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.