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How to Knit in the Round

How to Knit in the Round

How to Knit in the Round

Contents

Step 1: Knit in the round with double-pointed needles

Step 2: Knit the following stitches and start a second row

Additional tips for knitting in the round

 

Knitting in the round or circular allows you to knit seamless round pieces such as snoods, hats, or mittens. You can knit in the round with circular needles or with double-pointed needles:

Double point needles are mainly used for knitting small items like socks. Depending on the size of the work, 4 or 5 needles are used, but the basic principle remains the same.

The circular needles allow you to knit works in circles of different sizes like sweaters and are practical because you can slip them into a bag and take them everywhere.

Here’s how to knit in the round with 4 double-pointed needles.

1. Knit in the round with double point needles

How to Knit in the Round

Place the desired number of stitches on one of the double-point needles, making sure to use an even number to divide them evenly among three needles, forming a triangle.

Place the needle with the first stitch mounted on it facing you at the bottom and the one with the yarn connected to the ball on the right, as shown in the photo. The third needle is on the left above the others and contains the center stitches. You want all the stitches to be in the same direction and not twisted.

Prick the fourth needle into the first stitch and hold the yarn firmly connected to the ball. At the same time, keep the other needles in your left hand. Knit the first stitch right side up, pulling the yarn tightly to avoid creating a gap.

Knit the second stitch tightly and incorporate the following stitches normally until the needle comes free.

Turn your work slightly to the left so that the yarn connected to the ball is on the right and the knitting needle stitches are facing you.

2. Knit the following stitches and start a second row

Knit the next stitches on each needle by repeating steps 2 to 4 of step 1 until all stitches are knitted. Note that the yarn connected to the ball should always be at the bottom right of the round work.

The first row is finished when all stitches from all three needles are knitted.

Mark the beginning of the row by slipping a stitch marker or contrasting yarn just before the first stitch to continue knitting in the round.

Note: Remember to knit the first two stitches on each needle, pulling the yarn tightly to avoid demarcation.

Additional tips for knitting in the round

How to Knit in the Round

Pay attention to the arrangement of the stitches on the needles

Ensure that the stitches you are knitting are not twisted on each needle; they must all be in the same direction before winding them. You risk getting a knitted fabric turned inside out if they are intertwined. Place the base of the stitches down like the stitches on straight needles.

Marking the beginning of a row in the round knitting

To mark the beginning of a row, you can use a stitch marker or a different color yarn than the one you are knitting with. You will only need to slide the marker over the needle at each row change to find your way around. Place it when all the set-up stitches are knitted before the first stitch of the next row.

Knowing how to knit the different stitches

To knit in stockinette, you must always knit in right side stitches because you are working only on the right side of the work.

To knit in moss stitch, you will need to wind one row right side up and then one row in reverse, repeating these two rows throughout the work.

To knit in 1/1 ribbing, you will have to knit one stitch from the front and one from the back, always on the side of the work.

Avoiding the divisions in the round knitting

When knitting the first two stitches on each needle, tighten the yarn to avoid demarcation. Note that not all wools show divisions. This method is equally applicable to knitting in the round with circular needles, which will be the subject of our following publication. Meanwhile, don’t forget to tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

Read more:

 

Practical Tips To Revive Your Old Wooden Pallets

Pallets are used to facilitate the transport and storage of goods. They are becoming the most popular material for making furniture in DIY activities. The boards present in them are recovered to build new objects or be used directly as decoration and furniture for your interior and exterior spaces. Indeed, recycling, recovery, and reusing objects or materials are no longer marginal solutions in our society, starting with increasingly expensive wood. Do you have damaged or useless pallets at home? The right thing to do is not to throw them away in a landfill because they are ideal raw materials for making functional and artistic objects. So, we suggest the following tips to give them a new life.

A Living Room for the Garden

As the weather is pleasant during summer, you can enjoy the sun outside the house or in your green space. So, setting up a garden lounge will allow you to do just that. Your old pallets are at your disposal to make authentic and stylish chairs and tables. To do this, clean your pallets well. So, in the end, you can leave your raw furniture without colour. However, if you want to paint it, this will allow you not to use too much paint. Then, proceed with the assembly. For a good fixation, opt for a stainless steel screw that is long and thick enough for your living room to last over time. Do not use glue because the furniture will be exposed to the weather and the climate, and it may melt or damage quickly. To make a chair, layout at least 3 pallets. Indeed, to install garden furniture, you must have many them. Otherwise, you can use planks in case you don’t have enough.

70 cool wood pallet ideas for the home and garden | loveproperty.com

A Bed Base

The trick to having an affordable bed base is to make it yourself from your old wooden pallets. For a 160 cm bed, two pallets are enough. But if you want yours to be not too low, you can add 2 more. Start by cleaning them, use a vacuum cleaner to make dusting easier. Then, attach the pallets with wood glue or nails. You can paint them according to your taste to give a more aesthetic look. This allows you to have a very original, stylish, and personalized bed frame. This means that the recycling of pallets enables you to acquire new beautiful furniture without spending much money.

DIY Pallet Bed Frame Guide and Video Tutorial

A Corner Sofa

Use your old pallets to make a corner sofa to accompany your new coffee table. To do this, position two pallets lengthwise and one widthwise. Tie them together. Add wooden or metal legs about 30 cm below each corner to make it a little higher. You can also create an armrest from another pallet divided in half and a wooden board. Know that pallet furniture is always an original and mainly aesthetic value.

Shelves

With pallets, you can make dozens of different shelves. Start by detaching the boards from the pallet and then sand them down. Take 6 or 8 of them, as you wish, and arrange the boards according to your taste. Attach the panels vertically and horizontally with nails or wood glue. If you are a bit of a handyman, you can decorate your shelves according to your inspiration and wish. Besides the shelves, you can also make shoe storage in your room or a small place for your pet.

Easy DIY Pallet Shelves - Six Clever Sisters

Fabric Baby Blanket

How to Make a Fabric Baby Blanket

How to Make a Fabric Baby Blanket

Contents

 – Focus on comforters

 – Step 1: Choose the fabrics to make a comforter

 – Step 2: Prepare the body of the blanket

 – Step 3: Make the face of the blanket

 – Step 4: Create the cuddly toy’s ears

 – Step 5: Add the blanket’s arms, tail, and legs

 – Step 6: Assemble the blanket

 – Step 7: Finish the blanket

Why not create a blanket for your baby? It’s quick and easy to sew, and you can give way to your imagination according to your desires and those of your little ones! It will be a cute and playful little blanket that will delight your child or make a nice gift for a mother-to-be…

Here is how to make a fabric baby blanket.

Focus on comforters

There are not one but thousands of shapes of soft toys. Everything is possible to make a comforter, from a glove or a transformed sock to a real homemade plush. That’s why we have chosen to present you with a simple comforter model, easy to make but infinitely customizable.

It is made with a square of stuffed fabric, like a small cushion. To personalize it, you can play on several elements:

 – the fabric of the square cushion forming the body;

 – eyes, a beak, a snout, a mouth to apply or glue on this body;

 – ears or horns to add to the head;

 – legs or arms to add on the sides;

 – legs, legs, and tail to be added at the bottom.

1. Choose fabrics to make a comforter

A comforter should be, as the name suggests, soft. It must also resist the pulls imposed by the little ones and therefore have a minimum of elasticity. Finally, it must be washable to simplify the life of parents. To choose your fabric, touch, pull and read the label!

 – Lightweight fleece: soft and fluffy, it is the favorite of children for its extreme softness. It is solid, washable, and easy to sew.

 Fleece is also ideal for a soft and comfortable comforter; you can use it to recycle old sweatshirts or jogging suits (well washed beforehand!); it is also stretchy and easy to sew.

 – Jersey: soft and stretchy, you can use it to recycle old T-shirts; it is thinner and less easy to sew than other fabrics.

 – Cotton velvet: equally soft but more elegant; it is less stretchy and more fragile. It is also less easy to find or considered for luxury comforters.

 – Fake fur: soft and fun; you can use it to create stuffed animals like bears or monsters. Be careful, in this case, with the quality and treatments of the fur. Ensure it doesn’t shed and avoid it for toddlers, who may put it in their mouths and swallow hair.

 – Cotton: if you want to make a comforter that is more decorative than manipulative, there is nothing to stop you from mixing simple printed kinds of cotton or even other non-stretchy fabrics.

Tip: use fabrics that match the pajamas or favorite outfit of the child for whom the comforter is intended!

2. Prepare the body of the comforter

The body of the comforter is a small square pillow. To prepare it, cut out 2 squares of the same size from the chosen fabric, adding the seam values. For a small comforter that is easy to sew and carry, start with a 15 × 15 cm square, adding 1 cm of seam allowance all around.

Later, you can change the dimensions to suit your inspiration with more oversized, rectangular, or even rounded comforters. The method will remain the same.

3. Make the face of the comforter

Fabric Baby Blanket

Lay a square of fabric representing the body of the comforter flat, right side up. Think of it as the body of your blanket: the top half of the square is the head, the bottom half is the trunk. Now decorate!

Important: when placing the face elements, do not forget to respect the sewing values. Place the parts at least 1 cm from the edge or ideally 2 cm.

Use felt

 – Use small pieces of felt to form the “features” of the face: two circles for the eyes, a triangle for the nose, an oval for the mouth…

 – Cut them out directly and place them on the top half of the square until you are satisfied with the result.

 – Sew them by hand or machine with a small straight stitch. You can also use textile glue, but they are generally less strong and contain many chemicals.

Opt for felts

 – Choose washable textile markers. Remember to bring a light-colored comforter; otherwise, the lines will remain invisible.

 – Before drawing, try out a square of paper the same size as the comforter’s body until you get a satisfactory result.

 – Reproduce the drawing with chalk on the square of fabric, then iron on it with a textile marker as many times as necessary for a well-visible line.

Make embroidery

 Proceed with felt pens, drawing with a pencil on paper before transferring the design to the fabric.

 – Then embroider according to the lines by hand or machine, with the embroidery stitch of your choice, or even straight stitch.

Some examples

 – the owl: two white circles, a half-circle embroidered or drawn inside for the eyes, and a yellow triangle pointing down for the beak;

 – the pig: two embroidered or drawn eyes and a white or flesh circle applied underneath, in the center, with two points drawing the nostrils for the snout;

 – bear: two drawn eyes (or two white circles with applied eyes if you are using a fur body), a rounded white rectangle for the muzzle, a long black oval applied to it for the nose, and a smile drawn under the nose.

Tip: You can also mix techniques. Apply two rounds of felt for the eyes, embroider a pupil on top, then draw a mouth, for example. Avoid using sewn buttons, embossed paints, glued glitter, or any other small objects that could come apart and be swallowed by the children.

4. Create the blanket’s ears

Depending on the blanket you choose to make, add ears or horns:

 – Experiment with paper shapes: triangles for a cat, rounds for a bear, long ovals for a rabbit…

 – Lay them on the top edge to choose the right size and placement.

 – When you are satisfied, mark the locations on the square of fabric forming the body to find them: draw a line on each side of each ear or horn, on the centimeter of seam value, using chalk, pen, or felt pen.

 – Then, cut this shape out of the fabric of your choice:

 ◦ in felt: cut out the shape twice (once for each ear or horn), adding 1 cm of seam values at the base of the ear only.

 ◦ Fabric:

  • Cut out the shape four times (twice for each ear or horn), adding 1 cm of seam values all around.
  • Place two pieces right sides together, then straight stitch 1 cm from the edge, leaving the base open.
  • Trim along the seams to leave only a few millimeters, then turn over.
  • Fill the ear or horn with a bit of absorbent cotton, then do the same with the second.

5. Add the arms, tail, and legs of the comforter

Proceed exactly as for the ears:

 – The arms, wings, or legs go on each side of the body. The legs or paws are on the bottom. If you want one, the tail between or under the two legs.

 – Prepare the shapes, then mark the locations on the sides and bottom of the body fabric square to find them.

 – Assemble and fill in each part as needed.

Good to know: no need to make complicated shapes if you are just starting. Use half circles or rounded rectangles, for example, to symbolize arms, legs, wings, legs, tail…

6. Assemble the comforter

Prepare the different elements.

 – Place all the external parts of the comforter (ears, arms, legs, tail…) on the square of fabric forming the body of the comforter, on their marks, as before.

 – Fold each one towards the inside of the square in a mirror image: the base of the ears should be aligned with the top edge, the base of the arms with the edges of the sides, the base of the legs and tail with the bottom edge. All the pieces end up on the fabric square.

 – Pin each piece in place.

 – Place the second fabric square on top of the first, right sides together.

 – Pin edge to edge, so all the outer parts (ears, arms, legs, tail…) are enclosed inside.

Sew the comforter

 – Stitch all around the square, along the edges, leaving an opening of about 5 cm. Plan this opening in a place without an outer part: between two legs, for example, or on a side without legs.

 – Finish with a stop stitch.

 – Turn the comforter over gently and fill it with absorbent cotton.

– Fold the edges of the opening inward and close it by hand with a tiny stitch.

7. Proceed to the finishing touches of the comforter

 – Add a personalized label to mark your creations.

 – Embroider the child’s name on the back.

 – Add bells or other charms to the inside of the comforter if you want it to make noise. For moms who have worn a pregnancy bola, slip it inside as well; the sound of the comforter will reassure newborns.

 – Tie a strip of fabric around the comforter to make a sling.

countertop

How to Install Your Countertop

Contents

    – Step 1: Prepare to install the countertop

    – Step 2: Cut out the countertop

    – Step 3: Installing the countertop

    – Step 4: Finishing

As the centerpiece of a kitchen, the countertop is now as decorative as it is functional. Of a very different nature, you can easily install it without special tools.

Depending on the material (wood, marble or granite, reconstituted stone…) that composes it, the cuts will have to be subcontracted to a professional with the appropriate cutting tools.

Here are some tips on how to install a countertop at home.

1. Prepare the installation of the countertop

The installation of a countertop must be rigorously horizontal, and this is why it is essential to check the flatness of the assembled furniture.

To do this, you can use a large aluminum mason’s rule. The advantage of these rulers is that they are dimensionally stable (under normal conditions of use). To check the flatness, proceed as follows:

    – Place the mason’s rule over the kitchen base units.

    – Place the spirit level and check for levelness.

    – If the bubble is not between the 2 lines of the level indicating that the surface is flat, adjust the height of the furniture concerned by screwing or unscrewing the furniture legs until perfect flatness is achieved.

    – Make sure that all furniture is securely fastened together and that no movement is possible.

2. Cut out the countertop

Before placing the countertop on the kitchen furniture, you must cut it to the correct length.

If you place the countertop in a corner, check that the intersection is at 90° using the square. To cut the countertop, here are the right steps:

    – Measure the length of the countertop.

    – Place the work surface on stable support: table, trestle… without turning it over!

    – Transfer the measured length to the work surface.

    – Cut the work surface with a jigsaw with a reversed blade.

3. Lay the work surface

countertop

You must now place the countertop on the furniture. Fasten the countertop with screws through the top of the furniture:

    – Drill holes in the elements with a drill every 50 cm.

    – Place the countertop on the furniture.

    – Fasten the countertop to the furniture by screwing from underneath at the drilled locations.

4. Finishing

    – Cut an edge strip the width of the countertop.

    – Glue the edge strip with an iron if it can be thermo-glued; otherwise, use contact glue such as neoprene-based glue. Apply this glue to the edge and the edge of the countertop.

    – File by pressing lightly on the edges.

    – Then, apply a special kitchen silicone sealant or a brushed aluminum profile strip to the back of the countertop.

Materials required for the installation of a countertop

Aluminum ruler 2 m About $15
Spirit level Starting at $4
Phillips screwdriver Starting at $3
Jigsaw Starting at $30
Reverse blade for jigsaw $10 approx.
Iron Starting at about $40
Drill Starting at $30
Trestles $7 for 2
Pencil $0,50
File Starting at $5
Neoprene glue Starting at $5

Read more:

How Do You Fix a Quartz Countertop;

Quartz Countertops: The Key Benefits!

3 DIY Tips for Making a Natural Shower Gel;

7 Good Reasons to Start Doing Crafts;

4 Easy Tips Every DIY Enthusiast Should Know!

4 Important Tips for DIY Beginners;

The 7 Top Safety Precautions for DIY;

5 Steps to Driving a Nail Like a Pro;

3 Easy Steps for Making a Scrub With Baking Soda;

2 Important Steps on How to Paint a Window;

7 Important Steps to Install Wallpaper.

Hope this post will help you install your countertop. Remember to share and comment!

 

How to Paint a Window

2 Important Steps on How to Paint a Window

2 Important Steps on How to Paint a Window

 Contents

 – Before you start…

 – Step 1: Prepare the surface

 – Step 2: Case 1: Apply paint to a swinging window

 – Step 2: Case 2: Painting a sliding window

 Repainting a window can protect a new frame, change the decoration or renovate an old opening.

 It is possible to paint wood and aluminum windows, provided that the coating is adapted to the material. Many types of paints are available on the market today.

 It is essential to do careful preparation and follow the steps to ensure optimal results.

 Here’s how to paint a window, whether it’s hinged or sliding.

How to Paint a Window
How to Paint a Window

 Before you begin…

 – Be sure to select an appropriate paint for the window: exterior or interior wood, aluminum, etc.

 – Before repainting old paint, make sure it is in good condition. If they are not, strip them completely so that the new coating will adhere better.

 Ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the old paint or base (for example, acrylic will not hold on to glycerine). If necessary, use a primer beforehand to neutralize the base.

 – Do not paint the seals. Be sure to protect them with masking tape beforehand.

 – Adapt the brush to the size of the wood to be painted to avoid overflow: the brushes on the moldings, a small roller on the amounts, or a small flat brush for the edges.

 Warning: it is not recommended to paint PVC windows! Even with a special undercoat, the paint may flake off. If you choose dark color instead of white, be aware that PVC is not made to withstand expansion when exposed to the sun…

 1. Prepare the support

How to Paint a Window
How to Paint a Window

 Before painting your windows, it is advisable to prepare your support as with any painting project. This preparation will differ according to the nature of the support.

 Note: this method also applies to the painting of tilt and turn windows.

 – Remove old paint with a scraper, sanding paper, or paint stripper to obtain a clean and smooth surface.

 – Dust with a brush and clean the entire surface with a detergent.

 – Let dry.

 – Apply masking tape all around glazing, walls, metal elements if necessary, and on the joints.

 On new or good condition siding

How to Paint a Window
How to Paint a Window

 – Clean the window with a detergent to remove all dirt.

 – Let dry well.

 On raw wood

How to Paint a Window
How to Paint a Window

 – Sand with fine grain paper.

 – Apply a preventive treatment.

 On aluminum

How to Paint a Window
How to Paint a Window

 Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to facilitate the adhesion of the new paint.

 2. Case 1: Apply the paint on a swinging window

 – Work on a closed window or lay the sash to facilitate horizontal work. In this case, be sure to remove all metal parts if they are not to be painted.

 – Apply a primer if necessary:

 ◦ Start with the moldings and rods with small brushes, then continue on the crosspieces and stiles with a small roller.

 ◦ Don’t overload your brush, or you’ll risk drips!

 ◦ Paint the frame last.

 ◦ Let it dry before moving on to the finish.

 – Use a paint that is appropriate for the surface. Proceed as you did with the primer coat.

 – Open the window and paint the remaining parts.

 – Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and recommended number of coats.

 – Carefully remove the masking tape once the paint no longer sticks to your finger.

 – Wait several days before reassembling the sash onto the frame.

 2. Case 2: Apply paint to sliding window

 To successfully paint your sliding windows, we will start by painting the exterior sash:

 – Delineate the areas to be painted with masking tape. Protect the sealing joints in particular.

 – Open both sashes.

 – First, paint the visible parts of the outer frame without touching the tracks.

 – Move the inner sash to paint the rest of the outer frame. Let it dry.

 Then proceed to paint the inner sash:

 – Paint the inner sash and then the window frame.

 – Let it dry well.

 

 Finally, you must apply the paint to the slides and ornaments:

 – Proceed to paint the inner slides and the accessible portion of the outer slides.

 – Remove the masking tape before the paint is dry to avoid tearing it off.

 Materials for painting a window

 Sanding paper Approximately $5 per 3 sheets
 Alkaline detergent $3 approx.
 Masking tape $1 per roll
 Roller Starting at $5
 Flat brush Starting at $1
 Universal undercoat Starting at $10 per liter
 Scraper $10 approx.
 Sponge $1 approx.
 Stripper About $22/L
 Brush Starting at $3
Wallpaper

7 Important Steps to Install Wallpaper

7 Important Steps to Install Wallpaper

Contents

– Tips for hanging wallpaper

– Step 1: Prepare to hang the first strip of wallpaper

– Step 2: Cut the first strip of wallpaper

– Step 3: Glue the first strip of wallpaper

– Step 4: Install the first strip of wallpaper

– Step 5: Continue with the wallpaper installation

– Step 6: Wallpaper the openings

– Step 7: Do the finishing touches

With its variations of colors, textures, and patterns, wallpaper is back in fashion. It is relatively easy to decorate a room, as long as you use the right tools, follow a few installation guidelines, and be meticulous.

Before installing wallpaper, it is necessary to prepare the support to facilitate the gluing and the smooth holding.

Tips for installing wallpaper

– Choose a glue adapted to the type of paper (vinyl paper, standard…).

– Check the characteristics of the paper before starting: double gluing, joints…

– For papers with joints, remember to match each strip. When cutting, take into account the height of the seam usually indicated on the roll.

– Choose a plastic flask for vinyl and expanded papers.

– Remember to remove everything that is attached to the walls: switches, sockets, lighting…

1. Prepare the installation of the first strip of wallpaper

Mix wallpaper paste according to the dosage and instructions indicated on the product. Unfold the gluing table if necessary. If you don’t have one, you can use a door placed on two trestles, which will be easier to clean than a table.

Choose a corner, the edge of a door, or a window to lay the first strip. Check the verticality of this starting point with a spirit level.

To ensure the final rendering and verticality of the wallpaper, transfer the width of the strip to the wall with the tape measure. Draw a straight line that will serve as a guide along the entire height of the wall with the ruler and the spirit level.

Be careful: observe this step because this first strip serves as a base and reference for the rest of the work. If it is laid crooked, everything else will certainly be crooked.

2. Cut the first strip of wallpaper

– Determine the height of the strip.

– Remember to add about 10 cm for the cuts.

– On the gluing table, cut the first strip using a pair of scissors or a cutter.

3. Glue the first strip of wallpaper

– Turn the strip over on its back and glue it widely with the gluing brush, from the center to the edges.

– Fold it on itself, in accordion or wallet shape, without marking the folds, and let the glue soak in as long as necessary.

– If the wallpaper requires double gluing, remember to glue the wall as well.

4. Installing the first strip of wallpaper

To install the strip, start at the top:

– Position it according to the markings, remembering to make it protrude about 5 cm towards the ceiling for cutting.

– Marouflez with the brush to wallpaper, while leaving the interior towards outside to drive out the air.

– Check by stepping back that the strip is well-positioned. If necessary, gently peel off and replace.

– Unfold the entire height, respecting the line.

– Stamp the entire surface.

5. Continue the installation of the wallpaper

Wallpaper

Cut the following strips from the roll. Glue them as you go along.

When the glue time is over, apply the second strip starting from the top and following the edge of the first.

Note: do not take into account the sockets and switches that have been removed beforehand.

After taping, remove the excess glue with a wet sponge and pass the roller on the edges of the strips to glue them perfectly.

Repeat the operation for all the following strips.

6. Installing wallpaper at the level of the openings

It is easier to adapt the width of the strip so that it arrives close to the window than to take a whole strip and cut it following the angles of the window.

At doors and windows:

– Take the measurement of the width of the strip and possibly other cuts (height between the door and the ceiling…). Add about 10 cm for the cuts.

– Transfer these measurements to the strip, and with the mason’s rule, trace the cut.

– With the scissors or the cutter, cut according to the marks.

Proceed with the gluing, the installation, and the taping according to the previous indications.

7. Make the finishing touches

For cuts in the ceiling, at the bottom of the wall, and around the windows, use the wide spatula and the cutter.

Position the spatula perpendicular to the paper and follow the edge of the blade with the cutter.

Note: at the outlets and switches, cut a cross with the cutter. Remove the wires and reassemble the sockets and switches after the wallpaper is completely dry.

Materials for wallpapering

Wallpaper paste Approx. $3 per 250 g package
Wallpaper brush About $3
Aluminum ruler 2 m About $15
Gluing brush About $7
Sponge $1 approx.
Cutter About $3
Wide spatula About $5
Tape measure Starting at $4
Spirit level Starting at $4
Pair of scissors Starting at $3
Upholstery wheel Starting at $2

 

Do you want more DIY tips? Read more here:

DIY

The 7 Top Safety Precautions for DIY

The 7 Top Safety Precautions for DIY

Contents

    – Before you start

    – During the DIY process

    – After the work

    – What to do in case of an accident?

On average, one person is admitted to the emergency room every two minutes for a DIY accident. Falls, cuts, burns, crushing, electrocution, and poisoning are the most frequent injuries.

Here are all the precautions you need to take to work safely.

Good to know: to stay on good terms with your neighbors, remember to warn them of your DIY work. Check with your town hall to find out what hours are tolerated and set by the bylaws.

Before starting

The vast majority of DIY accidents occur when basic safety rules are not followed. To avoid this:

    – 1. Please choose the right tools for your work and make sure they are in good condition. An unsuitable or worn tool can be dangerous for your safety and that of your environment.

    – 2. Protect yourself:

        ◦ by using quality safety equipment: gloves, mask, chemical resistant boots, hearing protection, hard hat, and safety glasses;

        ◦ tying back your hair;

        ◦ removing your jewelry;

        ◦ choosing clothing that is neither too loose so as not to snag the material nor too tight so as not to impede your movement.

    – 3. Arrange your work environment to suit the job:

        ◦ Be sure not to use electricity near water.

        ◦ Do not perform work in a poorly lit and ventilated area.

        ◦ Keep your work area free of dust and other items that may interfere with your work.

        ◦ Check the stability and sturdiness of the tools and supports used.

    – 4. Read the instruction manuals to learn as much as possible about the specifics of the tools you are using and the safety instructions to follow.

      Warning: an odorless product is not a risk-free product. Many products contain chemicals, even if they do not smell.

During the work

DIY

When your work is in progress:

    – 5. Keep children away: chemical fumes, splashes, and noise are even more dangerous for them than they are for you.

    – 6. Stay focused on your work: When you’re working on a project, even small mistakes can have dramatic consequences. It’s very easy to break a finger with a hammer or fall off a scaffold because you didn’t secure yourself properly. So be careful throughout the DIY process.

After the job

If the job is finished, you still have a few steps to take before you are completely done:

    – 7. (i) Tidy up your work environment: unplug all appliances and put toxic products out of reach of children.

    – 7. (ii) Tidy up, clean up, and air out: this will prevent you from getting your feet caught in the extension cord or causing a fire by leaving an appliance plugged in.

Please note: this list is not exhaustive. The precautions to take depend on the work being done and the equipment used.

What to do in case of an accident?

    – In the event of a minor burn, place the affected area under cold water for 15 minutes and then apply greasy tulle.

    – In case of a cut, disinfect the affected area and protect it with a bandage.

    – In case of projection on the face, rinse abundantly with water, and contact a doctor.

    – In case of injection or ingestion of the chemical, contact your nearest poison control center.

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4 Important Tips for DIY Beginners

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