Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Knitting Pouches


Toward the end of last year, I purchased a knitting pouch from Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool Brokers Ltd (http://www.shetland-wool-brokers.zetnet.co.uk/accs.htm). It is now part of my regular knitting stash and I use it regularly.

Why? Because it is my new toy. I tried it with short sock needles. A knitting pouch actually increases the knitting effort with short needles. If you are going to use a knitting pouch, use 30 or 40 cm long DPN. Short needles and a knitting sheaths that supports the needles up into an ergonomic work zone are better for socks, mittens, and gloves.

Where the pouch really stands out is for Fair Isle and Scandinavian stranding on hats and children’s clothes done on rather long DPN in the US # 2 ->3 range (2.5- 3.5 mm) For this kind of knitting, a pouch provides good support and control. Until you have tried it, you would not believe how easy a knitting pouch makes two color knitting. Holding a yarn in each hand turns out not to be so hard when you have the right tools.

I have a gansey for my wife out of Cool Wool 2000 on 10 “, #3 Brittany DPN. That really should be the perfect use for the knitting pouch. I have not decided if I like the pouch for that knitting yet or not.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

This whole knitting belt/sheath/pouch thing is fascinating! I have a knitting belt but haven't used it yet. I anchor my needles in my hip/thigh when I knit - a knitting belt with 14" needles would be too long for comfort if I was sitting.
When I knit on short dpns (socks, mitts, hats) I lightly poke the needle into the waistband of my jeans - just enough to steady & support it while I knit.
When I take on a full-on fair isle sweater I'll totally give it a go on long dpns rather than defaulting to circulars.

(I found you through your post on Ravelry - I look forward to reading your blog in the future!)