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Hands Occupied

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

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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!

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 14 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 56 Comments

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

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

Bulky Knit Rug Pattern

March 23, 2015 47 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.

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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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