From crochet granny squares as a kid to hosting TV shows and writing books, Vickie Howell has always had yarn in her hands. She recently published her latest book, No Needles Knitting.
Do you remember the first time you picked up yarn and thought, “Oh… this is fun”?
My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 8 years old. I remember sitting in front of episodes of Bionic Woman and M*A*S*H (if you’re under 40, Google them) while she showed me how to make granny squares that would later become doll blankets — I still have the finished blankets!
I didn’t pick up knitting until I was in my late 20s when my friend Tracy took me to her local knitting store, La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City, CA. I picked up my knitting in that shop that day, and haven’t set it down since!
Was there a moment when you realized, “This is more than a hobby — this is my path”?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
In 2004, shortly after starting “Stitch n’ Bitch” groups in both Los Angeles and Austin and having my first design (a simple guitar strap) published on Knitty.com, a series of events led to my hiring as the host of a TV show for DIY Network and HGTV called “Knitty Gritty.”
This opportunity allowed me to share techniques, projects, and new skills taught by amazing experts with an international audience, all while learning myself. It was a gift, one that I’ve embraced to the fullest.
Fast forward to now: four different TV shows, 15 books, and hundreds of patterns later, and I’m still excited about discovering new ways to introduce fiber crafts to the maker community!
If someone’s just picking up knitting or crochet for the first time, what’s your best advice?
Choose a yarn and project that makes you smile, and give yourself some grace when your first project isn’t perfect.
What’s the one tool in your kit you couldn’t live without?
There are so many, but in regards to the projects in No Needles Knitting, it’s definitely GIANT yarn. The bigger the better!
What sparked the idea for No Needle Knitting?
I was chatting with my editor, Joy, about a book I wrote for kids a decade ago called, Finger Knitting Fun. During that conversation, she asked me what was new in finger knitting world.
This got me to thinking, how those same kids who loved that book would potentially continue to use the craft now that they’re in their teens and 20’s. I dove into TikTok and other social media platforms to see what “the kids” were up to, and was thrilled to see that although it was often still called finger knitting by some, what young people were doing far surpassed the usual cords created by the traditional method.
Using jumbo yarns laid flat on a surface, they used their hands to create flat panels for blankets and quick, oversized cardigans. I was inspired! This method, “hand knitting”, allowed me to translate traditional knitting (with needles) techniques to work with this method.
For those who haven’t tried it yet, can you explain what “no needle” knitting is?
Knitting without needles can refer to a couple of techniques. There’s “finger knitting,” which involves creating long tubes of fabric by weaving yarn around your fingers. In contrast, “hand knitting” begins with a foundation chain and allows for the creation of flat pieces of fabric by pulling up loops through that chain and subsequent loops. Either way, knitting without needles makes it accessible to most—no experience is necessary to give it a try!
Interview posted August 2025
Browse through more knitting and crochet projects and inspiration.