Going into a craft store is a wonderful thing to do if you’re a knitter or crafter but, if you’re not careful, you could easily develop a vice that could turn pretty costly. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on knitting supplies and gadgets to live out your knitting desires.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, then this collection of DIY knitting ideas will be right up your alley. We’ve come up with 20 knitting hacks that will bring out your inner maker mentality and save you money to boot.
Let's take a look.
Yarn Bowls
Many people ask, what is it and how does a yarn bowl work? Well, a yarn bowl is a container which keeps your yarn from rolling around the room. It keeps your yarn clean and tangle-free.
Yarn bowls have a hole or opening in order for you to thread your yarn through it. As you work and pull, the yarn stays safely in the container.
Below are a few options for your own diy yarn holder bowl.
Tumbler Yarn Bowl
Did you receive too many drink holders from Christmas? Put them to good use! This 24-ounce tumbler makes a great yarn bowl DIY alternative. It's a good size for a skein of yarn and the mouth can be used to draw out the yarn.
Plastic Container Yarn Bowl
Plastic food containers also make great yarn holder bowls in a pinch. They are inexpensive and you probably have an extra one lying around.
You can either cut a hole through the top or just remove it when you’re working and replace it when you’re done. It also helps to keep the dust out.
Plastic Pitcher Yarn Bowl
Want something that can fit an entire wool skein? A clean, plastic water jug makes for an easy and inexpensive yarn bowl.
With the lid, there’s no need to drill or cut a hole in these as the spout can be used to thread your yarn through. This would work great with chunky knit yarn, too. They even come with a convenient travel handle! How great is that?
Colander Yarn Bowl
Another diy yarn bowl for knitting would be this colander. They’re especially useful if working with mini skeins or multiple skeins of yarn.
The holes will help keep your yarn from getting tangled. Just be careful with metal colanders as some have rough edges and can snag your yarn.
Ceramic Planter Yarn Bowl
Another option that would serve as a large yarn bowl is a ceramic planter. They’re often available in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Plus, there’s no need to drill or cut anything.
Teapot Yarn Bowl
Want your yarn bowl to be both pretty and functional? Use a teapot for a knitting yarn bowl.
You wouldn’t be able to travel with it but it sure would be pretty to look at.
Note: We do not recommend this method if you have a wild house cat who firmly believes in practicing kitty parkour.
Given that last statement, this next option is our favorite diy yarn bowl for knitting.
Stainless Steel Yarn Bowl
This stainless steel bowl has a rubber non-slip base and is unbreakable. Because of its nested lid, it travels well, too.
Tissue Box Yarn Bowl
Finally, in an absolute pinch, an empty tissue box would be a great yarn ball bowl. The rectangular sizes are great for larger skeins, while the square sized boxes are perfect for lighter, thinner yarns.
Both, when empty, are ready to use and will keep your yarn from falling on the floor.
DIY Knitting Needles
Knitting needles come in all shapes and sizes. You can also make them out of just about anything. Below are some knitting hacks with examples of how to make your own wooden knitting needles.
Skewer Knitting Needles
Do you love to BBQ? Then you might have a package of these skewer sticks lying around at home. They’re practically ready to go.
Break a pair? No worries. They’re inexpensive and come in large packs so you’ll always have a backup.
Wooden Dowel Knitting Needles
Want to make DIY knitting needles? Then head down to your local hardware store and pick up some wooden dowels. They come in a range of lengths and thicknesses.
You’ll be able to cut wooden dowel rods down to size which means you’ll get several needles out of one dowel. This is also a good option if you are making a super bulky knitting project that requires large knitting needles.
Chopsticks Knitting Needles
Do you have a love for Chinese takeout? Why not upcycle the free Chopsticks into knitting needles?
They will require a good sanding and waxing to prevent snagging, but they are practically ready to go. The only downside we can see is that they only come in one size, but hey, if you love takeout like we love takeout, then you might have a lifetime supply of knitting needles.
Break a pair? Buy more takeout. Win, win.
DIY Knitting Needle Point Protectors
The point of these, pun intended, is to keep your knitting from slipping off your needles when you’re not working. They also help to protect you from jabbing yourself with the tips if you accidentally sit on them.
Pretty important stuff, really.
Wine Cork Point Protectors
Do you love wine? Have you been saving wine corks for years waiting for the perfect project? We know you have a drawer full!
Wine corks make great knitting needle diy stoppers. Just be sure to use the top end to prevent any potential staining.
And we don’t recommend knitting under the influence. That always ends badly.
Tapered Cork Point Protectors
Don’t drink wine? No worries! You can pick up a few tapered corks from your local hardware store or craft store for next to nothing.
DIY Stitch Markers for Knitting
Stitch markers are used for marking your place in your knitting. Whether you're following a pattern or just need to count your stitches, they get the job done.
Metal Stitch Markers
Need stitch markers? Check your garage for metal washers like these. If you don’t have any at home, visit your local hardware store.
They’re inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes and materials. These metal stitch markers are definitely heavier than plastic but come in quite handy.
Rubber O-Ring Stitch Markers
Want something lighter than metal washers? We’ve got you covered with these round stitch markers. In case you hadn’t figured it out already, the hardware store is a magical place.
O-rings are another stitch marker option. You can often buy an O-rings kit with a convenient storage container for under $10. And since they’re rubber, they won’t weigh your needles down while you work or stretch your yarn with the weight.
Locking Stitch Markers
On the go and need a quick diy knitting marker? Try using your earrings because, we all know, knitting waits for no one.
Knitting Supplies Storage Ideas
Every knitter needs some sort of storage to keep their knitting supplies in order. Below are a few options for your knitting notions and tools.
Plastic Container
Ladies, if your foundation comes in a small plastic container like this, you can upcycle it to hold your stitch markers.
The clear plastic container with lid makes it easy to see what you have inside and retrieve what you want.
Mint Container
Fellas, if you love mints then check your car because you probably have a plastic mint container lying around. These make great storage for stitch markers or other small knitting notions.
Knitting Needle Storage
Need something to protect your knitting needles? Take a look at these easy storage hacks.
Knitting Needle Storage Tube
This beautiful incense container is perfect for your straight knitting needles or DPNs. This method is also inexpensive enough to have one for each size.
Knitting Needle Storage Case
A pencil case makes great storage for your double pointed knitting needles, too. If you hit the back-to-school sales, you can find bags in every color.
So there you have it! We hope these 20 knitting hacks inspired you to think about new ways to DIY your knitting supplies.
There’s endless possibilities with household items and they’ll save you a ton of money.
Do you have a personal favorite knitting hack that’s not listed here? Please share it in the comments! We’d love to hear it.
Christina, Thanks for all the info. Have you seen the yarn bowls available at craft fairs made of ceramic? I do have a question about point protectors: why do they get so gummy/sticky so soon? Is there a remedy for this, or protectors that don’t do this?
You're most welcome! Yes, I always admire the beautiful ceramic yarn bowls but, alas, my cat does not allow me to have "nice things". 🙂
As for using point protectors, yes, they're often made of silicone which is a dust magnet. I'd say give them a quick soapy wash in water and let them air dry. Should be good as new. Hope this helps! Thanks for writing in!