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A knitting notions pouch holds all your essential items for working on and finishing a project in a portable, compact case. I can throw my knitting notions pouch into my bag when I’m taking my current knitting project anywhere. Then I will be sure I have all the little bits and bobs I need to work on or even complete it.
What do I keep in my knitting notions pouch? Here’s a list, in no particular order:
Darning Needles
Needles of various sizes are helpful for weaving in ends and seaming garments. I have a beautiful handmade wooden darning needle case that I got from Yarns Untangled.
Stitch Markers
I have a pouch that contains an assortment of stitch markers. I like to use the lockable bulb markers liberally, for marking increases and decreases, marking row repeats, or counting stitches. The colourful silicone ones I use to mark the beginning of the round. And I can use various other colours to mark up my pattern. Read more uses for stitch markers here.
Scissors or Snips
You need some small scissors or snips for trimming yarn after weaving in ends, or cutting a length of yarn. I got these classic stork scissors from our Oma.
Needle Gauge
If your knitting needles don’t have markings to denote their size, you can quickly check with a needle gauge. This makes sure you are able to adjust your knitting gauge as needed.
Gauge Ruler
A gauge ruler is extremely helpful for measuring your gauge. There are various shapes and configurations, but the minimum size should allow you to measure a swatch at least 4″/10cm square. Sometimes gauge rulers and needle gauges come together in the same tool. You can also just use a regular small ruler.
Measuring Tape
With a measuring tape, you can take your own measurements when choosing what size garment or accessory to knit. Also, a measuring tape allows you to measure your work. It rolls up small so it doesn’t take up much space, but it also allows you to measure long lengths (of bodies or knits).
Crochet Hook or Stitch Fixer
A stitch fixer is a tool that knitters use to pick up dropped stitches. Basically, it’s a two-ended crochet hook, with different sized hooks on each end. If you’re also a crocheter, then you can just use a regular crochet hook instead of getting a separate stitch fixer. I like to use a 3.0 mm hook, which is a versatile size. You can also use the crochet hook for crochet provisional cast ons.
Cable Needle
Cable needles come in various sizes, so stock your notions pouch with the appropriate size based on the types of yarn you normally use.
A Length of Waste Yarn
I keep just a metre or so of waste yarn all tidily rolled up in my notions pouch. This helps me put stitches on hold if needed.
And as for the pouch itself, I prefer something small but zippable. Tomiko uses a ziploc-style stationery pouch. I have a fabric Marimekko pouch. A zipper helps to keep everything tidy and prevents you from dumping your notions all over the place!
What do you keep in your knitting notions pouch?
