Gift Ideas for Intermediate Knitters
Inexpensive but Welcome Suggestions for Knitting Equipment
Sep 7, 2008
This is the second of two articles looking at useful items for the knitter, all of which would make suitable gifts. Where possible, cheaper alternatives are suggested.
Stitch Markers
Some patterns suggest marking your place in the pattern through the use of stitch markers (for example to keep decreases in line). These simply hang on the needle and are slipped from the left hand needle to the right as you work the row. There are many decorative stitch holders available which are attractive objects to own, but it is not necessary to buy these if you don’t want to. Loops of spare thread will work just as well.
Ruler
A ruler is also a useful piece of equipment. For smaller pieces it can be easier to handle than a fabric tape measure, but it has an additional purpose: It is possible to view the thickness of yarns by using the “wraps per inch” measure. Although it is no substitute for gauge when combining or substituting yarns, the wraps per inch can act as a useful guide for compatible yarns. Information on wraps per inch can be found here:
Stitch holders
With many patterns, there is no need to cast or bind off your work, as (for example with necklines) the stitches will be knitted on further. In this case, stitch holders are a useful thing to have. Simply thread the stitches onto the holder, and then slip them back onto the needle when they are needed again. For small numbers of stitches, safety pins work very well. Again, it is not necessary to buy these items as threads of spare yarn can be used for the same purpose, but slipping stitches from rigid holders rather than threads is usually easier.
Bobbins
When working with more than one colour (for example when knitting Fairisle patterns), it is often easier to wind small amounts of each yarn onto bobbins, which then hang loosely at the back of the work. Leaving yarns on the balls is possible but a great deal of time is then spent untangling them as the work progresses.
Needle Gauge
Many needles have their sizes marked on the shaft, but not all. A needle gauge is usually a flat piece of plastic or metal with a series of holes in it, enabling you to see what size your needle is.
Cable Needles
These are short, double pointed needles used for holding stitches when knitting cables. Often they are straight, but sometimes they have a “v” shaped bend which make the stitches less likely to slip off. Ordinary double pointed needles can be used for cables, but they are normally twice the length of cable needles and therefore more cumbersome to use.
Crochet Hook
Even if you’re not thinking of taking up crochet, a hook is a useful tool for any knitter. It can be used for certain types of casting (binding) off, and is very helpful for picking up a dropped stitch.
Knitting magazines often give away pieces of knitting equipment and so it is possible to build a reasonable collection of kit through giveaways. However, these things also make great gifts for the knitter and can usually be found at any yarn store.
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