! jumbo weight yarn.

The 45-Minute Wrap – Free Arm Knitting Pattern

September 13, 2019 Leave a Comment

Embrace the larger-than-life craft of arm knitting with a free pattern for The 45-Minute Wrap.

The Big Old Bias Knit Scarf is a free knitting pattern. It's perfect for experienced knitters looking for a palette cleanser (and a way to use up those yarn ends), but it's also good for beginners who want to make something that looks super elegant.

Big Old Bias Knit Scarf

February 19, 2018 18 Comments

There is something so elegant about knitting on the bias, a.k.a. knitting diagonally. While it’s just a matter of increasing on one edge of your work while decreasing at the same rate on the other edge, it elevates something like basic garter stitch with such simplicity.

Learn how to master the Long Tail Cast On, the most widely used cast on in knitting. This tutorial includes instructions for how to estimate your long tail length, as well as how to begin this cast on *without* a slip knot!

Learn 2 Long Tail Cast Ons

January 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

A close look at two different long tail cast ons, the regular Long Tail Cast On and the German Twisted Cast On.

Learn everything you need to know to master slip knots, the Knitted Cast On, and the Cable Cast On in knitting.

Master the Knitted and Cable Cast Ons

January 11, 2018 2 Comments

It’s a new year, so let’s start things off by taking a close look at different knitting cast ons. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master slip knots, the Knitted Cast On, and the Cable Cast On in knitting.

Get a professional knit & crochet designer's best tips & tricks for making perfect tassels every time. Click through for video tutorial!

Perfect Tassel Tips & Tricks

July 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

Learn the best tips for getting perfect tassels every time. Tassels are the fun part of yarn crafting – you don’t have to count stitches or take yourself too seriously when you make them. They can show off your yarn in different ways than standard patterns may allow, which can be really refreshing!

Learn how to count garter stitch rows with this beginner friendly knitting video tutorial.

How to Count Garter Stitch Rows

October 24, 2016 3 Comments

As a beginning knitter, I always found counting garter stitch rows challenging. Learn how to count garter stitch rows with this beginner friendly knitting video tutorial.

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Throw (or rug!)

Bulky Throw

April 28, 2015 69 Comments

Check out this free pattern for a knit blanket that works up quickly and is totally beginner-friendly!

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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

Yarn craft designer & author. Into intarsia knits, latch hook, color & vintage-modern style.
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👇🏻 Book, Patterns, Tutorials

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎 Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎
Another morning of filming! One of the knitting vi Another morning of filming! One of the knitting videos I’d like to release soon is a big overview of how to swatch and why - if you have any questions or favorite tips, let me know. 
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To be honest, I want to be able to link to this video as a resource when I get angry gauge questions, so please don’t hesitate to share your best tips. Together, we can tame the knitting Karens. 😆
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#stopswatchandblockit #handsoccupied #knitting #knittersofinstagram
A big issue I've had in the last year is putting t A big issue I've had in the last year is putting together new design work but not doing any independent releases of them. Chalk it up to anxiety, burn out, or whatever but here we are. 
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Last week I turned 35, so in honor of that here’s 3 things: 
❤️ a picture of me at my most stylish 
💛 a little glimpse at some of the design things I've recently been working on
💙a promise that I will be releasing some of the pictured designs this year. Getting back in the swing of things after taking it easy is hard 😆 - wish me luck!
Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhoo Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhood while I shot a new crochet tutorial today. With any luck, editing will go smoothly & I’ll be posting new videos to YouTube regularly soon! Got any requests for tutorial topics? 
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#handsoccupied #crochet #studiodog #crochettutorial
This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t you think? ❤️💛💙
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Pattern: modified #soldotnacrop sweater / yarn: various from my stash
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