Best knitting & crochet notions according to redditors

It's no secret - hookers love yarn. But it can be difficult buying yarn for someone you don't know. Especially if you don't know much about yarn (it's probably much more expensive than you might think, and picking some out could send you into a very Jeremy Renner picking out cereal in The Hurt Locker kind of moment). It can also be difficult buying hooks. There are... a shitton of hooks. And each one is very different. Picking those out could be like trying to pick out guitar strings for someone you've never met or heard play. My point: you'll really want to do your homework - stalking in 3... 2... 1.. go! If you can't find something they've specifically fawned over, you might stick with tools. Something I think every hooker should have, well - you can't go wrong with Lace Blocking Wires.

You can get them here from Knitpicks ($19.99 plus shipping).

Or here from Amazon ($23.99 and free shipping if you have Prime).

Another option is a travel Yarn Bin. Something like this from Amazon, which is killer on sale right now for $9.99 (regular $19.99) and free shipping with Prime. Or this little ditty from cafe press.

If you need some small filler type stuff - stitch markers are absolutely invaluable to hookers (just make sure they open and close like a D-ring. You don't want the circle ones that don't open - those are for knitting and can't be used for crochet.). Darning Needles in assorted sizes kick ass and get used on pretty much every project. Same with a stitch counter - crochet gold right there.

Anyhow - I know the wires are a few bucks over budget, but they're a great tool to consider if you aren't able to find something fool-proof for your giftee. Hope this helps :D

Yarn is such a personal taste thing that I would go for fun stitch markers and knitting kit favorites instead. There are some fun stitch markers on amazon with different themes so if they said they like cats or something, you could get little cat markers like these. You could also get a nice little retractable tape measure, some cute little embroidery scissors, all things that they may already have, but are nice and useful and you really can’t have too much of.

I order them from Amazon. They fluff up pretty well with a blow dryer. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the elastic loop to secure it. It's really loose so I use a button to anchor it. Here's the link. 12pcs Faux Raccoon Fur Fluffy Pom Pom... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZRRXBH?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I've been using crochet dials, like the ones here: https://www.amazon.com/AKOAK-Plastic-Counter-Knitting-Crochet/dp/B01N0OTYRI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=crochet+dial&qid=1566234048&s=gateway&sr=8-4

They work really well for main heroes and villains, and I just use tokens for minions.

From amazon. In a mixed bag. I just wish it was bigger. But the colour is perfect.

SIQUK 24 Pieces Faux Fox Fur Pom Pom Balls DIY Faux Fox Fur Fluffy Pom Pom with Elastic Loop for Hats Keychains Scarves Gloves Bags Accessories(12 Bri https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MZQY11G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2rrDix39ZubTm

Knit blockers. For years I've used individual pins but recently switched over to the blockers, which are blocks of pins. They are amazing. So much easier to pin out things, lot less time spent pinning, and easier to keep an eye on from nosey kitties.

Red Suricata Knit Blocking Combs - Set of 25 Combs for Blocking Knitting, Crochet, Lace or Needlework Projects - Extra 100 T-pins - in Compact Plastic Box - for use with Blocking Mats for Knitting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQFTPN5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LAy0DbV7QZ78J

These knit blockers- https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M7509M0/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These cool stitch markers sets that are currently out of stock, but I'm sure will be listed again soon- https://www.etsy.com/listing/105727068/ringos-traffic-light-lace-black-snag?ref=cat_gallery_1

Pretty much anything in knitpicks gifts and accessories section- http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Miscellaneous_Tools_Accessories__L300514.html?sort=Popular

I would be careful with hooks too. There are basically two types, and generally people like one or the other. I second the other ideas of following her lead in getting yarn. Stitch markers aren’t expensive and are helpful. Maybe a case for her hooks? I love having all of mine in one place.


Damero Crochet Hook Case, Travel Storage Bag for Swing Crochet Hooks, Lighted Hooks, Needles(Up to 8'') and Accessories, Large, Gray Dots (No Accessories Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QXVXP23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TMcZDbCH7YWG6


50 Pieces Colorful Knitting Markers Crochet Clips Crochet Pins Bulk Stitch Markers Locking Stitch Knitting Place Markers DIY Craft Plastic Safety Pins Weave Stitch Needle Clip Counter(10 Colors) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VL4SNLJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ONcZDb356S77F

I also LOVE this book. It spells each stitch out step by step in great pictures.


A to Z of Crochet: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Crocheter https://www.amazon.com/dp/156477998X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_COcZDb3G2D5P9

Whatever you get her, I’m sure she’ll love it!

240 Pieces Knitting Crochet Locking Stitch Markers Stitch Needle Clip Counter 10 Colors (240 Pieces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCBTNBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nMLMDbY8Q7ANQ

We started out using dice with 3D printed bases, but found them unwieldy to spin down.

Replaced them with inexpensive knitting counters and they are so much better. In game pic, no spoilers other than a glimpse of a map. That mini in the distance is just a stand in from Arcadia Quest.

Red are regular enemies, blues are summons (so we remember they do not drop coins). They also work great as standalone tokens when you need to track the HP, like with NPCs.

They might not be the prettiest option, but they are fast. I'd never go back to dice.

You can find them much cheaper on AliExpress or other places (I got 40 counters for $7.50, just had to wait 2 weeks for delivery), but those listings change all the time so I didn't bother linking them directly.

You can also find these on amazon by searching counter rings: https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Counter-Rings-Knitting/dp/B07FM9JFMN/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=counter+ring&qid=1556293512&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I just bought a pack of these stich-savers for knitting, but they haven't arrived yet so I can't be sure. (Got sick of the plastic bottle rings looking sloppy)

They're metal so I'm a bit worried about them being too heavy for plastic/resin minis, but going to try them out. There are also plenty of plastic varieties, but the color on these looked really nice.

They’re locking stitch markers and they are the absolute tits!

I’m a big fan of the Clover brand ones just because their stuff has always been super reliable for me (95% of my kit is from Clover) and I have never had a marker break, even after years of constant use. The downside is that Clover stuff is expensive.

If you want a cheaper option to give them a spin and have more colors (nice for designating places for special stitches, etc. and the Clovers only have orange/green in that size, which makes that kind of coding harder), you can try something like these.

Tons of options for quantity and color on Amazon. My sewing clips are all knockoffs I got from Amazon and they’ve held up fine! I suspect the stitch markers will be likewise.

I originally bought these back in April, and then ordered 4 packs of those ones that I linked a couple of weeks ago because I wanted some more of them and I wasn't worried about the ship time.

Honestly, the red ones are MUCH nicer than the blue ones-the blues have a bad habit of randomly binding up, so I just generally use the reds until I run out, then I'll switch to blues-that was the main reason I bought more, to stave off the time before I end up using the blues~

I bought these ones on Amazon. They're pretty big, but not too big for a hat (in my opinion).

Hm, if she doesn't have a knitting needle set, getting her this https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Carbonized-2-0mm-10-0mm-Handmade-Creative/dp/B01N0GXO3W/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1542132427&sr=8-13&keywords=Knitting+needle+set or thishttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B076C8SNP1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B076C8SNP1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f0dedbe2-13c8-4136-a746-4398ed93cf0f&pd_rd_wg=wJN4U&pf_rd_r=QXXHA8DZFRGX2B35V74A&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=ZpW6b&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=0cc84efc-e76f-11e8-9d08-d9d8898ba1bb or this one has a case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019X48NOI/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B019X48NOI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f0dedbe2-13c8-4136-a746-4398ed93cf0f&pd_rd_wg=fKudY&pf_rd_r=NF0XYBP6GCRVZ49DW3DG&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=09uUj&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=1d5de9e3-e76f-11e8-b81c-c954e2f69b5e would be good! (yes they're cheap, but you want to start with a cheap set then replace as they break/replace the ones that get used the most often)

Metal tapestry needles are always needed (NEVER get plastic, those suck and tapestry needles are so cheap spending another dollar to get the metal is sooo worth it) Most knitters love these https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3121-Tapestry-Needle-Chibi-x/dp/B0019KBTYG/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1542132574&sr=1-7&keywords=tapestry+needle but if she's new she might not want bent tips (trips some people up) so you probably want to get these https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Knitting-Needle-Package/dp/B001AU5VHG/ref=sr_1_17?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1542132742&sr=1-17&keywords=tapestry+needleor thesehttps://www.amazon.com/Lion-Brand-Yarn-400-5-5002-Large-Eye/dp/B0021GN2BA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1542132742&sr=1-1&keywords=tapestry+needle&dpID=4164MqqPI%252BL&preST=_SY300QL70&dpSrc=srch

And of course, a knitter always needs stitch markers https://www.amazon.com/BESMELYIN-Knitting-Markers-Locking-Colorful/dp/B07GFKSVR3/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1542132797&sr=1-17-spons&keywords=stitch+markers&psc=1

Tape measurers and scissors are also always good

Project bags are good too

Check out the sidebar, it has some other knitting gift ideas!

Allows the user to add and use whatever seam allowance they like. For eg I hate 5/8" SA on the big 4 because I work in metric. It's also a common practice to use different SAs on different parts, like a smaller 7mm one on neckline curves rather than having to trim after the fact.

Also all adjustments should be done without SA and there is a benefit to marking the actual seamline for accuracy when sewing (I like to mark all corners of seamlines for matching up necklines etc). I definitely prefer patterns without SA to make it easier for me to adjust and check measurements against myself and then only add SA as I'm marking the fabric.

I think it's kinda a divide on who the customer demographic is. Having inbuilt SA with no seamline marking is like "just take it out of the packet and make it up. Quick and easy!" whereas at least with Burda even their instructions and fabric recommendations ("Dress fabrics with some body") assume you're a somewhat competent seamstress, so they're selling you their drafting skills and everything specific to construction is up to you

Bememo 14 Pieces Faux Fox Fur Pom Pom Ball Hat Faux Fur Pompom with Removable Press Button for Knitting Hat Accessories (Natural) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MHGS3Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8emsDbTQJ4N01

I think these are it!

Hi! Followed the Amazon pompom link that you've commented, and poked around to explore colors--does a 5.5"/14cm or 6"/16cm diameter pompom count as oversized? If not, out of curiosity what diameter are you seeking?
6"/16cm diameter pompom on Amazon, fourth photo has ruler

5.5"/14cm diameter pompom on Amazon, second photo has measurement

I got them off Amazon. Faux fur pom poms for hats and scarfs in assorted neutral colors. Here is the link to the ones I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/SIQUK-Elastic-Keychains-Scarves-Accessories/dp/B07VD3XG6S/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=fuax+fur+pom+pom+for+hats&qid=1574961075&sprefix=faux+fur+pom&sr=8-6

Sure! I've also always found them at Michaels and Hobby Lobby, and I think a few times Joann but I never went in there much. https://www.amazon.com/Clover-336-Knitting-Counter-Kacha-Kacha/dp/B001HZOY5O

I have eight now, that I can lay hands on. There are definitely a few more in my WIP bags. I can't live without the things; I use two at a time. The one on my left is for rows, the one on my right is for stitches in the current row.

AKOAK 10 Picee Per Pack Plastic Knit Counter Knitting Crochet Stitch Marker Row Counter - 5 Large Size and 5 Small Size - Blue and Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0OTYRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y1ZrDbYDQM42P

We use these for gloomhaven. They are a little hard to turn but they work quite well.

Knitting needle caps will keep your stitches from falling off! They are also called point protectors sometimes. The ones I linked are the basic kind, but you can also shop around for much cuter ones!

Before putting my knitting in a bag I roll the working yarn back into the ball and then wrap the project around the ball if possible to keep it from coming undone. If that isn't working for you, maybe keeping your knitting in a pouch inside your bag will help?

There is a set of blocking pins out there that would go very well with this technique. They will help keep the sweater at the size you want while it dries.

I use these and either these or these. Soak it for about 30 minutes, then press out as much of the water as you can with your hands (squeeze gently, don’t wring it) and then using two towels (step on it!). Then arrange the mat pieces into a long strip on the carpet or a table (protect it with a towel or something) and stretch it as long as you’d like and as wide as it’ll go and pin it to the board in even sections. If you do end up blocking it, take before and after photos so you can see the difference. This is my favorite part 🙃

u/OkPacking your comment has been removed because of amazon links or shortlinks. You can avoid this by posting non-commercial / non-redirect links like the ones you see below, or by just removing the links altogether and leaving the text parts.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKRH5H5

https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-KP800415-Knit-Blockers/dp/B00M7509M0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1527201703

I borrowed them (and the wires) from my friend. They are by Knitter's Pride and and called Knit Blockers and Pin Kit . They come in a little box in two sizes. I am probably going to buy a set of my own, as it was much easier (and less time consuming) than all those T-pins I usually use.

There are row counters you can use on a circular needle, or the clicky table ones. I have many row counters.

For circular needle:

https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Creative-Group-Inc-3417347000/dp/B005A2A8GO

Table top:


https://www.amazon.com/Clover-336-Knitting-Counter-Kacha-Kacha/dp/B001HZOY5O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=clover+kacha+kacha+row+counter&qid=1570539004&s=home-garden&sr=1-2-catcorr

Oh! I used to knit a LOT, you'll remember quickly! Have you tried the magnetic boards where you can put your paper and mark where you are? I'm going to assume you have lots of interruptions with a 3 yr old.

Some of the best yarn I ever played with was from a big box store. It was bamboo and silk, and ran about five bucks each. Four of them made a lovely lovely long scarf in a lacy pattern for someone dear. I think I finished it in three days because I couldn't stop touching the yarn.

Acrylic is the cheapest type of yarn. It is best to touch it and see how it feels, even run it against your cheek. There are some "thick and chunky" wool yarns in the discount stores that stitch up very quickly and only need a few skeins to make a project.

Personally, I would play with something like the acrylic you mention as a decoration for sock tops or mittens, but I wouldn't want to make a project that was just that.

Another yarn that is everywhere is Sugar and Cream cottons. These come in two weights and several sizes of balls and cones. They run between $2-5 for the balls and about $12 for the cones on amazon. A cone of cotton yarn and a pair of size 8 regular knitting needles in a small bag is a grab it and go bag that can turn waiting rooms and traveling into time to make dishcloths or hats or gaiters. I might have three, hmmm.

Amazon also has some stitch markers that are sheep shapes and other shapes. Etsy has creative ones, too. Stitch markers are very trendy just now, in all kinds of fun shapes. They also come in cheap plastic but those tend to get lost down the couch. Thing about stitch markers is that you can get all different kinds and your knitter would be using them over and over in different ways and different projects.

These sheep stitch markers are on my wishlist.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L7DC8PQ/?coliid=I101Y6SF7QYI1U&colid=3AQ2DATMLDYK5&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

They're these: Knitter's Pride Knit Blockers & Pin Kit. I have a bunch of T-pins but these are a lot nicer to use, unfortunately they're more expensive. I also wish I had 2 sets of them. These are the blocking mats: KnitIQ Blocking Mats - they're nice and thick with grid markings to help you straighten your piece, pretty handy.

https://www.amazon.com/BoNaYuanDa-Knitting-Needles-Protectors-Stoppers/dp/B01MG32K69/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496368818&sr=8-1&keywords=knitting+needle+point+protectors

I use a row counter like this when knitting anything from a chart or pattern with repeats like that. You should be able to pick one up at your local yarn or big box craft store. Of course, you have to remember to increase the counter every row but once you get used to it, that can become habit. It is also really useful in counting rows between increases/decreases for shaping purposes.

I got these about 6 months ago and haven't had any break on me.

For scientific purposes, I just grabbed one and could bend it completely straight without adverse affect.

A dice tray
Decorative cups/candy tray for chits
Plano boxes
Does he do foamcore? Glue sticks, X-Acto blades, pins
Stitch counters? For tracking health.
Card sleeves
Dice
Small wooden chests for storing stuff, PnP games, whatever
umm....

As a semi-recent graduate from beginner level, I second this one. I would die for a swift and ball winder for Christmas. (Also a set of interchangeable needles but I would want to preselect the set for myself.) A lot of the other knitting stuff mentioned in the comments (project bags, yarn bowls, knitting notions, etc.) would 100% be helpful and appreciated, but at least personally, I think those are the most fun to shop for and I like to buy them as a consolation prize of sorts at yarn shops when I'm being responsible and talking myself out of buying more yarn that I don't "need", so I don't exactly need help accumulating more stitch markers or row counters.

That said, a swift and ball winder are kind of bigger commitments. If she's new to knitting and not sure it'll stick for ages, notions might be a better short-term investment. Most yarn shops will wind your yarn for you when you purchase, so they're not necessarily "knitting needs".

If she's getting into specific types of projects, maybe get some more needles suited for those (hats = variety of like 16" circulars, socks = variety of 4-6" double pointed needles or long cabled circulars depending on her method preference, scarves = variety of straight needles, etc.). It's good to build out your basic needles and learn your preferences before committing to a specific brand of interchangeables. And if she likes color work or anything with a charted pattern, I've found a magnetic pattern holder to be invaluable (something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4D81TC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NN7WDbTRJ0CY2).