Knitting "tools"

[Tammy]

Lynn I wouldn't say I'm improving on your idea just using it in more ways. Most of the time I keep track of my row repeats on my laptop I know this is going to be a project I take with me to Crafters' Circle I wanted a simpler way to keep track of the repeat. The pattern I am doing is going to be very simple, I hope it will be a beginners level. I like to add hints in my patterns to help those just starting out so I think I will put a few ideas for how someone can make the repeat counters. Today at Crafters' Circle my sister seen what I was up to and came up with a few ideas that are completely beaded. Right now she is on a bead kick. I hope to make a few different kinds to show in the pattern. Thanks again!!!

[Lynn]

If you take a look at some of Cat Bhordi's videos, you'll see the beaded stitch markers she uses. Someone, it may have been Cat, said it's like having jewelry for your knitting. But it drives me crazy! I'm like you when it comes to tails, and putting beads on them doesn't eliminate the fact that they are tails, and tails drive me nuts. See the vicious circle here?

[Tammy]

My row repeat counter is giving me fits because it 'hangs down' with the unused loops each row. I'm trying to work through it because I know in the long run it will make it easier and save time as I won't have to stop and mark down my row completed. I have even tried the abacus bracelets in the past. Nope those are a pain in the neck for me as I can't slide/pop the marker to the next position with one hand. I'm sure in time I will figure out what works best for me.

[Lynn]

If you're using the row counters that Rachael posted photos of, I just slip those onto my needles. They come in a couple of different sizes, so you can usually find one to fit most needles - except for the really big ones. I've never seen a row counter large enough to fit a size 15 or larger needle.

[xstchntat]

I thought of another unusual thing I use for knitting and crochet.
I use the net they put a frozen turkey in to hold my big skeins of yarn. Wash, trim the ends, run a ribbon through each end and tie. Leave the side that the yarn come out a little bigger than the other. This work much better than the ones that you buy specifically for yarn as they stretch better and don't get caught in the yarn.

There are also pics of both ends in my Miscellaneous album. This particular skein of yarn I am using for the blanket I am making for my grandson that is due to debut in February.

[Tammy]

All of you have such great ideas!!

Rachael that idea reminded me I use to use pantyhose and knee highs (clean of course) for my yarn. It kept it from tangling when I had more than one skein/ball in a container or tote.

[BlueDode]

To help make sure my sweather sideseams etc. come out evenly, I "baste" them together with those small knitting circle rings that have snaps on them BEFORE I seam them. I count out every 10 rows (or so) on each matching piece and put one of those knitting circle snaps in the corresponding stitch of each piece. If I don't come out evenly I go back and recount or redistribute any errors so there's at max one extra row in each section.

I've also hooked these circle snaps into knitting or crocheting (NOT on the needles but on the knitted or crocheted work) at key places in the patterns or repeats so I stay on task and stay on pattern. When I crocheted one of Doris Chan's exploded crochet pineapple vest patterns, this was VERY useful to keep track. When it came time to crochet on arm hole and neck opening bands, I marked key spots with these snap rings so I positioned the band stitches correctly.

And, I've also put these things on the edge of the work every 10 (or whatever rows) so I can count my rows and progress over large sections at a glance.

I bought several containers of these things when I have extra discount coupons at craft stores.

Before this, I would sometimes use leftover crochet thread, which I would remove from the work when finished, to count rows in groups of 10 or so: after knitting a few rows, slip stitch crochet to the cast on row; chain 10-15 or so stitches; when knitting/crocheting over ten rows, I go back and count up 10 rows and slip stitch the chain back into the work at the 10th row, 1-2 or more times, then chain another group of stitches, to join in when I'm past 20 rows, etc. I usually wind the crochet thread leftovers in small balls, which I can pass through my chains to avoid unravelling before I want to. Sometimes I put the leftover crochet thread in a small repurposed ziplock bag so the ball doesn't unwind. This way I can count rows in groups of 10.

[carolivy]

One of the things I do to make sure that I am knitting the same length (or doing the correct number of increases/decreases) is to place a safety pin every 10 rows (or at each decrease or increase). I also place a safely pin at the point where I am supposed to be measuring from (example, at a buttonhole)

[PattyD]

About the repeat markers. One ring with a bead for a little bit of weight. A second ring SSSR and no ends. Make rings to fit your needles with a little ease and off you go.

[Tammy]

These ideas are great!!! I hope to be reading more soon.