6 Necessary Knitting and Crochet Notions That Won’t Break Your Budget

Over the years I have found that just a few, small items help me with my knitting projects. You can find these at stores like Jo-Ann, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and similar stores. I’ve included Amazon links here so you can see what I use and for price comparison.

My favorite knitting and crochet notions

1. Stitch Markers — I like brightly colored markers like these because they’re easier to spot on whatever I’m knitting. These are necessary when working on more complicated patterns. I just picked up these same markers at the Michael’s by my house.
2. Stitch Ring Markers — I have this exact set and have used them many, many times. I’ve also cut a drinking straw into small rings and have used those, but when my knitting needles are bigger for different projects, those straw-rings don’t work.
3. Sewing Pins — In this felt bag project, you’ll be pinning pieces together for stitching. Pins like these are best because they’re long enough to go through 2 layers of knitted fabric.
4. Needle Sizer/Ruler — Once you’re hooked on knitting, your stash of needles will quickly grow. Pretty soon you may not remember which size is which, and a needle sizer will be worth its weight in gold. I’ve gone through at least 2 of these and love it. The small ruler is also handy for measuring gauge. By the way, I’ve used many different types of needles and always return to those made of bamboo. They’re beautiful, smooth, and feel good in my hands. I’ve knitted with both metal and plastic needles, and they get the job done. They just aren’t my needle of choice.
5. Small measuring tape — If you don’t have one already, you will be SO glad to get this one. It’s the same one I use and I’ve used it on every knitting project I’ve ever done, except those cotton washcloths! Of all my knitting and crochet notions, I’ve used this one the most.
6. Folding scissors — Your scissors don’t have to be the folding kind, but since I keep all of these notions in a small tin, I really like having the smaller size. And, since they’re small, they’re easier to hide from my kids.

One more “notion” that I just started using is a phone app that helps me keep track of my rows. Yes, I like to use those safety pin type markers and use those on every tenth row, every fifteenth row, etc., depending on the project. However, I also like to keep track of each row as I finish. Right now I’m using an app called BeeCount Knitting Counter and have found it very easy to use on my Android phone. Since I always have my phone with me, now I also have an up-to-date tracker for my current knitting project. For the iPhone, the Knit Counter app seems to be very popular.

Knitting and crochet are both budget friendly hobbies. Yes, you can go all out for hand-spun, hand-dyed, amazing yarns or just grab a gigantic skein of Red Heart yarn for a few bucks at Michael’s. I tend to be somewhere in between when I select my projects, yarn, and supplies. I want my projects to look handmade but not so much homemade. As always, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference in the world. Just ask Bob Vila.