I’m pretty streamlined when it comes to tools; I love things that are inexpensive, portable, and useful. Here are seven things you’ll find in each of my project bags. (I only have three project bags, so it’s not difficult to stock them with my favorite tools. Monogamous knitter? Pretty much.)
It’s a row counter! It’s a stitch marker! It’s my favorite knitting helper. I use this at the beginning of my round, or one stitch into the row if I’m knitting flat. It keeps track of my rows/rounds, and I never lose it in my knitting bag because it’s always attached to my knitting. Perfect!
A row counter keeps track of your knitting vertically, and stitch markers keep track of your knitting horizontally. Marking off pattern repeats helps keep you on track before you go too far astray. These soft ring markers are simple and effective. Don’t forget to have some locking markers too, for catching dropped stitches until you can fix them!
Keeping track of my progress is fun with my tape measures. The Lantern Moon sheep is my favorite. The tail comes out to measure in inches and centimeters, and pops back in with the push of a button. Cuuuuute.
A cable hook is for…cabling? Yes and no. I usually do my cables without a hook, unless the cable is wider than 3 over 3 stitches. But I find a cable hook to be very helpful for holding a stitch while I manipulate other stitches, as in a brioche 4 stitch decrease. The J shape is essential for this; it holds the stitch securely and also gets out of my way. I like the thin metal ones better than the thick plastic ones. The J hook is also great for fixing mistakes in a column of brioche, like this: https://youtu.be/bgWr2TrXvOk
This small tool is a lifesaver! It has a crochet hook on one end, and a knitting needle on the other. It’s perfect for picking up dropped stitches, and for working tiny repairs.
I mean, you could break the yarn (tough with linen), or you could use these cute snips!
You’re going to need a tapestry needle to sew in your ends. I really like the bent tip needles for scooping into my stitches. Bonus: This cute little case has a place on the cap where you can attach your snips. That keeps everything you need for finishing your project, all in one place. There’s so much satisfaction in a finished object!
These are the seven essential tools in my project bags. What do you like to keep in yours?
PDXKnitterati 
Where – what ..? Ain’t nevah seen dem snips before, Michele !
They’re from a company called Hiya Hiya, which also makes a great set of interchangeable circular needles (I like their stainless steel tips). The snips aren’t expensive, but you’d have to find out if there’s a distributor down under! I see North America, Europe, and Japan, but these may not be available for you. They’re cute!
Nice tool set! My favorites are similar, though I do like collecting tools and project bags. And stitch markers!
My favorite project bags were from Chicken Boots, Saremy Duffy. She doesn’t make them any more. Her Double Double had a wide drawstring closing a fabric top, and a vinyl bottom (fabric pocket inside) so you could see what was inside. Very helpful; I tend to move my projects from bag to bag. I have 3 of these; the vinyl on my favorite one is cracking. So far, duct tape is carrying me through.
Do you have a favorite style project bag?
Those sound really cool! I hope tape keeps on helping you keep those in use. I like all kinds, including tote bags 🙂 Although drawstring one are probably my favorite.
I had a beloved sheep tape measure until our puppy found it- now it’s a naked tape measure. (Sob).
I’ve never used a row counter but maybe I should try one- it would probably save me a ton of time counting the hard way. I also keep an emery board and hand cream in my bags- I often have rough spots that can catch on my yarn. Thanks for the peek into your tool pouch.
Haha. I have a similar post of my favorite tools in waiting to be posted this fall for Christmas ideas. Yours are definitely more budget friendly than mine.