Introduction Once you have your needles and yarn, you might think you are done shopping. Think again. The world of fiber arts is full of gadgets designed to make your life easier and your projects more professional. From mechanical knitting machines that crank out hats in minutes to ball winders that tame messy skeins, these tools are worthy investments. If you are looking to expand your craft room, here is a guide on what to buy next.
Buying a Yarn Winder and Swift If you buy yarn in "hanks" (twisted loops), you cannot knit from them directly. You need to wind them into cakes.
- The Swift: You can buy a wooden umbrella swift or a metal one. Wooden ones are sturdier and quieter.
- The Ball Winder:
- Hand-Crank Winders: Cheap and effective for small cakes.
- Electric Winders: If you have a stash to organize, buying an electric winder saves your wrist.
- Stanwood Needlecraft: This brand is often cited as the "best buy" for heavy-duty winders. They handle large skeins without wobbling.
Buying a Knitting Machine: Sentro vs. Addi Express Knitting machines have exploded in popularity on TikTok and YouTube. They allow you to "crank" out knitwear rapidly.
- Addi Express King Size: German engineering. It is the most expensive model to buy, but it rarely drops stitches and runs smoothly.
- Sentro: The budget alternative. You can buy this for a fraction of the price of an Addi. It is great for beginners, though it may not last as long.
- Is it worth buying? If you plan to sell hats at craft fairs, a knitting machine pays for itself in one weekend. It is a business investment.
Lighting and Magnification You cannot craft if you cannot see. As we age, lighting becomes the most important purchase.
- Neck Lights: Perfect for buying if you knit in bed or while watching movies.
- Floor Lamps with Magnifiers: Brands like OttLite sell lamps specifically for crafters. They mimic natural daylight, showing the true color of your yarn. They are a pricey purchase but protect your eyesight.
Blocking Tools: The Secret to Professional Finishes Have you ever wondered why store-bought knits look so flat and even? Blocking.
- Blocking Mats: You need to buy thick, interlocking foam mats.
- Blocking Pins & Combs: Knit Blockers (looking like combs) are a better purchase than individual T-pins because they save time and create straighter edges.
Storage Solutions to Buy As your stash grows, so does the need for organization.
- Yarn Bowls: A ceramic or wooden yarn bowl prevents your ball from rolling under the sofa. They make excellent gifts to buy for friends.
- Project Bags: Look for bags with grommets to feed yarn through. Investing in a high-quality waxed canvas bag protects your project from pets and dust.
Conclusion While you can knit with just two sticks and some string, the right accessories make the process faster, neater, and more enjoyable. From the efficiency of a ball winder to the speed of a knitting machine, these gadgets are investments in your productivity. When you are ready to buy, prioritize durability over the lowest price, and your craft room will thank you.
