Handcrafts Basics

Handcrafts

Knitting

• A needlework craft using two or more needles to create rows of interconnected loops in yarn
• Can create a wide range of items, such as clothing, accessories, and home textiles
• Basic techniques:
  • Casting on: placing stitches onto the needles
  • Knit stitch: inserting the right needle into a stitch and pulling up a loop
  • Purl stitch: working a stitch in the opposite way of a knit stitch
  • Binding off: securing the final row of stitches

Sewing

• A craft that involves using a needle and thread to join, repair, or create clothing, accessories, and textiles
• Can be done by hand or with a sewing machine
• Basic techniques:
  • Threading the needle: passing the thread through the needle's eye
  • Tying a knot: securing the thread to prevent it from coming loose
  • Running stitch: the most basic stitch, used for seaming and basting
  • Backstitch: a strong stitch used for sewing heavy fabrics

Pottery

• A craft that involves shaping and firing clay to create functional or decorative items
• Can be done by hand-building, throwing on a wheel, or using a combination of both
• Basic techniques:
  • Wedging: kneading the clay to remove air pockets and make it more pliable
  • Centering: aligning the clay on the potter's wheel
  • Throwing: shaping the clay into a symmetrical form
  • Glazing: applying a layer of material to the pottery for color and protection

Needle Crafts

• A general term for crafts that use a needle as the primary tool
• Includes knitting, sewing, embroidery, and other crafts
• Common needle types:
  • Tapestry needle: blunt-tipped and large-eyed, used for sewing and weaving
  • Beading needle: long and thin, used for beading and jewelry-making
  • Darning needle: large-eyed and blunt-tipped, used for darning and repairing fabric

Handcrafts

Knitting

• Involves using two or more needles to create rows of interconnected loops in yarn
• Can produce a wide range of items, including clothing, accessories, and home textiles
• Basic techniques include casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, and binding off

Sewing

• Involves using a needle and thread to join, repair, or create clothing, accessories, and textiles
• Can be done by hand or with a sewing machine
• Basic techniques include threading the needle, tying a knot, running stitch, and backstitch

Pottery

• Involves shaping and firing clay to create functional or decorative items
• Can be done by hand-building, throwing on a wheel, or using a combination of both
• Basic techniques include wedging, centering, throwing, and glazing

Needle Crafts

• A general term for crafts that use a needle as the primary tool
• Includes knitting, sewing, embroidery, and other crafts
• Common needle types include tapestry needle, beading needle, and darring needle

Handcrafts

• Handcrafts involve creating objects using manual skills and traditional techniques.

Woodworking

• Woodworking involves creating objects such as furniture, carvings, and decorative items using wood.
• Techniques used in woodworking include carving, joinery, and finishing.
• Carving involves shaping and removing wood using hand tools.
• Joinery involves combining wood pieces using joints and fasteners.
• Finishing involves applying treatments to enhance the appearance and durability of the wood.
• Common tools used in woodworking include hand saw, chisel, hammer, and sandpaper.

Weaving

• Weaving involves interlacing two or more sets of yarns or threads to create fabric or textiles.
• Techniques used in weaving include plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave.
• Plain weave involves alternating over and under patterns.
• Twill weave involves creating diagonal patterns.
• Satin weave involves creating a smooth, glossy surface.
• Common tools used in weaving include loom, shuttle, and yarn or thread.

Pottery

• Pottery involves shaping and firing clay to create ceramic objects such as vessels, sculptures, and decorative items.
• Techniques used in pottery include hand-building, throwing, and glazing.
• Hand-building involves shaping clay by hand.
• Throwing involves shaping clay on a potter's wheel.
• Glazing involves applying a layer of material to create color and texture.
• Common tools used in pottery include potter's wheel, clay, and kiln.

Needlework

• Needlework involves using a needle and thread to create decorative or functional items such as embroidery, cross-stitch, and quilting.
• Techniques used in needlework include various stitches, patterns, and materials.
• Stitches used in needlework include running, back, and satin stitches.
• Patterns used in needlework include following designs or creating original patterns.
• Materials used in needlework include various fabrics, threads, and yarns.
• Common tools used in needlework include needle, thread, fabric, and hoop or frame.