My 5 Must-Have Knitting Tools (and one huge waste of money)

[@Ampharb]

My favorite knitting accessory is a crochet hook.

[@juliej6638]

I have one - really short with a different size hook on each end - brilliant for picking up dropped stitches and fixing mistakes. I inherited mine from my mother and it might be a cream coloured plastic or possibly ivory - ew? That's a bit gross I know but she lived in Africa for a while in the 1950s and could have got it there. I get really panicked if I lose it down the side of a chair or at the bottom of my knitting bag.

[@Starbeam1979]

🤣🤣🤣

[@andreat1752]

😂

[@nah_.]

Sometimes I'll purposefully drop a stitch so I can fix it with my crochet hook 😭

[@obadiahkaemmerling1474]

Omg haha😂😂

[@ihesharema]

Top 5 must haves: 1. Ball winder 2. Swift 3. Interchangeable needles (just started knitting so I don’t have a wonderful needle wind chime of my own 😊) 4. My husband (he loves weaving in the ends and is my #1 supporter) 5. My knitting books

[@flashyourknits]

Ok number 4 is husband goals. I will be communicating these new expectations to my husband tonight.

[@OddWoz]

That’s adorable. A keeper for sure.

[@tlockerk]

Yes to interchangeable needles, my most expensive, yet greatest money saving buy.

[@katfinn9352]

I agree about the husband. Mine has never knit one stitch, but he knows a lot about it and is totally supportive even of my huge stash of yarns (and other things as I am also a weaver, sewer, etc.)

[@phoenixfire8978]

That’s an amazing husband

[@zoegras4787]

Another must have - a kitchen scale! It's easy to figure out the yardage of your leftover yarn and really helps when dividing a skein for sock yarn. I'm on study abroad currently and couldn't bring my ball winder and am now doing it by hand... not fun.

[@katfinn9352]

I agree! I use a scale all the time.

[@celestial17]

I have been on the fence about the kitchen scale, but this is the push I needed. Thank you!

[@Joxxerfoxy]

100% agree! And you can also use it for cooking and baking 😆

[@morganmakes6500]

oh this is a great idea, I keep designing patterns and having no idea how many yards of yarn they used! with this I could probably just weigh the parts that I've knit and compare to the weight vs yardage of the skein

[@lorindajones4563]

I agree with your 5 tools but I really like my two sets of interchangable needles and find that I knit more because I rarely need to go buy more needles. They also came with wonderful self-storing pouches which are ideal for a small living space. Even though they seem expensive, for me they have been more of an upfront investment that has paid off in the long run; I do understand the joy of adding needles as you have a need for them though and your needles sounded musical.

[@ingeborg418]

This just confirmed that i have to buy myself some interchangeables, i absolutely cannot deal with magic loops, it just takes me right out of the flow

[@fiddlestitch89]

THIS. I started out thinking I would only buy needles as I needed them and an interchangeable set would be superfluous. But once I was really getting into knitting, I bought a Chiaogoo stainless steel set and I haven't looked back. Sold all of my fixed needles except for US0-US2 for sock knitting. I even bought a Lykke set while I was at Rhinebeck last year so I could have a set of metal and wood needles. Absolutely worth it IMO! 🙌

[@Ampharb]

I love my set of addiclic interchangeable needles for all the reasons you stated. Just wish they came sizes smaller than 4.

[@lorindajones4563]

@@Ampharb I agree size 2 and 3 are great to have. For one of the interchangeable sets I just purchased these in fixed lengths and added them to my set. There is enough space to keep them in a pocket so I always know where to look for them.

[@kcwoo6320]

What sets do you have?

[@Pharm2be]

I just got my first ball winder today and it’s a game changer. I’ve spent 20+ years telling myself that I don’t need a winder because I can wind a ball but the ease… the time saving… the lack of hand cramps… and most importantly cakes are so much easier to stack than balls of leftover yarn

[@Pharm2be]

My big sizes that I collect are 8 32in cables and size one dpns lol.

[@deborahparis1713]

OMG....me too!! I just got a beautiful set after knitting for 50 yrs!!!!

[@mariab.1997]

The woman I used to buy yarn from caked her yarn on a regular winder that was hooked up to a stationary bicycle. Her wool and acrylics were on cones, maybe a 2/20 size, and you could get solids or make your own tweeds in any weight. It was not twisted together but beautiful. It was like Red heart it's a wrap rainbow, I think. Now, I don't care for yarn that splits when you use it, but having learned my craft on this yarn really helped me with keeping it on my hook or needles. The result of using it is that the garment looks very soft and romantic. The cones were moved to posts on the floor and fed through eyes on metal rods like what comes with your winder. From there to the winder and sold by weight according to the cost of the fiber. A rather ingenious gadget that had her exercising daily, and it whipped up the cakes so quickly and evenly.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This is something I would love to see. How ingenious!

[@jancy1609]

My fav is my mini iPad, it is priceless for keeping on track of multiple projects and storing all the patterns.

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

Definitely with you on the ball winder and swift. My other 3 - 1. I recently bought the pop up dryer from Cocoknits and it makes blocking a lot faster as air gets underneath the item as well so it dries a lot faster. 2. A neck light as it makes knitting in the evening so much easier as well as when travelling. Sometimes hotels have very “moody” lighting that looks nice but it’s terrible for knitting. 3. A lap desk. I have a lot of back problems and the Lao desk allows me to sit in a comfortable chair with good posture and have all my supplies (including a cup of tea) within reach. Actually can I add a number 6 - my kettle. Can’t be knitting without a cup of tea ☕️

[@flashyourknits]

That's awesome to hear about the Cocoknits pop up dryer. That is in my cart but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. My last sweater took two days to dry. And 100% on the neck light.

[@Izzybeff1974]

I have bought several Cocoknits things and I really want to love them because they are so pretty, but I'm just "meh" about them. I find myself going back to my original plastic notions far more often because they are just functional.

[@teresawagoner1469]

100% on the neck light!

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

I just thought of one more - a crochet hook! Essential for fixing dropped stitches and picking up stitches on a bound off edge if it’s a bit tight.

[@janecadett3937]

I would love to know what kind of neck light is so good. I have one that’s unsatisfactory because the light is too focused in one area. I spend the whole time trying to get it adjusted to where I am knitting

[@mrsess5932]

I agree with you about the ball winder. I pull from the center of the skein but then it gets weird after a while. I just cake up the rest of the skein and start from the center again. Also makes scrap yarn easier/prettier to store. I could not live with out my super cute stitch markers. I love my interchangeable needles. I'm kind of spontaneous so if I see a pattern or something I want to try, I have to do it right then and there. having the correct needles and cables helps with that. Just discovered I prefer bamboo so I'm going to be purchasing another set.

[@annikak.837]

I'm an advanced knitter but I go with quite minimal amount of tools - if needles, stitch markers, yarn, scissors etc are not counted, I would say my number one is stitch cords/wires for holding stitches. 😊 I actually love winding a ball by hand. 😁

[@robinwhite-underwood467]

Hello Annika. I understand how you could love winding a ball by hand; I love untangling yarn that was turned into a tangled mess when I hand-dyed it. Other knitters think I am nuts, but I love doing it, and it is such a portable thing to do: you can even take tangled skeins on planes, because there are no needles/hooks involved. So I get that you like hand-winding.😀

[@amieinnovascotia3237]

I drop the ball when hand winding constantly now that my hands are deformed with arthritis. I might invest in another ball winder. Just a better one than what I had and smashed with a hammer so I wouldn’t be tempted to try it yet again and not have anyone else fall victim to it.

[@SmoreObscureLore]

A very simple and easily accesable gadget i swear by is a simple counter. The ones that keep a tally. You can get them at poundland or amazion and the like for pretty mcuh nothing. It's so great for counting rows and repeats. I used to do it on my phone but i appreciate having my phone free for youtube or video calls while i'm doing my knitting. if you want to get fancy you can also get them to go on your finger or needles

[@alisoneichler4257]

I am lucky enough (blessed?) to have had a great aunt who did amazing handwork - I inherited her needles (all straight, including a Tunisian crochet hook!). I also inherited a collection of tools - and yarn - from a close friend of my mother after she suffered a stroke and was unable to knit. And then, Mom moved into assisted living 5 years ago and does little hand work - so I, again, inherited her tools and stash. If I am ever required to maintain total isolation for months and months, I will be well entertained.

[@lindsaybrue7387]

Just gonna throw it out there, it’s probably been said, but the Frankensweater should be called “The Gladys Sweater”

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Ooooo lala. I likeee.

[@catherinecunningham7126]

I totally agree, Lindsay! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@teacherdeafhh]

I have been knitting and crocheting over 30 years. I just got a ball winder and swift today. I feel like a REAL knitter now. thanks for you videos

[@knittingnana2939]

I have knitted for 60 years and just recently purchased a ball winder-which I use very occasionally. I have never had a swift.

[@cmangaudis]

Love ALL of this! I have been knitting for over 55 years and my Stanwood ball winder is THE BEST ball winder I have ever used, and I have used a lot of different ones 😊. Oh! I love that “Gladys” is holding your gorgeous sweater… that was my Mom’s name 💗

[@cathryncampbell8555]

*I* Love the fact that you *named* your model! What a creative mind you have.

[@juliedrakeArtist]

Haha, you made me laugh so much when you were getting upset about the ball winder and you said " I need to burn sage" 😂

[@eleanoreadams]

LOL this was a very fun video! I learned how to ball yarn by hand from my grandmother, so never had a ball winder until last year when I bought a $20 one on amazon last year... It's so fun and relaxing to ball wind! The $20 chinese ones on amazon work fine, and now i'll re-wind a ball 2x just to loosen the thread. Fun stuff. Also, I love the needle collection and totally agree. it's way more fun to collect needles than use the interchangable. Love it! My favorite item... this may be a weird one, but I have this orange, size 4.5 Boyd crochet hook I carry around to use for everything. Fixing dropped stitches, knitting in ends etc. Yeah - my favorite knitting tool is an orange crochet hook. I don't crochet - it's an old tool that fixes everything.

[@kclm]

My chiaogoo interchangeables are my pride and joy! They were an absolute game changer for me that took knitting from an occasional hobby to an outright obsession.

[@mcoknits856]

I love my Nancy’s Knitnacks wooden (manual) ball winder. Seen your video, I’m glad I did not spring for the electric version which was at the time I got my ball wonder about 10 years ago. I’ve tried many swifts and now I have the same swift that you have i.e. the Knitpicks wooden umbrella swift and it is the best one I have tried. Although I’ve never had a moth problem, the climate in Toronto Which makes me fear them so I keep my yarn in open Ikea containers stored with cedar pieces on shelves in a cupboard. I can open the cupboard doors and admire my yarn which is organized by color.

[@145iamveruca1]

I purchased a ball winder years ago for my MIL who is a wonderful woman and crochets. I am a simple crafter but find myself owning a basket full of yarn skeins. I finally purchased my own winder and love it.

[@loonybinreject]

Cube shaped wooden interchangable circular knitting needles. I had to give up knitting for a few years due to my joints and joint pain. I tried picking it up again with these new needles and haven't stopped since. Circulars seem to need less movement anyways so are better but I have tried lots of different types and these cube ones are amazing.

[@lindaboggess7634]

I love my Prym Ergonomic needles. I have arthritis and I find them easier to hold on to plus I drop fewer stitches. I also don't accidentally knit 2 stitches together if I am in poor lighting. The other thing I love is my neck light! That thing has been a game changer when knitting with dark colors!

[@flourchylde]

I have a sizeable needle collection and keep them in a divided accordion file folder.

[@mollymollie6048]

Pry out of my cold dead hands: 1) My Knitters Pride Karbonz interchangeable needles, and all the fixed ones; 2) my OG Knit Picks interchangeable laminated birch interchangeable needles and fixed ones (not the 2.0 version that happened when Knitters Pride bought the factory or whatever, take those…please.) 3) My sock yarn stash…I need lots of socks…need (not a notion, but you can’t have it, regardless. 4) My ‘go to’ reference on how to do everything books…one is small and portable and 20 years old and I can’t remember the title, other is a 20 year old Vogue Knitting Bible book. 5) Yarn winder and swift…even tho they’re really cheap and dinky, and they need upgraded…okay, take them…force me to knuckle down and get a decent one of each, at least the swift. (Checking Knit Picks right now to see if they have a sale…) 6) My Knit Kit little ‘travels with you and has a counter, yarn cutter, tape measure, crochet hook, needle gauge measure, and under that holds knit markers. It was about $20 when it came out…I got two…and they go with every traveling project. All of this is put into an oval ½ in deep, 3 in diameter little engineering marvel. They stopped making them for some unknown reason. These two will be pried out of my cold dead hands!

[@resourcedragon]

It's astonishing that two people could have the same hobby and have so little equipment in common! My needles are all straight (there's a virgin circular needle lurking in the collection somewhere) - although, like you, I do have some duplicates. Some duplicates were purchased when I was on holiday and didn't have the right sizes with me, others were purchased because I wasn't sure whether I had that size or not. One pair of really fine ones was purchased because they can be quite hard to obtain but I use them a lot, so I wanted spares. My needles live in a robust bag. If I want more needles, I've inherited my mother's collection, hers are in a box that had a roll of scented paper in it. I live in a part of the world where moths eat anything and everything, so my stash has to be kept airtight. If I have a hank I drape it over my knees and get a lot of exercise physically winding it into a ball. Nothing like doing a decent quantity of a fine two ply where you're winding the best part of a mile of wool. (See comment above about the fine needles - that's what they get used for!) I try to be disciplined and only do one project at a time to prevent the problem of multiple projects languishing. So, my must-have knitting kit items: * crochet hooks - great for fixing mistakes * wool needles - a back, a front and two sleeves don't become a jumper until they are all assembled. Wool needles can double as cable needles in an emergency * gauge - for converting between sizes or working out what size a pair of needles is if the numbers have worn off them. All right, some of my needles are old. * lamp with a magnifying glass. My eyesight is crap, so I need the light and magnification for those crochet-hook moments - see above.

[@sarahcrooks6780]

I finish one project before moving on to another, too. Mainly it's because I'm afraid that if I put one project down to start a second, the original one will never be finished.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi everyone! Thank you for stopping by today! I've provided all the links for anything mentioned here in the description box below the video. Also, the hat I'm wearing here is a pattern by yours truly called the Welded Cap. You can find it on Ravelry here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-welded-cap and at woolneedleshands.com here: www.woolneedleshands.com/wnhpatterns/p/weldedcap and And get involved in the conversation! What are some of your FAVORITE knitting tools/gadgets/resources...etc? #knitting #knittingpodcast #knittingtips

[@taniaramirez6230]

To that expensive winder try knitting a cover for the middle part and wind using that to keep the yarn fromslipping. love your channel and content, thank you

[@loispatrick2594]

I bought a knitpicks ball winder years ago and didn't really use it as I found I didn't get good winding with anyone holding the yarn for me. Last year I purchased a very cheap swift and also actually watched a tutorial of how to wind a ball. Let me tell you..... total game changer! I now run the yarn just over my finger as it comes off the swift to as a bit of tension and it works great! My only problem is that if I want to wind bigger balls with more yardage, ie laceweight or Wollmeise 4ply then I definitely need to get a jumbo winder. I'll probably get another knitpicks one if they have jumbo ones (I haven't looked yet) as the one I have atm works well. With your Ashford electric winder, would putting wax or some masking tape on the stick/pole of your winder help do you think? You didn't mention any other issues so I don't know if you've t tried other things or not and they still don't work. You could also sand the polish or varnish off to make it bare wood.... that might increase the grip better as well. Good luck and happy winding 😀

[@janetgillett7122]

Another item I’d wrestle to keep is my neck lamp for night knitting!

[@uschiott2146]

Hey, This was great. For me the essential tools are: my interchangeables and some sets of DPN's, various crochet hooks, my Tapestry Needles and a pair of scissors. The swift and a ball winder are on my list, because I think they really make a difference, although I like winding the balls by hand for the extra time with my yarn. Happy knitting and crafting, Uschi

[@judyfick2967]

My favorite tool is my gram scale...I am constantly playing yarn chicken and it really helps budget the last bits of yarn

[@Ampharb]

I love my scale too. Bought it at a marijuana dispensary. No one believed I was going to use it to weigh wool. Now if I‘m making booties or mittens from yarn scraps, I know for sure after knitting the first if I‘ll have enough wool for the second of the pair.

[@judyfick2967]

@@Ampharb exactly! You can really plan!

[@CarolinePralin89]

As a beginner knitter my absolute must-have knitting tool is a stitch wire! Being uncertain about how the project is turning out and being able to try it on without having to put all stitches on hold on a separate string of yarn is such a lifesaver. Or mindsaver.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Oooo yes! I've never really considered this, but I definitely understand the value there. And "mindsaver" is right! Thank you for watching Caroline!

[@Sincyn241]

The Olikraft large ball winder is AMAZING! For the swift though, I prefer the tabletop Amish-style, adjustable peg swift style.

[@topstitchgirl]

After years of frustration with the classic cheap plastic ball winder, I got the ball winder you have (from another brand) and am very very happy with it. I've had an umbrella swift attached to my counter for years that has been working great. A knitting "tool" that I can't live without is an Excel speeadsheet that has formulas for all kinds of knitting related numbers. It just told me that the sweater I'm knitting is going to be smaller than I want based on my gauge so to the frog pond it went.

[@wilmer4258]

Spread shee??? Do fell More Please!!

[@lichenandmossfibre]

Lived without a swift for waaayy too long and now cannot live without the chiaogoo "amish style" swift. It breaks down to almost nothing which with little to no space is a life saver!

[@ceydaer]

I recently bought a spinning yarn holder (a wooden one) and it is quickly becoming one of my favourite tools, especially because I live in a tiny house and don’t have any space for baskets to hold my yarn while I’m knitting it. It even holds two yarns at a time so it’s great when I’m knitting with mohair and wool.

[@katpraeuner9794]

I've been drooling over those as well.... space being an issue here and I already have 2 yarn bowls. Just haven't justified it yet....lol

[@karengaray5114]

1. Swift; I have one of the cheap plastic and wire ones from Amazon. I paid $20 about 10 years ago. It's probably almost time to replace it, but I do use it quite often, so I definitely got my money's worth. 2. Ball winder - I recently got the same one you have, and I have the ubiquitous white and orange plastic one. I mostly prefer the larger winder, but for small amounts of yarn the core is too big. The small winder is better for minis and leftovers. 3. My ChiaoGoo interchangeables, they're almost the only needles I use except when I need dpns for small items. (I struggle with magic loop.) 4. Sticky notes and a pencil for marking which line of the pattern or chart I'm on. 5. A ruler for checking gauge. I actually enjoy swatching to see how the pattern works up, and I save the swatches for reference. My ruler has markings for 32nds of an inch on the first 4 inches, and 16ths the rest. Plus cm/mm. It's a metal ruler and the markings begin and end exactly at the edge for accuracy. Bonus item: stitch stoppers. I finally gave in and bought them a few days ago. Game changer. No more lost stitches in my project bag (which goes everywhere with me, even physical therapy for when I need ice.) I have instructions to make a custom Gladys using duct tape and an old t-shirt, after seeing this video I need to get an assistant and make it. And name it. 😃

[@simsamsammie]

I've seen a couple people fit a handheld power drill in place of the handle on their manual ballwinder and I think its genius. Gives you more control over the speed of the winder and is inexpensive if you already have a drill

[@charlottecarpenter2388]

This video was very informative for me as a beginner knitter. I had been debating about the swift and ball winder as well as the mannequin. Now I will be getting them! Thank you for the links as well! 😀🧶👍

[@maritakinnula2885]

I would urge you to get the ballwinder mentioned in this video, I have one by Knitpro and it wounds reasonably well fingering-dk weight yarn but it's not so good on bulkier weights. Of course the price of these items playes a big part with these purhases so think carefully.

[@donnakuse6463]

Love the needle organization. Do you have a link to that hanger?

[@kellygagne5919]

My 5 must haves are: 1&2- swift and ball winder 3- my interchangeable needle set 4- my spin dryer (don’t need it for knitting, but it’s a game changer for washing knits!) 5- my storage cubes for keeping most (my stash is currently overflowing) of my yarn and knitting paraphernalia organized

[@hildekirchner8423]

My No. 1 thing would be my interchangeable needles. I love them especially when it comes to knitting sleeves because they give me so many choices. I can use a longer needle to knit with that rests in my knitting hand better and gives me more control but I can choose to knit off a shorter maybe even smaller needle which especially towards the end of the sleeve makes it easier for me to “get around the curve” because it makes the “needle + cord set” shorter. Hard to explain but maybe you’ll understand what I mean.

[@jonellesandel1066]

So agree with all! After struggling with a floor swift thing and ending in many yarn tangle tragedies, I got a knit picks wooden swift and it was amazing with my ball winder. I also laughed and thought “yeah she’s right” at you preferring individual rather than interchangeable sets….I own three expensive interchangeable sets and somehow I never have the right combo of needle size and cord length hahahaha.

[@MtMomDesigns]

Tools I use ALL THE TIME, besides swift and ball-winder, include my interchangeable needles, dpns in all sizes, Susan Bates “handi-tool”s (for catching and fixing mistakes), scissors, bent-tip tapestry needles, and tape measure. I have a few Addi Rocket2 squared fixed circs that I love, and I grab them when that’s the size I want, but my interchangeables are more flexible for mix and matching tips and cables.

[@marybethirwin9684]

As I am working my way through the TKGA Master's Program, I have come to appreciate a rigid, clear lucite ruler, straight pins with ball heads on a magnetic holder, and blocking matts with grid lines. Swatching and blocking are essential, and having the proper tools for blocking and measuring allows you to get the most out of the added effort it takes. :)

[@KimClinger]

I have considered (the)TKGA master knitter program. I hear it can be frustrating to knit what you think is a perfect swatch, and get it back with all of the notes. Still, I’m looking to learn, so I would probably appreciate it. Good Luck to you!

[@marybethirwin9684]

@@KimClinger The program is rigorous for sure, but I have learned so much. I would say it is not for everyone because it entails research and knitting things you may not be interested in (to demonstrate mastery of a concept or skill). I do feel I have become a much better knitter. It is humbling but rewarding!

[@robinwhite-underwood467]

Great video! I love my ball winder from Knit Picks; it was a gift from my non-knitting daughter. And I don't know how I managed without my swift! But gosh, picking out just a couple more things? I'll try... My interchangeable needles from Knit Picks, with the square-shaped needles are my favorite set. Sadly, the 6 and the 7 have both broken: one should not sit on one's knitting. I keep all of my dpns in a lovely fabric roll from Etsy; best storage buy ever. Finally, stitch markers: my short-term memory is now so short that if a snail crawled over it, it would not even be a speed bump. I need my stitch markers, and my favorite set are these little gold-tone loops, probably jewelry findings, with a tiny glass bead over the join. I use these markers all the time, and I must have a dozen different sets, and probably over a hundred markers, total. Your yarn storage shelving unit is just lovely, btw!

[@n.ayisha]

i (genuinely) appreciate your respectful honesty. interchangeable needle sets appeal to my occasional bouts of OCD, so i mostly go that route. that plus a ball-winder, swift, and a steady supply of bulb-shaped safety pins are my 'must haves'. i also keep a few crochet hooks (tiny, med, and jumbo) with my needles. they are lifesavers! oh... and i prefer to work with a sleepy cat keeping me company.

[@fiberdogfibers]

My husband got me that exact ball winder as a surprise gift a few years ago. I had no idea, he did all the research on best ball winders himself and I just love that thing. Certainly one of the best gifts I've ever received!

[@elle-wp3]

For another show could you demonstrate how to be sure you have skein on swift correctly. I’m long ,long time knitter but recently had 4 different skeins get hopelessly tangled, one skein I worked on for 20 hours and still threw away.

[@megcarr3126]

Mine is definitely my hyiahyia sharp interchangeable set of needles, my yarn swift and ball winder. My other favourite things that I love are my sock ruler and my bulb stitch markers, which I use for progress keepers, regular stitch markers to mark out pattern repeats in my needles, also to mark my decreases on anything! 😁

[@nauci]

1: Short Interchangeable needles (my tiny hands are just as happy with them for large projects, but they make small radius magic looping so much easier!) 2: clover amour crochet hooks (reduced restarts and frustration by 90% because mistakes are so much easier to fix, plus great for reinforcing necklines and such) 3: My knitting bag! A big one, because I'm not allowed to grow my stash any further than it... 4: Tiny metal stitch markers 5: Neck light! This has made such an unexpectedly monumental impact on reducing eye strain headaches and removed all issues with darker yarns!

[@lainieepstein7753]

Yes, ball winder, swift and yarn storage. Love my interchangeable needles in addition to fixed circulars. I'm a magic looper so like the versatility of cord length options and stoppers to hold a project on the cord while I use the needles for something else. Barber cords have been a game changer and timesaver. Stitches slip on and off for sleeve stitches and trying on top-down sweaters are great!

[@therealnancysteele]

I purchased an Ashford electric ball winder too and I agree with you.

[@TonjaTreeceMomPlays]

Definitely agree with the ball winder and swift, but I use an Amish swift because I have had bad luck with umbrella swifts and the slats breaking. I also cannot be deprived of my interchangeable needle set, I always have what I need (most of the time lol)!

[@MyJoyanne]

Im so with you Tonja! I have the Stanwood ball winder and an Amish swift. I also love my Chiagoo interchangeable set. I would add to that my Chiagoo rubber grippers so I can ensure the join is tight enough and also my needle stoppers and stitch markers - they both save me a lot of headaches.

[@lorindajones4563]

I lovee my Amish swift too!

[@borealspirit1812]

Yes, I have an umbrella swift and one of my slats broke. As a Canuck, my first go-to is duck tape! That was years ago now and the repair job has held up just fine.

[@mnsusan7281]

Fairly new viewer here. After watching your review of the Ashford ball winder, I did a search for other reviews. One I found by Sally Ridgway had the same complaint as you. However, she said she re-read the instructions and they said that the yarn had to be fed at a 45-degree angle, after which she had few problems. I watched your unboxing video and it looked like the yarn was more like straight on and definitely not at 45 degrees. Sally got a clamp that had a little spot where she could feed the yarn down from the swift to the table and then back up to the ball winder. Is this something you have tried? Might be worth a shot.

[@GrainneDhu]

I had to laugh about your ballwinder being necessary because I feel the same way... and I rather suspect my beloved Fricke ballwinder is actually older than you are (purchased in the mid to late 1980s). Spread out over the years, it cost something like $3.00/year. I've only had to replace the drive belt once when it just got too stretched out to cut and heat weld shorter in order to be effective again. Swifts, I've had a few (imagine Freddie Mercury singing it)... like, um, five so far. A Glimåkra umbrella swift, a Japanese metal and plastic umbrella swift, a Fricke tabletop mounted skeiner that acts like a swift quite readily, a squirrel cage swift (invaluable for skeins with huge yardage or slippery yarns) and a Gecko Blooming Onion Swift (an Amish style that folds easily and neatly into a rectangular box shape the size of a large cigar box). So far as your Ashford E-ballwinder goes--have you tried roughing up the centre spindle with sandpaper to make it more grippy? Or getting some Dycem non-slip matting to make a sleeve to fit the centre spindle? Dycem is so handy for so many things, I just bought a roll of the stuff and cut it as needed for various purposes. There are similar, cheaper, knock-offs available but the occupational therapist who showed it to me was right--nothing is better than Dycem and it is worth every cent.

[@brendak3357]

I seldom knit with anything other than interchangeables. My first (& still used) set was Knitters Pride wooden and then several years ago I purchased a ChiaoGoo metal set. Love them! I couldn't be without my scale, winder & swift.

[@mwolfe7883]

Definitely agree on the ball winder and swift. Both of mine are Knitpicks and work great. Had some giant yarn tangles prior to getting those.

[@jenniferoden9343]

My top 5 knitting tools: 1. The knit kit, the 1st edition. I can't be without it! 2. Compression gloves with copper...to care for my hands if I overdo it. 3. My neck light...so I can knit on the dark! 4/5. My ball winder and swift. I currently have the knitpicks set...but am interested in getting the Stanwood ball winder after this video. A runner up #6. My selfmade "dodgy" knitting bags to organize my projects. A fun way to learn to sew and make something practical.

[@katpraeuner9794]

I love it! self made "dodgy" knitting bags.... I plan to make some of these myself. I have everything, including a pattern and just need to get out the sewing machine and set it up. Procrastination is my middle name though I do have literally everything I need, including time.

[@lunasmum6869]

Those Stanwood wool winders are so expensive! My eyes popped when I saw that! I bought a cheaper one which I have had for years and, honestly, I can't see any difference between the two! The Ashford one can stay in the shop at that price!! I wouldn't be without my swift, I have a Sunflower one, because I spin my own yarn I am constantly winding my own skeins into balls. I am a widow but my husband was a wonderful swift! I padded my dress form to my measurements. It is so useful.

[@nefraial]

One more comment. Although not essential, I'm thinking of getting one of those small scales people use to weigh their yarn. It is a great idea for wanting to know if there is enough left on the ball for another row. Weighing before and after knitting a row. Also for knowing how much yarn is left in stash.

[@coolsteven2]

Loved the list; part of the reason I went to go get a winder and swift. I've just hand wound everything but I guess it's time to save myself some time and effort. However, after knitting (and crocheting) for a while, my sets of interchangeable and DPNS were major game changers (especially if you get them in the material you most like)! It gives you a lot more flexibility if you need to adjust your gauge or you want more or less wire length. It also removes the question of whether or not you have the right equipment to start a project. Slight underrated tools I'd suggest is pen/pencil and a notebook or a copy of the pattern you can write notes on.

[@susanschwerdtfeger7310]

You are so enjoyable to watch! You had me smiling. I could absolutely feel your frustration over the e-winder and so so so glad that you shared. I have seen your other unboxing video and had been thinking that would so great to have one. Now that I hear your experience with it and how great your hand winder is, it’s like being given a gold nugget of wisdom! I have a cheap plastic winder that produces disgusting amounts of yarn vomit with even the wooly toothy yarn. I am definitely looking into your hand winder now. Thank you so much! As for tools I couldn’t live without… 1-interchangeable needles. I am relatively new to knitting and went straight for the interchangeable needles and so happy to have them so that I can quickly attempt whatever project I’m looking at next. 2- A good ball winder and swift (because winding them by hand makes my shoulder and neck ache so bad). 3- Tape measure. 4- Cup of tea!

[@sharbear1968]

Hi. Just going through your videos randomly. I am so new to knitting but I love my knitters pride needles and Tunisian hooks cables are interchangeable. As I’m getting into hand dyed yarns, I’m considering the standwood winder and a swift but that’s probably a ways off. I have so much acrylic that needs used first and I’m ok winding the few hanks and minis by hand. I love your content. I learn something from every video.

[@yimowang5570]

I absolutely 120% with you on my Stanwood ball winder! It has been with me since 2014 and still going strong. It makes the most perfect/beautiful looking cake. I love my ball winder.

[@zirania6895]

I have my grandmoms Swift. Its beautiful and works like a charm!!

[@ElisandeWalters]

(consider roughing teh surface of the wood for the posh yarnwinder? like with a very fine sand paper, OR, even just tak eof the "finish" of the wood on that part?)

[@whitneyswinyard9612]

I waited for years to invest in an automatic ball winder, and purchased the Fiber Artist Supply co one last year. Every time I use it it feel a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. Best investment ever.

[@cynthiamyers4265]

I never had a swift until I borrowed a friend's to wind a sweater-quantity of yarn. I immediately asked for and received one for Christmas.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Oh man. This episode was so useful and unexpectedly, hilarious! First off, I’ve been on the fence about a swift and ball winder, and your recommendation definitely swayed me… especially the reminder that if you forgo a few skeins of yarn one month you can use that money towards the Swift and ball winder. Seems simple enough, but sometimes we need that reminder. 🤣 I laughed out loud when I saw the contraption that you had all of your circular needles on…. And man the way it kept chiming, and moving around as you tried to explain. It felt like it had a life of its own. Just hysterical. Points for creativity and a definite practical use of one of those pant/skirt hangers! I have a box that I got as a gift but I haven’t actually organized everything in there yet. We’ll see how it goes. I might end up using a hanger too. The labeled Ziploc bags I was using were driving me nuts….😂 Loved the Ashford review. Could feel that buyer’s remorse! You can tell it still hits a nerve. It would me too! $550 is absolutely obscene for it not to work seamlessly every single time. A marvelous video as usual. Thank you for the knitty rambles. You are one of my favorite YT knitters. I always walk away with having learned something new and inspired to pick up my needles. 💚🧶😁

[@doribooks]

thank you! Realizing I'd really like to have a swift (and now a ball winder). Just didn't know what kind, quality, etc. You are super helpful

[@lynnetaylor8974]

This is the first time I've come across you. Really enjoyed your contact and found it very enlightening. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@nokesbob2256]

I have my yarn stash in a china hutch that I repurposed. All glass front so I can see it all the time. It inspires me. What I noticed about your yarn stash is that you love solid and tonal colors. I didn't see much in speckled or multi-color yarns. I'm the same way. I couldn't knit without my swift and ball winder. Mine are manual. I've knit my whole life, but it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I found out through the internet that there was really nice yarn out there. I had knit and crochet blankets all with acrylic yarns. And I had those cheap plastic knitting needles. Chiao Goo needles are my very favorite. I can't believe the difference in knitting after I got my first set. I'm hoping to some day own the interchangeable sets too. I could not knit with out those needles. Another thing is a needle gage, because we all have loose needles and have to gage them to find out what they are. A good pair of scissor nips. A good darning needle. And don't forget the chocolate! Gotta have chocolate for those days you get to set and knit all day. I have my tea and some chocolate and I'm good. Again, your podcasts are very inspiring and you teach a lot of things that is common sense. Thank you.

[@trishaharp4023]

My puffy coat tote bag. It holds my looms, my yarn, and it's a conversation piece. A few years ago, I decorated a mini wood coffin with the words "knit survival kit," and I love bringing that out in the fall. Those are my 2 favorites.

[@alisoncreswick3566]

I have a small scale that fits in the pocket of my knitting bag that I could not knit without. Best Amazon knitting purchase ever. Second favorite tool would have to be my yarn-it.

[@lioconnor24]

Thank you for the video! I just got a winder and swift and was worried I shouldnt have! Happier now that I’ve seen this. Also my one thing I couldn’t do without is my binder with zipped plastic pouches that I like to keep my needles in 😂, I can just flick through and see what sizes I have haha.

[@odemkowicz]

I use a day planner! I replaced all the paper pages with the see through plastic zipper pouches, its been a great portable needle case.

[@sunrhyze]

I put all my needles inside see-through plastic "envelopes" inside two binders (one for circs, the other for DPNs) when Kevin (Needles at the Ready) showed us his system. Then he and Ray went and got all fancy with some expensive leather cases, but I'm sticking with my binders. I think Tayler's circ collection is multipurpose, though, because she could hang it out on her front porch as a wind chime. 🙂

[@saralchristen]

I also own a knitpicks umbrella swift (on my 2nd one -- my old one had a wooden screw to hold the umbrella lifter and it got stripped after years of use). I recently bought an amish style swift, and I like it better. It packs away nice and flat for storage, but even better, I can use it on any flat surface without needing to clamp it to the edge of a table. Now I want to find an affordable and robust tabletop ball winder!

[@helenstrickland3894]

Have been knitting almost 60 years, but don’t spin or dye myself so have managed well without ball winder or swift. Love my fixed circular needles, rarely use straights anymore. Can’t do magic loop but by having 60cm and 40 cm in all diameters can manage most circumferences using 2 circulars at a time. Other essentials : crochet hook for dropped stitched, stitch markers, TEA and PODCAST

[@IamVel]

I am happy I started my knitting adventure with interchangeable Chiagoo right away when I decided to learn knitting again. It is very convenient and really help to economise space. :) Just learned the magic loop technique together with learning how to knit socks, and it was fun! Did not knit two together because I used 3 different yarns for the socks, and it would be too much to manage on one knit (6 yarns), but the result is great. Always were terrified of the 5-needles socks knitting arrangement, tried it many years ago when I was 14ish, and thought I will never touch any knitting. And here I am. So, the right tools are important.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

You're absolutely right! The right tools are so important for keeping the craft together and workable for us. I'm a firm believer in that. Thank you so much for watching. ❤️

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I just subscribed, I love knitting I have been knitting has been since about 1965.. No I am not good it has been hit am miss for me. I enjoy it but I feel I am a beginning knitter most times. I love making socks and do the toe up, two at a time. I hate the lonely sock thing. I do have a winder and a swift. I have fought with yarns way too much. I got mine about 6 years ago for an anniversary gift from my Mr. Cho GUI? (Spelling?). The red cable needles. I adore… they are the best in my mind. WOW!! $550…. Eegads!! Ashford spinning wheels are lovely. Thank you for sharing your fun…. I love the swift and winder for certain. And the cabled needles.. those are my favorites.

[@ruthspory3164]

Like you I am a Chaigoo needle lover! I also get so excited when I can buy a new needle for a project. I have 3 storage cases for my needles. One is inherited from my mother who I think received it from my grandmother. The case contains their straight needles and tools. The other two are roll cases I sewed myself about 20 years ago. One is very tall for straight needles and the other is short and is where I store my circulars. I also have the Stanwood ball winder💗.

[@bonnielundholm5535]

I couldn't live without my Chiao Goo interchangeable set.

[@margali666]

An idea for your luxury ballwinder. When it is too slippery, perhaps you could try to sand a thin line down the length of the peg for yarn to hold onto? Or try a strip of washi tape first? That could help, too.

[@bgoquick]

I feel the same way about my collection of crochet hooks/knitting needles. I have the ones I prefer to use the most but good luck prying them from my cold dead hands. I would also have to add my craft bags. I have to have them so I can take my project(s) and necessary crafting supplies with me on the go

[@AnneluvsKatz]

I just got that Stanwood ball winder within the last month and absolutely love the thing! And I got it for half price! What a great purchase!

[@heathermckillip742]

I love, love, love my Amish swift and my yarn winder. Neither were very expensive, but after a few years of hand winding my yarn, this made such a difference! I also love my Katrinkles yarn gauge tools. I have a two inch and four inch one, and it just makes reading my gauge so easy! I would not spend money on a yarn bowl. I received one (I really wanted one!) but now it just holds tools and extra bits and pieces. I never use it the way it was intended.

[@aggierowe9574]

My hubby made me an Amish swift, I joke that I love it more than him sometimes

[@heathermckillip742]

@@aggierowe9574 how cool that he made you one!

[@aggierowe9574]

@@heathermckillip742 He saw it on YT! Another husband made one for his wife

[@anh-thurunez1259]

On your recommendation I purchased the Stanwood Needlecraft Ball Winder. I LOVE it SO much!! It is truly wonderful to use, smooth, sturdy and makes wonderful cakes!!

[@adrienneoliver9696]

1.I have had my swift for about ten years. I bought it on Etsy. 2.I love my Stanwood winder. Best investment ever. 3. I have square interchangeable needle sets (Knitter's Pride and Knit Picks). My hands don't get stiff when I use them. 4. Blocking Mats 5. My Pattern binders. I don't always want to use Ravelry on my phone. I go to my binders (one is just cowls). They are alphabetized so I can find what I want easily.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

LOVE this list Adirenne! Thank you for sharing it. ❤️ And anything to get us off of the screen is a good thing so a binder for patterns is an excellent idea.

[@annfuller7082]

If I am remembering correctly, Natalie of Knitty Natty suggested a rubber band around the ball winder for slippery yarn. I have an Amish style swift that works very well, too. I love my Stanwood! Thanks, great podcast!

[@cortneyrobinson1019]

I was thinking of using sand paper to add a little grip.

[@easterslice]

@@cortneyrobinson1019 Funny. I was thinking exactly the same thing. Or it could be some kind of flat rubber material, cut to fit just around the shaft.

[@aknitlife]

Hi Taylor: I started and love my Clover bamboo circular fixed needles! I since bought a set of Chiagoo interchangeable needles after knitting with a 9” circular needles for socks. While the set is great, I find that sometimes the interchangeable tips comes loose with 300 plus stitches in the needles to be annoying. The metal tips is rather slippery and as a result my tension is not as neat as with bamboo fixed circular needles. I have a cheaper version of your brand ball winder which is ok. However the swift is awful. It is made with cheap raffia that’s always coming undone. I have to tie it back and continue winding. I am thinking of changing the raffia with new ones or with kitchen twine. The swift’s constant falling apart is messing up my cakes and I end up with mess and tangles which I have to spend a lot of time to untangle! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thanks got sharing, love your podcast! ❤❤

[@gigiw.7650]

I had an electric ball winder and I donated it pretty quick. 😂 What would have to be pried from my cold dead fingers is my digital scale. 😂

[@charlaine8235]

Since discovering Barber cords this item makes my knitting life easier, I absolutely love them!

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Yes! Barber cords are a game-changer for me, too. No more agonizing when picking up stitches from provisional cast-ons.

[@kellybodie6022]

I have to say my Chiagoo interchangeable needle set is my best purchase. I have been knitting since i was 7 and now at 60 it is a life changer. Having travelled everywhere with my bulky needle roll with all my long needles and dpns this just seems magical! I am going to purchase the ball winder you suggest though as mine makes yarn barf constantly.

[@vjBreit]

My favorite tool is my Knit One Crochet Too circular Needle Pockets. Love love love them. Big yes to the swift, no to the ball winder. I like to wind my cakes by hand so I can feel the yarn and catch any knots or lumpy joins. And bonus, I don't stretch the yarn.

[@MyParamedicAfterLife]

😀 love your reaction to the electric winder. I wouldn’t ever part with my Chiaogoo collection, but I’d gladly give up the Addi needles I have.

[@NinaKeilin]

I’m the opposite. For me Addi beats Chiaaogoo any day.

[@kristinm3729]

I actually gave away all of my Addi needles (I had many - they were my first foray into needles). I loathed the cables and I didn't much love the tips either. And they were so expensive.

[@KimClinger]

I have a cheap ball winder and swift, been using them for at least 10 years. I see value in the winder you have (& love), it winds twice for each turn of the crank, whereas the one I have is the standard one round for every crank and can be a workout. Do you find that the balls are too tight though? I was worried when a yarn store was winding a skein for me, using your sturdy winder, and it was too tight. I rewound it when I got home… I love your enthusiasm and style, you get me excited about knitting. You appear very organized, and you get the message delivered so succinctly. See you again soon!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

First of all Kim, thank you so much for your kind words here. That really means a lot. ❤️ As for the winder and how tight it cakes the yarn, this is really dependent on how you’re controlling/feeding the yarn into the guide. I find that if I give too much tension on the yarn as it feeds into the guide and onto the shaft, the cake begins to form more tightly (makes sense, I guess). If I’m winding from a swift, allowing the guide to do the tensioning alone with only me occasionally tensioning the yarn with my hand, the cake turns out nice and even and squishy. If I guide the yarn with my hand the whole time, letting it slip through my fingers with just minimal tension, the ball will be more dense and compacted. The more I tension the yarn as it goes into the guide, the tighter the cake. It’s very much a Goldilocks situation in the begging. But whether it’s too tight, too loose, or just right, the Stanwood will spin a perfectly-formed cake every time. ❤️

[@chrissy24-7]

I adore my row counters, neck light, and knit picks Caspian interchangeables!

[@zia_kat]

i have a cheapo plastic and metal swift and a knockoff stanwood winder, a bit noisy but it works great. i would caution fellow desert dwellers though about open yarn storage. i live in southern new mexico and while moths aren't a big problem, carpet beetles definitely can be. they can get inside on cut flowers or fruits/vegetables from your garden. i've found some damage in a few skeins so now i use weathertight plastic totes (the kind with the foam gaskets in the lids) for storage.

[@katpraeuner9794]

I too live in southern New Mexico and didn't know about these little pests. I'm good though cause I don't have a garden, but I will be more diligent with the home defense just in case. As a desert dweller I was more worried about scorpions than anything attacking my wool yarn....

[@emilymiller4349]

Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry for your $550 regret, but thank you for talking about it! It's helping me laugh at myself for my expensive mistakes. I guess they're just a part of life. It might be time for you to get that thing out of your house. Maybe gift it to someone. Release it with love!

[@Chicken_Mama_85]

I would prioritize the swift over the ball winder. Saves me my sanity (I have the exact same one as you and it’s awesome)

[@NaomiBaker]

I had a ball winder with a slippery center post. I taped a piece of paper around the post and then wound the yarn. It doesn’t slip at all. When you pull off the cake, you take the paper cone with it, which you can leave in the cake or pull out. Don’t put the tape onto the post, just use it to secure the paper tube.