Cable Stitch Holders
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 153
What is it? – To MacGyver or not to MacGyver, that is the question. Okay, forget the feeble Shakespear/80’s TV action series reference. Seriously though, when it comes to knitting tools my answer is why? Why seek a MacGyver gimmick-based solution to the challenges presented by our most lofty creative endeavors? Why would you ever want to use anything other than the best solution-based tools available? Perhaps our knitting pattern specifies a particular decorative procedure that requires us to put designated open stitches on hold. Just simply remove them from active work only to be replaced later as specified by the pattern. How do we do that while maintaining our the integrity of our knitted fabric? Some suggest that we can use various substitute stitch holders like scrap yarn, safety pins, embroidery floss, straws, paper clips or even a kitchen skewer. I would respond with my previously stated concern. Why? Each of these substitutes may have emergency benefits realized in the scarcity of the moment but they also present unique challenges and limitations with their use. The short answer is we don’t have to settle and that’s because Clover has manufactured the perfect tool for any occasion we might encounter where we need to safely hold a section of stitches open. Clover’s Circular Stitch Holders, Cable Stitch Holders and Double-Ended Stitch Holders are the answers for fast and smooth knitting for scarves, hats, socks, gloves, sweaters or any other knitting project requiring open stitches in our creative process.
What does it do? – Clover’s selection of Circular Stitch Holders, Cable Stitch Holders and Double-Ended Stitch Holders provide the ultimate in flexibility and security when we need to store any work in progress or to just hold stitches open when the creative process requires it.
Circular Stitch Holder
· The circular holders are comprised of a smooth stainless-steel needle connected to a soft, pliable cord fitted with an adjustable rubber stopper. This allows us to both hold our saved stitches on the cord and adjust the functional length of that cord to keep them secure, smooth and tight.
· Simply slip your stitches off your working needle directly onto the circular stitch holder.
· When the stitches to be held are all in place, inserting the needle into the rubber stopper will hold our work securely in place until called for.
· By adjusting the bead on the opposite side of the stopper we can adjust the length of the cord and “snug up” our stitches to preserve their shape and integrity.
· Clover’s Circular Stitch Holder is available in two sizes, “Short” for projects approximately 9” to 16” and “Long” for projects approximately 24” to 36”.
· As an added bonus Clover’s Circular Stitch Holder makes an excellent life line. Smooth and flexible, it’s easy to insert and remove in even the most complicated stitch patterns. If a mistake is discovered during your knitting process, it will be there to save your work (and your sanity).
Cable Stitch Holder
· Knitted cables are an extremely attractive effect. Clover’s Cable Stitch Holders are essentially a uniquely shaped knitting needles that allow us to remove a set number of stitches and hold them temporarily in place until we need to put them back in play as directed by pattern directions or to achieve our own creative intent.
· To accommodate personal preference, Clover provides cable stitch holders that vary in both size and shape.
· Standard Cable Stitch Holders are provided in a three-pack containing one each of small, medium and large sizes, allowing us to match the most used knitting needle or yarn sizes.
· U-Shaped cable stitch holders are also provided in a pack of three sizes to match knitting needle or yarn sizes.
· Jumbo U-Shaped cable stitch holders are provided in a pack of two sizes for heavier or bulky fiber applications.
Double Ended Stitch Holders
· Double Ended Stitch Holders allow us to remove and hold our stitches securely in place until we need them.
· Simply remove the cap from one end, slip your stitches onto the smooth center pin and replace the cap.
· When the stitches are needed again just remove an end cap and our stitches can be removed from either side of the stitch holder. · Double Ended Stitch Holders are available in three sizes. Small for needle sizes 2-7, medium for sizes 5-11 and jumbo for sizes 11-15.
How do I share it? – Clover’s Circular Stitch Holders, Cable Stitch Holders and Double Ended Stitch Holders are welcome additions to any knitting studio or travel kit. The more accomplished we become as knitters, the more complex and challenging our creative aspirations become. Working with well designed, purposeful knitting tools only serves to complement our creative efforts. Showing the amazing benefits of Clover’s selection of stitch holders in both classes and in-store demonstrations will let everyone know that even the most creative endeavors, you know, the ones we all want to do, are now within everyone’s grasp.