First things first: Tools

Embracing the Simple Magic of Knitting

As I mentioned in my first post, the sole reason why I began knitting was because of lack of space. Ever since I was a child, I have been no stranger to handmade clothes. During my childhood, my mother always made my clothes. Later, I began making my own and I made most of the dresses I have worn to family weddings. Sewing, as you probably know, takes a lot of space and I did not have this luxury when I first moved to Paris.

And then I discovered knitting. A revelation! With just 5 basic tools: a set of knitting needles, a pair of scissors, a tapestry needle, and a few stitch markers… That's all you need to create an entire sweater. It's so beautifully compact; your whole knitting world can fit right in your pocket. Is there any other craft so marvelously minimalist? I think not!

Perfecting the Notions Pouch

My notions pouches are a testament to this. Perfected over years, I now have two streamlined sets: one for travel, one for home. But let me tell you, it wasn't always this way. As soon as you start getting comfortable with knitting, you start ordering all the crap you think you might need... and that's the mistake! (Hello, AliExpress! I'm talking to you.) Then you start curating, figuring out what quality tools work best for you, what feels most comfortable in your hands.

The travel pouch is a tiny treasure trove, packed with TSA-approved scissors, markers, darning needles, and measuring tape. Plus all my personal essentials like lip balm and lotion. And it still fits in any pocket!

The home pouch? It's like the travel one but on steroids! Fully packed with crochet hooks, markers, rulers, stitch holders and more. But even at its fullest, it's still delightfully petite.

Needles now and then 

In terms of knitting tools, I don’t consider myself an extremist. I don’t have all the latest knitting trinkets, but also I don’t like to have the bare minimum. I like to live comfortably in the middle and I find the simplicity of knitting enchanting. If you think about it, since the beginning of knitting, the tools needed to make garments haven't changed that much. Yes, yes, I am sure the ladies in the medieval times did now have Chiaogoo interchangeable knitting sets, but let me explain. 

Studies suggest that as early as 76,000 years ago, Homo sapiens were making bone awls, early precursors of the sewing needle. As humans evolved, so did their needles and the sophisticated items they crafted with them. While the exact origins of knitting remain unclear, evidence suggests it began in Egypt and spread through Europe before reaching the rest of the globe (Piecework Magazine, Winter 2023).

Although ancient Egyptians didn't have 9" circulars for their socks, they used a technique called nålbinding, which produces a remarkably similar result. Nålbinding is an end-led textile technique using a single-eyed needle to create fabric by sewing non-continuous lengths of thread into a series of crossed loops - a sort of in between sewing, crocheting, and knitting.

By the 16th century, knitting was a widespread method for creating garments and accessories. Richard Rutt's book, A History of Hand Knitting, notes that historically, knitting needles were mostly made of metal. But by the 19th century, knitters were using all sorts of materials like bone, steel, vulcanite, galalith, and tortoiseshell. Throughout history, metal, wood, and bone have been the go-to materials for knitting needles. And now, 600 years later, I'm still using the same types of needles (minus the bone, ew!). Even the styles haven't changed much - 16th-century paintings show knitters using both Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) and circulars, just like we do today.

My Love Affair with Circular Needles

I've got a few DPNs that have been passed down to me, but I'm 100% a ChiaoGoo circular needle knitter. And let me tell you, my circular needle collection is no joke! I've got fixed circulars, interchangeables, every length and size you can imagine, in both metal and bamboo. I carefully choose which type to use for each project based on the yarn material, weight, and even my mood. Sometimes I'm a bamboo needle girl, loving the soft, warm feel in my hands; other times, I crave the speed of metal needles. I adore the variety and the freedom to choose based on my whims. If you are a knitter, you must know, ChiaoGoo needles are not cheap! But, to me, totally worth the investment. I have amassed my collection little by little throughout the years and it gives me pleasure to know that they will last me forever (unless it’s a 2mm bamboo 9” needle, which always break when I am halfway through a sock).

So whether you're already a knitter or just starting out, remember: all you need is a few sticks and some string. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the simple magic of knitting!