Stuff a stocking with tools and notions for a fiber artist in your life. They’ll love you for it, and you may even get a handmade gift in return! Here are some suggestions for stocking stuffers for knitters and crocheters.
Scroll over the image for more information, or click the links to learn more.
This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something, but won’t cost you anything extra.
Stitch Markers
Every crocheter and knitter uses stitch markers, and if they don’t, they should! And markers have a way of getting lost, so we always need more.
There are several different styles of marker. Even if the gift recipient has a current favorite, it’s always a good idea to try new products. Try them all!
Hint: Crocheters need markers that open. Look for the words “locking”, “split ring”, or “opening” in the title to make sure you are getting the right kind.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors is always appreciated. I’m always on the lookout for tiny scissors that pack easily but are sharp enough to cut well.
Sometimes you need just a small amount of yarn for a project, and it would be uncomfortable to use a full ball of yarn. That’s when you need a yarn butterfly! Here’s how to wind a yarn butterfly. It’s quick and easy.
A yarn butterfly is simply a “re-packaging” of yarn into a small butterfly-shaped bundle. If prepared right, the bundle stays wrapped and secured, making it possible to use the working end of the yarn for your project while the rest of the yarn waits patiently.
Yarn butterflies are usually used for the intarsia method (knitting or crocheting), but they can be used any time.
It can be easier to use a butterfly than a yarn bobbin. In my experience, plastic yarn bobbins get tangled more than butterflies. Plus, I can never find enough bobbins when I’m ready to start a complex intarsia project.
OK, I didn’t say that very well in words. It’s really quite easy to do, so let’s try some pictures. Follow these step-by-step instructions or watch the video at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Hold the yarn tail under your thumb and out of the way.
2. Begin wrapping the yarn around your fingers in a figure-8 pattern.
3. As you wrap, keep the strands parallel to each other. Don’t let them cross over each other.
4. When you have wrapped enough, pinch the yarn bundle together at the center point, and slide it off your fingers.
5. Leaving at least 12″ [30 cm], cut the working yarn. Wrap this end around the center of the bundle. Wrap tightly, but not too tightly.
6. Tuck the end under the center wraps. A crochet hook is handy to use for this task.
7. When you have finished, use the working end (the end that was under your thumb). It should pull out neatly as you need it, leaving the rest of the yarn still wrapped up in its butterfly shape.
Looking for a non-yarn gift for your favorite knitter or crocheter? Find gifts your favorite crafter will love in this round-up of fiberarts-related holiday gifts. If you are the crafter, bookmark this page and forward it to your family and friends as a not-so-subtle hint.
This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something, but won’t cost you anything extra.If you can’t link to the item you want, leave a comment and I’ll give it to you directly; I am having trouble with some external links, but I’m working on it!
#1 Ball Winder
A yarn winder is a must-have for anybody who uses a lot of yarn in hanks. It winds the yarn into nice, center-pull cakes. No more balls rolling around on the floor picking up cat hair!
This heavy duty ball winder is the only one you’ll ever need to buy. It’s excellent quality and stands up to heavy use.
#2 Yarn Swift
Yarn swifts work arm-in-arm (see what I did there?) to make holding skeins a snap.
This Amish-style swift sits securely on a tabletop but packs away neatly.
A swift and winder combo is an economical choice.
The birch yarn swift from KnitPicks would be an attractive and useful addition to any crafting studio.
This umbrella-style swift packs away nicely.
#3 Blocking Mats, Pins & Wires
No one loves to spend the time blocking projects, but it’s an important step to finishing things off professionally. Make that job easier with the right tools!
Blocking mats create a customizable sized surface.
For quick, small projects, the Cut ‘n Press cutting mat and blocking surface can’t be beat.
These mats come with radial lines and glove blockers.
Blocking wires and T-pins are great all types of projects.
Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers are a time-saving tool.
#4 Steamer
As long as you are getting the blocking wires, pins and mats, why not upgrade to a garment steamer? Save the iron for clothes. A garment steamer puts out a lot more steam.
A garment steamer provides plenty of heat and moisture for blocking
#5 Needles and/or Hooks
It is not possible to have too many crochet hooks or knitting needles. The ones you need are often tied up with a work in progress, or hiding somewhere under a sofa cushion or in a project bag. A single luxury tool, or a whole new set of needles or hooks is always welcome.
The following are just a few options. There are as many styles and types of needles and hooks as there are yarn crafters. If you are buying for someone else, check first to see what their preferences are. The cheapest tools are often not the best quality. Crafters can have strong opinions about their tools!
Addi Turbo Rockets are my go-to needles for many projects.
KnitPicks Dreamz are also avaiable as interchangeable needles.
Furls Crochet Hooks have a wide grip built in.
Clovor Amour Hooks have handles in cheerful colors. These are often imitated by other manufacturers.
Signature Needle Arts makes luxury needles with super-sharp tips.
A Denise2Go combo kit combines both knitting and crochet.
#6 Yarn Bowl
Yarn bowls can be either life-savers or simply a nice extra hand, depending on the crafter. Find them made by local artisans at your local craft fairs, or check out the following ones available online.
Etsy has a lot of options when it comes to yarn bowls. Choose your style.
Handmade wooden bowls are elegant and popular.
Sheep bowls are an obvious choice.
Pawley Studios make a charming collection of yarn bowls and mugs. Some have nerdy themes, perfect for GOT and Dr. Who fans.
A yarn box might be a good idea for households with cats.
#7 Project Bag
Crafters can never have too many bags! From tiny tool bags to project bags to giant bags that hold everything you need for a two-week crafting vacation, you can’t beat a great bag.
[Note to family reading this post: The madder root sheep mini-trundle bag is my go-to sock project bag, but I would 100% love any of their other bags.]
Erin Lane Project Bags are lightweight and have a stay-closed drawstring.
madder root bags are hand-printed in Maine.
Namaste Maker’s Backpack has tons of pockets. It’s perfect for makers on the go.
Atneti Bags are made in the USA. There’s a wide range of styles to choose from. I love them for their quality and style.
#8 Clubs, Subscriptions, and Apps
There are subscriptions to everything these days. Buy a yarn box/kit subscription or a software services subscription. Your recipient will thank you all year long!
Creativebug has 1000’s of crafting classes to choose from. I even teach a few of them.
Bluprint has classes to stream and supplies for sale. They even have. premium kit club.
Annie’s has Clubs for all kinds of crafts, not just knitters and crocheters.
Jimmy Beans Wool has a Club for everyone!
Stitch Maps is both a new kind of chart and an excellent stitch dictionary for knitters.
The knitCompanion app elps knitters keep track of where they are in a pattern
#9 Sheep-Related Items
This is probably my favorite category, because there are so many cute sheep things out there. And you don’t have to stick to sheep! Alpacas and Llamas are having their moment in the merchandising sun right now!
Who knew there were sheep planters?
There are all kinds of cute sheep things to hang on the wall.
I giggle every time I see one of these online, but I do secretly kinda want one.
Absolutely everything at Knitbaahpurl is adorably sheep-related. I have three of their t-shirts!
Shaun the Sheep, of Wallace & Gromit fame, a garden ornament.
There’s a book or five on every crafter’s Wish List: books about techniques, books full of stitch patterns (called stitch dictionaries), books full of projects. Check out these popular favorites.
The Crochet Answer Book is a classic pocket reference.
Any Japanese stitch dictionary, for knit or crochet, is sure to be a hit.
The One-Skein Wonders series is a perennial bestseller.
Books for beginners can’t be beat.
This stitch dictionary includes shaping instructions.
The Knitting Answer Book fits right into your project bag.
Around the Corner Crochet Borders is my most popular book, but did you know I have another crocheted borders book?
Where is all that stash being stored? If it’s in random boxes and bags, stuffed under beds and in drawers, maybe it’s time to organize. Whether the yarn goes into plastic tubs or fancy shelving units, having it organized will bring joy and perhaps allow you to know what you have.
Fabric bins help corral yarn on open-front shelving units.
I found these online. I’d love to see how they work for yarn!
Just recently I upgraded from wire shelving, still with pull-out bins. Mine came from Target, but Kallax from Ikea is another great option.
I have more large plastic storage boxes than I can count. This is for my “hidden” yarn storage.
For quick access, I used wire storage cubes with fabic storage bins for over 20 years.
#12 LYS Gift Certificate
If you’re still not sure about what to get, buy a gift certificate from your local yarn shop (LYS). Local yarn shops are the heart and soul of our yarn world, and we want to support them with our love and money, so they will continue to be there for us. And if you don’t have a LYS, a gift certificate from an online retailer like WEBS or Jimmy Beans will work, too!
Have I missed anything? If you have ideas for other gifts for knitters and crocheters, please share them in the comments.
Be on the lookout for Stocking Stuffers for Knitters and Crocheters, coming soon to this blog.
Don’t wait! Now is the time to start your Holiday crafting! Take a look at these books – some new, some older – for great ideas for your holiday-themed projects. Whether you are a crocheter, a knitter, or a general DIY crafter, these books have you covered.
And if start now but don’t get to everything on your list this year, you’ll be ahead of the game for next holiday season.
This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a bit of income to me, but don’t cost you anything extra.
Of course, I have to start with a book by me. Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree has tons of cute patterns. The stocking and mitten advent garland pictured on the cover is a big hit. There are a variety of stockings for the whole family, and Andee Graves’ little amigurumi birds are adorable at any time of the year.
Knit Christmas Stockings, edited by Gwen Steege, is a classic. If you prefer your stockings knit, this is the book for you.
Nordic designers Arne & Carlos bring their signature style to the knitting of Christmas ornaments with 55 Christmas Balls to Knit. I long to knit enough of these to cover a whole tree, but even just one or two will bring a bit of joy to your Christmas decor.
If crocheted thread is more your thing, check out Leisure Arts Big Book of Thread Ornaments. Ornament covers and snowflakes of all sorts will keep you busy showering your tree with seasonal beauty.
Jorid Linvik’s Big Book of Christmas Knitshas it all – ornaments, stockings, mittens, and toys– and all with a Scandinavian flair. You could spend an entire year knitting projects from this book.
Don’t feel like knitting or crocheting? Color Your Own Christmas Cards instead. Send customized cards to everyone on your list. You’ll get thirty cards with envelopes included. This one is full for all ages!
Homemade Holiday includes 40 projects that encompass knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, gift wrapping, and more.
Early Bird Tickets are only $55 now through Monday, September 2.
After Labor Day ticket prices will increase to $80, so buy now to lock in the lower price.
Tell Me More
Our experts are passionate about sharing their love of crochet with others. Whether your goal is to improve your skills in hat making, gather the bravery to begin your first sweater, or dive into short rows, our goal is to help you. We have handpicked these teachers and designers to bring you the best instructors on a variety of crochet topics.
Getting to an in-person conference can be a barrier for some crocheters. You want to improve your skills and meet new people, but work, family life and budget constraints can make that impossible. Stitch Makers Live is the affordable alternative, because you’re only paying for the classes, not for flights, hotel rooms, restaurant food, and so on.
Stitch Makers Live is the only crochet-only online conference, and we’d love you to be part of the excitement.
How Does Stitch Makers Live Work?
When you buy a ticket to Stitch Makers Live you’ll get access to a private Facebook group that is only open to Stitch Makers Live participants and teachers.
The event runs September 19-21. The live video classes and interaction with the teachers will take place on the private Facebook group. Instructors will be teaching and interacting with you from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Eastern each of those days.
And we’ll be having a virtual party from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm Eastern on Saturday night, September 21!
Edie, What Will You Be Doing?
I’ll be teaching techniques from The Village Hat pattern. You’ll learn my tips for great-looking crocheted motifs and join-as-you-go techniques. The Village Hat pattern includes both charted and text instructions, and it’s free with your Stitch Makers Live attendance.
Tamara Kelly of Moogly: Plan Your Projects Perfectly with Weight and Gauge Basics and Fabulous Crochet Sweaters are Simple with Finishing Techniques
Mary Beth Temple of Hooked for Life Publishing: Hop on the Tunisian Trend with Basics from a Professional Teacher and Level Up Your Projects with Surface Crochet Techniques
Alexis Middleton of Persia Lou: Build Better Crochet Baskets with Rope or Cord and this Crafty Star
Marie Segares of Underground Crafter: Conquer Amigurumi with Tips and Tricks for All Those Bits and Get Slouch Hat Savvy with Crochet Tips from an Urban Designer
Andee Graves of Mamas 2 Hands: Master the Tricks to Create Easy Perfect Crochet Spirals
Jessie Rayot of Jessie at Home: Produce Perfect Granny Squares Every Time with these Clever Tips
Pia Thadani of Stitches n Scraps: Stretch Your Crochet Skills with Elastic Waistbands for Wearables
Linda Dean of Linda Dean Crochet: Fall in Love with Crochet Short Rows for Wonderful Shaping
Julie Desjardins of Accrochet: Success with Crochet Socks Can Be Yours – Start with the Basics
Courtney Whitehead of Creations by Courtney: Handy Help for Hat Makers – Both Top Down and Bottom Up
Join Stitch Makers Live
Have I convinced you about how excited I am to be a part of this brand-new venture? After all, I get to share my love of crochet from the comfort of my home, too!
Won’t you please join us? I can’t wait to see you there!
Most new crocheters question where to put the first stitch of a crochet row. It’s not always clear from reading a pattern where that hook should go. If you don’t get it right, you may gain or lose stitches and have uneven edges.
Knowing where to put the first stitch of a crochet row in every situation will help you maintain the same number of stitches and keep your edges straight!
This article uses American crochet terminology. I’m assuming you want to keep the same number of stitches on each row, and to have straight sides. Be sure to watch the videos listed below to get a good close-up look of where I’m putting the first stitch of the second row in different situations.
Turning Chains
The key to knowing where to put your hook lies in understanding turning chains. Turning chains are the chains at the beginning of a row that bring your hook up to the level of the next row, ready to work the new row.
Your pattern will tell you how many turning chains to work, and whether that turning chain counts as a stitch. If the pattern doesn’t indicate whether the turning chain counts, you can decide for yourself.
Type of Stitch
Typical Turning Chain
Does Turning Chain Count as a Stitch?
sc
ch 1
usually not
hdc
ch 2
sometimes; you can decide
dc
ch 3
usually but not always
tr
ch 4
usually but not always
When the Turning Chain Counts as a Stitch
If the turning chain counts as a stitch and you don’t want to increase or decrease, the second stitch of the row or round (the first “real” dc, for example) goes into the stitch that is one stitch to the left of the stitch at the base of the turning chain. Or one stitch to the right if you are working left-handed.
The last stitch of a row goes into the top of the turning chain from the row below. The last stitch of a round goes into the last stitch of the previous round.
Here’s what that looks like in a stitch charts and on a swatch. This swatch and stitch chart begins with a foundation chain of 13 and has 11 stitches across each row, because the turning chain counts as a stitch.
Watch How to Work Double Crochet to see me transition from Row 1 to Row 2 on a swatch, and count the ch-3 turning chain as a stitch.
When the turning chain counts as a stitch, if you put the first stitch into the same stitch as the base of the turning chain, you’ll increase. If you don’t remember to put the last stitch into the top of the turning chain, you’ll decrease.
There are the same number of stitches in each row, counting the turning chain on each row as a stitch.
When the Turning Chain Doesn’t Count as a Stitch
If the turning chain does not count as a stitch, and you want to maintain the same number of stitches, the first stitch of the second row goes into the stitch at the base of the turning chain because you completely ignore the turning chain.
The last stitch of the row goes into the last “real” dc, because the turning chain is ignored. Here’s what that looks like in a stitch chart and on a swatch. This swatch and stitch chart begins with a foundation chain of 14 and has 11 stitches across each row, because the turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Watch Single Crochet with Edie Eckman starting at about 3:32 to see me transition from Row 1 to Row 2 on a swatch, but not count the ch-1 turning chain as a stitch.
There are the same number of stitches in each row, not counting the turning chain on each row as a stitch.
When the turning chain does not count as a stitch, if you skip the stitch at the base of the chain and work into the next stitch, you’ll decrease. If you put the last stitch of the row into a turning chain, you’ll increase.
Reminders: Where to Put the First Stitch
Remember:When the turning chain counts as a stitch, treat it like one.
It has magically become a stitch (because the pattern told you so). Why would you put another stitch in the same place? And why would you not work into it on the way back?
Remember:When the turning chain does not count as a stitch, ignore it completely.
Your edges will be straight, your stitch count will stay the same, and you’ll stop worrying about where that stitch should go!
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