Some people may think that all you need to knit is a couple of needles and some yarn. While a pair of needles and yarn are the main materials used to knit a piece, there are some additional tools and accessories that are very useful when knitting a new project. Knitting notions is a term used in the knitting community to refer to tools and accessories you have in your knitting kit and help you while knitting. Here are some of my must have knitting notions.
1. Stitch markers
These tiny stitch markets are used to mark some part of your knitting piece and serve as a guide for future reference. They come in various forms, but these two are the most common.
2. Stitch holder
A stitch holder is used to hold stitches while you are working on other stitches.
3. Measuring tape
It’s very useful to have a measuring tape at hand when you are knitting, especially for a clothing garment. Patterns usually specify how much a piece needs to measure.
4. Tapestry needles
When you finish knitting your garment, you have to weave in the ends of your yarn tails. A tapestry needle helps you with that. It can also be used to sew seams together.
5. Cable needle
Cable needles are used to knit cables. They help you to hold some stitches while you knit the next ones, creating the cable pattern.
6. Knitting and needle gauge
This tool helps you to measure the gauge of your piece, so it will be the same as the pattern. Gauge is the measurement resulting from the number of stitches you knit in a determined number of rows. This tool also helps you measure the size of your knitting needle, in case is not written in the needle.
When you start learning how to knit, you may be focused on getting all your stitches right and finishing the project. As I learned new techniques and started new knitting projects, I found some tips and tricks that I wished I knew from the beginning. These are some of my tips for completing your knitting projects in a better way:
Read the pattern before starting
Before you start knitting your new project right away, take some time to read the whole pattern and fully understand what you are going to knit. In doing so, you will avoid making mistakes as you progress with your knitting. Avoid assuming what the next step will be, always read the pattern.
Get your gauge right
When you have a new knitting project, you may be eager to start knitting as soon as possible. Many people start knitting before they first test the gauge with their chosen needles and yarn. Gauge is the measurement resulting from the number of stitches you knit in a determined number of rows. All patterns include the gauge you need to get in order to produce a garment with the same measurements as the pattern says. Sometimes, you may need to change your needles or even your yarn to obtain the required gauge.
Knit at your own pace
Don’t compare yourself to other knitters. Some knitters are more experienced and knit faster than you. That fact shouldn’t affect how you feel about your own knitting speed. Knitting is a hobby, and it should be fun for you, so knit at your own pace and enjoy the process.
Block your final pieces
After you finish knitting all your individual pieces, you may want to sew all the seams together right away. Before you do that, make sure you block your pieces. Blocking means introducing water to your pieces so the fibers will relax and expand. The blocked piece will look much better and professional.
