Things every knitter should have in their bag

Maybe you're a new knitter, maybe you're a pro knitter. No matter what level you are at, here are some things everyone should keep within their reach when knitting.

THE OBVIOUS

Now it would be a shame to get to your vacation and realize you forgot to pack your yarn, wouldn't it? But, I have heard of people doing it before! Make sure you have everything you really need to knit your project - which is yarn and needles. Another smart idea, is to have a designated project bag where you can store and protect your project and items.

MEASURING TAPE

I've gone to reach for something before, only to find out I didn't have it with me! It made me hesitate to keep knitting. Almost every time this happens, I'm reaching for a measuring tape.

CROCHET HOOK

Never underestimate the power of a crochet hook. Dropped stitches? messed up a stitch and don't want to frog back 10 rows? You can fix many mistakes with a crochet hook!

EXTRA STITCH MARKERS

I have lost more than my fair share of markers. I mess up my knitting and my stitch marker falls to the floor to never be seen again. Always keep at least three extra markers handy.

NOTEPAD AND PENCIL

As a designer, I have gotten ideas for things at the oddest times. Usually those times I'm somewhere where I can't write it down. I hear you saying "well type it on your phone". You would be shocked at the number of "post its" I have in my phone. I have so many, there's not point add any more, because I'll never be able to find it again. Plus with a notepad and pencil, I can easily sketch out ideas if I can't explain it well enough with words.

TOENAIL CLIPPERS

I know I always forget to clip my toenails, and I remember I need to do it at the oddest times. So I always keep a pair handy so I can take my shoes off anytime, anywhere and get those suckers taken care of right when I remember to. ...Dangit, I always forget it's hard to detect sarcasm through text... On a more serious note, they make a create substitution for scissors - especially if you are flying. But they can also be helpful for when you have that pesky hangnail that keeps catching on your yarn when you knit. Bonus points if it comes with a nail file, otherwise you might want to keep a spare file in your bag too.

ROW COUNTER

There's not pain like not know what row you left off on. Save yourself time and stress and pop a row counter into your bag!

SNACKS/WATER

Never knit on an empty stomach. You brain can get foggy, your body gets tired, and you can be more likely to make mistakes. Make sure you keep a snack in your bag and water handy. I admit, my snack is always chocolate, but hey - it's better than nothing!

OTHER MISCELLANOUS ITEMS

It may depend on what you are working on, or what stage you are at.

Tapestry needle - for when your project requires weaving in ends often or you are nearing the end of your project.

Hand cream - never worry about dry cracked hands catching on your yarn again!

Stitch holder - you never know when you might need one for whatever reason.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Have any special tools in your bag you want to share? Let me know, and I will add them to the list below! Tell me what it is and why you keep it handy.

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