Knitting on a budget - 10 ways to save money when knitting

Everything you need to know about knitting on a budget. Helpful tips to save money when you buy yarn, needles, notions, and patterns. Link to my Patreon account: / nimbleneedlez
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A knitting pattern can cost up to 10 USD, a set of needles 150 USD, and sweater quantities of yarn up to 200 USD - knitting on a budget can be difficult - especially if you constantly see people on social media flaunting their shopping hauls. But it doesn't have to be. In this video I want to present you with 10 hands-on tips and tricks that will help you save money. A lot of tools can be substituted with stuff you already have at home, free patterns are widely available and a visit to a thrift store will reward you with yarn to upcycle. But you also need to analyze your spending habits and the way you use the yarn - there's a huge saving potential hidden there as well.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to knitting on a budget
0:46 Create your own tools on a budget
3:07 Use free patterns
6:20 Repurpose old yarn
10:34 Buy yarn the smart way
12:49 Yard and garage sales, ebay, etc
13:55 Yarn swaps
15:04 Spin or dye your own yarn
16:41 Substitute expensive yarn
18:21 Interchangeable knitting needles
20:04 Analyze your spending habits
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[@MsEva45]

Repurposing yarn. In Germany, after WWII,My mom knit a skirt for me. It was my favorite. I wore it for years. When the waistband got too tight, it was unraveled to a bigger waist and the yard was added to bottom to make it longer. It had all kinds of colors and patterns. She also bought extra yarn to keep it going. It was awesome. Wore the same skirt for 4 or 5 years. It was sort of like a coat of many colors in the bible. Had to stretch everything after the war, not too many things were available.

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I minimize browsing so I don’t spend. I don’t look at the latest needle reviews because I’m happy with what I have. I don’t look at what’s on sale unless I’m watching for a particular yarn or for a particular project. And when I browse patterns I make a list of patterns that I’m interested I and I don’t buy unless I’m ready to start the project. Restraint is what works for me. And since I’m good most of the time I don’t beat myself up if I break the rules on occasion. Because I do get mesmerized by all the pretty colors! 😍

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. for black friday and the like I start to prepare almost a year before and collect a list of things I really NEED, and if it's on sale I buy it, but nothing else.

[@karendewillers5190]

I go to a thrift restore for my yarns. And have reclaimed sweaters from thrift stores to gain very expensive yarns.

[@katrinsouthern9317]

@@karendewillers5190 What a smart idea! plus you can see the size of the item you can knit with the wool. I'm going to copy your idea, thanks 👍

[@sheilal3172]

I use a Port Meiron CHAMBER POT covered with cabbage roses as a yarn bowl. Lovely, and a conversation starter.

[@Shetooktothewoods]

That is the BEST use of the countless antique chamber pots on antique shop shelves! I once mistook an enormous display for soup tureens until my MIL pointed out they had one handle and told me she wouldn’t be dining at our house if I used one of those for soup. 😂 Similarly, my current “yarn bowl” is a handmade lidded casserole/tureen (two handles!😉) that I found in a thrift store.

[@carolhogg3138]

"...fit for a scarecrow... ". Too funny! I love your sense of humour; I died laughing at that one! Thank you so much for all of your videos! I am slowly diving into the world of knitting and your videos make the journey a lot less scary. Hugs from Canada!

[@jordanjoestar-turniptruck]

Knowing the right yarn for your projects is going to save a ton too. Knitting a sweater on a fat wool single is gonna give you a bad time. And don't use your nice yarn on a gift that your friends or family will just throw in the washer/dryer. My grandma was extra. She had an old red sweater that would stretch out over the years, as they naturally do. She would unravel and re-knit it every 10 years. Thrift shops don't always have the best yarn selection, but on a good day you'll spot a full knitting/crochet tool set for nice and cheap.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I love that. I once went to a local museum and they had a kitchen and craft section. And one showcase was an apron that was 99% patches and only in a selected few places you could see the original fabric peek through. I feel we need to get back to that kind of sustainablity - at least a bit. and not throw everything away just because we can afford it.

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

I love that your grandma unraveled and reknit that sweater every 10 years. One of my favorite games is hide and seek at thrift stores. They hide beautiful old sweaters in a size larger than my normal size. I find it, buy a cheap, take it home and unravel it. Give it a nice bath using Siak wash, let it hang dry with a light weight. Then I treat it like any other yarn. I get WPI, weigh it, then spin it to count 5he yards! Ta da! New wool yarn in a sweaters quantity. It's great fun.

[@patsydf]

I wish I could have my life over again! I'm 70 and started knitting at age 18, first project was an aran sweater, which I wore for many years. I have learned so much due to KZbin and especially wonderful Norman! my hands have begun to hurt a little now and I have to stop and massage them or take a break. Just finished a very complicated jacket for my daughter but have learned so much. Daughter spins her own yarn and is now producing some wonderful yarns.

[@martelvonc]

My tips: 1) I head straight to the clearance bin at my local yarn store. I've gotten excellent deals there. 2) I visit my local charity shops regularly to look for yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks or even old sweaters I can frog out for the yarn. 3) I let every one know I am a knitter/crocheter and that I'm interested in supplies of any type.

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome tips Martha. thanks for sharing and adding these.

[@iesika7387]

@@NimbleNeedles I would add, if your LYS doesn't have a clearance bin, ASK the owner if they have any yarn they would be willing to sell at a discount to get rid of it. I was at a sit-and-knit at my LYS a couple years ago and one of the guys said something about needing a bunch of highland wool in different colors for a project. Owner went in the back and got a huge tub of yarn she'd pulled off the shelf because people weren't buying it for one reason or another, or because they were the last 1-2 skeins of a line she wasn't carrying anymore, and told us we could have any of it for 50%. Most of what she had back there was perfectly good yarn but because she had ordered large batches of popular yarn lines in several colorways, and some colorways were selling faster than others, she was ending up with way too much of a particular color when she reordered the big batch again. Everybody dropped needles immediately and we EMPTIED that tub for her. I ask every time I see her now!

[@fernsock70]

I have been knitting almost 50 years and still have learned from these videos. You're great. You are informative, yet easy to follow and understand

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...happy to hear my videos can be of value to even such a seasoned knitter

[@lebanc571]

My neighborhood has free yarn libraries in certain yards. It's a great place for beginners to get free materials such as needles, yarn, and patterns. It's also a great place to donate excess supplies to help those who cannot buy them.

[@NickUncommon]

What a great idea, guess, I need to let my food saver lady know, and ask, if she would allow a little spot in her carport to be dedicated to yarn and notions donation. She also collects for animal rescue, and I collect all yarn snippets from 10 cm on, knot them together, and combine them with a washable continuous yarn (usualy donated acrylics) to make little 70x70 cm blankets for cats and small dogs. This way, the yarncorner could help her provide a flow of comfort blankets for the rescue. I get to do garter stitch, mindless waiting room and public transport knitting and maybe inspire the others in our food group to do the same. She gets to be able to bring blankets to the fostered animals.

[@kimmiemamatomany6226]

'Fit for a scarecrow...' Norman, you are too much. SO thankful God brought me to you, what a sweet gift you are.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i am so happy my dark German humor is understood, haha :) Often (especially among Americans) our dry level of sarcasm and irony is misunderstood :P

[@weaverms6939]

Very topical subject, thanks Norman. If buying sweaters to re-use the yarn, I would suggest placing them in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer and freezing and thawing it 3 times. To avoid bring home any unwanted guests...

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's a very good tip for those living in warmer climates indeed!

[@verenawiniwarter3192]

I would also like the knitting hacks video, totally! I will share three budget tips with you: (1) After my kids graduated from high school, their breakfast boxes ( 13 cm x 18 x 8 with lid on) were free for other uses. I use one as my main knitting travel kit, as I knit mainly socks while traveling. A sock project fits into the box perfectly, can be put on (almost) any surface, protects my needles and everything! I carry a sewing needle in a bit of kitchen sponge, a small pair of scissors, a crochet hook in case of ladders, and the wool and the finished sock and the needles, of course. Costs nothing, was recycling (or rather, upcycling), and has saved me from tangling up my socks many times. (2) I use the paper tape measures provided at places like IKEA as measuring devices. Again, at no cost. I have marked the sizes of socks on one including when to start with the heel for the sizes I knit most often (for a boomerang heel, as this is my go-to heel). (3) I do scrap projects like scrunchies, hand warmers or headbands, potholders, and other little things also as little gifts, which save the money to bring a bought gift for the hostess when being invited. So this saves money elsewhere but helps being thrifty and still being nice. I make lots of jams and other preserves, and these can make great gifts if you add a crocheted lid to them, I tend to just make a round, flat crochet piece, which can be used as a coaster afterward rather than doing a design which would be of no other use.

[@NimbleNeedles]

love the paper tape ikea tip with the markings for socks! (the rest as well) but particular that youm ark the size on it. perfect for never forgeting them. thx for adding that

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

I never thought of using the paper tape measures. What a great idea! Thanks

[@arpitadatta2711]

You can spin your own yarn on a pencil. I used to do it on a pencil, evolved to a thick stick, then now I use a Tunisian crochet needle (they’re just long crochet needles.). I bought white merino wool that I dyed with turmeric… of course it faded, but just dye it again. Literally spent only on the merino, and that’s that. It was sold as wool for those chunky blankets that are made by finger knitting. Over the years, I used up the 2 kgs of the merino in making sweaters, leg and hand warmers, infinity scarves, mostly not advanced stuff. I then progressed to embroidery on them with sewing and crochet needles. Of course the wool thickness did vary initially but that’s what handmade stuff is… NOT six sigma, right? I have combined my knitting onto old blankets and made jackets, turned old tattered silk scarves into yarn, everything. I’m still not an advanced knitter, because I’m into crochet and tatting, all 3, apart from everything else (I’m a Gemini, what can I say), but believe me, I’ve loved each project, even if I have sometimes struggled with it. I know I am not adding to fast fashion landfills and I’m grateful for the journey.

[@RayRed13]

It's so hard not to buy yarn you find them beautiful even if you don't have an exact project to beging with. Happened to me yesterday, i bought a lot of yarn and I'm happy to see them in my collection since I have a small business, but yeah, it's kind of hard to stick to the things "you need" vs the things "you want because they're pretty" 😅

[@NimbleNeedles]

i stopped doing that. bought so much pretty yarn that still is in my stash a decade later :P

[@kath5201]

Joann Fabrics. Go in "just for thread"....come out with a basket full of pretties. [Sigh] happens every time.

[@Zethek]

Colorway "Flush the Money" - that feels too accurate! 😆 This has definitely reminded me that I need to improve my yarn buying habits

[@NimbleNeedles]

haha...well It was that or "too many speckles" or "eclectic name to sound fancy" :P

[@lmichellerx]

Excellent video as usual Norman! All of these tips are so helpful. I would love to share some of my own tips that have helped me to save money knitting. Some of them are common sense, but I still keep them in mind. I hope they can help someone else at least: 1. Spend some time to catalog yarn amounts and notions to avoid buying something you may already have. Mine are simple charts in a Pages document so I can easily view it when I’m out shopping. This also helps when you find a new pattern to knit, because then you will know what yarns in your stash can be used for certain projects. 2. Only buy yarn if you know exactly what you are going to do with it. I recently broke this rule and bought a skein of beautiful yarn only because it was on clearance…I struggled to find a project to make with it. 3. Keep your yarn stash to a manageable size. I know this will be different for everyone. I bought a plastic storage bin for my yarn (by recommendation from your yarn storage video) and will only buy yarn if there is room in the container! This also forces me to find patterns to suit the yarn I already have.

[@NimbleNeedles]

thx for adding these tips

[@katrinsouthern9317]

Didn't think one could improve much on Norman's 10 tips, but love your 3 too, thanks for sharing! Wish I had followed your Tip 2 - which is why I have tons of amazing yarn, just not enough quantities for big projects. What was I thinking, for goodness sake: that's why they were on sale!! 🙄😄

[@merkinidgit]

@@katrinsouthern9317 I really like the idea of hosting a yarn swap. I just started a craft group at my friend’s shop (not an LYS-they wouldn’t probably appreciate hosting a yarn swap to compete with their own sales) and perhaps as it takes off we can hold a yarn swap. Maybe Norman can do a video about yarn swaps? It’s nearly spring in the northern hemisphere and a joint yarn swap/seed swap could be a fantastic event!

[@nadiak9099]

I love these tips! Most are what I did when I started out & I stil use some. I still refuse to pay a fortune for project bags & notions unless I use them a lot & quality makes a real difference. Thanks for the tips! 🙂

[@NimbleNeedles]

I totally agree...buy them if they bring you joy..but for a lot of people, expensive notions don't mean extra joy, so why do that?

[@annabelle7123]

Same here, i use many of my eco bags or even just plastic bag that i got. It looks funny bur works fine! Haha

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Great point. I think some of us overspend looking for that perfect notion that will magically turn us into superstar knitters. And I’ve spent too much sometimes when I don’t have time to do my craft. But we’d be better off practicing and watch great teachers like Norman, of course!

[@swedishjazz9546]

About point 1 - knitting markers can be absolutely anything. I use those thin pieces of plastic-covered wire included in half of packaging; thrift store rings bought for 1 zł; those thin rubbers that store-bought herb bunches come with; key ring loops bought at a hardware store; elastics torn off used masks; so on, so on. I've been knitting for long enough that I *want* better markers by now, but now I know I like (no dangly bits, for example; hard, not soft, because soft ones can get "sucked in" by stitches). Absolutely anything that makes a loop will work. I was recently gifted a cute pair of scissors and I love them, but my favorite is still a tiny snap-off knife sold as a keychain, which probably also cost less than a latte years ago. As for blocking - thick cardboard works too, the sort packages come in. I have a couple thick pieces stashed behind a wardrobe that I've been using to black pieces, so they're out of sight, and work just fine. :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

love the cardboard blocking tip. Thank you for adding that. and you are absolutely right. A stitch marker can really be anything.

[@xinyi_yap]

Thank you for sharing! Question: wouldn’t the cardboard turn soggy when you block your project?

[@swedishjazz9546]

@@xinyi_yap It stains a bit, but I never had a problem aside from that - corrugated cardboard is thick, only the surface layer will really come in contact with the fabric - the pins are held by the inside + bottom layer, which shouldn't get soggy. The knit would have to really be sopping wet to penetrate the whole thing, and most people press excess water out before pinning. It has worked well for me :)

[@EsmereldaPea]

I save the colored rings from my electric toothbrush to use as large stitch markers. You usually get several colors and instead of throwing out the extras, put them to use!

[@kimriggles2450]

The Marketing Book tip is brilliant. I’m heading to the library.

[@annabelle7123]

Interesting and smart tips! Well said on being sustainable. Everything cheap and buying and selling in large quantities is the problem, but also the answer to reducing poverty to some end. It’s still sad to hear that local farms would burn some sheep wool. Luxury brands do the same thing because they don’t want their products to be cheaper 😡 i know farmers just can’t afford to be broke cuz sometimes it’s more expensive to sell them with a good harvest. Wish they would share them for free!

[@missree1995]

I love pretty or decorative needle stoppers, but (quite by accident) I learned that small circumference rubber bands (size of a small coin) actually work better. I wrap then around the ends of needles and they don't come off until I take them off. I've had problems with pretty needle stoppers falling off when I put a wip in a project bag that's jostled a bit or when I remove the wip without taking special care. The bands also fit all needles sizes. For some stoppers, you need to purchase a variety of sizes.

[@NimbleNeedles]

absolutely. Tho, I personally don't use stoppers but I know that many love them!

[@swedishjazz9546]

That's a great tip, thank you!

[@mollymollie6048]

I’ve been knitting for about 20 years and have a pretty big yarn stash. So…occasionally shop your stash, go through those stacks of Rubbermaid boxes and see what you have…you may fall in love with a yarn or project you already have again. I’m a sock/sweater knitter. I keep the approximate yardage needed for a “sweaters-worth of yarn” in my phone, so if I stumble on a fantastic sale…or a new yarn I just have to have…I can pick up the sweater quantity of it. Even better, to keep myself from doing this…I decide I have to have a pattern in mind before I do that, so I know I’m going and looking for a certain weight/gauge/fiber…and this cuts down on impulse buys. Knitting socks (or another small item that is great for carry-a-long projects) is a great way to give yourself a little impulse buy of a skein for socks, without throwing down a whole sweater investment (and still having that yarn 15 years later untouched in the storage 👀.) If you’re someone who likes “less popular” colors…shop clearance sales…I look good in warm yellow, orange, and brown…and while I love pink and red and purple, too…I can pick up fantastic high priced yarn at a discount (because the yellow/orange/brown are always in the clearance sale.) Avoid ‘trend’ yarns…unless it’s a skein for something small and fun. You can trend up a traditional sweater, knit in a workhorse like Cascade 220, with a scarf/cowl/tie made with one skein of a ‘trend’ yarn, or a super expensive yarn you couldn’t afford a sweater quantity of. Support your LYS! Don’t feel the need to buy everything all at once…a set (or two) of interchangeable needles is an investment (and a worthwhile one…try fixed needles in that type on different fibers to see how your like them.) I have only bought sock needles (because I lose them/they break etc…) in a decade since I found the two interchangeable sets that fit 99% of my needs and I love them. All knitters are different…try out needles in different styles/materials, etc to see what you like. Try them on different fibers. If you live in a climate with dramatic seasons, you may be knitting with a lot of different fibers (so I have a set specifically for cotton items, because cotton is a pain!) Ziplock bags make great project holders (and yarn ball holders…I cut a corner off of the bottom of the bag and feed the yarn out…no dog hair, no dog attack to eat the yarn, and no tangling.) They can be re-used over and over and over.

[@kaffeefreundin2828]

If you use ravelry, making full use of the functions stash, queue and favourite/bundle can help prevent hasty purchases. By comparing the stashed yarn with the required yarn for projects you want to knit, you might be surprised for how many projects you already have some suitable yarn somewhere. In preparation for a fair I sorted through mine and found that close to all yarns I just could not resist buying or bought with vague ideas of "some cabled sweater" can be used for a large number of patterns in my library/favourites, thus I had a short list of yardages/weights and materials which I was missing. Stash even comes with "money spent for" if you want to keep tabs on your yarn spending habits.

[@iesika7387]

Organizing your stash and being thoughtful about new purchases and projects is absolutely the best way to save money. I went on a "yarn fast" at the start of the pandemic and restricted myself entirely to my stash until all my credit card debt was gone. Debt was gone before the stash was gone!

[@JennySimon206]

Crap. I just made my own spreadsheet in Google Sheets. Oh well. It is nice. I made my own categories. I knew that too about the Ravelry stash thing. I think they have a stash app too.

[@leannastoufer6333]

I would love a dedicated video with more knitting hacks! I appreciate that you pointed out the benefit of buying patterns from particular designers. I do think it is very important to support people who are bringing their skills and artistry to this craft. However, free patterns can be wonderful! My very favorite basic raglan sweater pattern is a free pattern I found several years ago. Thank you for all these wonderful tips!

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure, Leanna. And yeah, I do believe that basic patterns and recipe should be free. Always kind of anoys me when some designers come up with the most generic design ever and then ccharge 8$ for it. However, the oppose often happens as well: it's an utterly original design and idea and even for 2.99$ people shout it's too expensive :(

[@leannastoufer6333]

@@NimbleNeedles It is very frustrating when people are unwilling to pay something toward the time and effort it takes to create a pattern. I will keep encouraging my friends to support the amazing, creative designers, like yourself, who put beautiful projects into the world!

[@danbev8542]

Another wonderful video, Norman! Lots of great advice! I have 2 tips. 1. I use reusable shopping bags- the brightly colored nylon ones that stuff very small in their own pocket- (Chico is one brand) for project bags. The bright color makes them easy to find, they are lightweight & hold large and small projects. Best of all, I tie the long handles together & squash down the size to fit easily in travel totes when traveling. 2. I concur with interchangeable needle sets - good quality tools are worth the money for their ease of use and longevity! Cheap stuff that must be replaced again and again is too expensive!

[@Pluviophile218]

Thrift stores are great places to get project bags for as little as $4-$5. Small containers for markers and sometimes you can find some really good yarn there. I did the binder with baggies to keep my circular needles, but I am a sucker for interchangeable sets. I have several. I always learn something from your videos! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

indeed. Here in Europe we don't have many of these but in the US, they can be such a gold mine!

[@umagpeism]

If you want to make your own project bags out of bags that you pick up at thrift stores/charity shops or out of one of your old bags, you can pick up a grommet kit from amazon for under $10USD and that will let you convert several bags into project bags. Love that you created this video.

[@estherdigianvittorio5279]

Great tips! Something I just realized is that if I needed a certain length of cable for my interchangeable needles I always felt compelled to buy it. Which can get expensive so I decided to use the cable connectors to combine the lengths that I already own. Also some brands like my Chiagoo sets have cable adapters that you can use to combine or change the sires of your cable to fit your Large or Small needle tips. These are both quite small and could be misplaced so investing in a few of them of them is still way cheaper and less cumbersome than trying to store dozens of cables.

[@sarag1158]

You just gave me an idea! I would like it to make a 60 inch wide poncho with three strands of worsted weight. The longest cable I have is 48 in combined. I didn't even think about putting the two together. Duh.

[@kimriggles2450]

Norman, you’ve done it again. My favorite tip is the up cycling thrift store sweaters!!! Keep ‘em coming 🎉

[@CosimaNonymouse]

I would also like to and I'm going to share a few hacks/tips with you: Stitch markers, yes, we need them but: Paperclips work just as fine and they're light weight enough to be inserted into stitches without widening the stitch. Small earrings work as well. Shoeboxes work fine as yarn storage boxes, yarn bowls are pretty but not essential. Frog old clothes such as sweaters you don't wear anymore. Bought sweaters are usually knit in 4, sometimes 6 parts and most definitely not top-down so keep that in mind. Just give the "newly" acquired yarn a nice long, warm bath to relax the fibers and turn it back into nice, flat yarn. Any kind of scissor can cut yarn.

[@rebeccablankenship5493]

Good job! I buy project bags at Goodwill. Beautiful Vera Bradley quilted bags for under $5! Like the reminder about marketing tactics!

[@1979RoadFan]

I have been knitting and crocheting for 30+ years. My first set of needles, hooks, yarn, thread and books were purchased at thrift/junk stores. My great aunt gave me 30 doily booklets that she purchased in the 1940's and 1950's.

[@carmenraimo9925]

Thank 's Norman. I'm an old italian knitter and i love your videos for the wealth of information and tricks that ever improve my ability in knitting but also... I love your videos because I'm studing english and I use your videos to study and practice listening every day😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! awesome. do be careful, tho. I am NOT a native speaker so there are quite a couple of weird ways I pronounce words and often also some grammar mistakes. So, definitely supplement things with a true native speaker!

[@kendenta2207]

Great podcast Norman. I think this presentation today can be extremely important to any one of us. A beginner knitter could possibly be sucked in by some of these so called fast online deals. After all the color of the yarn you choose is mostly based on sight and feelings. It's like eye candy for the soul. Fiber content can take a back seat when something looks pretty enough to knit a sweater. I don't know how many times I discovered a color of yarn that I like but the fiber content and the weight was not available. Also the knitting industry has really excelled tremendously with these colorful knitting bags and those infamous progress keepers. Does anyone really need a bunny, avocado, pumpkin, sailboat, or a glittered crystal progress keeper? Several light bulb shaped stitch markers is all I need. As far as dollar value for knitting yarn that would be one's own personal choice. You really hit the nail on this issue Norman. I would hope you would continue podcasts like these as when you feel you should. Remember hearing the story of the big blue sweater? Someone's first that knitted up way too big. Take care. Enjoy the sunshine. Ken

[@NimbleNeedles]

word! I mean...sometimes a bunny progress keeper IS what you need because it brings up memories. Knitting is as much about the process as it is about the product. But you don't need 20 different kinds of them :P

[@SorceressJade]

I used chopsticks for my first knitting project while I was deciding whether I wanted to learn (and start collecting notions).

[@greymaiden]

This is a great video. I destashed a bunch of yarn to friends last summer so savings all around. I recently compared my yarn stash to a deck building card game: Less is more if the yarn you have is quality and purposeful. So another sort of money saving tip I have is to only buy yarn for your queue, not just because you like a yarn. That way even if you don't get to it for a little while it always has a purpose coming. Also, my Interchangeable needles have already paid for themselves in all the $20 fixed needles i haven't had to buy so that's a really great tip.

[@megumim6795]

about patterns and books. When I started to knit, I borrowed some books and magazines from the library. I bought some of them later, which I found very helpful.

[@slisacorbett1543]

Thank you. I am sharing many of @NimbleNeedles links with my classmates because this channel is the BOMB when it comes to explaining all things knitting from a foundation platform you can build on. EVERY video has been a blessing for me and I learn so much. His approach helps you to ease into and not feel overwhelmed as a beginner or even as an advanced knitter. I am so grateful for his time and efforts for bringing his knowledge to this platform! Thank you for all that you do to keep knitting for me easy and more importantly, keeping me inspired to keep knitting.

[@isawa6649]

Sometimes I use a wooden toothpick as a cable needle. It is small has almost no weight and doesn't slide off. I Will go to IKEA following Verena's tip. Thanks for your tips Norman

[@alexvanderpol1]

The spinning community is a great community, everyone who wants to learn is always welcome!

[@NimbleNeedles]

absolutely. Thank you for mentioning it and feel free to post any resources here that helped you along as you started

[@alexvanderpol1]

@@NimbleNeedles I started with a simple drop spindle and some wool roving for a total of 25 euros. Then I watched all the KZbin videos I could find. After I got the basics down I bought a second hand spinning wheel through my local marktplace for only 30 euro. I did do a lot of research on wheels before I found one that I knew was going to work. Now I process raw fleeces that I get for free on marketplace, I've done one wool fleece and am currently processing a very soft alpaca fleece. I really enjoy doing the entire process from fleece to finished project.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@alexvanderpol1 I can well imagine that. Wish I had the time for it. But between running my blog, this channel, and my knitting, there sadly isn't a lot of time left for such stuff :(

[@thrumylens1]

@@NimbleNeedles yup...but it sure sounds interesting and a lot of fun....

[@Garoky1]

Love the tips! I’m a newish knitter and really love hearing tips from experienced crafters. Would love another video of tips 😀

[@holdemaid9522]

I highly recommend Tip # 9. My philosophy concerning tools is always quality before bargain. Those needlesets are great and save a lot of money in the long term, despite the first purchase can be expensive. The following idea may fit in the category yarn purchase (and one-skeine-projecs): Last year I started two projects, both inspiried by Patchwork and Quilt sewing. The plan ist very simple: I'll create a blanket and a poncho out of different small pieces. Therefore I don't have to purchase large ammounts of yarn at once, because, colours, dye-plots and even fiber don't matter. That's also why it would fit as 1-skein-project (or stash-reducing-measure as it was for me). Furthermore I use these patches as try-outs for various patterns and techniques.

[@martaalvarez6400]

Norman you’re a genius. Your tips reiterated what I have done and what I still do. I don’t have much income, but I love to knit, so I still have to budget when it comes to yarns and patterns. Thanks for your videos, they are very helpful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thanks

[@marysmith9109]

I'm prpud of you for taking the initial "cost" scare out of start up for knitting(these apply to crocheting, too). The old tea kettle is brilliant, I plan to use this immediately. I regularly us zip bagggies for travel projects. They keep out wet, dirt, germs and debree if I drop or spill stuff. Much less stress and worry. Please give more ideas. Thank you for all your teaching youtubes.

[@tanjasuter9330]

Thriftstores are a good source. I did find amazing needels, Patterns, books and even yarn... Not always but to go and have a look is while worth it

[@valeriehowden471]

I gave knitting a try with chopsticks. Interesting to say the least. I am also a long term crocheter (+40 years) and bought my second set only 5 years ago. Trying the same principles with knitting needles. Found an interchangeable set which I will use from now on. Have frogged multiple projects and it is wonderful to see a rarely worn project new life. My best yarn bowls are vintage wooden salad bowls and ceramic mixing bowls as no yarn will be able to jump out of it!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, salad bowls can be great..and wooden ones are often sooo pretty!

[@bkcoker517]

This is great. Please to a knitting hack video. Loved the ziploc bag hack!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, those are just great. Also perfect for traveling on the plane!

[@kparmans]

I taught myself to knit with an online free manual and two pencils. 😂 I love your idea for the stitch markers!

[@Sciayam]

RESPECT - that video is sooo good, thank you

[@karendewillers5190]

These tips are awesome. Thank you. I use empty bath tissue rolls for winding yarn into balls.

[@anniekarinarichardson5638]

Thank you for this video. Free patterns are awesome. I didn’t know that.

[@GrannyReplica]

I love reusing yarn. I bought the yarn because I loved it, loved working with it and when I'm repurposing it I get to enjoy it once more. And I like replacements: beach bags or woven baskets instead of project bags, ceramic bowls and flower pots as yarn bowls . 🧶🙂

[@amethystanne4586]

Good morning from Edmonton, Kentucky, U.S.A. I hope everyone is having a good day. Being poor but curious can activate one’s creative imagination to find a way to get supplies and tools. Been there, done that!

[@NimbleNeedles]

i entirely agree. Its when you have to consciously work around your limitations, true creativity can emerge!

[@LaLayla99]

Sadly, I've fallen for those "time-sensitive" offers more than once. *sigh* Thanks for the reminder! And more helpful tips are always welcome! 😊

[@Midnitescarlett]

Amazing as ways, Norman. I appreciate all the work you put into your videos to help us. I have learned so much from you, and when anyone asks for any tips and tricks, I send them to you! U explain things so much better than any other vlogger I have found. Thank you! I made my first sock following your video!

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you so much for sharing my work! it really helps a lot. And happy to hear you were able to finish your first socks. congratulations!

[@laurachapman8760]

i love your energy and these little money saving hacks. thank you!

[@paularubina3778]

Hi Norman, thanks for these great tips ! Yes, I would like another video on this topic, maybe with viewers’ ideas as you suggested 💙

[@ruthyk7083]

Ok that needle storage for needles is the solution I've been praying for! Have all the materials lying around. And yes, please do the video you mentioned.

[@aimeewalters4861]

Excellent tips! I use an old school bag as my project bag and it works very well.

[@NimbleNeedles]

very smart! thank you for adding that

[@GaminGawdess]

Oh i would looove a knitting hack vid! I make my own yarn guide rings and stitch markers with jewelry wire. 20-16 gauge works best for me 🙌🏾🙌🏾. I have used colorful aluminum wire as well..got those for a $1 at Walmart.

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh yeah...i saw people do that and saw some really beautiful results!

[@amethystanne4586]

For stitch markers, have you ever used the twist ties from store-bought bread?

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@amethystanne4586 I haven't. And the ones here in Germany are very wide...so I wouldn't use them probably as it spaces out the stitches uncesssarly.

[@amethystanne4586]

@@NimbleNeedles well, that makes a big difference (sorry for the pun). Some of the bread bags in the U.S. are wider. I had forgotten about that. Most of bread bag twistees are very thin, probable half the diameter of a regular size paper clip.

[@GaminGawdess]

No….. that is brilliant!!!!

[@melodywelsh2315]

Love these tips. I was about to order a set of interchangeable needles, I waited and remembered I already had that set. Saved myself $70. I’ve been known to grab a mixing bowl to use as a yarn bowl. My beautiful wooden one was already in use. I found some snips for $2.50 and bought several pair one for each of my project bags. I did the same with knitting needles. I do buy stitch markers when I see the ones I like because the ones I like are hard to find. I have become a yarn snob and it’s fall with some really good festivals so I have enough to last me until next fall. Again thanks for the helpful info.

[@GolfPrincessCL]

These are all fantastic tips! 🤩Thanks so much for sharing! 🥰

[@greyhornbarger4605]

I started knitting at the beginning of this week and your tutorials have been very helpful :D Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome! Very happy to hear that and welcome to my channel :)

[@annabelle7123]

I’m glad i have tried most of this, including yarn swap and buying some of the stash when I ran out of yarn! Now I have two or three corners full of yarn in my book shelves/closet but I’m trying! My tip: I ask my friend who is coming from or living in that country (Japan or US) to bring some yarn and needles that I want to buy. Cheaper than the shipping cost from shops :)

[@Golybis]

Thank you for this video! It was good to see this collection of mindful ways! When I feel the urge to get something New and Fluffy, I get up and re-pack some of my stash. It is good to feel the yarn and also I get ideas while looking at the yarn. Also I'd be embarrassed to get new yarn after looking at all those balls. Hehe.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh..that's an awesome tip. Someone else here also mentioned rearanging your stash so you see your old yarn first. makes you feel like you had new stuff because you almost forgot about it ^^

[@cindymorgan4639]

Very helpful tips! You always present your ideas so clearly and thoughtfully. Plus I felt wonderfylly self-congratulatory when a tip was one that I've already been using. As someone else suggested, keeping track of what yarn you already own is helpful: I have a small notebook that I list the yarn when I buy it, including washing instructions, yardage, sale/regular price, etc. And I try to remember to note when I've used it up! I also have been the lucky recipient of yarn donations. People who know I knit will give me yarn, from their own stash when downsizing, from relatives whose houses they are clearing out, etc. If it's not yarn I want, I either pass it on to other knitters who do, or if it's machine washable, I knit it into hats & scarves for a homeless charity. I actually love finding or designing projects that use small quantities of leftover yarn, so having odd skeins doesn't bother me. I have lots of single skeins that I then pair with other skeins. There are great books of single-skein projects of different weights of yarn. One book changed how I think about yarn, because every pattern called for 2 skeins of differing weights, materials, and colors. Good thing, since I can be guilty of buying single skeins because they are too beautiful to resist!

[@deborahcherry1735]

Thank you for this,I fall into all of these traps,and more as I spin ,have more than enough fibre for 3 life times,but it all gives me joy.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, then I would say all is well because we do this for the joy it brings us, right?

[@irishknitter17]

I love it! I already do all those!❤️❤️

[@christielamb2894]

Per your usual, Norman, an amazing video loaded with wonderful tips. Thank you so very much. 💕☮️🧶

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it, Christie!

[@KW-qb9jo]

I just started knitting Friday! Your instructions and tips have been so helpful in getting me started. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wonderful! welcome to my channel & happy knitting

[@libertylady64]

Thank you Norman! Always great advice from you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@knitpurlsquirrelwithgrannydee]

Great tips especially for beginners! I do love my boujee tools and yarns - they help me enjoy the process. My 2 grown daughters will have loads of heirloom quality tools, yarns, and accessories when I’m no longer around. I also share with them when they come over.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. Well I am the same...love me some pretty accesories. BUt hey, I feel it's important to say you don't need them because people watch my videos and go like "i want that as well, because norman uses that".

[@Moonbeamglider]

The balls of yarn I’m using unravel very easily near the end of the ball making a tangle. I put the cardboard tube from kitchen paper towel inside the middle of the ball and it works a treat.

[@Coreyj06]

I love when you do videos like this great tips. Never thought about unraveling a sweater I brought…. I can think of a scarf that I can unravel I don’t like the shape at all.

[@lorindaannleighton4194]

You are very gifted in the manner of your presentations. I thank you for your wonderful and sensible guidance. Some of which applies to much of our lives as well as knitting. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge. 🙂🇦🇺

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure, Lorinda

[@donnatemby3310]

Love your work..great advice and teaching

[@nedramccaig106]

Thank you so much. You are wonderful.

[@jancy1609]

Thank you so much for the video. The marketing tip is genius.

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

Norman, I love your videos. I also love garage and estate sales. I bought sweater quantities of MCN yarn, interchangeable needle sets, knitting bags, and I once bought a beautiful hand knit cardigan that needed sleeves, ribbing and buttonbanda. In her knitting basket was the remaining yarn, notions, needles and even the buttons! I couldn't believe it. I told the gir the sweater wasn't finished, but the yarn basket was nice and got the whole thing fr a$5! It's one of my favorite sweaters. Sometimes Joanne's or Hobby Lobby will have coupons or sales on some really nice hand painted yarn books, and magazines. Joanne's has a really nice knitting book and magazine section.

[@livdamnit6998]

I work at a thrift store and someone donated a large amount of needles, at least 50 in all types. I was able to buy them and thought ok this is my sign to finally learn to knit. So here I am. I thought it would be as easy as crochet lol NO. It's so different. Thank you for helping me learn. I am just using cheap yarn while I'm learning.

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's totally okay. and be patient, knitting initially takes a bit more time to learn but then it's just as satisfying!

[@mythics102]

Excellent video! I started off using regular scissors and paperclips that I already had as yarn snippers and stitch markers, they both work perfectly well! I still don’t have money to invest a ton into supplies so I just get what I need.

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's sensible. besides, you only need those scissors once or twice per project :)

[@felicityrisk5948]

You are amazing !!! Thanks for these great tips ❤

[@charlottehippen7677]

Wonderful tips!

[@susanneschlesinger4857]

Hello Norman! Thanks for these helpful information. As a longterm knitter I'd like to share some additional tips with you. As a total beginner, I would recommend to practice knitting stitches on a DK-weight yarn in Acrylic or a blend, not the fancy stuff. For the first project, choose an easy pattern for a hat or cowl. Scarves are far to big for the first success. A hat or a cowl have an affordable amount of yarn and you have a motivating success. Sometimes, there are sets in supermarkets on sale with knitting needles inside. These are a good, affordable starting point. If you continue, invest in some good tools such as good quality needles and a sharp scissors (no fancy, but pointed). A set of interchangables looks posh, but in fact you use only a limited number of sizes and have your favs quickly. Always choose the project, then buy the yarn. Buy enough - chasing a missing ball or skein can be an expensive hunt. For sock knitting, I always try to buy two balls or two skeins of the same color - usually, you can get 3 pairs out of it (maybe with the help of some left over yarn or solid colored yarn). At least, buy a matching mini skein so you can make 2 pairs of socks out of one skein. I always try to use up the entire yarn with no leftovers, so I think of a follow up-project while knitting the main one. No left overs are the best. I'm no sure about the reuse of old sweaters - most machine knitted have so thin yarn you need to take 2 or 3 strands together and then you can only knit smaller items. For project bags - grocery stores or pharmacies often have stable bags made from recycled bottles or small cute fabric bags - perfect of project bags. A lot of knitters also sew project bags and they are happy to give some away for little money.

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you for adding these, Susanne :)

[@grimmgoosegoose216]

I am a crocheter but the notions tip is spot on, the old Tea pot as a yarn bowl is Genius!!!

[@cute-pat00t]

second hand craft stores!! Just found my local one where yarn/notions are all sold by weight and I got 5 pairs of needles, 2 sets of dpns, several skeins of yarn, and a needle for cables, all for ~$25 US. great way to start a hobby on a budget

[@Kimber_Lee_Enlow]

I got a kick out of the scarecrow analogy 😂

[@piabunch9328]

Hallo Norman, meine Güte genau so sollte jeder darauf achten !!!! RAZ FAZ sind 300-400€ ausgegeben!! Du machst dir so viel Arbeit für uns alle ! Ich spinne meine eigene Wolle seit 5 Jahren! Ich mache wirklich fast alles selbst..Nähen und stricken ist einfach nur top und kostengünstig!!! Man muss nicht alles haben.Mein Schäfer hält mir all die Wolle jedes Jahr zurück.... Norman du bist so nett und erklärst immer alles soooo schön ! Ich werde immer deine Informative Videos oder Newsletter folgen!! Einfach klasse!! Ganz liebe Grüße Pia 🙋‍♀️👋

[@NimbleNeedles]

ja, das geht echt schnell..und wenn man auf die inflation schaut, wohl bald noch schnell. Freut mich, dass dir meine Videos, etc so gefallen. Gruß aus WIen

[@annelord3685]

I loved this video. I only discovered your site recently, but have recommended it to several of my knitting friends even though they are all French people. These tips are really great top tips. At the moment I'm knitting a beautiful cashmere sweater on circular needles from a pattern in a book of patterns from Elle magazine that I've had for over 40 years. I never had the spare cash before. As the wool was very expensive I'm being really careful and taking my time. it will be ready before Christmas!! By the way I have knitted many of the other patterns in the books so they haven't just languished on the book shelf. Keep up the great videos Norman!! They're really helpful. Hugs 🤗

[@NimbleNeedles]

definitely take your time. That yarn sounds like something you want to feel on your skin!

[@napasnelding9340]

Love your show.

[@debbylovesyarn5148]

Love your hacks. They’re always welcome.

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad to hear that, Debby

[@karenholman7975]

i love your knitting hacks

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad to hear that, karen!

[@ramonacowman7409]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing!💕

[@ERNesbitt]

I'm finishing my first pair of socks with the yarn balls in a kitchen bowl and binder clips on the rim as yarn guides. Also, I made a swift out of a large square of cardboard, four sharpies, and a drumstick the other night to wind some hanks into balls. Glad you included the yard sales/auction sites - I found several 25g balls of silk/mohair blend from the same dye lot for $1 a piece at Goodwill a few months ago. I'd love more "knitting hacks" videos.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i once saw someone doing a lego yarn swift! that was fun. and yeah, i think I might be working on a full knitting hack video :)

[@infamoussphere7228]

I use tote bags for my project bags, they also work fine for holding yarn when knitting, and I have my circulars and DPNs in a pencil case that I already had. I use safety pins for stitch markers - it's a good use for the ones that usually come with clothing tags, which are often too weak to be used as a structural safety pin. A lot of them are also keyhole shaped which is perfect for stitch markers! The good thing about knitting as well is that it's modular and you can just get the bits when you need them. So you don't need to start out by buying ALL of the needles, just start with what you'll need for your first project. ALSO a good tip is to try and find out if there is a wool mill in your area/country. Often they'll have very good basic yarn for an affordable price. Here in Australia Bendigo Woollen Mills has 200 gram balls of yarn for about $14 AUD, in cotton and pure wool crepe. It's not luxury yarn or fancy but it's really good, and much cheaper than almost any other commercial pure wool yarn available here. Nundle wool mills does wonderful sock yarns in 50 gram balls for about $8 each, perfect for colourwork socks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's a great tip...tho very few countriest still have wool mills. Most spinning is done in a selected few countriest so it's not always an option :(

[@oldke078]

Thrift your needles! They're expensive new, but so many thrift stores have estate craft supplies, so it's the best value way to get needles of all types- hooks, circular, DPNs, and regular needles!

[@elainedarquin]

Good ideas to use!

[@GMY100]

Thanks for all the tips. I made so many mistakes that you mentioned.

[@NimbleNeedles]

if they taught you a valuable lession, they weren't mistakes but learning opportunites!

[@hannahc933]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@BornToDreamTheBeat]

A really great video! Although I've been privileged enough to build a big yarn stash for some years now (mostly bought on sale), I love reusing yarn. Doesn't matter whether i get it from commercial sweaters or knitted sweaters that didn't turn out the way I wanted, or I just don't wear anymore. I used to be really into chunky sweaters, but ,for me, they turned out to not be that great in the long run, so most of my reused yarn comes from chunky sweaters I bought from h&m 4 or 5 years ago, and chunky sweaters I've knit myself. I also spin and dye my own yarn. If there is a pattern I want to knit but the yarn that's used and recommended is too expensive or just not reasonable for me to buy, I usually dye some yarn (usually 3-6€ per 100g skein) to fit the yarn in the pattern, I especially like doing that with gradient or self striping yarn. Although the equipment does cost a bit in the very beginning, the sweater has even more personality to it in the end, as in "I dyed (and/or spun) this yarn and knit this garment myself!"

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, spinning wheels and all the accessories you need are not all that cheap either. But as you said, it can totally pay off and the yarn will be sooo special!