All too often when I do my yarn shopping, I’m in a hurry – grab what I need and go! But sometimes I find myself with a few extra moments to browse, and I get to check out the knit and crochet accessories and notions. And wow, there were some things that definitely caught my eye! I spotted some new (and traditional) items that have been calling my name ever since… so of course I thought I’d share them with all of you! If you spot something that catches your eye, click on the name of the item you’re interested in to go to the Amazon affiliate link for that product – or look for it next time you’re at the craft store.
8 Nifty Notions for Crochet and Knitting
- Needle Threader For Large Eye Needles by LoRan
There’s nothing new about needle threaders – what’s new for me is my sudden need for them as I approach 40! I’ve spotted several different versions, from the faux antique to the strictly utilitarian. Most are geared for sewing needles, with their tiny eyes and thin threads. This one seems perfect for yarn though!
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Susan Bates Finishing Needles
I know I’m not the only one who’s run out of yarn just as I finish a pattern (or cut a tail too short – eek!) and had to struggle to weave in that super short end. This product is for just those situations – so smart! I love that you can get a variety pack too – no more struggling to squeeze a super bulky yarn in there!
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Clover Elastic Yarn Thread
If you’ve wondered how to crochet or knit legwarmers that don’t fall down or brims and cuffs that don’t stretch out, here’s the answer! You hold it right along with your yarn, and voila! Stretch that bounces back! I like that the packaging gets it all set up and ready to use too!
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Boye Sensa Thread
Add this thread to the fingertips of handmade or purchased gloves and make them smartphone and tablet ready! You do need to go all the way through, so that your finger touches the thread on one side and the thread touches your device’s screen. I love that this is now a DIY instead of a pricey pair of specialty gloves!
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Clover Locking Stitch Markers with Clip
Because these open they’re perfect for both knitting and crochet – and can be added to a project at any time! I can think of several ways these would come in handy: attaching a note indicating the type of yarn and hook/needle size before stashing a WIP away for a while, or on a big project where you need to count a lot of rows – so you can remember what each marker means!
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Clover Fork Blocking U-Pins
I just picked up a pack of these to help me block the afghan squares for the Moogly Crochet-a-long! I haven’t tried them out just yet, but I’ll be sure to let you know what I think of them when I write up the blocking article for the CAL series! They do look very easy on the hands – something my last set of blocking pins definitely were not!
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Edgit Piercing Crochet Hooks, Set of 2 by Ammee’s Babies
I’ve only seen these online so far, but it’s exciting to see new products to make crocheting easier! Very similar to the Sharp Hook. They claim it can go through 2 layers of flannel – anyone out there given them a try yet?
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Clover Knitting & Crochet Jumbo Wonder Clips
These were SO helpful when I was making the Fairy Tale Poncho, and I’ve used them for every multi-piece project since! Great to help keep even seams and to mark right side vs wrong side – love them!
Some of these I’ve already purchased, and others are high on my wish list! What are some of your favorite tools beyond the usual hooks and needles? Anything you’d recommend? Share them in the comments!
Davina says
I really like the Susan Bates finishing needles.
sawcat says
These types of needle threaders are pretty common. I’ve never had any luck with any style I’ve tried in embroidery. The wired versions pull out of their holder, and the style pictured would never pull thread through. I think I would bypass them all together and go for those finishing needles instead, unless needed the smallness of a needle for something.
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, this one is definitely too thick for thread – I’m familiar with the wire ones for sewing, but I was pleased to see this “heavy duty” one for yarn. I think it’s great to have a variety of options though, for different preferences and situations! 🙂
litlbits says
I’ve used this needle threader and found it very helpful…especially for bulkier yarns – for me it really worked well!
Lise Schleicher says
So, I’m confused….what is the deal with the wonder clips? I don’t get it. Clearly need more coffee or suffering from brain freeze. Can someone explain it to me? (been crocheting for 25 years….never seen/needed anything like that!)
Tamara Kelly says
I think it depends on the crocheter, but I would use them to keep info with a project that had to go in hibernation for a while, or if I were making a mulit-piece project they’d be good for marking which piece is which, RS, etc. 🙂
Jerrilee says
I have both the threader and the finishing needles–LOVE both!! With the finishing needles only have one size tho, so would like to get the multiple size pack. Also the stitch markers with the note holder clip would be perfect. As a relative newbie at crochet, I am constantly trying new stitches and patterns and I start something, even something small, then get distracted by something else I want to try. But by the same token, I don’t want to rip out what I have done. So these would be great to mark the hook size, stitch and/or pattern I was using, so that I can come back to it later and pick up where I left off.
Tamara Kelly says
Glad to hear it! 😀
Karen Catchings says
I like the finishing needles but found that the ones in the last package that I bought did not have as smooth a finish on the edge as the first set I bought and tend to catch on the yarn. Still they are wonderful for weaving in ends, especially short ones. I also just purchased some of the blocking pins (expensive!, had a 50% coupon at Joanns or would not have gotten them) and look forward to trying them out.
Tamara Kelly says
I used my JoAnn coupon on those too! 😀 I wonder if a bit of fine sandpaper wouldn’t help the edges on those needles?
Sara sach says
I really want to try the Edgit tool! These are all great tools. Great round up.
Ash says
Great products, I really need to keep an eye out for these! Especially the needle threader and touch screen friendly thread!
Kim says
The blocking pins are FABULOUS…you are gonna love them! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Oh good! Glad to hear it!! 😀
Kristina says
Great compilation, Tamara. I am going to have to go shopping, I need some of these in my life.
Tamara Kelly says
Thanks! 😀
RomY wIlliams says
Ooh…several of these are musthaves. Tomorrow is my errand day and now I have a great excuse to run by Michaels and Joanns. Thanks for the great list of gadget ideas!
Francine says
Great list! I had to laugh out loud at your needle threader comment. Every time I have to thread a needle now I understand why my older relatives would ask me to do it when I was a child. lol
Tamara Kelly says
LOL exactly! Life has a way of making everything clear eventually hahah.
diane says
i’ve lost & broken so many needle threaders – and finally started making my own. all that’s needed is a big flat button with at least 2 holes (that are approx 1/2″ apart) and some thin wire (about 22 gauge from the floral section at michael’s). cut a short piece of wire (about 6″) and thread each wire end thru the button holes and twist many times to firmly secure. then pinch the other end.
now i can pull thru the thickest yarn cause i’ve got a good grip/handle from the button! hope this works for others.
Tamara Kelly says
Great idea Diane! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
Sharon Hebert says
I have received a big tote of knitting & crochet items from a family friend who’s mother passed. A lot of these items are in the needle bin but I didn’t know what they were for. They are lots older from looks of packaging. I found a couple of “afghan” needles that look like crochet-knit or for use with the Tunisian stitches. I’m so happy I didn’t have to go out to buy these. I have the piercing needles. and a type of roller to use for adding other threads to your project. just not the thread. Thanks for this informative post!
Tamara Kelly says
Sounds like you got quite lucky!
Ildinha says
Preciso comprar o kit com agulhas redoddas ,marcadores de carreiras etc… Como faço pra conseguir?
Tamara Kelly says
Se você clicar sobre o nome do produto que você quer, você vai ir para a Amazônia, onde você pode encomendá-lo! 🙂
Brittney says
I have the Edgit crochet hooks – and they’re okay. They suggest you blanket stitch around the edge first so they grab onto the thread there instead of fraying the piece. Haven’t tried flannel, but they punch decently through lightweight cotton.