If you’re an avid knitter, you’ve probably got your basic essentials covered: needles, yarn, stitch markers, and the like. But as you get more into the craft, you might find that there are some hidden gems in the world of knitting accessories – the ones you didn’t know you needed until you tried them. These tools might not be on every beginner’s list, but they’ll certainly make your knitting projects smoother, more organised, and more enjoyable. Let’s dive into some of these game-changing accessories that might just surprise you!
Needle Gauge: The Secret to Perfect Fit
A needle gauge is a small tool that often gets overlooked, but it’s an essential addition to your knitting kit. It helps you measure the exact size of your needles (or your crochet hooks) so you can be sure they match the size recommended in patterns.
Why You Need It
Over time, needle sizes can get worn down, and the markings can fade. A needle gauge ensures that you always have the right size needles for your projects, avoiding any potential gauge issues that could cause your project to go awry.
What to Look for
Most needle gauges are made of clear plastic or metal with holes that correspond to different needle sizes. Some even come with handy measurements to check the thickness of your yarn. Don’t forget to check out the massive inventory of knitting needle sets from Knit in a Box for your next creation.
Yarn Bowl: Say Goodbye to Tangled Yarn
If you’ve ever had your yarn roll across the floor mid-project, you know how frustrating it can be to keep your yarn under control. A yarn bowl solves this problem by keeping your yarn contained and tangle-free as you knit.
Why It’s Handy
The smooth curves of a yarn bowl guide your yarn through a small hole, preventing it from rolling around and getting tangled. This is especially useful when you’re working with slippery yarns or doing intricate projects that require constant tension control.
Style Matters
Yarn bowls come in all shapes and sizes, from simple wooden bowls to ceramic ones with beautiful designs. Find one that suits your style and makes knitting even more enjoyable.
Knitting Belt: An Unexpected Boost of Comfort
A knitting belt is a traditional tool used by knitters to help them hold their knitting in place while they work. It’s especially useful for people who knit for long periods and need extra support.
Why You Need It
If you find your arms or hands getting sore after long knitting sessions, a knitting belt can help distribute the weight of your project more evenly. It’s especially helpful for knitters who do a lot of intricate patterns or knit large items like blankets.
What It Does
You simply attach the belt to your waist, and the needles rest against it, freeing up your hands and making the knitting process more ergonomic.
Knitting Clamps: Keep Your Project Neat and Tidy
Knitting clamps are an excellent tool for keeping your project organised, especially when you’re working with multiple colours or complex stitches.
Why You Need Them
If you’re working on a large project or one with lots of different colour changes, knitting clamps can hold sections of your project in place. This helps prevent your work from getting tangled, and it makes it easier to follow the pattern.
How They Help
Knitting clamps come in various shapes, including small alligator clips or fabric-specific clips. They’re easy to attach to your project to keep it secure while you move around, making the knitting process far more manageable.
Signs of a Good Knitting Subscription Service
Clear Prices
Of course, you want to know how much you’re going to be paying for knitting subscription services. Often, they’ll have an introductory offer that you can take advantage of. But you want to see clear prices so that you know how much it’s going to cost moving forward. Indeed, the best companies are going to be transparent about their pricing structure. They can also allow you to control your deliveries and the type of box you get so that you can find one that suits your budget.
Excellent Customer Reviews
Don’t forget to read the reviews for a knitting subscription service. You want to ensure that people are being positive about the experience they’ve had, from the quality of the knitting patterns to the frequency of the boxes they’re receiving. When you see positive comments and five-star reviews, this can give you the confidence you need to start your subscription. You might find some reviews on their website. Alternatively, you can Google the company and see what others have to say about them.
Box Variations
Not everybody is going to want to knit the same thing. For example, you might be looking for patterns you can enjoy yourself, such as making a jumper. Then, you may want to knit for your grandchildren, which means you want boxes with the appropriate age. Thankfully, a good knitting subscription service is going to have a variety of boxes you can choose from. This allows you to select the one that you’ll enjoy and that will suit your needs.
Everything Included
There’s nothing worse than paying for a subscription just to find that you have to make additional purchases. It can feel like you’re spending a lot of money. But, you shouldn’t have to do this with are reputable provider. They want to ensure that their boxes are easy and fun, which means including all of the materials.
Conclusion
The knitting world is full of creative tools and accessories that can enhance your projects and make the process more enjoyable. While the basics like needles, yarn, and stitch markers are essential, these lesser-known accessories are often game-changers for knitters looking to streamline their workflow or add a touch of creativity to their work. By incorporating some of these accessories into your knitting routine, you’ll find that your projects become more manageable, organised, and even more fun. Happy knitting – and may your yarn always stay untangled!
