Complete list of my favourite knitting aids that I use on my projects

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Of all the crafts that I do I would probably say that knitting is probably my favourite and my go to craft.  I love that I can sit watching the TV and at the same time be clicking away creating something at the same time.  Over the years of knitting I have learnt that there are a few knitting aids and gadgets that help me with my knitting projects.  I thought I would share these with you to help you with your projects as well.

Circular needles

I have knitted for years and I am really starting to find that the joints in my fingers and wrists are starting to suffer from the repetition.  I have found that knitting projects on a circular needle helps.  I don’t mean for everything to be knitted in the round, but continue knitting backwards and forwards as usual.  When your project is in the centre of the needles the weight will fall into your lap.  Therefore you are not holding up the weight of the completed part of your project on the needles while you knit.

These interchangeable needles are on my wish list at the moment.  I think they will really cut down on storage as the set can do a range of knitting without more needles being needed.  In addition if the project calls for a change of needle size this can easily be switched over without the need for a whole new set of needles.

Tape measure

Not really like the other knitting aids but I would say that a tape measure is essential if you are knitting.  The number of patterns that simply tell you to continue until the work measures X amount.  I personally find that a DIY rigid tape measure is best.  I am really naughty when I measure and I try to manipulate the project to be the right length.  This is often achieved by stretching the rows to get them to read the right measurement.  Yes I am very impatient and try to cheat. 

However with a rigid tape measure I can not stretch the work in the same way.  I can only lay it on top, hands free and read the measurement.  This prevents any cheating on my part and will ensure that completed item is actually the right size.

Stitch Counter App

With little ones in the house your traditional stitch counters are not that helpful.  Little fingers will get hold of them and are entertained by increasing the stitch count.  Therefore when you come back to the project you have absolutely no idea where you are. 

Similarly if you have a number of projects on the go you never have enough stitch counters to go round.  However I have found a brilliant app that does my stitch counting on my phone.  It can easily keep track of your stitches.  As well as having the ability to have several stitch counters on the go at the same time.  You just name each project and you can switch between them without getting confused.

Pinterest

If I ever get stuck or want to try and change a pattern then www.pinterest.com is my best friend.  I can simply do a quick search and within seconds I have a whole screen full of videos and links that will help me achieve the perfect project.  In the same way if I have an idea of something that I would like to make a quick browse will very quickly provide me with pattern ideas that will help my project materialise. 

One word of warning though, you can literally lose hours on pinterest.  So much so that you will spend more time scrolling than actually making.  So try and restrict yourself, limit how long you spend researching ideas so that you actually get around to creating as well.

Hooked cable needle

Rather than the traditional straight cable needle with the lump in the middle I personally find it a lot easier to use the bent needles when knitting cable.  The curve at one end of the needle makes it much more stable.  Therefore I can let go of the stitches on the bent cable needle and they do not fall off.  If like me you have children running around it is very helpful having a needle that will stay in place whether you hold on to it or not.

Project book

If you are like me you have a number of projects on the go or if you go off and do something different for a little while.  This means that it can be very difficult to keep track of your projects or the details of a project when you come back to it.  There are craft project books or journals available that are the perfect place to write down all the important details so you know exactly where to find it.  Important details like the amount of wool, needle size or special stitches can all be noted down to remind you in the future.

Let me know if there are any other gadgets or life savers that help you with your knitting projects.  I am always looking for hints and tips to create a bit quicker and easier.

If you are a multi crafter like myself you may find my post on sewing aids is also helpful for what I use for my sewing projects https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/top-8-sewing-aids-you-absolutely-need/