Eye Candy

Loving these "pearfect" stitch markers from Bryson. These locking stitch markers are great for knitting and crocheting. They are also really cute.

Knitter's Toolkit

After many years of knitting, I find that I’ve collected quite a few knitting tools and gadgets. Since the Close Knit staff is a group of seasoned knitters, I thought it might be interesting to find out what we all carry in our knitting bags.

There are a few crucial items that should be in every knitter’s toolkit. While a crochet hook, darning needle and stitch markers will get you through most knitting emergencies, many of us have much more than that in our little notions bags. We also tend to carry a measuring tape, row counter, scissors, cable needles, stitch holders and a knit check for sizing needles and checking gauge. I like to have a calculator close by and Elizabeth keeps a sketch book on hand for designing and jotting down ideas and inspiration.

Adrienne can’t knit without her row counter and stitch markers. She likes to “think as little as possible” when she knits, and these tools allow her to do that. She also swears by Addi Turbo needles to make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Sally, the minimalist among us, carries very few tools and prefers to make hash marks on her patterns over using row counters. She is a fan of interchangeable needle sets - just in case.

Nancy and Jenni both love the Lantern Moon measuring tapes and the fabulous Offhand Designs bags and needle cases.

The Pretty Cheep Bags from Blue Sky Alpacas and the silk bags from Lantern Moon are great for keeping smaller projects in their own little homes. A lot of knitters also like to use baskets, such as Bolga baskets and the rice baskets that we carry at Close Knit.

Of course, there are so many fun toys that can make the knitting process even more enjoyable. Elizabeth has her sights set on blocking wires and a fabulous wooden swift and ball winder, and Jenni would love to have a motorized ball winder for the shop.

What’s in your knitting bag? Earplugs? Wine bottle opener? Emergency contact numbers? Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite knitting gadgets and tools!