What's a knitting belt?
In Tuesday's post, I mentioned that my knitting belt would invariably be among the items in my project bag. I don't use it everyday, but it is essential for anything I knit on DPNs.
I am most comfortable knitting on straight needles -- the longer the better -- and avoid using circulars whenever possible (almost always). I normally anchor the right needle of a single-point pair in my "lap," throw my yarn with my right hand, and work the stitches with my left-hand needle.
If I knit on DPNs, the knitting belt comes into play as a place to anchor the right-hand needle. Before I bought the knitting belt, I'd use my clothing to anchor the needle -- not very well, most times, and I'd often end up with a holey shirt, too! I don't usually even put the belt on and buckle it, I just rest it in my lap.
You can understand why I avoid circs, as there is no "end" to anchor. I feel loosey-goosey and completely out of control when I knit on circulars!
I bought my knitting belt a few years ago from Journeyman Leather in Shetland.
(What I'd really like next is a knitting sheath!)
You can read more here:
- Knitting Sheaths & Belts
- Knitting Belts by Hazel Tindall (and video here)
- Technique Thursday - Knitting Belts by Ysolda Teague
It is worth a googling -- "knitting belt" -- for web pages, images, and videos. You'll also find references to speed and production knitting.
- Knitting for Speed & Efficiency by Felicia Lo (sweetgeorgia)
- Stephanie Pearl McPhee/The Yarn Harlot teaches the class called Knitting for Speed & Efficiency (as referenced in Felicia's post, above) and, while I haven't personally taken it, I definitely would... it's worth keeping an eye on Stephanie's schedule for upcoming events
It's been years and years since I've used a straight needle, but after watching you knit with straights I was intrigued by your method and loved watching you knit.
Posted by: margene | 23 October 2014 at 04:27 PM
That's how I learned to knit as a kid, and it look me a long time to change my habits so circs are now equally comfortable. Although I'll stick a straight needle into my lap anytime, still.
Posted by: gale zucker (she shoots sheep shots) | 23 October 2014 at 11:40 PM
Isn't it funny how we all have our own style? I use circs almost exclusively.
Posted by: Carole | 24 October 2014 at 07:19 AM
I've heard of people knitting that way but never thought about what they did when they used DPNs. I had never seen or heard of a knitting belt. Very interesting!
I use circulars almost exclusively, DPNS only when necessary, and only own a few pair of straights from when I was a kid (but never use them).
Posted by: sue | 24 October 2014 at 04:58 PM
Wow! I had never heard of a knitting belt! It is fascinating how we all fall into our knitting "ways." I always use circs, but when it comes to socks/mittens/sleeves, I dig out the DPNs. (Never could come to love the magic loop thing . . .)
Posted by: Kym | 24 October 2014 at 09:04 PM
that's really interesting - now I want to see a video of you using the thing! (I love that there are as many different ways to knit as there are knitters!)
Posted by: Mary | 25 October 2014 at 06:44 AM
It's amazing how very differently every knitter holds the needles. My grandmother held hers like silverware; I never have understood how she got anything done.
Posted by: Kim Dean | 25 October 2014 at 08:07 PM
My friend knits with one straight needle between her knees and then just "moves" the other one. I have heard of knitting belts but I would have to try one out to see if they are useful to me - I could be missing out on a great tool!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 30 October 2014 at 08:51 AM
I would love to watch you knit! I'm a circ girl pretty exclusively now. Happy Friday!
Posted by: Patty | 31 October 2014 at 09:22 AM