I do a lot of teaching and always
recommend The Perfect Knitting Kit to my student. Here's how to make yours!
The Perfect Knitting Kit starts with a small,
clear zippered case, such as those you would find in the cosmetics department. It is
absolutely perfect to hold all your knitting basics and because it is clear you
can peek inside to find that elusive tool that has dropped to the bottom.
Having a portable kit in this manner allows you to switch it out to work with
whatever current project you are knitting. My personal kit case is from Agnes B,
discovered on a trip to Paris; try to find a case that gives you pleasure, as
it will become the backbone of your knitting life.
Here are my recommendations for the right
items to include in your kit:
- A pair of small, very sharp scissors; make
sure you dedicate them for yarn only!
- Yarn needles - I prefer the Japanese Chibi
needles with bent tips that come in little plastic cases that are easy to spot
in your kit, and are available everywhere now
- A retractable measuring tape; mine is in
the shape of a sheep, and there are many other adorable variations now on the
market.
- Yarn T-pins and yarn safety pins are
essential for pinning and marking.
- Long and short stitch holders; the elegant coated metal
English Aeros are always in my case. There are also plastic Japanese versions
that open at either end which work very well
- Stitch markers; split-rings are good as they are easily
moved or removed, much better than the closed rings.
- Cable needles; I recommend straight cable
needles, including size 3, 6 and 10 US, in bamboo or wood.
- A small calculator – essential!
- Point protectors, both large and small;
these clever items keep your work on the needles, and they protect your
knitting from stray needles.
- A needle size and gauge ruler, which you
will use constantly. And for those of you with an iphone there is an APP for
needle sizing!
- Two crochet hooks, 1 small, 1 large,
perhaps a D and a K.
- The so-called “Dentist Tool”, with one
crochet hook end and one smooth pointed end, an unusual and invaluable tool,
and probably my favorite accessory! You can find this tool on the web at
www.patternworks.com.
- A pen and small notebook, for notations,
row counting and those quick to sprout design ideas. If you have an idea and
don’t jot it down it can often disappear!
