Knitting Accessories You’ll Love (and Actually Use!)
When most people think of knitting, they picture yarn and needles — and while those are the obvious essentials, there are so many tools out there. Everywhere you look, someone is trying to convince you to buy something else. As you cast on your first project, what do you actually need? The right tools can make your knitting projects so much better, but unnecessary tools can burn a hole in your wallet and sit in a drawer untouched.
Here’s a rundown of my must-have, nice-to-have, and just-for-fun knitting accessories that deserve a spot in your project bag.
Must-Have Knitting Accessories
1. Stitch Markers
These little lifesavers help you keep track of pattern repeats, decreases, increases, and more. Available in rings, clips, and locking styles, they’re essential for lacework, cables, and garment shaping.
2. Tapestry Needle (or Darning Needle)
Used for weaving in ends or seaming pieces together, these blunt-tipped needles are a finishing must-have.
3. Measuring Tape
Gauge matters! Keep a flexible measuring tape handy to check progress, measure swatches, or make sure your sleeve is the right length.
In almost every pattern, they'll tell you to knit to a certain length. You absolutely need some type of measuring tape if you're going to be knitting patterns.
4. Scissors or Yarn Snips
A sharp, dedicated pair of small scissors is perfect for cutting yarn cleanly.
5. Needle Gauge Tool
If you’ve got a pile of unlabeled needles, this tool helps you determine their size. It’s a must for organizing your collection and matching patterns to the right tools.
6. Row Counter
Especially helpful for complex patterns or long projects, a row counter keeps track of how far you've gone. Some are manual clickers, while others are digital or app-based.
For this, I generally just make tallies on some paper. It's nice to have, but often I forget mine and leave it at home.
7. Project Bags or Pouches
Keep your yarn, tools, and pattern together in one place. Project bags can be simple drawstring pouches or stylish zipper cases. Bonus points if they’re lined to prevent needle pokes.
There are a lot of beautiful project bags out there, and they are a great way to store your projects, but you can also carry things in a typical canvas bag. Before buying one of these, think about what you need it for and if you plan to use it again. I have a specific project for my socks, but that's because I know they're coming with me everywhere.
8. Blocking Tools
Blocking mats, pins, and wires help shape your finished pieces, especially shawls, sweaters, or anything lacy. Blocking is a must if you're working with natural fibers, but you can work around expensive blocking kits. I had a friend of mine create her own sock blockers. Another who blocks her sweaters using bins and cardboard boxes.
9. Cable Needles
If you love knitting cables, these short, curved needles help you temporarily hold stitches. Some knitters use DPNs or even safety pins in a pinch. Some knitters also just let their stitches float. There are so many ways you can knit cables and while these are nice to have, your methods of cable knitting will evolve on their own.
10. Yarn Bowl or Dispenser
No more yarn rolling under the couch! Yarn bowls keep your skein neat and untangled, especially helpful for slippery or fine yarns.
I have one of these that I never use because I center wind all my balls of yarn. It's pretty and sits on my shelf as decoration.
11. Needle Stoppers
These cute caps go on the ends of your needles to keep stitches from sliding off — and they come in fun shapes like sheep, stars, or strawberries.
For some people, these are a must-have but I never used these when I purchased them. And for projects that did tend to slip, I was more inclined to tie the needles with a rubber band than use a stopper.
12. Pattern Keepers or Chart Magnets
Use these to hold and mark your printed patterns or charts. They’re great for keeping your place on complicated lace or colorwork projects.
I rarely use printed patterns anymore, and when I do, I'm happy to use a Post-it to keep track of my knitting.
13. Knitting-Themed Enamel Pins or Stitch Marker Charms
Not strictly necessary, but definitely delightful! Add some flair to your project bag or markers for a bit of knitterly personality.
14. Hand Cream and Cuticle Balm
Soft hands = smooth knitting. Treat yourself to a little self-care, especially during dry winter months when yarn can snag on skin.
Knitting accessories are more than just helpful tools — they’re part of the joy and rhythm of crafting. Start with the basics, add a few fun extras, and personalize your kit over time. Like your yarn stash, your accessory collection will grow and evolve as your projects do.
What’s your favorite knitting accessory? Is there one tool you can’t live without? Let’s chat in the comments below!
