Handcrafts Basics

Study Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handcrafts involve creating objects using manual skills and traditional techniques.

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 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 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 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.