Every stylish person will tell you that knitting accessories can make the outfit. Well, it’s the same with knitters! The right accessory can make a difference when working on a project. Here’s a look at some of the “must-haves” on our list!
The Right Tape Measure
First and foremost, everyone who knits or crochets, needs the right tape measure. As every knit and crochet person will tell you, determining gauge is important to the success of your project. You need a tape measure to do that properly – and that is just the start of the long list that details when there is a need for measurements. Some examples are:
- Determining how much you have knitted or crocheted.
- Measuring your head – or the head of someone you love!
- Determining the width or length of a project – or a body!
- Measuring cuff width & length – for a variety of projects.
It’s always a good idea to stash a tape measure in any bag – not just your knitting bag. It’s uses are manifold! Imagine if you are in a store and see the perfect table for your new kitchen. Just whip out one of these to see if it will fit. (You will also impress yourself with your readiness! )
These birchwood tape measures are a light shade of a strong wood and come decorated with sweet sheep to remind us of our wooly friends. There is a retractable button on the reverse side, and its compact size case (approximately 2”) holds 60” of measurement tape.
If a soft case, in a pretty color, is your choice, here’s one that is part of our Mindful Collection.
Needle & Hook Gauges
Indispensable is the right word for these Gauges. How else could one measure the unmarked extra needle or hook in their supply stash? What else could help you measure gauge and help save lost hours? One of these even comes with a yarn cutter built in so it’s a multi-purpose wonder.
Needle Gauges is a true multi-tool. It measures gauge and has a yarn cutter built in! PS: It also comes in Purple!
This bright red plastic knitting needle sizer will never get lost and its ruler helps you determine stitch width gauge.
Stitch Markers
Just ask any knitter or crochet fan about their favorite type of stitch marker and you are sure to get a variety of answers. Some love plastic for flexibility and color while some prefer metal for their hardness. Some like them round while some prefer square or even triangular ones! Others love the charm of a decorative marker while others are just as happy to use a piece of yarn. Whatever you choose, there’s one that will suit your needs.
Cases & Totes
Once you begin to make things it quickly becomes apparent that a good case for storing and carrying your project is mandatory. First of all, your work deserves to be handled with care and kept out of the way of pets and pollutants like dust and pollen. Next, it’s important that tools and accessories are at hand when you need them. Here are a few cases, large and small, that are attractive and useful.
A Mindful Tote – This large tote is as beautiful as it is functional. Designed to complement the Mindful Collection, it is the ideal size for large projects and tools. Multiple interior pockets help keep you organized. There is also a separate area for needles and small notions. A zippered outside pocket is a great place to stash a pattern or any other document material that needs to be kept flat. An inside hook for your keys insures they will be easy to find, and the long strap make it easy to sling over your shoulder.
A Mindful Small Project Bag is a perfectly sized storage solution for small projects and needles. Big enough to handle a hat or a pair of socks, it has an interior zippered pocket for those small notions that need a place of their own. The Mandala shaped charm helps you zip up neatly.
More Cases – There are several cases to help you keep your work and your needles organized. Go to the link above to see more examples of cases that will help keep your work and/or needles neatly stored.
As you can tell, the subject of Accessories for the knit and crochet audience is a big one. We decided to break it down into a few postings so come back to learn more in Part 2.
Coming Soon!