Best Knitting Tools {every knitter needs these!}

What are your favorite knitting tools? Find out what mine are AND hear from other knitters about their favorites too!
See the original question on the KZbin Community Tab:
• Post
Knitting Bags from JesabelleB -
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JesabelleB
🧶 LINKS:
Chiaogoo Knitting Needles
amzn.to/3SeG1iz
Knit Picks Ball Winder
shrsl.com/3jobg
Standwood Tabletop Swift
amzn.to/3vwBzmt
Umbrella Swift
shrsl.com/4di7i
Mesh Sweater Dryer
shrsl.com/3loll
Gleener
amzn.to/3vwHjMW
Neck Light
amzn.to/49yPdop
Digital Scale
amzn.to/3HfRGY3
Knitter's Pride Blockers
amzn.to/3SeDAMY
Flower Pins
shrsl.com/4di90
Lace Blocking Wires
shrsl.com/2g4b3
_____________
▶️ RELATED KNITTING VIDEOS:
Knitting Notions I NEVER Use
• Knitting Notions I NEV...
All About Blocking Hand Knits
• Knit and Chat: Why You...
Knitting Notions I ALWAYS Use
• Knitting Notions I ALW...
_____________
📌 CHAPTER LINKS:
00:00 Favorite Tools
1:18 Tool 1
6:13 Tool 2
10:30 Tool 3
12:54 Tool 4
14:50 Tool 5
17:09 Tool 6
19:48 Tool 7
20:59 Tool 8
23:47 More Recommendations
🧶 MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR KNITTERS 🧶
Favorite Knitting Tools & Gear: toniaknits.com/favorite-knitt...
FREE Knitting Resource Library - toniaknits.com/library/
Knitting Consultations: toniaknits.com/knitting-911/
_____________
↓↓↓ Follow Nerdy Knitting on Instagram ↓↓↓
/ nerdy.knitting
Disclaimer: Some links shared above or in the video may be affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nerdy Knitting is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#nerdyknitting #knittingtips #knitting

[@ccpperrett7522]

Tanya, currently, I use my mother's hands to hold my skeins as I wind my yarn. My mother has Alzheimers; helping wind my yarn is one of her favorite activities we do together.

[@NerdyKnitting]

That's lovely!

[@oldwoman123]

Ok…may sound silly, but ziplock bags are so handy! Just starting out knitting, on a budget? They keep your project safe and sound. Every size is useful to keep out moths or nosey pets.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Great idea!

[@ievabernieks325]

Not silly at all! I also Re-purpose/cycle the zippered bags that sheets & pillowcases come in. Plus it’s very easy to See which project is in which bag!👍🏻

[@mkeller18]

Instead of buying expensive blocking wires I found a local welding shop on Google and bought TIG welding wires. Dirt Cheap. I store them in a PVC tube.

[@GodGunsGutsandNRA]

I wind my balls, then I place them inside of quart ziplock bags to keep them clean, and tidy.

[@RepentfollowJesus]

Thank you. I'm just starting . Abd have dogs

[@debracubitt6191]

I like to listen to audiobooks while I knit😊

[@tonette11000]

To de-pill a sweater, my Austrian stepmother taught me to use fine emery paper or a fine emery board to comb the sweater. It's much gentler than any razor, less chance of causing a hole or a run!

[@NerdyKnitting]

I hadn't thought to use emery boards - what a great tip! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheSuluhope]

My son's great grand mother used to sew bags in different sizes, that she filled with goodies for her grand children and great grand child, when we visited. She passed away more than 10 years ago, but I still use those bags for my yarn and projects. They are not only useful but also a lovely reminder of a sweet and caring woman. Another of my favourite things is an old pokeball, from when my son was small. It has a little hole in the top and it's a perfect holder for small yarn balls. It's completely cat hair proof. I only wish I had saved more than one and that I had one for bigger yarn balls.

[@NerdyKnitting]

What a lovely reminder to honor her and use those bags she made! ❤ Pokeballs! What a great idea - I am going to keep that in mind!

[@user-he3rf9kf1l]

A tip… For those pesky circular needles, especially older “inherited” ones that won’t uncoil as you knit place the coil part in a coffee cup and cover with boiling water for a couple minutes. Then lift from the hot water holding the needle portion pull straight and run the coil under cold tap water. It’s near magical how the coil straightens out and retains that shape as you knit. The cord will easily coil again for storage.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Great tip! Thank you for sharing.

[@barbarakinsey2789]

I had heard of this method but not running cold water over them. I will try it. Thanks

[@metropolotankreyole]

I've been crocheting for a little more than a year. I feel like the best thing for me is having 1 crochet project and 1 knitting project going. Because I'm a leftie, my left hand gets tired when I crochet but my right wrist gets tired when I knit. Perfect balance.

[@sd26362]

I am a loom knitter and except for needles, we use most knitting tools. I love my neck light for all of the reasons you mentioned plus I use it when I knit as a passenger in the car. When you are knitting, time flies by, even on long trips. Using a loom requires larger project bags. My favorite bag is a Laurel Burch tote bag which is decorated with beautiful drawings of cats. It inspires me. I love your videos and the practical tips you share with us. Thank you!

[@jody1622]

That idea about the scale is great! I can use my baking scale…

[@joannawebb8683]

For project bags I have gone on marketplace and found leather tote bags, purses, thirty-one bags, etc very affordable. And I even found someone giving away outdoor fabric and canvas fabric to make project bags myself!! I have to say that even tho I really love knitting I get a Lil bit of an extra smile in my heart when it is in a pretty bag and not in a plastic bag 😅

[@yarnexpress]

Knitting bags. I've been knitting way over 50 yrs & just found my favorite knitting bag to hold my current WIP. It's a Carhardt East West tote. I mainly knit adult sweaters this bag will hold all the yarn, tools/notions. If I'm knitting on the road, I can add phone, wallet, & etc & I'm good to go. Will also hold a knitting technique book. Needles--Addi Turbos & Addi Lace. I'm a continental knitter so, except for lace a bluntish point is most comfortable. No interchangeable needles, since I started my fixed circular needle collection was extensive before interchangeables were any good. Forgot I use bamboo needles--Crystal Palace--for any slippery yarns--rayon/silk/cotton. Advice get the interlocking blocking mats with a grid. A real game changer when blocking. Projects: I normally have 3. 1 dead simple for mindless knitting; 1 that requires intense attention; & 3 something that's different than the other 1 maybe significantly larger or smaller sized needles for an ergonomic change.

[@GaSoonerGirl]

Chiaogoo circular needles are my go-to. And my husband made me a table top swift. Love that it is easy to store and set up.

[@anngladstone9130]

I have a huge collection of project bags... my friends call me the Bag Lady, haha. I love love love yarn spinners. I just bought my 3rd Hansen Craft spinner last month, two for brioche/double-knit projects, and one for everything else. Hansen's metal stem is detachable and stores in the base, so it's very portable. I also like decorative yarn bowls. Since I have the spinners, I mostly keep a bowl nearby for holding larger notions like measuring tape.

[@debraraymer3386]

I have Ott lights in both of my living rooms. I also have a portable neck ott, for the car.Ott lights are the best.

[@MadHarpy]

I have the KnitPicks ball winder but since I've been spinning my own yarn, larger was needed. So now I have an Ashford electric large ball winder. Another thing that is great is the Dreaming Robots yarn counter...very accurate and affordable.

[@jenniferfryer9638]

Great conversation. Love hearing everyone’s perspective.

[@ScrappyMim]

I'm a beginning knitter and love your videos. I first saw the neck light on one of your videos. I was gifted one for Christmas and it has fast become my favorite tool. I also got a ball winder and spent many happy hours winding up the basket of "scrap" yarn that my late sister in law gave me.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Yay for neck lights - such a great tool for the knitters!

[@tonette11000]

Brilliant thinking in regards to the blocking pad being a foam floor mat piece! I think I'll mark mine with a grid until I can afford a real blocking mat. Thank you!

[@user-dp3iu3hz7u]

I love my knitters pride interchangeable needles! They are the best as far as I’m concerned. I also have knit picks which are good too. I always use circulars. Rarely use straights anymore.

[@knitgirl.7676]

Love your podcast! As far as needles go-I have Hiya Hiya- both the steel and the sharps. The sharps are sharper than CG and also my Signatures. Those sharps can send you to the ER! My favs are Chiaogoo, but the Hiya Hiya are much lighter weight. They are great when your hands get tired from too much knitting. After my holiday knitting, my hands were killing me. Hiya Hiya to the rescue. My favorite knitting tool is a small little case - plastic with metal hinges and separate compartments to hold all the little notions. It is like a mini tackle box and it has lasted for years. Can’t have too many knitting needles- or too much yarn!

[@EvieO1950]

My favorite needles are the wooden Knit Pride interchangeables. Also love the Lykke needles. Chiagoo’s for socks. I have all the things you talked about except the Gleaner. I did not have good luck with Ott light quality but found a similar lamp with full spectrum light on Amazon.

[@KnittingAlongTheRockies]

I bought just a regular de-linter (battery operated), the kind with a little metal plate with holes in it, at Joann’s. I’ve had good luck with that. I only have 2 sets of interchangeable circular needles. The first set I got was the Clover Takumi bamboo set, purchased at Joann’s after waiting for a 60% off coupon 😄 second set was metal Chiaogoos purchased at a deep discount when a local yarn shop closed 😢 Both will have to do for now 😊

[@dianeh1541]

I use an Ott tabletop light. Works great and can direct it onto my knitting.

[@rosemaryschroyer604]

I have Hiya Hiya sharps interchangeables with swivel cords. I love them and are my go-to knitting needles. I also have the Stanwood large ball winder and the Lacis umbrella swift. They are my favorites.

[@joyceupper6477]

I own both kinds of swifts, I prefer the kind you have, easier set up and storage! I use a kitchen stool with a piece of shelf liner for sift and a wooden, folding TV stand for ball winder. Very portable, I move my winding to porch in summer.

[@marialitsas6502]

When I was learning to knit metal needles were too slippery and so I thought knitting wasn't for me. I tried wood needles and it completely changed the game. Now I'm feeling confident enough to try metal needles again for those more grippy yarns.

[@janlowe8736]

Once again you just amaze me. I loved loved loved the video. Thanks so much for taking the time to make it. I have known about the gleaner for some time but was apprehensive about buying it as I have never seen it in action. I am running to my LYS to purchase a travel gleaner today. Thanks again, Jan

[@NerdyKnitting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@heatherfowler4041]

Just found your podcast. Like my Chiaogoo circulars, and also use HiyaHiya. For socks I use DPNs usually Aero that I have had for many years. I also use Knit Picks ball winder and swift.

[@deborahsimpson2732]

Love Ottlite. Got ours at Hobby Lobby.

[@elviraloewen4703]

I also use the interlocking kids' mats to block and dry my knitted projects. I cover the mat surface with a large piece of 1" square red and white checked gingham. It's much cheaper than the pre-squared mats but works like a charm to help with measuring and keeping everything lined up and squared.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Gingham is such a great idea for pre-squared fabric! Thanks for the tip!

[@BBFCCO733]

As an Ontarian who previous lived in Quebec, the English version of Fabricville here is Fabricland. We also have some independent yarn stores across the province that probably carry the ball winder, as well as Michaels. Regarding knitpicks needles, I do miss the Fabricville because here they do not carry that brand, I have to order them online. Also of all places, Rossy carries some knit items and expecially love the Briggs & Little brand, I always drop by there in Gatineau, just for that reason. :)

[@NerdyKnitting]

I didn't realize Rossy carried any knitting things! Thanks for the tip.

[@dimsumgirl2860]

Fabricland is the English name for Fabricville :) As for whether I prefer a swift or a winder, I would choose a swift first because I like that the yarn will undins off of something smoothly and I can always use a nostepine (I bought a small bamboo rolling pin at the dollar store) or just wind in a ball. I have owned both a amish swift and an umbrella one, and there's pros and cons for both. Amish swifts you can lay anywhere but you need that wide berth of clean space on a table; an umbrella swift takes less real-estate but nowadays with table tops getting thicker and thicker some clamps may not open wide enough to accommodate. Same goes for winders. For instance, my dining room table top is 2.5 inches thick and my Royal ball winder can't clamp on but I have a Stanwood large winder that is great. I love my Chiaogoo red lace interchangeables. Hiya hiya are great as well and tend to be a bit cheaper. If you find cordsa bit kinky, you can soak them in hot tap water for a few minutes and they straighten up quite well, I do that with my Addi's and Hiya Hiyas all the time, works like a charm. For storage, I LOVE the "large photo storage boxes" (they will come up if you use that in amazon search). It's a clear plastic box with handles that have 16 smaller clear boxes (4x6) that nest neatly that I can keep all my fixed needles, buttons, notions etc organized.

[@carlytasmith5754]

I have 1 desk & 1 floor Ott lights. They are very good. I use them when I’m doing cross stitch too🧶

[@noreenlou]

Now I have a list of items to look for, especially the neck light

[@Mahagita]

Knit Pro needles are great. I'm Lucky enough to have a friend that makes all my projects bags in different sizes. But one thing i really can't live without is my Pilot Frixion highlighters. Since they are removable I can use them on the pattern to mark what size i use for that specific knit. It makes it so easy to see and makes it so i dont miss that the smallest size is on the row above where I look and end up with the wrong nr of stitches or the wrong length. When i'm done I just take the Iron and use the heat to remove the markings so the pattern is ready for the next knit in another size. I also use them on charts/diagrams and if the chart is repeatable I mark one repeat and erase on the next, I can't recommend them enough! I have the experience that the de-piller tools just makes things worse. They drag out new hairs that makes new pills. If you use an electrical de-piller that cutts the pills off you will get less and less pilling on your garments.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Hadn't thought about how de-pillers can create new pills - thanks for the info! And for mentioning the highlighters - that sounds really interesting!

[@jennyzuniga4676]

I love those neck lights too. I use mine every day (well, night) while we watch a movie. So handy! If I had to choose between having only a ball winder OR a swift...after a good cry 😉,I would pick the swift and wind balls by hand.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Haha, yes, sometimes a good cry is needed. 😁

[@christenagervais7303]

I love my Remington Shaver!

[@midnightknitter5654]

I first bought a ball winder. And used a lazy Susan with a kids table turned on top as swift for a long time.

[@sandrapolichino8806]

My favorite needles are Hiya Hiya. I have a sock set as well.

[@Mckee4055]

I’ve been told by other knitters with that brand/size of ball winder, to add an empty toilet paper roll over the middle. Gives the yarn a taller surface/more space to work with when winding.

[@NerdyKnitting]

What a great tip! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@jenniferfryer9638]

I’ll give it a go.

[@carlytasmith5754]

I have had this sweater dryer for many years. It’s good for blocking my socks & baby hats too🧶

[@sunrhyze]

You have an Amish swift! I'm so happy with mine because I hated my umbrella swift. The Amish style is easy to set up and take apart (takes up very little space when disassembled), and I can set it on a digital scale so I know when I've wound exactly half of my skein (essential for setting up yarn for a pair of socks). I will never go back to an umbrella swift.

[@NerdyKnitting]

I hadn't thought to put the swift directly on a digital scale to keep track of the weight of a skein - that's brilliant!

[@micahwooten6896]

I have 4 inch chaiogoo stainless and five inch bamboo and the cords are interchangeable, love them. I would get a swift before a ball winder if I could only get one.

[@genevieveleger8639]

For needles, I like the Chiaogoo cables especially for magic loops, but I prefer Knit Picks nickel plated tips. They’re so smooth and the yarn glides easier on them than on the Chiaogoo stainless steel tips, imo. Perfect needles for me would be Knit Picks tips with Chiaogoo cables lol Instead of blocking wires, I actually use my old straight needles since I wasn’t using them anymore. Maybe it wouldn’t work for a large shawl, but for sweaters it works just fine lol But my most used tool would probably be my iPad lol. That’s where I browse Ravelry, save patterns, and keep my knitting journal. I created my own template to suit my needs, and I use the Goodnotes app and an apple pencil to write everything down. I love to handwrite, but I’m too much of a perfectionist to keep a physical journal, so I prefer to use a digital one where I can move things around or rewrite things much easier. I keep much better notes now, and I loved scrolling through it at the end of the year to see everything I accomplished this year 😊 It’s called Fabricville here in NB too, haven’t gone in years though

[@canndell]

Great video, Tanya! Two things that were not mentioned that are really helpful to me include a yoga mat (or 2-everyone has a least one hanging around!) for blocking. I have the puzzle mats, but for really long things a yoga mat works great. Also, since I also spin my yarn, and also dye, I need to know how much yarn I have. I have a great meter counter, so that when I run my yarn from my swift to my winder, I can include it in between the two and know how many meters I have.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Great tools to have! I hadn't thought about a yoga mat but I might have to get one now since the puzzle mats sometimes aren't enough for really large things like shawls.

[@SarahJo]

I only have a ball winder not a swift, and it works fine, I just drape the yarn over my knees and feed it so it doesn't get tangled. Someday a swift would be nice, but with limited storage space this works!

[@joannehubbard108]

I have the 5" Hiya Hiya sharps interchangeable and they are absolutely superb! I also have a Stanwood winder and it is the best.

[@rosemaryschroyer604]

Me too! My favorite needles and yarn winder.

[@Mckee4055]

I live in a small apartment with limited space to set out knitting tools. Especially to get the right tension (?) between a winder and swift for good use. I have the same type of swift that you do. I find it easier to set it up on a table and wind my yarn by hand into a ball. Does not give me a nice cake but if putting my yarn into a project bag or basket, it’s not as important.

[@Enig_Mata]

I'm a huge fan of Chiaogoo needles and sometimes need a "slower" needle. My all-time favorite for grippy needles are Kinki Amibari's Seeknit needles. These have been made in Japan for over a century and are phenomenal - they are very smooth and the ends are perfectly pointed. I knit a lot with cones yarns which can be a bit oily and too slick and Seeknit needles gives the right amount of grip but are still very smooth. They comes in 2 styles - Shirotake which is the lighter bamboo and Koshitsu which is darker. Koshitsu is a bit harder and has the additional wax coating - this also means it's less prone to staining. Seeknit have a similar cord to the Chiaogoo Spin. They are not cheap, and available on Etsy. Even though they are coming from Japan, their shipping is blazing fast - 2-3 days.

[@straw8burry]

Best buy in Canada carriers ottlights, I use a magnifying ring light that I use for nails, and cross stitch

[@AntisocialAuntie]

The shadow puppet story cracked me up! 😂 I could see myself doing that. Lots of love from the Pacific Northwest 🧡

[@NerdyKnitting]

😄 Glad to know it's not just me!

[@lmaowat6358]

Oh, for interchangeables, if you’re willing to spring for handmade in Vermont, I highly recommend the Dyakcraft needles! Tom and Linda sell beautiful interchangeables that Tom makes and they are the smoothest wood needles I’ve ever used. You can choose how pointy you want them, and varying lengths from 2-6” for the needles themselves. They are in between manufacturers, but they do also sell made-in-US solid aluminum interchangeables, and they are fantastic, as well as their stainless steel sock needles. If you’re a 9” circular type of person, I highly recommend. They aren’t electroplated, so they are a touch grippier than Chiaogoo’s shorties set.

[@DebbieHQ]

Hiya Hiya needles are leaving the USA. They're now very hard to purchase...and not available in most LYS...except a few leftovers. I believe, in the USA, the Chiagoo's are #1's, and Addi's #2, with KnitPicks (all varieties added together) would come in #3. The knitpicks do have some issues with breakage on their interchangeable sets, and people complain about that in sm knitting groups. It's a constant convo in most groups. I have Chiagoo's, but tried all brands out 2 years ago, and found these 5" SS tips best for my hands/usage. I also bought their mini's for Sock Knitting - and have to say I ADORE them! They're all I use. I never pick up the other brands anymore. I have 2 short tips 2-3", but they just are hard for my larger hands - same as FlexiTip needles. Greats video's! TY.

[@christenagervais7303]

Fabricville is Fabricland in Ontario

[@RepentfollowJesus]

I would love a wooden yarn ball holder

[@Emily.knits2]

Great video! I'm going to look into a gleener. I have a battery operated sweater shaver but I'm always alittle nervous its going to snag the yarn. Hasn't so far

[@LadyGecko]

Love my ChiaoGoos! I have multiple sets. I knitted for a year with an inexpensive fixed bamboo set, then test drove several different companies when I decided I like needle knitting. I have two ball winders…the red/cream one that most have and a Rosewood Table Top. My husband made me a floor Swift. I have that neck light, it is always in my main project bag and I bought and extra USB cable I keep in the car so I can charge on the go.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Great tip for leaving an extra cable in the car!

[@LadyGecko]

I also have extra cables and auto/wall adapters when I travel and for craft weekends/retreats I have a 10' Multi Plug Outlet w/a couple USB outlets.

[@JTran94]

If I could only have one, I would honestly choose a swift over a ball winder. With a swift, I'm assured that the hank of yarn will not get tangled as it is getting wound up. I've spent hours detangling hanks of yarn when the chair method failed and even though hand winding can take a bit of time, it's a predictable amount of time. I have no idea how much time I'm about to waste when I start detangling some expensive wool (that can felt together as I straighten it out, too)

[@asmileisspecial]

I agree with this, I can live without a ball wonder but a yarn swift has saved me hours of frustration!

[@valeriehowden471]

Fabricland is in the west. And they have Knit Picks tools! There are lots of crochet hooks however the tip is rounded ( not my fave). I have the same swift you have. Love it. I bought a cheap ball winder and regret not saving up for a better version. I have all the other tools you mentioned except the wires. Sadly, I was given a dozen or so with a lot of old knitting tools via a family member. I didn't realize how handy they would have been and donated them to a charity. 😢 My favorite "yarn bowls" are old wooden salad bowls. Big enough to store a sweater WIP.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Thank you! I just knew that store was in other provinces as well but couldn't remember what it was called!

[@carlytasmith5754]

I have multiple projects; maybe 1-4 at a time 🧶

[@patricialcarpenter4090]

Great video - lots of ideas! TY. I taught myself,& started with Boyle straight aluminum needles (great for scarves). Then I bought some random store brand fixed cable needles- oops, not helpful (I still have them, unused). I bought some fixed ChiaoGoo red cable needles, and really liked them. I have, & use ChiaoGoo Bamboo 9” fixed cables for some projects. And I’ve tried and love Addi Sock Rockets! But Hiya Hiya 4” sharps interchangeables became my main set. I have the standard set, the lace/sock size interchangeables and I just got a set of Hyia Hyia Flyers (that I’m starting to use on a set of wrist warmers for my daughter). If I were to try a different set, it would be either Addi sharps, or Lykka (the wooden needles). Lantern Moon is interesting, and lovely. But I haven’t seen as much about them. I also have an umbrella swift & a ball winder (both “no name” brand from Amazon) -these work just fine. They are permanently set on a wooden folding table that I can pick up and move easily. I have both children’s foam mats and a blocking mat set with grid lines that I use with T-Pins lots of pins and the 4-pin blocks you showed. I hate swatching, but swatching n blocking it properly lets me judge needle size (I’m still a tight knitter). I have various project bags. I use some big clear plastic canisters that held candy or pretzels (?) but they are large and easy to see through for bigger notions. One has beads, the other is a mix. When I knit, I always have a neck light, my swatch guage, my pattern holder (or laptop or phone), some aluminum crochet hooks (a small one for beading & 1-2 close to my needle size) for dropped stitches. I like yarn cozies for yarn cakes, but I only have a couple of these. Wow. Grandma (who raised 9 children on a mountain farm) had straight needles in 3 sizes (-1 big child-adult sweaters, -2 baby-young child things and -3 socks for everyone) and yarn! Her “swift” was one of the older girls’ hands held out a foot or so apart! She would not believe the choices & tools we have, or the patterns and yarn available to us!

[@NerdyKnitting]

What an amazing memory of your Grandma - and shows that we could get by with the bare essentials and still knit! ❤️

[@amyahdocq8835]

Fabricville is Fabricland in English :) I live on Vancouver Island so :) As for my needles, I tried a lot of them. Can't stand the wooden ones but love my sharp HyaHya. Just discovered your channel... love it. Thank you 🌹

[@NerdyKnitting]

Welcome! I'm so glad you found the channel.

[@metaphoryarns8490]

I have been knitting for more than 70 years and still love it. I am also a certified knitting instructor. I am surprised that no one mentioned Addi knitting needles in the messages you got. I use Addi Rocket Squared needles with a blunter tip for looser gauge pieces, and Chaio Goo lace interchangeables with a its sharp tip for tighter gauge knits. Addi's used to be called the Cadillac of knitting needles and the square shape of this particular Addi is uniquely comfortable to hold. By the way, I enjoy your podcast and would like to know what your class schedule is.

[@sabeaniebaby]

I love my square needles. Wish I had more sizes.

[@NerdyKnitting]

I forgot about Addi needles! I'm surprised they haven't been mentioned til now!

[@kittenkorleone2918]

I have a good ball winder and swift that work perfectly but most of my local yarn shops always ask if they could wind my skeins for me and i always say yes. A kitchen scale is so useful so no more yarn chicken for me! Moth balls.. nuff said.

[@wynjones2877]

After more than 50 years of knitting, I am transitioning from wood to metal needles. While I prefer the warmth and grippiness of wood, I grasp my needles so hard that I break them. So I am slowly replacing my tips with metal. (I also have a squirrel cage swift, with my ball winder clamped to the top. Perfect set up! Takes up very little space, and can be carried from room to room.)

[@valoriec]

I have the exact Stanwood swift you have! I also love my Stanwood ball winder. It's amazing, and I've tried several other styles over the years, even one made by Scheepjes. I also bought and love the neck light. It's great for amigurumi crochet. Very handy. Also, ChiaoGoo are my favorite needles, hands down. I've tried Hiya Hiya and all the Knitter's Pride ones, but nothing beats ChiaoGoo in my opinion. Even the Mindful ones... they don't have smooth joins at the cord connection like ChiaoGoo. I bought a big set of fixed 40" Mindful needles and was annoyed by my yarn catching on the joins.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Oh, I hate it when the yarn catches on the needle join - thanks for sharing that detail about those needles.

[@cynthiaricecindy8295]

Hello this really helps and thanks for the video.i got a ball winder for Christmas and won't to use it soon but I would have to put the yarn on a chair i would love for you to do a video on how to do it.i love your channel and all of your videos.

[@NerdyKnitting]

It isn't anything special - I just drape the yarn over two chairs and pull one chair away from the other to hold the skein tight.

[@The_double_ewe]

I love my knitters pride karbonz dpns in 00000 (I make tiny things ) my other favorite is my sock ruler from twice sheared sheep

[@heatherwood756]

This might not be a tool as such but I have learned the importance of a comfortable chair! Not just comfort but one that helps with posture and a place to support my arms. I have noticed some knitters use a pillow on their laps for support too. I do enjoy your nerdy knitting Of course I enjoy yarn content but it is nice to learn about all the aspeccts od knitting.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Yes! Comfortable seating is so important.

[@kymclinton3140]

Totally agree with you I've just started knitting again back in November but couldn't knit for too loon because of a tub style chair last week I went into my British heart Foundation furniture shop uk and found I beautiful g plan armchair for £50 plus a £25 delivery it arrived last Saturday and I've done so much more knitting this week andxthe chair is so so comfortable

[@kristinehunt-iu2df]

Hiya Hiya are excellent.

[@paddyknits]

Hello from Jasper Alberta! I have to admit the lumos lumos is worth the extra cost over the cheap alternatives on amazon. The light quality is superior and the lamp lasts forever before needing to be charged. It also has a nice adjustable feel and fits comfortably on the neck.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll keep that in mind when I'm ready to replace mine.

[@conniejohnson7643]

You should definitely try an Ott light.

[@NerdyKnitting]

It's on my list!

[@carrotlover7763]

I am not a fan of the table top swift, I could never get it to work for me. I love my umbrella swift, I never have problems with pegs coming loose any longer. I just ordered a gleaner from Knit Picks and it does work nicely.

[@chi554]

We have fabricland in alberta... that might be the same store as the Quebec one you mention.

[@caljokeepkeep]

A core memory: my mum setting up a couple of chairs to hang hanks off of then had little me hand-wind them into balls. She sat next to me with her hanks over her knees doing the same. Polish cabaret playing on the tv. Everything was this crunchy off-white wool, the balls seemed absolutely huge and no one can convince me each ball wasn't like 200-300 grams, and there were. So. Many. Balls. Miss you, mum.

[@NerdyKnitting]

What a lovely memory. ❤

[@user-wh4gl4xz4l]

I've heard bamboo needles are good to help reduce the "slipperyness"

[@antonellapavese3724]

I have both Hiya Hiya and Chiaogoo interchangeable needles. Hiya Hiya are good needles and VERY pointy, with swivel cables, but the cables have memory and coil. Chiaogoo are pointy enough (without injuring you) and the cables are great.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Thanks for letting me know that - I'd love to give Hiyas a try but don't think I'd like the cord if it tends to coil.

[@carriemarman9482]

You mentioned you were looking for a grippy needle for your slippery yarn… 4” Chiagoo BAMBOO interchangeable needles is great and they use the standard Chiagoo wires…. I have both sets and I rotate them on the regular…..

[@NerdyKnitting]

What a great idea! I use the metal Chiagoo's - didn't think about getting bamboo tips to add to the set. Thank you!

[@osmia]

Shadow puppets for the win!

[@lornaburnham5465]

A swift before winder for me.

[@liorahgolomb7405]

If you could only afford to buy either a swift or a ball winder I'd go for the swift because the ball winder requires some steady, even tension and you won't get that from draping your yarn over chairs.

[@justmejust4553]

i had that yarn winder and didn't like it esp for larger balls. I switched to LAMXD Needlecraft Large Jumbo Metal Yarn/Wool/String/Fiber Ball Winder Hand Operated,10-Ounce from amazon AND LOVE IT! much sturdier and doesn't make your yarn a mess while winding. the smaller plastic one went back to walmart for refund will never look back.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that ball winder in mind when I'm ready to upgrade.

[@My_Kraft_Room]

I use a Putska baby diaper caddy (Amazon) to caddy around my knitting projects. It has dividers and pockets so I can put my Chaiogoo needle case on one side. Project on the other even carry around extra yarn balls. The caddy is soft felted material so I don’t have to worry about furniture being scratched. I also use nice “fancy” makeup bags I have getting from Winner’s to use as project bags. Most of my project bags have been indigo or other stores re-useable bags. I would love to have a real fancy bag but the exchange rates on our Canadian dollar for one’s outside of Canada make me pause on that. Love the Magpie fibres and Thread & Maple needle cases look amazing. But out of my budget. So I often think of trying to make something for my needles. Since my needles are Chiaogoo I often think organizing needles by bundling by cords all my small cords tips in a case and all my large cord tips in another case.

[@NerdyKnitting]

I've looked at the Thread and Maple organizers too - so lovely but definitely outside my budget!

[@betseyfowler2625]

Ball winder first.

[@sabeaniebaby]

I'm a perpetual knitting re-starter, and am just starting again after about a 12 year hiatus. I boight interchangeable knitting needles about 15 years ago, and there's no way to know who makes them. Paid about CDN 100 for them, at the time. Very convenient, but the cables feel quite stiff. (Are they called cables?)

[@Gingerandrooo]

Fabric land out in BC😊

[@lynnhardy2221]

Fabricville is called Fabricland int the rest of Canada

[@edinacole6382]

Swift before ball winder

[@rosemaryschroyer604]

I have a neck light similar to yours. The only difference is that mine has a red light setting as well as the white light. Why red? Because it allows you to knit or read in dark places (cars, buses and planes while traveling at night) without the glare that can bother others.

[@NerdyKnitting]

That's very neat! I didn't know they came with a red light setting.

[@experimentallytheoretical3116]

I love my yarn swift but I hate ballwinders😅. I just dont like knitting from cakes and would much rather wind the yarn into balls by hand.

[@JerriJonesabushelandahug]

This is a great video. I have the Gleener in my Amazon cart! I usually only work on one or two projects at a time but have a question for those who work on more. Do you have a separate smaller bag with tools that switch from project to project or a different set of tools for each bag? (Scissors, etc)

[@NerdyKnitting]

Great question! Personally, I have one notions bag and I just grab it and whatever project I'm working on at that time.

[@itsmesam1967]

FYI if in Australia and if its the Ottlite I am thinking of, its impossible to get replacement bulbs for them any more. I bought one of the lamps, which were amazing, sadly after the bulb blew (was a good length of time - maybe 18-24 months) I had to toss it. At over $150 AUD, I am disappointed they no longer offer replcement bulbs

[@NerdyKnitting]

Thanks for letting me know - that must have been so frustrating to discover!

[@itsmesam1967]

@@NerdyKnitting yes indeed, I was devastated, I loved it so much... ahh well

[@heartstoe1]

I find the interchangeable sets very frustrating. They always seem to fall off. Even if I have my husband tighten the cord.

[@MadHarpy]

Oh...and Tinker Toys allows you to build your own swift .

[@patsmith6436]

Do you think that your neck light would help to see your puzzle pieces. I have a puzzle I'm working on now. 0 degrees here in Ohio.

[@NerdyKnitting]

Yes! I've used it for that before too.

[@barbarakinsey2789]

It’s called Fabricland in BC etc. we have to have French on labels, too I will start buying nice needles now. The twist in circular isn’t a favourite

[@judithhopes151]

What are interchangeable needles

[@NerdyKnitting]

The needle tips and the cords are not attached (like a fixed circular needle) - so you can add the tips to any length cord in the set.

[@RepentfollowJesus]

I saw that and thought...a furminator. Im such a dog person lol

[@NerdyKnitting]

Haha - it might work for that too! 😁

[@cclark1273]

[@RepentfollowJesus]

Knitting is sounding so much more complicated than crochet !😮