This video was inspired by a list put together by The Wool Patch in this video ua-cam.com/video/u-1c6_RPYII/v-deo.html. I hope you'll go check that video out and don't forget to like, comment and subscribe :-)
Hey Caleb! Loving this video and wowzers.....you gotta lot of comments! A great response clearly!! Thanks for the mention and link! Really appreciated! Stuart - The Woolpatch :)
As usual spot on I think my most important tool for knitting is good lighting as I knit mostly socks the stitches are so small if you can't see you make mistakes
Jr,com,@,567) the other one of them were a little later 😊wetkoiioposa,hoikllbinmm,😀👋😄😆😁😊🤠👋 sadsffghjkiopl the same thing to do with a good 💯 the same thing but I can see if you need it done 👍👍 the same place ☺️☺️ and the other two of us to the car and the two the my kids are in a
As a beginner knitter having just finished my first sweater I think UA-cam might be my #1. It’s amazing how many resources there are to answer just about every knitting question I might have!
My favorite “tool” that makes my knitting life better is a chamber pot! Hear me out- my grandmother was the absolute dearest person to me and when she died I kept a big ceramic pot that I remembered her keeping different things in when it was in her home. I found out later it was her grandmother’s chamber pot. It’s the perfect size for two yarn cakes, it keeps the two colors I’m using in one place, acts as a yarn bowl and keeps the cats out. She taught me to knit so it’s sweet to have such a unique reminder. Cheers!
My #1 necessity for knitting is a good audiobook - I'll keep a book as an exclusive knitting-time read, wanting to continue the story will keep me knitting, plus I'll forever associate that item with that story. It works with any entertainment media and any type of craft, really, but something that has no visual component works best for me!
I love all of your top 5 and completely agree with those. One additional item that you didn’t mention is a neck lamp! I tend to knit and crochet in the evening after work, so it’s dark and having that extra light directed on your work is much easier on the eyes! 💜
I have to second the neck lamp!! I was knitting with dark yarn for a project and even in the day time I had a hard time seeing my stitches, and this was a GAME CHANGER
I’m a college student so I end up knitting for short periods of time in a lot of different places, and I nearly always have a backpack with me. For me the tool that has ended up being the most helpful for me is a small structured project bag and a carabiner that I use to clip it to a loop on my backpack strap! While eventually I would love to have a beautiful cloth or leather bag made by a local artist, I currently am using a plastic makeup bag/dopp kit I got from Walmart! It checks all of my boxes perfectly. It has one big pouch for my knitting, a small side pouch for notions, it’s structure is relatively firm so it doesn’t hang or twist weird as I’m walking, and it’s clear which is extra helpful for someone with adhd like me, lol. Also, it was cheap which is a necessity for a college student knitter! It’s handy to always have my sock, mitten, or hat within arms’ reach for when I have a few spare minutes to knit between classes or to use as a mindful study/practice break (I’m a music student, so I spend a lot of time in practice rooms lol). I’ve even been known to knit while waiting in line or in the elevator since I can just leave my ball of yarn in the project bag clipped to my backpack and easily knit while standing (or walking 😳🤫)
I don’t know if it’s really a “thing” I can’t knit without, but my friends that I knit with. Having a group to share tips with and who are always working on cool projects helps keep me inspired with whatever it is that I”m working on as well.
All those things that you list are so important! One thing not on the list that I use constantly is hand cream. Yarn, no matter the type, dries out my hands like nobody’s business.
The one thing that makes my knitting life easier is *time*. Making time to knit. I often want to make all the things for everyone, but it's so easy to get caught up in things that need to be done day-to-day that not only do I run out of time to knit, but I stress about not getting the projects done that I want to. So if I manage my time effectively, I'm much happier and able to knit more often, and get more done.
Must haves for knitting, a lidded coffee mug. I have knocked over coffee or tea on projects so many times. Having a good mug with a tight lid is a life changer. Next, crochet hooks in all the same sized as my knitting needles. From dropped stitches to binding off crochet hooks are a blessing. Comfortable chair. When I went wheelchair bound, I found that knitting in my wheelchair or office chair increased my pain. Having a decent cosy chair that supports my body as well as allows me to have my legs up is a blessing. Podcasts and audio books. I find that I am paying closer attention to the words as I work. Chiaogoo needles of course. Yes, they are phenomenal, and higher end. Worth it . A larger ball winder. I spent a little more for the larger one, because I like to have the 10 Oz skeins of yarn in one cake. Arthritis gloves. They help support my hands, are fingerless, and allow me to work longer. Headset. I use a 3m worktunes wireless headset. Drowns out background noises, and I can listen toy favorite books or even shows without boring my husband to death with the latest Sherlock book. For pouches. Dollar store makeup bags work. I get them in all sizes. I can have stitch markers separate from row counters. I have my cable needles separate from my dpns. Color and texture of the bag tell me what is in each. Lastly, a huswife. A sewing or knitting notions bag that I can carry separate from the main tools kit. It goes in the purse. I can have it when I am doing a quick dishcloth. Has sewing thread, a couple of stitch markers, a nippers, needles for sewing in ends. All kinds of things. It is usually more for sewing that knitting, but it has saved my bacon more than twice. I don't want to get a new winder and swift, just wanted to enter the conversation.
A container of dental floss! I use it for “life lines” or to mark a particular row. I insert it between pattern repeats and leave it in until I am done with that section so I can easily count how many times I have done that repeat. I was once working on a shawl that had 8-row repeats - 26 times. Looked weird with all of those strings hanging off but it certainly helped!
@@bobbiegirlalso no, I don’t tie it. Just run it along the row. I use enough so that it longer than the row. Yes, slick floss. Not waxed - that doesn’t glide along the row.
Thank you for that great tip! There are some needles that have a place for life lines, so the lifeline is places as yo knit. I am just getting to know about lifelines. What a lifesaver.😉
I love this video! Your videos make me wish I had started knitting when I lived in Chicago. My #1 knitting tool is actually PTFE thread seal tape. If your interchangeable needles tend to unscrew due to loose threading, then simple use a little teflon tape to help seal it together. I used this all the time on threadings when I worked in my chemistry lab and thought it would work for my interchangeable needles too. It's MAGIC, and I'm a wee bit proud of myself for figuring that out ☺️
As someone that's just starting to try to re-learn how to knit after very many years, my current favorite thing is UA-cam tutorials and channels such as yours that cover various techniques and tips. I learn so much more watching someone else demonstrate how to do things than I would even from photo "how-to" articles.
Personally I couldn’t do without my floor Ott lamp, especially with darker colors or unfamiliar stitches. As you get older the eyes don’t always read word for word and line for line lol. Thank you for your wonderful blogs. Diane
My favorite knitting tool is a military pace counter. My source is a veteran who makes them and sells them on ebay. You can choose his normal ones made from pony beads and standard 550 cord, or his mini version made with a lighter weight cord and smaller beads. I have several, so I can keep one with each project. When I start a project, I tie a pace counter to the tail, so my row tally never gets separated from the project. Also, for beginners -- you can't accidentally knit with the tail when has a pace counter tied to it.
Row counter & Needle stoppers would be additions for me AND I always recommend more than one tool bag. I buy multiples of the key items so I can have a tool bag in each WIP. Makes grabbing a WIP and going much easier.
I completely agree with everything you listed, and I would add my small kitchen scale to help me track yardage, as well as Ravelry, where I keep track of my entire stash (including yardage), and all of my patterns and projects, including modifications.
I love working with alpaca yarn. I just got interchangeable needles but find the metal ends kind of long, esp. for small objects. Any suggestions? I’d love to win the yarn winder and love knit pick yarn. Thank you.
@@deborahbarac8505 you can get mini needles for small projects and there are extra small cables too! Or there are the crazy trio sets for socks and sleeves. There are a myriad of different sized needles for any projects 💜
My favorite tip is to keep two size 0 circular knitting needles handy. If you have to rip out and then pick up stitches in preparation to continue with your project, having the size 0 needles (which I am assuming size 0 is way smaller than your project needle size) makes it easier because you don’t cause tugging at the fragile existing stitches making picking them up easier. Then, you just knit your first row off the size 0 needles because it is the take up (or right needle for right handed knitters) that determines your gauge. After you have your first retrieved row knitted, just store those handy size 0 needles.
Besides your list of basics, I use a WHITE TOWEL under my work in progress, especially when knitting with dark colored yarn. I also use the towel over my bag to keep the cats out! And I love your list as well. Thank you for all the great videos! You have been so helpful.
My favorite tool is watching UA-cam videos of other knitters because it helps me to learn other techniques and opens the world to different yarns, besides which, it feels nice to have "company" when I knit!
UA-cam! I couldn't even do more than knit stitch if it weren't for the amazing community here. Every technique, every stitch, was taught to me by someone here on youtube. Working a project with a tutorial is how I learned to read patterns. My other project must haves are graph paper, my repurposed jam jar of stitch markers, a small but long wooden box I keep tapestry needles and crochet hooks in, and my antique knitting needle box. I have a set of bamboo needles that don't have sizes on them so the needle box having sized and numbered holes for each pair of needles has helped so much. I'm saving up for interchangeable needles.
I can’t live without You Tube knitting podcasts and videos. Anytime I am stuck in a pattern or need to find out how to do something I just get on you tube and I find so many helpful videos. I think that is how I managed to find Drowning in Yarn - the make one left video saved my sanity. It’s also so relaxing to have a cup of tea, do some knitting and catch up with my favourite knitters.
While I lost my Grandmother over 30 years ago, knitting makes me feel as though she is near. Knitting with her needles makes her even closer while I think of the many things she knit with them. My favorite possession would have to be my great aunt's small crochet hook she used for tatting. It is in my go to bag and I use it often. 💓🧶
I’m a relatively new knitter. My absolute tool I can’t live without has been UA-cam. I am self taught using UA-cam videos. In the last two years I have made scarves, blankets, hats, shawls, sweaters, and socks all with the help of videos. Tons of tips, tutorials and advice that have made knitting enjoyable for me.
My #1 knitting tool is a closeable bag to carry my yarn, needles etc. I love the fact that it has little eyelets at the top that I can just feed the yarn through. The bag/tote allows me to take my projects on the go, which is fantastic since knitting is one of the ways I help regulate my anxiety. :D
Inspiration is the number 1 thing I can’t live without. If a project isn’t inspiring I won’t want to finish it. Inspiration is key for choosing not only the pattern but the yarn as well. All of it has to have a huge yum factor that fulfills my heart’s desire for beauty, creativity and the joy of inspiration itself. Thank you!
The one item that I can't do without is a timer! I set the alarm to go off in 15- or 20-minute intervals, just to give myself a break from knitting...my eyes, my wrists, my fingers and my 'derriere' are the happier for it!
Yes! To all of these items. To add to the list,…my favorite items I can’t live without: 1. cute & functional project bags with inner pockets to stash needles if project requires more than one needle size 2. Various sizes of Daiso zip lock bags to keep left over yarn or…for putting all yarn needed for a project in separate clear zip lock baggies with in larger project bag. This was a huge benefit for organizing and storing yarn for my 14 Color Woolstok Light Wrap.
For me, it's definitely having my tablet with me. I love watching knitting podcasts while I am knitting. It's really relaxing and always learning new techniques.
I love using my Lykke interchangeable needle set . There’s a great feel with these needles , the cords feel like one continuous needle as I knit since they are super durable and sturdy.
I only started knitting a few weeks ago so I’m pretty new to a lot of the tools used in the video, but the one thing I have found essential in my process is UA-cam itself! Lol not to be cliché but without UA-cam I would have no idea what I am doing, so thank you for having a channel that has inspired me to get into knitting 😊
I couldn’t do without my chiaogoo interchangable knitting needle set, yes they were expensive but I just love them. Also a tip I was given because I was already using a certain size from the set, was just use the right size needle as the right needle and use a slightly bigger needle as the left hand needle. I know it sounds wrong but it really works and it saves you having to buy duplicate needle sizes. Love your videos Caleb x
Needle point protectors!! My needles go through a lot when I'm traveling with them, even when I'm using a pouch so I appreciate these things that protect my needles.
My crochet hook for dropped stitches is definitely a life-saver- so glad I caught onto that as a newer knitter. A ball winder and swift would make my life sooo much easier for sure, though. It would give my poor kitchen chair a break. Haha
I learned to knit & crochet as a child and, after a very long absence, am relearning as an adult. My "must have" is a good selection of instructional videos. I save them on a playlist and revisit them whenever I am stuck. I can't tell you how often these handy lessons saved a project that I was about to give up on. Something that seems so difficult becomes easy with a little explanation and demonstration. :)
I agree with all of your essential tools list. Probably one thing I can't live without is my Kit and Caboodle bag from the 90's. It lets me keep all of my knitting supplies in one place and I can just grab it off the shelf and whatever I need is in there.
I’d have to say a must for me is my Ravelry account! I can keep track of my patterns, buy new ones, get free ones, and find inspiration! The thing I find it most useful for is yarn substitutions; if I don’t have/want to use the patterns suggested pattern I can look at other crafters who have completed the project in different yarns and see how it looks and their comments about it. It’s indirectly helped me learn a lot about fibers, even ones that I haven’t worked with before, like bamboo.
Spent an hour with this video on my mind and just realized I HAD to come back to mention if a tablet is one of yours then UTUBE videos that have taught me how to knit and fix my problems would be #1 on my list. Various UTUBE tutorials and podcasts like yours have brought the world of knitting into my home
Thanks for this, Caleb. The thing I can't knit without is UA-cam! Whether it be watching your videos while I knit, tutorials on how to do new stitches, or whatever it is, UA-cam allows me to be a better knitter and I couldn't do it without it!
I am a project bag junkie!!!! I make my own project bags according to what I am knitting. I made my own tool bag and move it from project to project. Larger bags for big items, small bags for socks and grandbaby projects. This keeps me up with my sewing and my knitting together!!!! Thanks for the helpful videos!!!!
Since I knit in my bedroom, I make sure is clean and I normally put a nice Candle scent to relax me and get in the knitting mode. I also make sure each time I purchase a new yarn, I keep track of where I purchased, take a pic, the price and how I like or dislike the yarn (I use Ravelry). I love having a good audiobook this way I focus on my stitches.
having a small notepad and pen has made knitting much easier, though it might look crazy having pages full of tally marks is the best way for me to track my rows! but a pouch for supplies is also a life saver :) thank you for the video also!!
I would add a bookshelf or some kind of storage for the inevitable yarn stash that will shortly build up haha Love love love interchangeable needle sets too!
I think I'd be lost without a stitch counter. Multiple stitch counters, one for each project. And a variety of stitch markers, different colors, types and sizes. And I totally agree about the yarn winder -- an absolute must! I've never heard of a swift before so thanks a million for that tip. I'll definitely get one now.
As a new knitter having a needle with a crochet hook on one end to quickly fix my many many many many mistakes has been indispensable! I’ve been working on learning brioche and it has literally aged me by 100years. But that little needle crochet hook combo tool left a touch of hope in my soul.
I have a little set of 3 mini crochet hooks, different sizes, that are like a key ring. They go where I go. I use them all the time! My other favorite that’s always with me, is a leather bracelet ruler. It’s so handy. And of course I have all the rest too. Scissors, stitch markers…the usual. 🌻🌻
I can’t live without my Knit Picks sunstruck needles!! I love how beautiful they are and warm in my hands but still slick and fast. I have every size dpns as well. Love these needles!!
I am a newer knitter and completely youtube taught, so I'd have to say access to youtube and printable patterns because that's where I get most of my project ideas. But I'd have to say my most treasured must have is my husband who constantly requests items and is extremely encouraging and supportive in my crazy yarn lady ways. After reading numerous comments I have picked up some great tips, so thank you!!
I can't live without my shelf system, bins and labels. I can find what I need and can inventory easily what I have. Thanks for the good video. I like the pad idea.
My knitting life definitely improved when I got my Chiagoo interchangeable needles. The red cables are amazingly flexible and perfect for magic loop or anything I try with them. The first thing I made with them was a pair of toe-up socks done two at a time on magic loop. I have fears of second sock syndrome, so I dove head-first when I made my first pair of socks!
I am a crocheter, but I love having project bags for the different things I'm working on! I'm not the kind of crafter who can sit down and do a project from start to finish, so I love having a dedicated place where I can keep all of the things I need for a particular project. I'm slowly working up to having multiple tool pouches, one for each of my project bags, so I can grab the project and get to work!
I agree with your list. You should love the yarn and needles you’re working with every day. As a fairly new knitter and taking classes here and there, having your tools readily available is wonderful. The one thing I would be small neck light. My lighting at home is very bright so having another focused light source has saved me from a lot of eye strain and mistakes in my knitting.
Inspiration. Wherever it comes from, otherwise knitting is just mechanical. I am definitely enjoying reading everyone's ideas, some of which are very clever! After all these years, I'm still looking for the 'just-right, always at hand' tool/project ideas.
I can’t even think of knitting without stitch markers! Obviously need them for when I knit in the round but I also love using them when I start knitting for that time to see how much I’ve knitted in that session. Slow progress is still progress 😇😇
My yarn umbrella swift and ball winder are 2 items I waited for years to buy, thinking they were luxury items that I could do without. I don’t know why on earth I waited that long to purchase them! They are the best! Also couldn’t do without my ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles. Sock blockers are pretty great as well. I find they make socks more presentable for gifting!
Thanks for this video! My addition to your list would be rectangular insulated lunch bags to use as project bags. The stiff sides make it easy to keep everything organized and they are the perfect size to store a project - yarn, pattern, accessories and the project itself. They also come in great patterns.
I have been wondering what to do with my late daughter's Dr. Who lunchbox. Thank you for the inspiration! It will be prefect for the hats, and socks I love to knit!
1) Chiagoo Interchangeable needle with lengths of cable between 8” and 50” for both small and large needles 2) crafting lamp with moveable head that I can position to give me excellent light 3) excess yarn for stitch markers 4) a good project bag with a pair of scissors in the bottom 5) yarn winder and swift!
I'm super new to knitting so my interchangeable needle kit is basically my sole knitting tool. Here are the 3 things that, from my very limited experience, make my knitting easier: 1) UA-cam knitting channels. I wouldn't be knitting without them...FULL STOP! 2) Alcohol. Not the healthiest suggestion but whenever I'm learning something new and get a little frustrated a drink helps me out. Also, it's the number one reason I fixed my knitting from being super tight to just right. 3) Awesome yarn! I've primarily just used craft store yarn such as lion brand and I was happy as could be, but I recently bought some really nice, and expensive(for me at least) yarn from a local dyer and it's like a whole new world of knitting opened up to me. I'm just knitting my first pair of socks which are far more complicated than anything I've done before and without the amazing yarn I probably wouldn't be as far as I am. I'm so excited to see them finished that even if I get a bit frustrated I push on rather than taking a break for a couple of days and going back to a project I'm comfortable with.
I am a relatively new knitter, so I'd say that You Tube videos are indespensible for me. I can play the video over and over until I'm proficit in a technique, or I can watch several different tutors until I find one that really clicks! Thanks to you and Knit Picks for the giveaway!
Other than what you have listed, I have 2 absolute must haves for my knitting. 1) MUSIC!! Listening to music helps me get into a rhythm and actually helps me knit more consistently. It also helps me stay positive when I get frustrated with my mistakes. 😉2) UA-cam!!!! My Grandma taught me how to knit back when I was a teenager. Unfortunately, she isn't around any more to help me when I get confused with what I'm doing. I've just recently picked up knitting again, but it's SOOOO easy to get lost and frustrated! With the WONDERFUL YT videos I've discovered, I know that I can always have a demonstration, a smile and an encouraging word on my laptop any time I need it. 😁Thanks for being one of the amazing contributors and keep up the great videos!
I like to share my projects with friends and family through texts and Facebook. They give me praise which keeps me going as I am learning to knit. Having someone to share with keeps knitting fun and interesting. So I would say my support from them is the best tool in my knitting arsenal.
I've just begun knitting after learning crochet little over a year ago. I can say the most important thing so far for me has been my friend's encouragement! I'm someone who frustrates quickly and will put a project down if I get bored or aggravated, so preserverence is key. But otherwise, in terms of physical tools, I carry those you listed along with a darning needle, and yarn ring
I agree with most of your list. Putting a lip balm in each project bag was a game changer for me. At night I’m always getting up to find my lip balm. Now I can just keep knitting.
It's such a small thing, but I've found that having some kind of row counter has made my life so much easier! When working on a pattern with many different cable patterns, I'll have a couple differently coloured row counters so I can keep track of all of them! I don't have to do as much counting (which can be so difficult with cabling) and it's really made knitting so much easier for me!
I can’t live without my Ravelry organization of my patterns , stash, and needles. Makes starting a new project easier. I also can’t live without my journal
My favorite tool, other than my chiagoo red twist interchangeable set, is the double ended crochet hooks from knit picks and the case that they came in. The case is the perfect size to hold the essentials and notions for on the go knitting and small enough to throw in a project back or even my purse. The double ended crochet hooks are fantastic for fixing dropped stitches especially when having to go back and forth on the different sides to do knits and purls or garter stitch, etc. each end is slightly different (for example 4.5mm is paired with 5mm) so I have pretty much all the sizes I need in half the hooks.
Wow almost 700 comments. My one item is plastic sandwich or quart size zip lock bags. After the yarn is in a cake or ball I put each one that I am using in a bag and poke a hole for the yarn to come thru. (Portable yarn bowl) This keeps the yarn clean and protected whether traveling, knitting on the go or at home. These are for every day use. I also have compression bags for travel. I once carried an afghan quantity of yarn in my carry on luggage along with a weeks worth of clothes! Compression bags kept the skeins compact and protected from TSA and other travel mishaps
Along with all the regular stuff, I like using my kilt pin from when I was a little girl. I store all of my more special stitch markers / progress keepers on it.
I think this list covered most of the knitting must haves. I think the thing that I can't knit without is the cute handled basket my family gave me. It is adorable and has a fox on it. That is my knitting need since it is so special to me.
The thing that I absolutely can’t do without is my ChiaGoo Interchangeable Needles. I do agree with all of the other items as well and have many of them. Thanks for making great videos! Happy Knitting 🧶
YES! At first I was all like "nah, I only like wooden needles" and used my Knitter's Pride ginger interchangeables and although I like that set--I also broke one of the needles one time and there's been other occasions where I fear I'll break one. I still love them and I'll definitely use my wooden ones although I wished the cables were a little better. Then I decided to work on a cardigan project and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about with the Chiagoo needles so I bought a fixed pair of size 6 for the project and I quickly realized that I was going to drop some money into buying an entire new interchangeable set because OH WOW! I LOVE THEM--the cables are just so sweet and easy to work with and the needles too! So yeah, definitely I agree there. They're a great investment.
A small tape measure is my absolute must because you can check the length of ribbing on a hat on the go which is such a great portable project. And I agree with the interchangeable needles. I bought a set, actually the KnitPicks set, early on in my knitting journey, and I'm so glad that I did because I haven't bought any other solid needles since, only additional cords and tips!
I've been knitting for just about 2 years now and I'm still in the process of learning the "art" of knitting. Every item you discussed is very helpful, bit I really love the use of stitch markers to help me keep track of the number of stitches I'm working with. I also like to keep my "fix it" crochet hook to correct any noticeable mistake quickly. I really enjoy your channel, there's always so much useful information.
My can’t do without items are my interchangeable needles but what inspires me and brings me joy is the color and textures in the different fibers. I see so many that I like and then I see some more lol. Knitting is my relaxation and stress reliever all in one!
I would have said my interchangeable needles, but then I got my first order of nice yarn yesterday and now I definitely have to say yarn. Using more affordable yarn was great while I was learning but after using Malabrigo Rasta for the first time, I'm never going back. It makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
These are great suggestions! I sometimes consider switching to iOS just for the better knitting experience. I'm not doing it year-round, so sometimes that friction makes it hard to start back. But for me, the singular tool I can't do without is stitch markers. Not because I'm tracking the number of stitches, or the beginning of a round, but because I can lay them out along the work strategically, like a change in the pattern, and feel safe frogging back to the last point I knew was correct. This is especially helpful on new patterns with complicated transitions and designs. It's a safety blanket.
I agree with the essential interchangeable needles. When I dont get the right stitch count, I have the needles to go up or down so I can get the correct count. Also I love love love yarn koozies. I make my own from scrap material and I love how it keeps my yarn clean and how it keeps it from rolling around everywhere. I have a yarn bowl but when Im on the go, a yarn bowl is not very portable. Lastly, I like to have extra cables so when my "in the round" project needs longer cables to make magic loop, its easy to just add a little bit of length.
All these are wonderful suggestions. I can’t knit without two things: my project bag and my Denise interchangeable knitting needles. Happy knitting everyone!
Loved the video! I’m a beginner knitter and for me an essential item is a piece of cloth; allow me to elaborate. The needles I am using for my first project are really long double pointed needles, and since I knit while sitting one of the needles is always hurting my thigh- thus my solution was to stick a piece of cloth form an old txshirt under my pants and that way the needle rests of that instead of my skin.
This video was inspired by a list put together by The Wool Patch in this video ua-cam.com/video/u-1c6_RPYII/v-deo.html. I hope you'll go check that video out and don't forget to like, comment and subscribe :-)
Hey Caleb! Loving this video and wowzers.....you gotta lot of comments! A great response clearly!! Thanks for the mention and link! Really appreciated! Stuart - The Woolpatch :)
As usual spot on I think my most important tool for knitting is good lighting as I knit mostly socks the stitches are so small if you can't see you make mistakes
Jr,com,@,567) the other one of them were a little later 😊wetkoiioposa,hoikllbinmm,😀👋😄😆😁😊🤠👋 sadsffghjkiopl the same thing to do with a good 💯 the same thing but I can see if you need it done 👍👍 the same place ☺️☺️ and the other two of us to the car and the two the my kids are in a
As a beginner knitter having just finished my first sweater I think UA-cam might be my #1. It’s amazing how many resources there are to answer just about every knitting question I might have!
My favorite “tool” that makes my knitting life better is a chamber pot! Hear me out- my grandmother was the absolute dearest person to me and when she died I kept a big ceramic pot that I remembered her keeping different things in when it was in her home. I found out later it was her grandmother’s chamber pot. It’s the perfect size for two yarn cakes, it keeps the two colors I’m using in one place, acts as a yarn bowl and keeps the cats out. She taught me to knit so it’s sweet to have such a unique reminder. Cheers!
My #1 necessity for knitting is a good audiobook - I'll keep a book as an exclusive knitting-time read, wanting to continue the story will keep me knitting, plus I'll forever associate that item with that story. It works with any entertainment media and any type of craft, really, but something that has no visual component works best for me!
I love all of your top 5 and completely agree with those. One additional item that you didn’t mention is a neck lamp! I tend to knit and crochet in the evening after work, so it’s dark and having that extra light directed on your work is much easier on the eyes! 💜
I have to second the neck lamp!! I was knitting with dark yarn for a project and even in the day time I had a hard time seeing my stitches, and this was a GAME CHANGER
Yes! I wear it so much I can’t even tell you the number of times I walked out of the house with it on 😂
This may be my answer to knitting after everyone else has gone to sleep in my house!
I’m a college student so I end up knitting for short periods of time in a lot of different places, and I nearly always have a backpack with me. For me the tool that has ended up being the most helpful for me is a small structured project bag and a carabiner that I use to clip it to a loop on my backpack strap!
While eventually I would love to have a beautiful cloth or leather bag made by a local artist, I currently am using a plastic makeup bag/dopp kit I got from Walmart! It checks all of my boxes perfectly. It has one big pouch for my knitting, a small side pouch for notions, it’s structure is relatively firm so it doesn’t hang or twist weird as I’m walking, and it’s clear which is extra helpful for someone with adhd like me, lol. Also, it was cheap which is a necessity for a college student knitter!
It’s handy to always have my sock, mitten, or hat within arms’ reach for when I have a few spare minutes to knit between classes or to use as a mindful study/practice break (I’m a music student, so I spend a lot of time in practice rooms lol). I’ve even been known to knit while waiting in line or in the elevator since I can just leave my ball of yarn in the project bag clipped to my backpack and easily knit while standing (or walking 😳🤫)
I use a beach bag I got from walmart. Spacious, lots of pockets and material the needles won't like through. Love it!
A comfortable chair
I don’t know if it’s really a “thing” I can’t knit without, but my friends that I knit with. Having a group to share tips with and who are always working on cool projects helps keep me inspired with whatever it is that I”m working on as well.
Truth
All those things that you list are so important! One thing not on the list that I use constantly is hand cream. Yarn, no matter the type, dries out my hands like nobody’s business.
The one thing that makes my knitting life easier is *time*. Making time to knit. I often want to make all the things for everyone, but it's so easy to get caught up in things that need to be done day-to-day that not only do I run out of time to knit, but I stress about not getting the projects done that I want to. So if I manage my time effectively, I'm much happier and able to knit more often, and get more done.
Must haves for knitting, a lidded coffee mug. I have knocked over coffee or tea on projects so many times. Having a good mug with a tight lid is a life changer.
Next, crochet hooks in all the same sized as my knitting needles. From dropped stitches to binding off crochet hooks are a blessing.
Comfortable chair. When I went wheelchair bound, I found that knitting in my wheelchair or office chair increased my pain. Having a decent cosy chair that supports my body as well as allows me to have my legs up is a blessing.
Podcasts and audio books. I find that I am paying closer attention to the words as I work.
Chiaogoo needles of course. Yes, they are phenomenal, and higher end. Worth it . A larger ball winder. I spent a little more for the larger one, because I like to have the 10 Oz skeins of yarn in one cake.
Arthritis gloves. They help support my hands, are fingerless, and allow me to work longer.
Headset. I use a 3m worktunes wireless headset. Drowns out background noises, and I can listen toy favorite books or even shows without boring my husband to death with the latest Sherlock book.
For pouches. Dollar store makeup bags work. I get them in all sizes. I can have stitch markers separate from row counters. I have my cable needles separate from my dpns. Color and texture of the bag tell me what is in each.
Lastly, a huswife. A sewing or knitting notions bag that I can carry separate from the main tools kit. It goes in the purse. I can have it when I am doing a quick dishcloth. Has sewing thread, a couple of stitch markers, a nippers, needles for sewing in ends. All kinds of things. It is usually more for sewing that knitting, but it has saved my bacon more than twice.
I don't want to get a new winder and swift, just wanted to enter the conversation.
A container of dental floss! I use it for “life lines” or to mark a particular row. I insert it between pattern repeats and leave it in until I am done with that section so I can easily count how many times I have done that repeat. I was once working on a shawl that had 8-row repeats - 26 times. Looked weird with all of those strings hanging off but it certainly helped!
I’m assuming you don’t tie the floss and that the floss is sticky enough so you don’t have to. Is that right? Or do you tie the floss? Good idea!
@@bobbiegirlalso no, I don’t tie it. Just run it along the row. I use enough so that it longer than the row.
Yes, slick floss. Not waxed - that doesn’t glide along the row.
@@janicec2087 thanks, great idea
Thank you for that great tip! There are some needles that have a place for life lines, so the lifeline is places as yo knit. I am just getting to know about lifelines. What a lifesaver.😉
@@ccpperrett7522 yes, my first needles that made that possible were my Denise interchangeables.
I cannot, absolutely can't, knit without my earbuds and a great book through audible ♡
I love this video! Your videos make me wish I had started knitting when I lived in Chicago. My #1 knitting tool is actually PTFE thread seal tape. If your interchangeable needles tend to unscrew due to loose threading, then simple use a little teflon tape to help seal it together. I used this all the time on threadings when I worked in my chemistry lab and thought it would work for my interchangeable needles too. It's MAGIC, and I'm a wee bit proud of myself for figuring that out ☺️
Great idea! I don’t have an interchangeable needle set yet. I worried that the ends (needles) would loosen or the yarn would catch at the joins.
Thank you for that simple solution to a very annoying problem!
As someone that's just starting to try to re-learn how to knit after very many years, my current favorite thing is UA-cam tutorials and channels such as yours that cover various techniques and tips. I learn so much more watching someone else demonstrate how to do things than I would even from photo "how-to" articles.
Personally I couldn’t do without my floor Ott lamp, especially with darker colors or unfamiliar stitches. As you get older the eyes don’t always read word for word and line for line lol. Thank you for your wonderful blogs. Diane
My favorite knitting tool is a military pace counter. My source is a veteran who makes them and sells them on ebay. You can choose his normal ones made from pony beads and standard 550 cord, or his mini version made with a lighter weight cord and smaller beads. I have several, so I can keep one with each project. When I start a project, I tie a pace counter to the tail, so my row tally never gets separated from the project. Also, for beginners -- you can't accidentally knit with the tail when has a pace counter tied to it.
Audiobooks!!!! There's something about getting lost in a knitting project and a good book that just makes everything right in the world.
Row counter & Needle stoppers would be additions for me AND I always recommend more than one tool bag. I buy multiples of the key items so I can have a tool bag in each WIP. Makes grabbing a WIP and going much easier.
I completely agree with everything you listed, and I would add my small kitchen scale to help me track yardage, as well as Ravelry, where I keep track of my entire stash (including yardage), and all of my patterns and projects, including modifications.
I love working with alpaca yarn. I just got interchangeable needles but find the metal ends kind of long, esp. for small objects. Any suggestions?
I’d love to win the yarn winder and love knit pick yarn. Thank you.
@@deborahbarac8505 you can get mini needles for small projects and there are extra small cables too! Or there are the crazy trio sets for socks and sleeves. There are a myriad of different sized needles for any projects 💜
I love my scale too!
My favorite tip is to keep two size 0 circular knitting needles handy. If you have to rip out and then pick up stitches in preparation to continue with your project, having the size 0 needles (which I am assuming size 0 is way smaller than your project needle size) makes it easier because you don’t cause tugging at the fragile existing stitches making picking them up easier. Then, you just knit your first row off the size 0 needles because it is the take up (or right needle for right handed knitters) that determines your gauge. After you have your first retrieved row knitted, just store those handy size 0 needles.
I cannot live without my circular row counter! I knit in the round more often than not and having a clear way to track my progress is just the best!
Besides your list of basics, I use a WHITE TOWEL under my work in progress, especially when knitting with dark colored yarn. I also use the towel over my bag to keep the cats out! And I love your list as well. Thank you for all the great videos! You have been so helpful.
My favorite tool is watching UA-cam videos of other knitters because it helps me to learn other techniques and opens the world to different yarns, besides which, it feels nice to have "company" when I knit!
UA-cam! I couldn't even do more than knit stitch if it weren't for the amazing community here. Every technique, every stitch, was taught to me by someone here on youtube. Working a project with a tutorial is how I learned to read patterns. My other project must haves are graph paper, my repurposed jam jar of stitch markers, a small but long wooden box I keep tapestry needles and crochet hooks in, and my antique knitting needle box. I have a set of bamboo needles that don't have sizes on them so the needle box having sized and numbered holes for each pair of needles has helped so much. I'm saving up for interchangeable needles.
I can’t live without You Tube knitting podcasts and videos. Anytime I am stuck in a pattern or need to find out how to do something I just get on you tube and I find so many helpful videos. I think that is how I managed to find Drowning in Yarn - the make one left video saved my sanity. It’s also so relaxing to have a cup of tea, do some knitting and catch up with my favourite knitters.
While I lost my Grandmother over 30 years ago, knitting makes me feel as though she is near. Knitting with her needles makes her even closer while I think of the many things she knit with them. My favorite possession would have to be my great aunt's small crochet hook she used for tatting. It is in my go to bag and I use it often. 💓🧶
I’m a relatively new knitter. My absolute tool I can’t live without has been UA-cam. I am self taught using UA-cam videos. In the last two years I have made scarves, blankets, hats, shawls, sweaters, and socks all with the help of videos. Tons of tips, tutorials and advice that have made knitting enjoyable for me.
I have been knitting for over half a century and fell in love with bamboo knitting needles. Stitch markers have been a life saver
My #1 knitting tool is a closeable bag to carry my yarn, needles etc. I love the fact that it has little eyelets at the top that I can just feed the yarn through. The bag/tote allows me to take my projects on the go, which is fantastic since knitting is one of the ways I help regulate my anxiety. :D
Inspiration is the number 1 thing I can’t live without. If a project isn’t inspiring I won’t want to finish it. Inspiration is key for choosing not only the pattern but the yarn as well. All of it has to have a huge yum factor that fulfills my heart’s desire for beauty, creativity and the joy of inspiration itself. Thank you!
I’ve just recently picked up knitting again and I love bamboo needles. UA-cam has also been invaluable and I couldn’t have coped without it!
The one item that I can't do without is a timer! I set the alarm to go off in 15- or 20-minute intervals, just to give myself a break from knitting...my eyes, my wrists, my fingers and my 'derriere' are the happier for it!
Yes! To all of these items.
To add to the list,…my favorite items I can’t live without: 1. cute & functional project bags with inner pockets to stash needles if project requires more than one needle size 2. Various sizes of Daiso zip lock bags to keep left over yarn or…for putting all yarn needed for a project in separate clear zip lock baggies with in larger project bag. This was a huge benefit for organizing and storing yarn for my 14 Color Woolstok Light Wrap.
UA-cam knitting channels make knitting easier, they are a good reference on all things knitting for newbs like me.
A blocking set! Such a good thing to have for all my sweater knitters out there
For me, it's definitely having my tablet with me. I love watching knitting podcasts while I am knitting. It's really relaxing and always learning new techniques.
I love using my Lykke interchangeable needle set . There’s a great feel with these needles , the cords feel like one continuous needle as I knit since they are super durable and sturdy.
I only started knitting a few weeks ago so I’m pretty new to a lot of the tools used in the video, but the one thing I have found essential in my process is UA-cam itself! Lol not to be cliché but without UA-cam I would have no idea what I am doing, so thank you for having a channel that has inspired me to get into knitting 😊
I love my interchangeable needles and cables! I have a beautiful multi-colored bamboo set from Knitters Pride!
I couldn’t do without my chiaogoo interchangable knitting needle set, yes they were expensive but I just love them. Also a tip I was given because I was already using a certain size from the set, was just use the right size needle as the right needle and use a slightly bigger needle as the left hand needle. I know it sounds wrong but it really works and it saves you having to buy duplicate needle sizes. Love your videos Caleb x
I completely agree! I have 2 sets of ChiaoGoo and I still find myself doing this though I usually go down a size.
Needle point protectors!! My needles go through a lot when I'm traveling with them, even when I'm using a pouch so I appreciate these things that protect my needles.
My crochet hook for dropped stitches is definitely a life-saver- so glad I caught onto that as a newer knitter. A ball winder and swift would make my life sooo much easier for sure, though. It would give my poor kitchen chair a break. Haha
I learned to knit & crochet as a child and, after a very long absence, am relearning as an adult. My "must have" is a good selection of instructional videos. I save them on a playlist and revisit them whenever I am stuck. I can't tell you how often these handy lessons saved a project that I was about to give up on. Something that seems so difficult becomes easy with a little explanation and demonstration. :)
I agree with all of your essential tools list. Probably one thing I can't live without is my Kit and Caboodle bag from the 90's. It lets me keep all of my knitting supplies in one place and I can just grab it off the shelf and whatever I need is in there.
I’d have to say a must for me is my Ravelry account! I can keep track of my patterns, buy new ones, get free ones, and find inspiration! The thing I find it most useful for is yarn substitutions; if I don’t have/want to use the patterns suggested pattern I can look at other crafters who have completed the project in different yarns and see how it looks and their comments about it. It’s indirectly helped me learn a lot about fibers, even ones that I haven’t worked with before, like bamboo.
Spent an hour with this video on my mind and just realized I HAD to come back to mention if a tablet is one of yours then UTUBE videos that have taught me how to knit and fix my problems would be #1 on my list. Various UTUBE tutorials and podcasts like yours have brought the world of knitting into my home
Thanks for this, Caleb. The thing I can't knit without is UA-cam! Whether it be watching your videos while I knit, tutorials on how to do new stitches, or whatever it is, UA-cam allows me to be a better knitter and I couldn't do it without it!
I am a project bag junkie!!!! I make my own project bags according to what I am knitting. I made my own tool bag and move it from project to project. Larger bags for big items, small bags for socks and grandbaby projects. This keeps me up with my sewing and my knitting together!!!! Thanks for the helpful videos!!!!
Since I knit in my bedroom, I make sure is clean and I normally put a nice Candle scent to relax me and get in the knitting mode. I also make sure each time I purchase a new yarn, I keep track of where I purchased, take a pic, the price and how I like or dislike the yarn (I use Ravelry). I love having a good audiobook this way I focus on my stitches.
I cannot live without a crochet hook. Really love the advise about knitting with yarn you love.
having a small notepad and pen has made knitting much easier, though it might look crazy having pages full of tally marks is the best way for me to track my rows! but a pouch for supplies is also a life saver :) thank you for the video also!!
I keep track of rows the same way! Works for me!!
I would add a bookshelf or some kind of storage for the inevitable yarn stash that will shortly build up haha
Love love love interchangeable needle sets too!
The tool that makes my knitting life better is the teachers I have found on UA-cam. I am self taught so I need to reference everything here!
I think I'd be lost without a stitch counter. Multiple stitch counters, one for each project. And a variety of stitch markers, different colors, types and sizes. And I totally agree about the yarn winder -- an absolute must! I've never heard of a swift before so thanks a million for that tip. I'll definitely get one now.
As a new knitter having a needle with a crochet hook on one end to quickly fix my many many many many mistakes has been indispensable! I’ve been working on learning brioche and it has literally aged me by 100years. But that little needle crochet hook combo tool left a touch of hope in my soul.
I have a little set of 3 mini crochet hooks, different sizes, that are like a key ring. They go where I go. I use them all the time! My other favorite that’s always with me, is a leather bracelet ruler. It’s so handy. And of course I have all the rest too. Scissors, stitch markers…the usual. 🌻🌻
I can’t live without my Knit Picks sunstruck needles!! I love how beautiful they are and warm in my hands but still slick and fast. I have every size dpns as well. Love these needles!!
I am a newer knitter and completely youtube taught, so I'd have to say access to youtube and printable patterns because that's where I get most of my project ideas. But I'd have to say my most treasured must have is my husband who constantly requests items and is extremely encouraging and supportive in my crazy yarn lady ways. After reading numerous comments I have picked up some great tips, so thank you!!
I can't live without my shelf system, bins and labels. I can find what I need and can inventory easily what I have. Thanks for the good video. I like the pad idea.
My knitting life definitely improved when I got my Chiagoo interchangeable needles. The red cables are amazingly flexible and perfect for magic loop or anything I try with them. The first thing I made with them was a pair of toe-up socks done two at a time on magic loop. I have fears of second sock syndrome, so I dove head-first when I made my first pair of socks!
I told myself when I first started that I would never need a row counter but wow it's made such a difference for working complicated patterns honestly
I am a crocheter, but I love having project bags for the different things I'm working on! I'm not the kind of crafter who can sit down and do a project from start to finish, so I love having a dedicated place where I can keep all of the things I need for a particular project. I'm slowly working up to having multiple tool pouches, one for each of my project bags, so I can grab the project and get to work!
My #1 life-saver is my very simple stitch markers! I love knitting socks and I couldn't do it without them
I agree with your list. You should love the yarn and needles you’re working with every day. As a fairly new knitter and taking classes here and there, having your tools readily available is wonderful. The one thing I would be small neck light. My lighting at home is very bright so having another focused light source has saved me from a lot of eye strain and mistakes in my knitting.
Inspiration. Wherever it comes from, otherwise knitting is just mechanical. I am definitely enjoying reading everyone's ideas, some of which are very clever! After all these years, I'm still looking for the 'just-right, always at hand' tool/project ideas.
I can’t even think of knitting without stitch markers! Obviously need them for when I knit in the round but I also love using them when I start knitting for that time to see how much I’ve knitted in that session. Slow progress is still progress 😇😇
My yarn umbrella swift and ball winder are 2 items I waited for years to buy, thinking they were luxury items that I could do without. I don’t know why on earth I waited that long to purchase them! They are the best! Also couldn’t do without my ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles. Sock blockers are pretty great as well. I find they make socks more presentable for gifting!
Thanks for this video! My addition to your list would be rectangular insulated lunch bags to use as project bags. The stiff sides make it easy to keep everything organized and they are the perfect size to store a project - yarn, pattern, accessories and the project itself. They also come in great patterns.
I have been wondering what to do with my late daughter's Dr. Who lunchbox. Thank you for the inspiration! It will be prefect for the hats, and socks I love to knit!
1) Chiagoo Interchangeable needle with lengths of cable between 8” and 50” for both small and large needles
2) crafting lamp with moveable head that I can position to give me excellent light
3) excess yarn for stitch markers
4) a good project bag with a pair of scissors in the bottom
5) yarn winder and swift!
I can't live without the Knit Kit (10 in 1 compact kit with all my notions)
My storage containers that keep my yarn organized by fiber! It saves so much time.
I'm super new to knitting so my interchangeable needle kit is basically my sole knitting tool. Here are the 3 things that, from my very limited experience, make my knitting easier:
1) UA-cam knitting channels. I wouldn't be knitting without them...FULL STOP!
2) Alcohol. Not the healthiest suggestion but whenever I'm learning something new and get a little frustrated a drink helps me out. Also, it's the number one reason I fixed my knitting from being super tight to just right.
3) Awesome yarn! I've primarily just used craft store yarn such as lion brand and I was happy as could be, but I recently bought some really nice, and expensive(for me at least) yarn from a local dyer and it's like a whole new world of knitting opened up to me. I'm just knitting my first pair of socks which are far more complicated than anything I've done before and without the amazing yarn I probably wouldn't be as far as I am. I'm so excited to see them finished that even if I get a bit frustrated I push on rather than taking a break for a couple of days and going back to a project I'm comfortable with.
I am a relatively new knitter, so I'd say that You Tube videos are indespensible for me. I can play the video over and over until I'm proficit in a technique, or I can watch several different tutors until I find one that really clicks! Thanks to you and Knit Picks for the giveaway!
Other than what you have listed, I have 2 absolute must haves for my knitting. 1) MUSIC!! Listening to music helps me get into a rhythm and actually helps me knit more consistently. It also helps me stay positive when I get frustrated with my mistakes. 😉2) UA-cam!!!! My Grandma taught me how to knit back when I was a teenager. Unfortunately, she isn't around any more to help me when I get confused with what I'm doing. I've just recently picked up knitting again, but it's SOOOO easy to get lost and frustrated! With the WONDERFUL YT videos I've discovered, I know that I can always have a demonstration, a smile and an encouraging word on my laptop any time I need it. 😁Thanks for being one of the amazing contributors and keep up the great videos!
I like to share my projects with friends and family through texts and Facebook. They give me praise which keeps me going as I am learning to knit. Having someone to share with keeps knitting fun and interesting. So I would say my support from them is the best tool in my knitting arsenal.
I've just begun knitting after learning crochet little over a year ago. I can say the most important thing so far for me has been my friend's encouragement! I'm someone who frustrates quickly and will put a project down if I get bored or aggravated, so preserverence is key. But otherwise, in terms of physical tools, I carry those you listed along with a darning needle, and yarn ring
I agree with most of your list. Putting a lip balm in each project bag was a game changer for me. At night I’m always getting up to find my lip balm. Now I can just keep knitting.
It's such a small thing, but I've found that having some kind of row counter has made my life so much easier! When working on a pattern with many different cable patterns, I'll have a couple differently coloured row counters so I can keep track of all of them! I don't have to do as much counting (which can be so difficult with cabling) and it's really made knitting so much easier for me!
I can’t live without my Ravelry organization of my patterns , stash, and needles. Makes starting a new project easier. I also can’t live without my journal
My favorite tool, other than my chiagoo red twist interchangeable set, is the double ended crochet hooks from knit picks and the case that they came in. The case is the perfect size to hold the essentials and notions for on the go knitting and small enough to throw in a project back or even my purse. The double ended crochet hooks are fantastic for fixing dropped stitches especially when having to go back and forth on the different sides to do knits and purls or garter stitch, etc. each end is slightly different (for example 4.5mm is paired with 5mm) so I have pretty much all the sizes I need in half the hooks.
I absolutely love my set of shorties interchangeable needles! Socks and sleeves became a breeze with these! Love'em!
Wow almost 700 comments. My one item is plastic sandwich or quart size zip lock bags. After the yarn is in a cake or ball I put each one that I am using in a bag and poke a hole for the yarn to come thru. (Portable yarn bowl) This keeps the yarn clean and protected whether traveling, knitting on the go or at home. These are for every day use. I also have compression bags for travel. I once carried an afghan quantity of yarn in my carry on luggage along with a weeks worth of clothes! Compression bags kept the skeins compact and protected from TSA and other travel mishaps
Along with all the regular stuff, I like using my kilt pin from when I was a little girl. I store all of my more special stitch markers / progress keepers on it.
LOL I've got a kilt pin as well.
My favorite knitting tool is coffee. 😍
Good choice! 😂
I think this list covered most of the knitting must haves. I think the thing that I can't knit without is the cute handled basket my family gave me. It is adorable and has a fox on it. That is my knitting need since it is so special to me.
I love having project bags so I can tuck away my work but have everything in one place for when I pick it up again.
The thing that I absolutely can’t do without is my ChiaGoo Interchangeable Needles. I do agree with all of the other items as well and have many of them. Thanks for making great videos! Happy Knitting 🧶
YES! At first I was all like "nah, I only like wooden needles" and used my Knitter's Pride ginger interchangeables and although I like that set--I also broke one of the needles one time and there's been other occasions where I fear I'll break one. I still love them and I'll definitely use my wooden ones although I wished the cables were a little better. Then I decided to work on a cardigan project and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about with the Chiagoo needles so I bought a fixed pair of size 6 for the project and I quickly realized that I was going to drop some money into buying an entire new interchangeable set because OH WOW! I LOVE THEM--the cables are just so sweet and easy to work with and the needles too!
So yeah, definitely I agree there. They're a great investment.
A small tape measure is my absolute must because you can check the length of ribbing on a hat on the go which is such a great portable project. And I agree with the interchangeable needles. I bought a set, actually the KnitPicks set, early on in my knitting journey, and I'm so glad that I did because I haven't bought any other solid needles since, only additional cords and tips!
I've been knitting for just about 2 years now and I'm still in the process of learning the "art" of knitting.
Every item you discussed is very helpful, bit I really love the use of stitch markers to help me keep track of the number of stitches I'm working with. I also like to keep my "fix it" crochet hook to correct any noticeable mistake quickly.
I really enjoy your channel, there's always so much useful information.
Stitch marker are your friend and life saver. Crochet thread for lifelines is also very helpful .
My can’t do without items are my interchangeable needles but what inspires me and brings me joy is the color and textures in the different fibers. I see so many that I like and then I see some more lol. Knitting is my relaxation and stress reliever all in one!
I would have said my interchangeable needles, but then I got my first order of nice yarn yesterday and now I definitely have to say yarn. Using more affordable yarn was great while I was learning but after using Malabrigo Rasta for the first time, I'm never going back. It makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
My interchangeably knitting needle set is changed the game for me and is definitely something I don’t think I can knit without!
These are great suggestions! I sometimes consider switching to iOS just for the better knitting experience. I'm not doing it year-round, so sometimes that friction makes it hard to start back.
But for me, the singular tool I can't do without is stitch markers. Not because I'm tracking the number of stitches, or the beginning of a round, but because I can lay them out along the work strategically, like a change in the pattern, and feel safe frogging back to the last point I knew was correct. This is especially helpful on new patterns with complicated transitions and designs. It's a safety blanket.
For me it's the pony floss. It's reusable and so much better than waste yarn. It makes trying on my sweaters so much easier.
Great tools! I love your honesty with your knitting tips! I couldn't knit without you tubers like you helping and teaching!
Being a new knitter I would have to say UA-cam. It is how I learned to knit and have found ao many tips, patterns, and ideas.
I agree with the essential interchangeable needles. When I dont get the right stitch count, I have the needles to go up or down so I can get the correct count. Also I love love love yarn koozies. I make my own from scrap material and I love how it keeps my yarn clean and how it keeps it from rolling around everywhere. I have a yarn bowl but when Im on the go, a yarn bowl is not very portable. Lastly, I like to have extra cables so when my "in the round" project needs longer cables to make magic loop, its easy to just add a little bit of length.
All these are wonderful suggestions. I can’t knit without two things: my project bag and my Denise interchangeable knitting needles. Happy knitting everyone!
Loved the video! I’m a beginner knitter and for me an essential item is a piece of cloth; allow me to elaborate. The needles I am using for my first project are really long double pointed needles, and since I knit while sitting one of the needles is always hurting my thigh- thus my solution was to stick a piece of cloth form an old txshirt under my pants and that way the needle rests of that instead of my skin.