How to use a cord stitch holder

Using a silicon cord stitch holder is a game changer when it comes to putting stitches on hold, especially when knitting garments.

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ABOUT THE TOOL

Barber cords, or also just called cord stitch holder, is a fantastic tool! I love it so much more than using a string of yarn because it's a little less finicky and makes it insanely easier to pick stitches back up.

It's a hollow silicon cord that you put on the end of your needles to easily move your live stitches on hold. This is usually done on sweaters, where the sleeves are often put on hold while you finish the body, and vise versa. They usually come in a spool of a large length of card that you can cut to your preference, but you can find them ready to use as well.

You can get them in some pre-made little containers already cut to length, or you can get a whole roll of the cord to cut to the exact lengths you want yourself.

HOW TO USE IT

It's super easy to use:

Step 1: Attach the cord to the tip of your needle. You don't need to push too hard, otherwise it will be hard to take off.

Step 2: Bunch up your sts at the end of the needle and carefully slide them into the cord.

Step 3: Even out the ends of the cord so the stitches don't come off. I often like to tie a little knot with the ends to ensure it doesn't come out if accidentally pulled on.

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To put the stitches back onto your needles, you do the opposite! You attach the cord to your needles, then slide all your stitches from the cord onto the needles again.

It's really that easy guys!

TIPS AND TRICKS

Now I will say, the smaller the needles the harder they are to use. You generally want your needle to be bigger than the cord, otherwise your stitches simple aren't going to go on. I have used this successfully with size 2.75mm needles and up.

If you are using smaller needles, there is also a trick to getting the stitches onto the cord. Instead of pulling the stitches on, you actually want to push them on. Bunch up your stitches at the start of the cord, push them towards the needle so the stitches are loose and hang freely, then push them onto the cord. If you just try to pull, it won't work as nicely. You will end up fighting it more, putting each stitch on one by one, or even pulling the cord off your needle and drop some stitches.

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you liked this article. If you found it helpful, give it a like! If you have questions, comment them below!

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