Backward Loop CO
Make a loop (using a slip knot) with working yarn and place it on righthand needle (first st CO), *wind yarn around thumb clockwise, insert righthand needle into front loop on thumb, remove thumb and tighten st on needle; repeat from * for remaining sts to be CO, or for casting on at end of a row in progress.
Duplicate stitch
Thread tapestry needle with chosen yarn and leaving tail to be woven in later, *bring needle from WS to RS of work at base of st to be covered, pass needle under both loops (base of st above) above st to be covered; insert needle into same place where you started (base of st), and pull yarn through to WS of work. Be sure new st is same tension as rest of piece. Repeat from * for additional sts.
I-Cord
Using double-pointed needle, cast on or pick up required number of sts; working yarn will be at left-hand side of needle. *Transfer needle with sts to left hand, bring yarn around behind work to right-hand side; using a second double-pointed needle, knit sts from right to left, pulling yarn from left to right for first st; do not turn. Slide sts to opposite end of needle; repeat from * until I-Cord is length desired.
Long-Tail (Thumb) CO
Leaving tail with about 1" of yarn for each st to be cast-on, make a slip knot in yarn and place it on right-hand needle, with tail to front and working end to back. Insert thumb and forefinger of left hand between strands of yarn so that working end is around forefinger and tail end is around thumb “slingshot” fashion; *insert tip of right-hand needle into front loop on thumb, hook strand of yarn coming from forefinger from back to front, and draw it through loop on thumb; remove thumb from loop and pull on working yarn to tighten new st on right-hand needle; return thumb and forefinger to original positions, and repeat from * for remaining sts to be CO.
Satin Stitch
Bring threaded needle from WS to RS of fabric at one edge of area to be covered. *At opposite edge of area, bring needle from RS to WS and back to RS, catching smallest possible bit of background fabric. Repeat from *, carefully tensioning stitches so work lies flat without puckering.
Yarn Over (yo) at Beginning of Row
If first st is to be knit, hold yarn to front (in front of needle with no sts), insert needle into first st to be worked, bring yarn over needle and knit; if first st is to be purled, bring yarn around needle from front to back, then to front (purl position) and purl. Be careful not to lose yo.
Yarn Over (yo) Other Than Beginning of Row
Bring yarn forward (to purl position), then place it in position to work next st. If next st is to be knit, bring yarn over needle and knit; if next st is to be purled, bring yarn over needle and then forward again to purl position and purl. Work yarn over in pattern on next row unless instructed otherwise.