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Hands Occupied

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

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garter stitch

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.

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

Picks of the Week

January 20, 2017 2 Comments

All of this week’s picks can easily be made in a weekend (if not an afternoon) and are a great way to get down with your introverted winter self!

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.

How to knit a chain edge

How to Knit a Chain Edge

April 25, 2016 17 Comments

Learn how to knit a chain edge, an easy knitting trick to make your finished projects look amazing!

12 free knit and crochet patterns to help you stitch away stress.

12 Patterns to Help Stitch Away Stress

April 11, 2016 3 Comments

The one in which I open up (a little) about my anxiety. Mostly check out 12 easy-to-make knit and crochet patterns that are perfect for helping you stitch away stress. :)

Picks of the Week for May 1, 2015 from Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

May 1, 2015 2 Comments

There were some super fun yarn ideas online this week! I feel like I say that a lot, but do you see that Star Wars mug cozy? The cute little amigurumi octopi?

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!

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.

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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.
❤️ Email for pattern support
👇🏻 Book, Patterns, Tutorials

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
If you look closely, you’ll see I’m casually k If you look closely, you’ll see I’m casually knitting from one sweater into another here, no big deal. (What can I say, I lost a game of yarn chicken. 😂) I almost didn’t post this because I was worried someone might have some nonsense to say about my ability to knit. Then I remembered I can’t care about that. Silly me, I almost forgot myself! 
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Speaking of which, dang it’s good to have my mental health back consistently after the past couple of years. The anxious parts of my personality are just chilling, rather than constantly screaming that my work isn’t good enough to share. The confident parts of me that matter have me creating (and starting to share my creations & process with strangers and friends) again! 
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Anybody else feel like they are beginning to return to themselves, so to speak, this spring?
I’m feeling better, & all my [big, bad bug] proj I’m feeling better, & all my [big, bad bug] project needs is a couple of short sleeves! I’ll be finishing this sweater *just* before it gets too warm to wear, but isn’t that always how it goes? 🫠🧶 
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#knittersofinstagram #soldotnacrop #handsoccupied #knitincolor #springknitting
Just divided the sleeves on this quick sweater, wh Just divided the sleeves on this quick sweater, which has unsurprisingly turned into a love letter to primary colors. ❤️💛💙 The heart stripe is a wee tweak I incorporated, and I don’t regret it! 
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 #handsoccupied #soldotnacrop #strandedcolorwork #knitting #yokesweater
I am unfortunately home bound for the near future I am unfortunately home bound for the near future thanks to the big, bad bug. So far I’ve knit half a sweater, consumed about a gallon of ginger tea, & plowed through 3 seasons of Pit Bulls and Parolees. 
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June doesn’t understand why I’m suddenly so boring, but she seems to like watching animal planet. 🤷🏼‍♀️
A bit of Saturday swatching. 🧶 I am working in A bit of Saturday swatching. 🧶 I am working in greyscale today to practice designing “without color”. Kinda cool, kinda weird. We’ll see if it yields anything interesting! 😆
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#intarsia #intarsiaknitting #stopswatchandblockit #handsoccupied #knittersofinstagram
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