Of course, if you want to start knitting all you need is a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn, but isn't it always more fun when you've got doodads and whatnots to play with? So I thought I'd share with you all the fun tools I've collected over the years! All of these tools aren't exactly necessary for beginners, but I do find them helpful.
1. A measuring tape
So many patterns will ask you to knit a certain number of inches, instead of a number of rows. I find using a flexible measuring tape to be the best option, since most of the things I knit aren't exactly straight. My particular measuring tape is retractible, so no need to roll it back up when I'm done!
2. A tapestry needle
One of the most important tools in a knitter's toolkit, a tapestry needle finishes off every project. It's basically a large sewing needle, with an eye big enough to hold bulky yarn, and it's used to weave in the ends of projects.
3. A row counter
Keeping track of all those numbers involved in knitting is tough, that's why I have a row counter! My particular row counter just slips on the end of my knitting needles, and every time I finish a row I can twist the counter and the number increases. Of course, I've been known to use a smartphone app from time to time.
4. Stitch markers
Stitch markers are really just a bunch of little rings that are used to mark particular points in knitting patterns. There are a few different kinds of markers, but I just use simple little plastic rings. I even have little heart shaped ones now!
5. Stitch holder
It might looks like a giant safety pin, but a stitch holder is great for when the pattern calls for some stitches to be set aside for later. I generally need this the most when I'm working on the heels of socks.
6. Crochet hook
It might sound a little odd to have a crochet hook in a knitter's toolkit, but let me explain. Crochet hooks are incredibly helpful for picking up dropped stitched, and catching them before they run. I've tried latch hooks (possibly stolen from knitting machines) but they just aren't as easy to handle as a crochet hook.
7. Cable needles
Cable needles are one of those tools that aren't really necessary for most knitters but oh so nice to have if you love cable knits as much as I do. I have three sizes of rainbow Knit Picks wooden cable needles that I use all the time! But don't fret if you don't have cable needles, I've used many substitutions in the past; everything from an extra double pointed needle, to a conductor's baton.
8. Scissors
Pretty obvious why one would need scissors in one's toolkit. I have two different pairs; one is a very lovely pair of stork embroidery scissors (great for snipping loose yarns), and a large pair of shears. Both were Christmas gifts and recent addictions to my toolkit. (I know, good scissors really should be a must for any textiles student but I never could find a pair I liked!) Did I mention my shears are personalized?
9. View sizer
I also have a Knit Picks view sizer because I am constantly forgetting and mislabelling my knitting needles, and need to check the size of them before running off with two different needles. This view sizer is nifty, though, because I can also check my gauge and measure my stitches and rows with this little tool. (Plus, the magnifying section is super helpful against eye strain).
10. Toolbox
Of course, I need something to hold all these tools! Before I generally kept everything in a small pencil case and a small coffin (it was also a pencil case, don't worry). But along with those lovely scissors, I was also gifted my own toolkit! Complete with images of all the things I love (mermaids, the moon, the forest, the ocean, outer space, cemeteries, and Batman). So now I don't have to juggle multiple cases, I can just bring along my convenient (and now finally organized) toolkit.
So that's a list of some of my favourite knitting supplies! If you're a knitting, why don't you share what you keep in your toolkit? I'd love to know!