Knitting is more than just a hobby—it’s a calming, meditative practice that brings joy and creativity to your day. While yarn and needles are the stars of the show, there are several other tools that can enhance your knitting experience, making it easier, more efficient, and even more enjoyable. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 knitting tools and why they’re worth adding to your kit.
1. Knitting Needles
• Purpose: The primary tool for knitting! These come in various types—straight, circular, and double-pointed—depending on your project.
• How to Use: Choose the size and type of needle based on your yarn and pattern. Circular needles are great for larger projects like sweaters, while straight needles are ideal for smaller projects.
• Benefits: Investing in high-quality needles ensures smoother knitting and reduces hand fatigue.
W&C’s Favorite Knitting Needles:
2. Yarn Ball Winder
• Purpose: Transforms skeins of yarn into neat, manageable balls or cakes.
• How to Use: Attach your skein to the winder, turn the handle, and watch your yarn transform.
• Benefits: Prevents tangles, keeps your yarn organized, and makes your knitting sessions more efficient.
W&C’s favorite Ball Winder
3. Stitch Markers
• Purpose: Mark specific points in your knitting, like the beginning of a round or pattern changes.
• How to Use: Slip them onto your needle or attach them to your stitches to highlight key areas.
• Benefits: Helps keep your place, especially in intricate patterns, and reduces the chance of mistakes.
W&C’s favorite non-snag stitch markers
4. Tape Measure
• Purpose: Measure the dimensions of your project as you knit.
• How to Use: Use it to ensure your work matches the pattern’s specifications, especially for garments.
• Benefits: Ensures precision and a perfect fit for your finished piece.
W&C’s favorite tape measure Hobbygift
5. Row Counter
• Purpose: Keeps track of your rows and stitches in complex patterns.
• How to Use: Either a manual clicker or digital counter—simply update it after each row.
• Benefits: Eliminates the hassle of counting manually and reduces errors.
W&C’s favorite row counter. There’s also free row counting apps for your phone. Search “row counter for knitting in the app store!
6. Scissors or Yarn Snips
• Purpose: Cut yarn cleanly and easily.
• How to Use: Keep a pair of small, sharp scissors handy to trim ends and make clean cuts.
• Benefits: Compact and efficient for quick trims without fraying the yarn.
W&C’s favorite yarn snips
7. Darning Needle (Tapestry Needle)
• Purpose: Weave in loose ends or sew pieces together.
• How to Use: Thread yarn through the eye and use it to close seams or secure ends.
• Benefits: Gives your projects a polished, professional finish.
W&C’s favorite darning needle set and case
8. Blocking Mats and Pins
• Purpose: Shape and set your finished pieces to the correct dimensions.
• How to Use: Soak or steam your project, lay it out on the mat, and pin it in place until it dries.
• Benefits: Ensures even stitches, sharp edges, and the perfect final shape.
W&C’s favorite Blocking Mats and Pins
9. Yarn Swift
• Purpose: Holds your skein of yarn in place while you wind it into a ball.
• How to Use: Attach the yarn skein to the swift and rotate it as you wind.
• Benefits: Saves time and prevents tangles. A must-have if you often use skeins.
W&C’s Favorite Umbrella Swift
10. Knitting Bag or Organizer
• Purpose: Keeps all your tools and projects in one place.
• How to Use: Store your yarn, needles, and accessories in compartments for easy access.
• Benefits: Perfect for on-the-go knitters and ensures nothing gets misplaced.
W&C’s favorite knitting gear
Honorable Mentions (didn’t make the list, but I use these almost every project!):
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools can transform your knitting experience, making it more enjoyable. These 10 essentials are not just about convenience—they’re about enabling you to focus on the meditative, joyful process of knitting itself.
What are your favorite knitting tools? Let us know in the comments or share your tips for staying organized!
