DIY Archives

August 16, 2015September 6, 2024

How to Remove Labels from Beechnut Baby Food Jars with No Chemicals

How to take off Beechnut baby food jar labels, guide by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Beechnut Baby Food Jars

The new baby food jars from Beechnut are my absolute favorite. The canning jars Beechnut chose are a unique pear shape that flares at the bottom. They were so adorable I could not resist collecting them and saving them up for some kind of craft project that I’d get to “one of these days.”

When I finally got around to making this baby food jar stash into a craft project, I ran into a problem. The clear plastic labels do peel off easily. Unfortunately, the glue used to adhere the label to the jar leaves behind a terrible sticky residue. I could not get the sticky residue off the baby food jars just by tossing the jars in the dishwasher, as I had hoped. And to just leave the glue on the jars on was not a good solution; it is incredibly sticky, so it collects dirt and hair like an icky magnet. Icky, sticky containers aren’t pretty or useful, so I was determined to find a way to be rid of the glue on all my little jars.

Solution: How to Remove Labels from Beechnut Baby Food Jars

I tried all sorts of ways to figure out how to remove labels from Beechnut baby food jars. And, after a few experiments, I think I have found the best solution! It is easy, normally around the house and chemical free. What is this miracle solution? Plain old vegetable oil.

It does still take a bit of elbow grease to get the gooey label residue off, but here’s what I did. And there are no harsh chemicals involved, so I didn’t have to worry about doing my project around the kiddo.

I grabbed an old toothbrush, and a bottle of vegetable oil and got to scrubbing. Dip the toothbrush in the oil, scrub the residue loose, wipe with a paper towel or dry cloth, and voila, no more residue!

Run the oily jars thru the dishwasher to get rid of the remaining vegetable oil, and you are ready to craft.

What to Make with Beechnut Baby Food Jars

I needed a new storage system for my beads, since I make jewelry. I re-purposed the baby food jars to store my gems and stones. To make them a little prettier, I got a bottle of teal spray paint (Rustoleum). A couple thin coats made the lids fresh and new, and I think this baby food jar craft project looks adorable siting on my shelf.

You could make lots of cute things from the uniquely shaped Beechnut jars, just be creative and use them to fill a need you have.

RE-PURPOSING Jars, Some ideas to try:

small item storage (like beads!)
office supply holders (for pens, paperclips, tacks, etc.)
pin cushions
candles

Check out and follow my Pinterest board, up-cycling baby food jars.

Enjoy and happy crafting!

August 8, 2015September 6, 2024

Yard Sale Signs

So, I held my very first yard sale today! Well, actually it was a garage sale, since it was inside the garage. Whatever you call it, selling your stuff can sometimes be necessary. Whether you’re trying to clean out old clutter from around the house or working to get a little extra cash, a yard sale or garage sale is a great way to go.

For my yard sale, I had quite a lot of adult and baby clothing. Rather than tagging each outfit individually (since we had a lot), I made up some signs to help with the sale. I put all the baby clothes in bins by size and put the corresponding sign on the bin. For the adult clothes, I made a generic sign, which says all clothes are $2 unless otherwise marked. We also had a credit card reader so that I could take payments through Amazon, so I made up a couple of signs saying so as well. I’m sharing a free downloadable copy of my yard sale signs so that you can print your own signs for your garage sale. These are in Word format so you can edit the details yourself.

Click the links below do download the word documents. Good luck with your yard sale!

Baby boy clothes yard sale signs

Adult clothes yard sale signs

Yard sale signs: We can process credit cards

P.S. If these look funny in Microsoft Word, click “enable editing” when asked. This should put the words back on the pictures. 🙂

More Home DIY Projects

July 3, 2015February 27, 2021

How to Knit the Purl Stitch

Learn to make the purl stitch, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Now that you understand the knit stitch, you are ready to move on to your next knitting challenge: learning to make the purl stitch.

A purl stitch is essentially a backwards knit stitch. You will hold your yarn in front of your needles to create a “U” shaped stitch, which looks like a bump. If you make a knit stitch, turn it over: the back side of a knit stitch looks exactly like the front side of a purl stitch.

If you purl every stitch in every row of a flat knitted piece, you end up with a garter stitch pattern, just as you do when knitting with only the knit stitch.

Combining knits and purls can create all sorts of fun patterns and textures.

Two important things to remember when making the purl stitch:

Hold the working yarn in front of your needles, and
Insert your right needle into each stitch from back to front.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make a purl.

Video Guide: How to Make the Purl Stitch

Written Guide: How to Make the Purl Stitch

Step 1: Learn to make the purl stitch, with a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Purl, Step 1:

Hold your yarn and needles as if to knit, except place the working yarn in front of your left needle.

Step 2: Learn to make the purl stitch, with a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Purl, Step 2:

Insert your right-hand needle tip into the front loop of the next stitch on your left needle from back to front.

Step 3: Learn to make the purl stitch, with a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Purl, Step 3:

With your left pointer finger, bring the working yarn down, towards you, over then behind the right needle tip. This will form a loop on the right-hand needle tip.

Purl, Step 4:

Pull the new loop of yarn on the right-hand needle through the first stitch on your left needle.

Purl, Step 5:

Slide the stitch you just worked into off the left needle, allowing the new stitch to remain on your right needle.

Purl, Step 6:

You have made your first purl stitch!

Repeat steps one through five each time a pattern asks you to purl a stitch.

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

If you purl an entire piece of knitting work, you end up with a garter stitch pattern, just as you do when knitting with only the knit stitch. Because of this, one way to learn and practice the purl stitch is to make a Face Scrubby with only purls. You can follow the free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern, except replace all the knit stitches with purl stitches.

Basic Washcloth and Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

When you are ready to start a new project, you can to learn to purl with the Basic Face Scrubby or Washcloth pattern found in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection. You will combine knits and purls in to create the traditional, smooth Stockinette stitch pattern that is commonly used in knitwear.

Up Next

To help you “read” your knitting and make sure you are following patterns correctly, you can start to see the knit stitches as “V” shaped and the purl stitches as upside down “U” shapes. Learn to identify knits and purls next.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

December 10, 2014April 18, 2021

Knitting Tension

Maintaining yarn tension in your knitting is essential to keeping your stitches even. If you do not place your yarn loops on the needles evenly, your knitting work will end up irregular, saggy, or filled with holes. To prevent these knitting problems, practice wrapping each stitch around your needles with the same tightness or “tension.” Making sure all your stitches match one another will help your final knitting to look even and consistent.

Pay close attention to how your stitches wrap around the needles. Ideal knit stitches are looped with just enough tension that they fit around the needle with no gaps. On the other hand, stitches should not be pulled so tightly that the loops get stuck in place; if your stitches cannot slide down the needles easily, you will have a hard time working into them.

How tightly you knit can greatly impact your finished object. If you do not have the correct tension, you can end up with very differently sized knit pieces, even when knitting with the same yarn and needles. Loose tension will create larger stitches, while tight tension creates smaller stitches.

Below you’ll find video and written guides, which I hope will help you improve your knitting tension.

Video Guide: Knitting Tension

Written Guide: Knitting Tension

Practicing different yarn holds can help you with your knitting tension. Try holding the yarn in several ways, wrapping it around your hand or fingers until you find a comfortable option to keep your string taut.

Find a comfortable yarn hold to help you improve your knitting tension - knitting lessons from Liz @PurlsandPixles - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

With each stitch, try to ensure that you loop the yarn around the knitting needle snuggly. Take care not to knit your loops too tightly, however, or you will have trouble inserting your needle into the stitches for the next row. The key to knitting tension is to place each stitch on the needles in with the same moderate tautness: not too tight and not too loose.

Knitting tension that is too tight. — Too Tight

Knitting tension that is too loose. — Too Tight

Another way to maintain even tension is to keep a close eye on the stitches that you have just worked. If you notice a stitch on your needles that is too loose, you can adjust that stitch before you knit further. A loose stitch on your needles can be tightened by pulling the excess yarn back towards the yarn ball, one stitch at a time.

Improving Tension by Adjusting Stitches as You Go

Step 1: How to keep even knitting tension by fixing loose stitches as you go - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 1:

Identify the loose stitch by noticing that it sticks out from the righthand needle a bit more than the other stitches.

Step 2: How to keep even knitting tension by fixing loose stitches as you go - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 2:

Gently pull on the first stitch to the left of the loose stitch; this will tighten the loose stitch, while loosening the stitch on which you are pulling. Once you have achieved the desired tightness in the loose stitch, let go of the stitch you just pulled.

Step 3: How to keep even knitting tension by fixing loose stitches as you go - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 3:

Pinch the next stitch to the left and gently pull it to tighten up the previous stitch. Continue gently pulling the stitches, one at a time, moving toward your left. Ensure you are tightening the previous stitches to the correct tension as you go.

Step 4: How to keep even knitting tension by fixing loose stitches as you go - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 4:

When you reach the last stitch on your righthand needle, pull the working yarn to tighten the last stitch to the correct tension. The loose stitching should be fixed, and you can resume knitting your pattern.

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

If you’ve been following my lessons, you now have enough information to knit all of the washcloths and face scrubbies in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection. Happy knitting!

Up Next

Learn to spot and fix simple knitting mistakes with this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Everybody makes mistakes. In the next lesson, we will learn how to spot and fix some of the most common knitting mistakes: twisted, sipped, and dropped stitches.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

November 4, 2014July 23, 2021

How to Make the Knit Stitch

Learn to make the knit stitch, a free knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Once you have cast on your first stitches, you will be ready to begin your first knit stitch row.

The abbreviations “k” or “K” are often used in patterns to instruct you to make the knit stitch.

Two important things to remember when making the knit stitch:

Hold the working yarn behind your needles, and
Insert your right needle into each stitch from front to back.

There are different styles of knitting, the most common of which are Continental and English style knitting. Both styles of knitting give you the same knitted piece at the end, but they differ in how you hold your yarn. Here, you’ll learn how to knit in the Continental style. I like Continental style knitting because it is quicker to make the knit stitch once you have practiced.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make the knit stitch.

Video Guide: How to Make the Knit Stitch

Written Guide: How to Make the Knit Stitch

Step 1: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 1:

After turning your work, arrange the working yarn onto your left hand in your preferred yarn hold. Hold the empty needle in your right hand.

Step 2: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 2:

Place the working yarn (coming from your yarn ball) behind your left needle.

Step 3: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 3:

Insert the tip of your right-hand needle into the front loop of the first stitch on your left needle.

Step 4: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 4:

Bring the right needle tip over the working yarn and begin to form a counterclockwise loop around it.

Step 5: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 5:

Pull the loop on your right needle tip through the stitch on your left needle.

Step 6: Learn to make the knit stitch, with a free knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Step 6:

Slide the stitch you have just worked into off your left needle, allowing the new stitch to remain on your right needle. You have made your first knit stitch!

Repeat steps one through six to knit an entire row off your left needle and onto the right. When the left needle is empty, you can turn your work again and start the next row.

This pattern, of using only knit stitches and turning after each row, is known as the Garter Stitch. It is used in many knitted projects.

Practice With My Free Knitting Patterns

Knit along with me and practice your knit stitches with my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Simple garter stitch scarf easy beginner scarf knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

If you are looking for a bigger project, my Free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern is also made in garter stitch (all knit stitches). It is just as simple as my face scrubby pattern; it just takes a bit longer to make.

Up Next

Learn how to make the purl stitch, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

After mastering the knit stitch, you will be ready to learn the purl stitch and start adding texture and patterns to your knitting projects.

How to end a knitting project with the standard bind off, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Or, skip ahead and learn to take your stitches off the knitting needles with a standard bind off.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

October 30, 2014April 22, 2022

How to Cast On Knitting Stitches

Learn to put yarn onto knitting needles. The long tail cast on tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

When you begin to knit, you’ll need to learn to put your initial stitches on your needles. In knitting, this is called “casting on” stitches. When reading a pattern, the abbreviations CO, co, or, c/o are often used to mean cast on.

There are several methods of casting on, each of which serves a different purpose. Some cast-ons are decorative, some are stretchy, and the way you put your yarn on your needles can really change the end garment.

For beginners, it is a good idea to start with the “long tail cast on.” This cast on gives you a stretchy – but not too stretchy – end for your work. It also ends up looking clean and neat if you ensure that your put each stitch equally tightly (with even tension) on your needle. I use the long tail cast on for almost all of my basic garments, like scarves, hats, and mittens.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to put your first loops onto your knitting needles with the long-tail cast on. Knit along with me using my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Video Guide: How to Cast On Knit Stitches

Written Guide: How to Cast On Knit Stitches

Step 1: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 1:

Pull approximately one inch of yarn per stitch you plan to cast on out of the ball of yarn. For example, if you want to cast on 14 stitches, pull roughly 14 inches of yarn out of the ball.

Step 2: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 2:

Make a slipknot at this point in the yarn, then place it on a knitting needle held in your right hand. (Note: This slipknot will count as your first cast-on stitch.)

Step 3: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 3:

Bring your left hand under the slipknot, with the working yarn above your hand and the yarn tail below your hand. Drape the working-yarn side between your left pointer finger and left middle finger.

Step 4: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 4:

Drape the tail side of the yarn over your left thumb.

Step 5: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 5:

Keeping the yarn draped over your thumb and pointer finger, turn your left hand so you can see your palm; the working yarn should lie over your left-hand middle, ring, and pinkie fingers. Keep the slipknot from falling off your needle by gently holding it in place with your right pointer finger.

Step 6: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 6:

With your left ring and pinkie fingers, pinch the two strings that now drape over your left palm. Bring the tip of the knitting needle in front of your left thumb nail. You should now be holding the yarn properly to allow you to make your first cast on stitch.

Step 7: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 7:

Insert the tip of your knitting needle under the yarn at the base of your left thumb.

Step 8: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 8:

Bring the tip of the needle over both the strands of yarn behind your left thumb.

Step 9: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 9:

With your needle, grab the yarn at the base of your left pointer finger by bringing the needle over the strand, then down toward your thumb.

Step 10: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 10:

Pull the loop you have created over the strand coming from behind your left thumb and under the strand in front of left your thumb.

Step 11: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 11:

You should now have a new stitch on your needle and a loop around your left thumb; gently remove your thumb from the stitch, while continuing to clasp the loose ends of your cast on with your left ring and pinkie fingers.

Step 12: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 12:

Place your left thumb back under the yarn tail that now comes from your second cast on stitch. Use this thumb to pull the stitch tighter (but not too tight) onto your knitting needle.

Step 13: Learn to cast on your first knit stitches. Putting yarn onto knitting needles for beginners with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Cast On, Step 13:

Rotate your hand back into position to cast on another stitch by turning your left palm toward you while still holding the working yarn and yarn tail with your left ring and pinkie fingers.

Cast On, Step 14:

Repeat steps 7 through 13 until you have cast on all the stitches your pattern requires. **Remember, your slipknot counts as your first stitch.**

Practice Your Cast On With My Free Knitting Patterns

The easiest and fastest knitting pattern to learn with is my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern. It is short and you will have a finished object more quickly.

If you would rather try a longer pattern, my Free Beginner Scarf Pattern is suitable for absolute beginners, as well. Because it has more stitches in the pattern, it will take longer than a scrubby to finish.

Up Next

Learn how to turn your work in this beginner knitting lesson from Liz @ PurlsAndPixels.

If your are making a flat piece, like the Face Scrubby or Scarf, you will need to turn your work next. Find out what that means here.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

October 27, 2014June 16, 2025

Learn to Knit – Index

Learn to Knit Online with Free Knitting Lessons from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

So you are ready to learn to knit. That is great! Making things from yarn is an incredibly fulfilling hobby. You can create cozy clothing, handmade accessories, beautiful home decor, and thoughtful gifts from just a ball of yarn and a little time. Here, you will find free online knitting lessons, tips, tutorials, how-to videos, and patterns to get you started.

Knitting does not need to be overwhelming. Whether you are a total beginner or picking your needles back up to try something new, you will find clear, friendly lessons here to guide you every step of the way.

📘 Prefer Learning with Books?

I have written a complete beginner’s guide to knitting, full of structured lessons and patterns. You can order Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns in hardcover or ebook format. It includes 526 pages with full tutorials and 15 practical projects with 65 variations!

See the Knitting Guidebook

🧶 Choosing a Knitting Style

First things first, you’ll want to choose a knitting style. Before you start, decide how you want to hold your yarn. I teach Continental knitting, which means you hold the working yarn in your left hand. It is often faster and more ergonomic for some knitters, but what matters most is what feels comfortable to you. There is no wrong way to knit if your results make you happy.

Learn to knit with free knitting lessons from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

💡 New to Knitting? Start Here

Go step-by-step. You do not need to master everything in one day.
Mistakes are normal. In fact, they are how we learn.
You will surprise yourself. The first stitch is the hardest, and it gets easier from there.

Want to track your progress? Download the Knitting Skills Progress Sheet to check off each new skill as you go.

The Learn to Knit Index

Use this section as your learning roadmap. These lessons follow a beginner-friendly sequence and include both written instructions and videos.

🧵 Step One: The Basics

Learn how to pick out your first knitting supplies in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Choose Knitting Materials

How to Make a Slipknot

Putting the First Stitches on Knitting Needles – Learn to Cast On

Turn Your Work

How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

Learn to take knit stitches off needles with a standard bind off, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Learn the Basic Knit Stitch

Take Your Work Off the Needles – “Bind Off” Knitting

Weave in and Tie Off Loose Ends on Flat Knits

Put it all together with these simple beginner projects:

💬 Have Questions?

Leave a comment on any tutorial or visit me on YouTube to see each stitch in action.

🧷 Helpful Knitting Resources

Looking for more ways to support your knitting goals?

🎁 Free Knitting Starter Kit: Download a printable pattern, cheat sheet, and tutorial videos to start strong.
📚 Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guidebook: Get the all-in-one knitting lesson and pattern book.
💻 Browse All Knitting Patterns: Find practical, pretty projects for every season.

Settle in and start your first stitches. You’ve got this!

– Liz

Beechnut Baby Food Jars

Solution: How to Remove Labels from Beechnut Baby Food Jars

What to Make with Beechnut Baby Food Jars

RE-PURPOSING Jars, Some ideas to try:

Video Guide: How to Make the Purl Stitch

Written Guide: How to Make the Purl Stitch

Purl, Step 1:

Purl, Step 2:

Purl, Step 3:

Purl, Step 4:

Purl, Step 5:

Purl, Step 6:

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Up Next

Video Guide: Knitting Tension

Written Guide: Knitting Tension

Improving Tension by Adjusting Stitches as You Go

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 1:

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 2:

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 3:

Adjust a Loose Stitch, Step 4:

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Up Next

Video Guide: How to Make the Knit Stitch

Written Guide: How to Make the Knit Stitch

Knit, Step 1:

Knit, Step 2:

Knit, Step 3:

Knit, Step 4:

Knit, Step 5:

Knit, Step 6:

Practice With My Free Knitting Patterns

Up Next

Video Guide: How to Cast On Knit Stitches

Written Guide: How to Cast On Knit Stitches

Cast On, Step 1:

Cast On, Step 2:

Cast On, Step 3:

Cast On, Step 4:

Cast On, Step 5:

Cast On, Step 6:

Cast On, Step 7:

Cast On, Step 8:

Cast On, Step 9:

Cast On, Step 10:

Cast On, Step 11:

Cast On, Step 12:

Cast On, Step 13:

Cast On, Step 14:

Practice Your Cast On With My Free Knitting Patterns

Up Next

Learn to Knit Online with Free Knitting Lessons from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

📘 Prefer Learning with Books?

🧶 Choosing a Knitting Style

💡 New to Knitting? Start Here

The Learn to Knit Index

🧵 Step One: The Basics

➕ Learn to Purl and Combine Stitches

🧶 Knitting Skill Boosters

🌀 Learn to Knit in the Round

🧤 Learn to Shape Your Knitting

🧶 Advanced Techniques

💬 Have Questions?

🧷 Helpful Knitting Resources

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