One of my best and newest tools I have are the foot inserts that came with my Adidas trainers I bought earlier this year! They are made of moulded stiff cardboard, has an instep and heel. I've marked the exact spot on them where I need to start knitting my toe - I just slip the sock on the foot insert to see how close to my mark is and so far it's worked! I think it's magical! 🤣🤣🤣

I think having a crochet hook handy is key. They really come in handy when you drop a stitch or need to fix something.

For needle stoppers I find wine bottle corks work best. So, naturally you've got to open a bottle whenever you start a new project!😃

Needle stopper/protector hack: I use foam ear plugs as needle stoppers (all different kinds). You don’t have to worry about finding the right size to fit your needle. Also, if you don’t push them all the way through the plug, your needles won’t poke your bag fabric. You can find these in big tubs much cheaper than actual stoppers.

Finally - a knitting presenter who actually talks about knitting, rather than all that “personal stuff”. (Sorry, I know I sound very callous with that comment and hope you won’t judge me too harshly.) I have looked at a LOT of these videos, trying to find something that I can identify with as well as be of interest to someone, like me, who has been knitting for over 60 years. So, I hit the subscribe button and am looking forward to seeing what you have planned for your next video.

I tried an analog row counter on a whim, and I just place it at the beginning of my row (if in the round) or somewhere in the middle (if knitting flat) and it's honestly been the best. Its hard to forget about it because it's literally a stitch marker

Circular needles didn't exist when I first learned how to knit back in the Dark Ages. The technique that my mom taught me was to tuck a needle in my arm pit which provides leverage in such a way that you can just manipulate the lefthanded needle (English style here) to create stitches. I later learned that this technique is called Irish production knitting and is also similar to the Shetland Is. knitting style. You can build up a lot of speed with this knitting style and I find it takes pressure off my wrists. I do use circular needles as I am not stuck in a time warp but I cannot knit as rapidly with circular needles. Not having to sew up seams is a plus in favor of circulars. Straight needles now have few fans but they served me well for many years.

I love a good stitch counter, especially when I'm doing a new pattern. They help me remember where I am when I get back to my project sometimes days after I stopped.

Those split rings are absolutely wonderful in crochet.

I like to use yarn bowls to keep my yarn cakes from collapsing when they get used up. Especially if I am using cotton cakes. It keeps tangling at a minimum.

I don’t use the lobster claw markers in knitting, but they work great in crochet! You can clip them around the body of a stitch easily. While theme sets are great, I try to look for ones that don’t have a lot of sticky-out bits so they don’t grab the yarn when I am slinging my projects around.

I cannot live without a row counter but I use a row counting app on my smart watch so it’s always convenient for me to use and never worry of losing it. Lobster claw stitch markers are amazing for crochet ~ I cannot stand using them for knitting 😂

In Norway everybody has started using silicone beads as needle protectors/needle stoppers, they work great and you can find them in many cute designs. As a Norwegian who knits a lot of colorwork I find the colorwork rings useless, more hassle than help. I do love progresskeepers (the stitchmarkers with a clawclip) for showing me how far I have knitted and marking the rightside if I knit something in the round with magic loop.

I use a row counter - it’s a green Clover one with a lock. I started knitting with British patterns that used row counts. I still use them because it helps me make sure increases or decreases are done properly, and my garment pieces are the same length. My go to is using a lanyard for snips, measuring tape, and row counter. I don’t put it around my neck, but it makes them easy to find. I do use a yarn bowl, but only for specific projects. I have smaller projects that roam with me. Excited to have found your channel.

I am with you on most of your “don’t likes”. What I have come to love and have learned to make are chain row counters. It took me quite a while to figure them out - I’m a 55+ year paper and pen user 😂 - I like them because they are light and they stay IN your project so can’t be lost and they move like a stitch marker so there is no forgetting about it. I am the poster woman for the fact that old dogs CAN learn new tricks 😉 I also like the plastic end with the elastic in the middle to hold my dpn’s- I think they are called Needle Huggers. They protect the tips and keep the project in the needles.

I use the square button push row counters and like them. But I do use markers for sleeves counting decreases. I don’t use needle covers. I just pull my circulars when I put them away and no problem. The only time I lose stitches is when I accidentally pull them off while knitting or when my dog jumps in my lap.😊

I was a very reluctant knitter. I’ve always been a crocheter. But, my grandma, my husband’s grandma, and various other women in my life have passed and I inherited all of their knitting supplies. Since I had all of the supplies, I felt the need to use it and I’ve really enjoyed it. Most of my supplies ranges from lace crochet hooks from the 1920s to cable needle kits from the 1970s. It’s bittersweet to use all of my supplies.

I didn't like cable needles until I picked up a spiral cable needle, it was a game changer for me and that year I did a TON of cable projects just because I loved using it so much. This year I picked up a few more so I can have one in every bag and have spares.

My favorite thing for keeping dpns and sock projects is dpn sleeves or coozies. I sew rectangles together leaving one long end open. I add two snaps on each of the open ends it allows the project to hang freely and the snaps keep the project from falling off the needles. I usually sew them to match my project bags. Best option I have found for making dpn projects portable.

Hi Tonia, I really like using #3 crochet cotton (the doily thread) for lifelines, provisional cast on and even to keep completed pieces of projects (like knit toys or amigurumi) together until I'm ready to assemble. One of my favorite "notions" is a Barbie doll sized knit beanie. I use it to keep my life line pieces in and to keep my darning needles where I can always find them. I like small hinged tins or empty prescription bottles (the ones that are about the same diameter as a silver dollar) for holding a pair of folding scissors, a row counter, stitch markers, a few bobby pins (they can be used in so many ways, even as a cable needle in a pinch), buttons - if my project requires them, a short measuring tape, a yarn needle and any else I can squeeze in that I might need. They're small enough to toss into any and all my project bags. 💜✌️🧶

I like the idea of passing the stuff I don’t like to someone else. We might save that person some money in case they wanted to buy it.

A couple months ago I've bought a digital row counter. It was a real game changer for me.Now I just cannot imagine how could I knit socks (2 identical) without it. The best notion ever, sorry.

I use the green Clover row counters (that clock) all the time while knitting socks. Pehaps I could count, but the row counters make it a lot easier for me. In addition, a yarn bowl is great, as you mentioned, for a single project in a single location, but don't work very well if you draw your yarn from the center as I do.

Row counter .....piece of paper and a pen. Straight cable needle only. Stitch marker ..... piece of different coloured yarn. Yarn bowl .... project bag ..... needle end protectors..... the top of a chest of drawers where only I and not small hands can reach. Circular needles .... are still in the package they came in. My needles are ancient. They were my grandmothers (I'm 66) 😅 thanks for your honest. You've got another subscriber.from the UK. Oh abd Im a right handed knitter, but a left hander. Tucking a needle under your armpit in England anyways is a north v south thing. Im from the very north of England.

I'm watching this one in May 2024, and it's right up my alley. I keep a big wide broccoli rubber band in my knitting stuff. I poke my needle tips right through it for stitch stoppers. It's also great for twisting my interchangeable needle tips onto the cord.

I use my yarn bowl for the project I keep on my desk in my office - it keeps the yarn from getting nasty. The row counter I use is the one on my phone - it does stitches as well, and is customizable for repeat patterns. I use stitch markers like CRAZY. I have several kinds, but I make them myself, so not a big issue of cost. I don't mind the dangling. I can't keep numbers in my head - I have dyscalculia. I use stitch holders, too! For thumbs on mitts, which I make a lot. I don't cable much, but when I do, I use a cable needle. Especially since arthritis kicked in. My fingers end up losing grip if I'm holding the stitches. One thing I did was buy a big bag of notions at an estate sale. ALLLLL the things for about $5 total. So now I can use what I want. Thank you for talking about barber cords - I'd never heard of them! I found a spool of a neon colored one on amazon for $9. That seems right up my alley. I tried the colorwork ring and NOPE. lol. I looked like an uncoordinated spider with yarn everywhere. You just popped up in my recommends, and I've subbed now. Thank you!

Thank you for the shout out 🥰. This was a really cool video and it was interesting to see some of the ways other knitters have improvised different notions!

I learned how to knit later in life. In my mid 40s.so, i had to learn quickly what works for me. For double point needles, i made tip protectors from plastic caps i got from an automotive supply store. I forget what they are called. I used 2 of them and threaded an elastic cord too keep them snig. I have made different sizes for different size needles. All 5 needles fit in the one cap. That tube thing you showed, i was gifted one. It broke. I agree 100% on the row counters. I use a notebook and make mark after every row. This also comes in handy when i can't finish the project right away. I prefer circular over straight needles. If i need to put something on the tips, i use a rubber band. I also used the bands from my sons braces as stich markers. The safety pin ones are my preferred ones. I've used the rings that are used on cafe curtains.

Mikey, you are so patient and extremely nice to explain all this in a calm manner. My first thought was “ oh, P.O.!!” But in retrospect, wow, I had no idea exactly how much time and effort it took for a new Free pattern to be made available to us, your devoted followers.❤

I like how you talk down to earth. Thank you I used plastic needles until 1 day my needle broke. So I've used steali ones since

I love the color work ring. I tried doing the Seaglass tee as a first time colorwork without one until about halfway through. It was a slog-until I got that ring. I knit continental and can’t figure out how to use both hands, so this is what works for me.

Nice podcast to help out new knitters on what NOT to waste money on. Personally, I like the barber cords but never purchased those expensive ones you see all over the place. Instead I got the ones in spools which are the exact thing without the ridiculous LYS markup. Someone posted a video on how to use them without them slipping off your needles and I find them so helpful. Similar to the comment you read, I got a cheap set(about $12) of bamboo straight needles when I decided to learn to knit.After a few hours, I knew I was going to stick with knitting and decided to invest in a nice circular needle set and went with Chiaogoo. Best decision although I got a bit Chiaogoo crazy and purchased just about every set they offered 😂- this was pre-pandemic and the prices were much better. Thanks for sharing this video and I can't wait to see your video on your favorite notions.

I love those little needle topers! When I use DPN's I'm always worried my stitches are going to slide off, so I just put the needle toppers on each DPN and rotate them as I knit, works great!

I grabbed a gourd bowl off the shelf and used it to keep my wool dry whilst I knitted outside on a wet lawn. It worked really well. I like my wool to sit at my feet, so a bag gets wet. Very enjoyable video, thanks. 👍 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

For needle keepers, I use a piece of hollow beading cable to connect my tips (especially on small circulars). It's similar to the barber cables, but 10x cheaper. I don't know that it would work for the bigger size needles, but it's a lifesaver for my "travel knits".

(This is just a long comment that boils down to: love this video, love circular needles, and I use yarn as my financial basis to rationalize whether or not I need one notion or another.) This was a really interesting video! There are so many things on this list that I've looked at and thought, "maybe that'd be really helpful" or "that's super cute!" but I'm always so concerned about buying things that I potentially might never use. Most of the notions I've forgotten about or don't use now were little things that came in beginners kits or notion bundles. I also have sewing supplies that are multi-functional which cuts down on costs as well. Ever since I discovered the magic that is the circular needle I haven't touched a straight needle since. With hEDS and joint pain, knitting with straight needles made it so hard to enjoy the process especially when I wanted to spend more than an hour at a time on a project. I remember my first visit to a local yarn shop where they had a knitting bowl with a super short circular needle to try out one of their new arrival yarns and I was filled with such childish glee. Now I have interchangable circular needles, various additional cables, and those stoppers you put on the cables when I want to travel or switch to another project. And with the power of the magic loop I don't have to use DPNs now that I have circular needles that go down to US 1! I have such a hard time with DPNs and avoid them as much as I can, but if I do a cable project I'll give them a try to see if I like them more than the cable hooks or not based on what some of the commenters you highlighted here said. I also love my swift despite not having a ball winder. I used to hold skeins around my knees to wind balls and each one would take like half an hour to do.... and then I started a project that needs 10 skeins so I caved and my goodness what a life saver. I'm sure a ball winder would be a great investment but with how much a good quality costs it's been hard to rationalize buying one (my logic basically comes down to "how many skeins of yarn could I get instead" vs just how badly I need another notion). There are a lot of notions that I've never tried either because they feel superfluous or I can't get past the cost vs necessity. I already have a bunch of plastic locking stitch markers, darning needles, a cute project pouch and a notions pouch. I used to use those plastic stitch marker that came with some kit and they have disappeared to the void - they were always too big for my needle size and didn't lock so they'd slip off the circular needle cables constantly!

I love the knitting bags with snaps - it is great for knitting two socks at once but also for a single ball because I have a cat and it keeps her from playing with the yarn. I have bought two of them and again I LOVE it!

I stumbled across your KZfaq this week. I found this topic very interesting. I have been knitting for over 50 years and never used stitch markers for the first 50! I grew up in the North East of England and use long straight needles for most of my knitting. I like short straight cable needles. So quite a lot of the things you don't like I use! Also watching the notions you like and quite a few I have. Erm, never used a lifeline either.......

I was gifted a rope yarn bowl. I used it at first, but like you, I knit from a bag or a basket that houses my project. I used a row counter when I first started knitting, but now I use the counter that's on my knit companion on my tablet.

To keep keep my double pointed needles from poking through my bag, I use a bag that's made from recycled billboards(sounds weird, but apparently billboards are made from like a reniforced plastic tarp material thats still flexible). They were selling the bags in my local knitting shop and I originally bought it because it seemed sturdy enough to keep my cats out of my yarn. I think another thing that helps is using a bag just large enough for your project. That way everything is in their snuggly and your project isn't bouncing around with needles and stitch markers falling off.

I use yarn bowls for holding a ball or cake of yarn when winding bobbins for weaving, or when re-winding a cake to make it looser. For DPNs I just put a rubber band around them, wrapping it around both ends after bundling them. I’ve heard about DPN coozies with snaps that I might try making. I have a couple row counters made from a chain of loops with numbered beads. They can count up to 99 by moving a lobster claw bead for the 10s digit. They work great for me, but I don’t mind dangly charm bracelets. 😂 I cut off the leg portion of worn out commercial socks to make yarn cozies. They squeeze the yarn cake together as I pull yarn from the center, and also help keep them from tangling. I knit socks and gloves 2 at a time, so I’m always splitting my skeins into 2 cakes which both live in my project bag.

I agree with you about the yarnbowls,, and stitch holders. I have tried so many stitch holders and cry when they routinely become unclasped and I lose all the stitches. Waste yarn works just fine. things I am never without are the following: Post-it notes. They are so good for keeping your place on the chart and hiding the chart rows underneath m. I do use needle point protectors and stitch markers, because I work in a lot of lace, and it is very convenient to mark the repeats . Lastly, I have a little 5 inch plastic ruler, which also has a needle sizer. That is my indispensable. I guess it’s good that we all like different things. Trial and error has taught me what works well for my style of knitting.

I use a row counter app and it is absolutely amazing! For my cardigan I just made you can have a separate row counting parts for the front panels, back panel and sleeves. Absolutely wonderful.

Not a notion, but I use Knit Companion for my patterns and the built in row counters. since it tend to work on multiple projects it helps me to know where I am when I pick the project up again. I use my yarn bowl cause I primarily knit in one location. Love the flox cable needle.

I do cables A LOT. Bought spiral circle shaped cable needles. Came as a pack of 5 on Amazon. I love these the best. Small size and can hook into work to keep it handy.

I invested in some seriously expensive straight needles a long while back, they didn't last a month because I soon found out about circular needles.. now they are just being pretty in a jar.. really, circulars are where its at!

I just use rubber bands to make loose knots at ends of circular needles. It’s a really inexpensive but effective way to not lose my work when pulling it out of the bag

Now we need vlog on notions you use❤

I agree about the yarn bowls! I *LOVE* their beauty - but I'm a "bag full o' yarn" kinda girl!! Stitch markers: I make my own, and I use the LARGE Lobster Claw/Clasps, which are much less aggravating than the smaller ones, which I agree with you are annoying 🙂

I love my lovely wooden cable needle’s-the set was 3 different sizes. I bought sock blockers-I had a sense I really needed them, but then realized they weren’t that necessary. I learned from trying! I have a counter-just in case. I loved this episode! Thank you! It’s fun what people like and don’t like. FUN!

So glad you also like the Snap Bags! I recommended it awhile back to others after getting my set and seeing how well it worked. My set came with a large carry-all bag, a project snap bag (like you showed), a small notions zipped bag, and a scissors holder - all in one color! The largest tote bag also snaps, a shoulder strap or hand handles, and a scissor holder attached to it. My set was inexpensive (like $14 USD) and I got an extra set to use for boating (towels, sunscreen, snacks, etc.) or traveling goodies! I do love these mesh snap sets and now have one color for each of my 3 projects. All are ready to go! They're easy to knit from and hold so much, yet fold up small. Good choice!

DPD needle holders: Clover make sheep ones, green for smaller needles, purple for larger. They come in a pair. The base of the sheep has five holes, one for each needle in a set of five, and you line up your needles and place them on each end. I love using them for socks when I’m knitting socks with dpns. You can also use them for few needles, I’ve used them when knitting my scrappy ten stitch blanket, and just had two dpns.

I love plastic needle stoppers with cute designs or plain ball shape. They really keep the stitches together. They can be a bit pricey. I’m lucky I won a giveaway and also a dyer gave it as a thank you for patronizing.

Needle stopper: I use a piece of an inch or two of the green rubber band that's used for binding roses and other bushes. It's hollow, completely bendable and a little stretchy. Keeps the needle points together. Be careful not to slide it on the needle tips too far or you'll have trouble getting it off. The stuff costs almost nothing, esp. not when you already got a whole ball of the stuff in your garden shed (like I do, and maybe your kind neighbour too. Ask us and we'll gladly give you a foot or two.)

I use the row counter in the knit companion app. I love it.

I love your videos! They are direct and to the point. I do use those plastic cable needles. And the yarn bowl I also use ! Thanks for your advice!

When I started knitting about a year and a half ago I almost fell for the “you need all the things” gimmick. Except cable needles. The gears in my brain said why would you need that? Lol Also, I’m very happy to hear a lot of the things on your list are things I haven’t bought. Very helpful!! I think my favorite tip is that when we start wanting to work with higher quality fiber we want to protect it more by using tools that won’t damage the work. I just splurged $48 to make a hat with baby alpaca. I will definitely use my ciao goos for it!

I do not have a great tip for keeping the needles safe or stopping them from poking, BUT if I want to make sure a project will not slide off, I wrap a rubber band or two firmly around the ends of the needles, trapping the project inside (especially on circulars, the project stays on the wire as the edges of the needles are now bound). This works great with metal needles, as rubber sticks to them and doesn't slide off. Just wrap the bands again and again, as tight as possible. For stitch markers, my favourite trick I came up with was these colourful plastic rings that come with your electric toothbrush replacements. I live alone, so I don't need to mark off my own toothbrush head, and I get to use the plastic rings as stitch markers! They are very durable, they have different colours, and they don't snug on the yarn.

I love crafting of any kind... but when I saw your title, I had to smile. Everything you talk about makes so much sense. I thought it was just me, or I wasn't using those notions right. now know I am not crazy for like those stitch counter among some other items that you mentioned.

Row counters are literally the most useful tool!

Thank you for the lovely, informative video! Really appreciate all the info!!! When i started knit I bought all the notions I could find because I thought I needed them all. LOL. I have several row counters and I don't use them. I bought several cable needles and like the ones you prefer. I like using needle protectors with my projects. I use the coil ones to keep the same size dpns together. I like stitch markers and use them all the time. Sometimes I use the pin type stitch markers and attach another to it to use as a row counter. I like the silicon markers.

I use my sock ruler for every pair too. I find it helps me be consistent in measuring the length as it doesn’t stretch or move like a fabric tape measure might.

I’ve use the progress keepers as zipper pulls on some of my project bags. These bags have the standard zipper pull. I don’t like the lobster claw either. I slip a light bulb marker through the lobster claw if I want to place it on my work. I use them often to mark the starting point for counting.

I don’t like split ring markers but I recently found a use for them. They are good to catch the dropped stitch, just hooked through the stitch and several rows above. Turn it until the pointy end is facing downward so it doesn’t drop off. Split ring marker is good as a hook to hold the bulb ring markers or other stitch markers. A quick way to making a lifeline is to thread the dental floss through the tiny hole at base of your interchangeable needles and secure it with a small knot. Knit as usual and you will be threading the floss through your knitting.

Thanks for sharing. I've used the cords from my interchangeable needles to hold a sleeve for baby raglan sweater. When the body is done just swap the needle tips onto the cord in the sleeve and I'm ready to go. Also I've been using cheap earplugs to put on needles tips as protection and keep stitches from dropping off.

I use my knitting bowl all the time. My son made it for me and I love to use it!💕

I have this yarn bowl. It Was a gift from my taughter. I use it for filet crochet yarn espacially when I take it outdoor. So it is protected from dirt.

I use the bobbins to keep scrap thread or barber cords on for lifelines. I have one in most project bags. I’ve also used them to tidy up yarn remainders which makes scrap projects easier because the little bits and bobs are ready to go! Also, I do most of my cables with a locking stitch marker, slipping the stitches off and back on my needles is so easy and the stitch marker attaches to my work when I don’t need it so I don’t lose it at the bottom of my bag! So fun to see what other knitters use!

I have a lot of yarn bowls, but last year I invested in a couple Hansen Crafts yarn spinners that I really love. They have a great weight for staying in place, plus removable rods to hold the yarn. I bought extra rods so that I can keep them in my yarn balls when I'm working on multiple projects. The yarn bowls really are lovely for holding notions. I mainly stick to metal ring stitch markers. I'll use the ones with the lobster clamps for marking the right side of a project if it's not obvious. I tend to do tallies directly on my patterns, so no row counters for me. I will use a spreadsheet at times for increase/decrease work. And my cheap hack for repeats in a pattern is writing the instructions down for each row on an index card, keeping the stack together with a binder clip. I like the barber cords, but they are a little tough to put stitches on. I'm hoping they'll come out with some slightly smoother ones in the future.

I do use a row counter when knitting sleeves because there are usually several things going on at once. I use the right number to count rows knitted between the increase/decrease rows and the left number to keep track of the number of times I knit that set of rows. I then mark the end of that set with a bulb marker (my favorite tool). I can't get the hang of the colorwork rings and gave up on that. I dislike the lobster markers and will only use them to mark a place and doesn't need to be moved (like the front of a sweater). I started out with straight needles because they were the only things available. I have since jumped ship and only use circulars or DPNs. I will sometimes drag out a straight needle to cast something on that is giving me fits on DPNs and then move the stitches over. I do use sock blockers to dry socks that don't go in the dryer. I hang them on a rod in the water heater closet for a gentle dry. I may make up notions bags of the stuff I don't use and donate them to the next church bazaar.

Love my Brycraft sock blockers! (Like you showed). I have three large sets and three medium sets, and they are perfect for air drying my hand knit socks for the hubs and I. They dry beautifully flat (and fast!) and then lay so neatly in the drawer. We pretty much only wear hand knit socks and I usually have several pairs drying per laundry load. 😊

I actually use my knitting bowl! I mostly knit in two places and like to be able to set my yarn in a place where it doesn't run away when I pull on the ball. I hate having my yarn fall on the floor because I have long haired pets and no amount of vacuuming keeps the floor entirely clear of hair. I also use the dangly progress keepers (on a lightbulb stitch marker because I don't like the lobster claw) to mark what side of a project is the right side in some projects. I work with a lot of rustic worsted wool and they hold up to the weight just fine. I like my DPN holder. It's a fabric pouch with snaps, you put the needles in and close the snaps and there's a space for your sock to poke out. I've never blocked my socks. I don't see the point, they'll mold to my foot without blocking.

I use the little plastic "safety pin" stitch markers (because I mostly crochet). When I first started knitting cables, I used very large actual safety pins to hold the stitches I wanted to cross.

When I started knitting, I was given my grandmother's straight needles. I decided to use my commute time to knit. There were many passengers sitting next to me on the South Shore Line dodging those needles! I learned quickly about circular needles and my grandmothers needles now sit in a vase.

I agree with the circular needles instead of straight needles comment so so much! When I started knitting I got some very slippery straight metal needles. They worked okay-ish for my first project (a headband). my 2nd project was a scarf, which I worked flat on a circular needle -- omg the difference! it was so much easier! I also work all of my socks on those mini circular needles, since I can't figure out how to work with 5 needles. but I have to add that I knit the tip of my socks with 3 straight needles tho, which is always my least fav part about knitting a sock.

Your comparison of the lobster clasps markers to a charm bracelet was a total "Aha!" moment for me 😅 I hate charm bracelets and I hate those lobster clasps!

It’s so interesting to hear others opinions on various supplies. I ADORE my yarn bowl. Mine is a sheep and I use it daily. I wish I had gotten one years ago. I also HATE the closed loop stitch markers and much prefer the ones that you twist on. I tend to forget to take them off and I somehow get them stuck in the fabric and have to cut them out. I also don’t like circular needles. I prefer double pointed or straight needles because that’s what I learned on as a kid. I am primarily a crocheter and am just now getting back into knitting after a 10 year break so maybe my thoughts will change after I really start knitting more. Thanks for making this video!

Loved this podcast. Good ideas and I agree with everything you suggest. Love watching you - so informative! Thanks

I have that red row counter, but it has a loop on it and I use a clip-on stitch marker to clip the counter to my work. Love it, I have multiples

I love my row counters. I attached it to an orphaned dangle earring and it goes between the 1st and 2nd stitch which means I have to touch it and turn it. And I love my cable needles. Dpns slide out. In a pinch I will use an oversized safety pin.

Love that nitpicks bag for intarsia, will be searching that out. I have a set of bamboo cable needles that I use all the time they are different sizes but work really well. I keep them in my tool kit.

I like the little coils for holding dpns together in storage

Great topic, wonderful discussion. I use a knitting ring and absolutely love it. When I knit English it was impractical, but I knit Continental Combined now, and it's ideal for Continental. I don't even want to think of doing double knitting or Fair Isle without it. I found the Norwegian style of colorwork the easiest, simply picking the yarn off the left finger held closed hand, not way out away from the needle, much faster and easier, and using the ring even faster, because i learned to do wraps by simply picking the yarn from under, instead of above as I usually do, caught the yarn perfectly. Incredibly fast! I also have small hands and when i found that traditional metal Norwegian knitting rings came in two sizes, it was a game changer. For some reason those sets you talk about always include the big ones, and it sat way too far down, right at my knuckle, and it needs to be at the halfway point of the finger above your knuckle. They're also adjustable! I use a low profile ring I bought from a seller on Etsy now that helps even more. Easier to pick from, for me anyway. The one tool that you don't mention that was a complete game changer for me, was the knitting app Row Counter. It has a voice activated row counter, so it's even easier and faster then stitch markers. It also has notes and the ability to draw right in the pattern and charts you can import from a website page, Ravelry, Google Drive, ect. across multiple platforms, such as phones, tablets or computers. Not to mention the vertical and horizontal highlighters for keeping your place on charts. I can hibernate a project and pick up when I'm ready seamlessly. Never loose project notes or forget size of needles or brand/type of yarn. It's amazing. It will also calculate decreases evenly for you and has a pattern writing feature that's super helpful. Again, loved the discussion. Thank you, I leaned a lot!

the lobster clasp stitch markers are definitely better suited as keychain additions or charms on a bracelet 😂 i love my notebook more than row counters but sometimes i stick one on my needle to keep my place when i know a project is going into hibernation

Wow! I love your video!!! I came across you on u Tube and can't wait to see more!! I am a new knitter and I have sooo many questions!!

What an interesting topic! Thank you for this video, I absolutely love it! And, naturally, I had to give you a thumbs up and subcribe. Yarn bowls: I have two of different sizes, I use them sometimes, but mostly, I use something else to hold my yarn. Row counter: I have a dozen, for around the neck, for the finger, the ones to put on your needles and so on. I really use them, because I often do things, where I do not only count the rows, but also the row in the pattern, and the rows between decreases or increases. So yes, I use them a lot. Stitch markers: I dont like the open ones, I like the metal pearshaped ones. The plastic ones often are too thick for the yarn that I use. I mark my de-/increases with one of those pearshaped safety needles, and also the overall row count. Sometimes, my sweaters are really heavy with all the stitch markers that I use. So, I have tons of those stitch holders everywhere. They are basic for me! The little inch measure: I would never use them, out of the reasons you stated. Cable needles: Yeah, I use them. Not a lot, because I prefer lace patterns, but if I do knit (wider) cables, I use them. And mine are also out of metal. The needle tips: they always fall off on me - I hate them. To prevent my needles to loose stitches, I again use one of the pear shaped stitch markers which I slide through the holes of my circulars, my Chiaogoos (the holes are for changing the tips or to put a safe yarn through). To park stitches, I use cables from the Chiaogoos and I - again - secure them with my pear shaped stitch markers, using the little hole. To continue to knit, for example arms, you just need to add the tips to the ends, any you are ready to go. Thanks again for this great video and greetings from Germany!

I have a makeshift yarn bowl, which is a cauldron shaped halloween candy bowl with a binder clip clipped to the side with the handles up to thread the yarn through.

Yarn Bowl - I have two and use them when I am knitting regularly. Row Counter - Depends on the project. Stitch Markers - I have some that I use regularly, but mostly I just collect them. Cable Needle - Yes, and I have tried many different kinds in various materials and shapes. My two favorites are the plastic ones with the dip in the middle and bamboo with the humps one the end. I have needle holders (DPNs) and point protectors (twins). There are a lot of other things I have tried…some worked well, some did not. Some were helpful in the beginning, some I no longer need. Some items are specific to the needles, yarn and project.

I like my yarn bowl and stitch counter (the ones you click and it has a lock so it doesn’t click accidentally; sometimes I use 2 different colors-1 for rows, 1 for sections or repeats. (The cylinders are a no)I agree about the coco knit rings that are spiral like. I do a lot of lace on fingering or lace and it’s always catching or rolling to the wrong place. The cheap locking ones are the best. My best cable needle is one my son whittled and sanded or a smaller interchangeable needle I’m using. I’ve seen needle keeper made of cloth or leather but haven’t bought them since I rarely use double points. Since I use interchangeable needles I unscrew and screw on the stopper. I inherited and learned on straights and loved to hear the clicking but that was when I only knitted scarves.

I don't use stitch holders, I just use extra interchangeable cords. I also don't like the dangly charm stitch markers. I use circular interchangeable needles almost exclusively at this point so when (not if!) I drop a needle, it can only go so far. I gave up on needle stoppers and just shove my project back off the needles onto the cord. I don't like the split rings as they tend to work their way loose and fall off the project. I don't usually use the little metal light bulbs because they're small and I overlook them. When a friend started knitting earlier this year, I took the opportunity to pass on a lot of my straight needles, as well as a lot of notions that just weren't working for me. More recently, I was knitting on a trip with friends and one of them had never used stitch markers before. I believe I converted her from using scraps of yarn to mark her repeats!

I bought a set of colored metal needle keepers. Love them.

I wear a CritSuccess clicking ring counter on my thumb. Also love Twice Sheared Sheep's circular knitting chain row counter. To keep track or repeats, Knit Companion's built in programable counters.

I chose to learn knitting during the beginning of the pandemic when it was super hard to find supplies for basically any craft (at least in my area!) so I learned to knit with whatever I could borrow from my mom, which she dug out of my great grandmother's long-unused knitting basket. She didn't have cable needles or stitch markers, so for cable needles I used a paperclip that I unfolded, then bent in the center. It worked totally fine, and I like that you can change the shape whenever you like or twist it to use as a stitch keeper if you want. For stitch markers, I just used the paperclips as is.

I love my row counters. I have the ring type and a beautiful bracelet abacus type. A fantastic invention.

This was so fun! I'm also in the no-cable-needle camp and either just go without or use a dpn for bigger cables. The lobster stitch markers are so cute but always snag my yarn or they're too thick since I am often using fingering weight yarn. I do love a stitch counter for certain things like sleeves so I can mindlessly knit the second one. I use scrap yarn as a stitch holder, but I LOVE the barber cords for quickly trying on my sweaters. You definitely have to really shove it on the needle so it's secure, but it really helps me make sure my sweater is fitting perfectly as I go.

I would love to see that underarm stitch holder! I am someone who likes charm bracelets IN THEORY, so we agree on a lot of notions. The needle holders that work for me are the big silicone ones found in different shapes that are trendy now. They have worked for me up to US11s and not fallen off. I received a pair of skeleton ones in a subscription box, and I was surprised at how well they worked. They stayed on through traveling while being roughed up in bags. The hollow tubing is expensive but worth it. Great video! I'm glad you showed up in my feed this morning.

My yarn bowl sits on my nightstand and holds my eye drops and other items I usually need at night. I don’t like row counters, I use Knit Companion which has built in row counters. I do use cable needles when using larger yarn for hats. I use stitch markers for pattern changes in lace and progress keepers for inspiration, they bring me joy. Happy Knitting 🧶

When it comes to stitch markers I like the closed circle ones too, I've got some silicone ones from clover. I've also got the plastic saftey pin style ones which sometime come in handy. I've generally been avoiding patterns where I need to count much though for example using the cardboard foot method for socks though I still have to count for the heel.

Best purchase I ever made were my interchangeable needles which I found I prefer because of how short the needles are and they just fit in my hands better. I use them for literally everything. I have the Knitters Pride which I can use as circular or straight needles, flexible DPN for cabling, stitch holder and probably a few other uses I haven't discovered yet. I even got the matching interchangeable Tunisian Crochet hook set so I can screw on a knitting needle or crochet hook right onto the cord my project stays on. I quit using actual row counters when I discovered the "Row Counter" app on my phone which stores the patterns of all my current projects and keeps track of their progress including rows and time I spend on them. Row counting is situational but most of the time I don't bother. I've saved so much space by getting rid of the crap my interchangeables have replaced the use for that my whole knitting collection fits into a small fishing tackle organizer that then fits into whatever bag my project is in that I can take anywhere so everything I need is always with my project. I only have my interchangeable needle and hook sets and stitch markers which I use the most of, and DPN's in every size, needles stoppers, loom hooks, and pom pom makers which is use "occasionally" so I keep them around. You really don't need that much stuff to knit or crochet anything. Two hands! 👐

Just found your channel and enjoyed your take on notions. I’ve been a knitter crocheted since I was a child and now have a grandson who is 29! I have always used DPNs as cable needles don’t think the fancy one were around back in the day! I’m fairly new to circular knitting and crochet needles but have a ton of straights. Row counters are a nightmare as you described and I have a wooden bowl that now holds those dry flower petals 😂😂