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Hands Occupied

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

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cast on

These advanced cast ons involve a little bit more of a song and dance to accomplish, but they allow you to do things like achieve a gorgeous & reversible edge, access your cast on stitches to use later, and make a cast on edge that stretches like no other.

Tackle 3 Advanced Knitting Cast Ons

January 31, 2018 6 Comments

These advanced cast ons involve a little bit more of a song and dance to accomplish, but they allow you to do things like achieve a gorgeous & reversible edge, access your cast on stitches to use later, and make a cast on edge that stretches like no other.

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.

Learn six different ways to begin knitting projects in a Cast On Clinic with Heidi Gustad, the Knit & Crochet Designer behind Hands Occupied.

Warm Up with In-Person Events this Winter!

January 3, 2018 1 Comment

It’s a new year, and there’s so much to celebrate! A lot of us have cold temps as a great excuse to spend time hunkered down with needles and hooks, but if you’re looking for a cozy place to warm up in January or February, I’ve got a few ideas.

Knitting in a car

Fall/Winter Workshops!

October 16, 2017 2 Comments

Learn all about the workshops scheduled for the next few months. Let knitting expert Heidi Gustad of Hands Occupied teach you how to knit from scratch, or take a more advanced class if you’re ready to level up your knitting game.

Picks of the Week for January 20, 2017 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

January 27, 2017 1 Comment

Looking for something creative to do this weekend? Today’s picks are a good place to start.

Learn how to cast on your knitting with the German Twisted Cast On, also known as the Old Norwegian Cast On. This is very similar to the Long Tail Cast On, but adds some useful stretch.

Old Norwegian Sock Cast On

January 4, 2016 6 Comments

This knitting cast on is similar to the widely-used long tail cast on, but includes an extra twist that provides added yarn to each stitch of the cast on, resulting in a stretchier cast on edge. This cast on is great for socks, mittens and sweater sleeves – really any edge you would want a little stretch for!

Knit Along Tips, Tricks & An Official Schedule at HandsOccupied.com

Knit Along Tips, Tricks & An Official Schedule

October 9, 2014 2 Comments

If you’re working on (or thinking about working on) the Remy Pullover for the fall knit along, the biggest chunk of knitting you’ll need to do is week 1, the body of the sweater. In case you’re just tuning in, you can check out the first week’s post and pattern and learn how to measure and calculate the perfect fit or your pullover. Today I want to share some tips and tricks for improving your knitting technique and, for knitters who might be scared of the cabling, how to knit cables!

How to do a provisional or invisible kitting cast on

Knitters, the provisional cast on is pretty great.

January 13, 2014 4 Comments

Learn how to make an easy invisible cast on so your knit cowls can truly be infinity scarves.

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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 🧶✂️
How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style . How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style 
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In knitting, there are a few common knitting styles. Most often you’re going to encounter continental style and English (throwing) style on your knitting journey. I recently had an old video teaching continental style get a lot of views. Based on the comments, it was clear the people wanted to also see a throwing tutorial, so here you go! 🧶
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Please note that there is a LOT of variation in knitting styles, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. Most often, I’ve found it comes down to two things: how you were taught and whether or not you’re really into colorwork knitting (which can involve a mix of styles). 
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Longer-term knitters who’ve made it this far: do you prefer one over the other? And why? 
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#handsoccupied #englishknitting #learntoknit #knitting #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
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I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
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I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
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The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
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I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
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
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