Supplies Checklist 

Making sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand is key to a successful and stress-free holiday knitting season. Use this checklist to keep track of everything you need for your projects, from yarn and needles to patterns and notions. Today we will talk about building a comprehensive checklist of supplies needed for holiday knitting and tips for choosing quality materials and organizing supplies.

 

The Basics

Let’s start off with some basics - choose quality materials and organize your supplies.  

You can buy quality yarn at a variety of places like Southern Skeins; but, you can also find great yarn at a “big box craft store”. You know the place it starts with a “J”.  Wow, did a hand-dyed yarn dyer just write that? Yes! Because you can.  You need to look at your budget and your projects and purchase the right yarn for your project.  If you are making washcloths, sure you could buy hand-dyed cotton yarn - but would you? I wouldn’t.  And I don’t sell yarn to make “scrubbies”.  So invest in the right yarn for you.  

Now, let’s talk needles. I’m a big fan on one particular brand - Chaiogoo.  Why? I really like their cords - they stay very pliable.  Plus the cords are red and who doesn’t like that. I also prefer metal needles - circular stainless steel needles. Not everyone likes stainless steel - bamboo offers a bit more of a grip for the yarn.  

Organization Tips

Now that we have the basics ready, let’s talk organization.  Keep your supplies organized in labeled containers or bags. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your workspace tidy. Plastic zip lock bags are great because you can see through them and know which project it is.  I frequently repurpose the organza bags that I pack the yarn club in for the same reason (kinda see through). Then I have one large basket that I keep all the projects in so I always know where they are.   When I’m done working on a project, I return it to the basket. Never misplace a project again. 

 

Stock Up

Purchase your supplies well in advance to avoid last-minute shopping stress. Look out for sales and discounts to save money. Also, buy at least 10% more (or 15%) just in case.  There are any reason you may run out of yarn before the project is done and there’s no sense playing yarn chicken when on a deadline.  Besides, you need to make sure you are buying the same dye lot so all the yarn matches. Even big yarn companies can have dye lot differences - it’s why the dye lot is on their wrapper. 

Don’t forget, buy early because the closer it gets to the holidays, the more items may not be in stock and the longer shipping takes.  Besides, you know the “J” store I mentioned above, right? Well, do you REALLY want to wait in their checkout a few weeks before Christmas?!?!  Pack a lunch if you do.  :)

 

Make a Shopping List

Making a list and checking it twice… this will keep you from hopefully buying more of what you already have in your stash and not forgetting about incidentals like do you have tapestry needles on hand or need to buy some? Does the stuffie you are crocheting need the eyes or stuffing?

Think through the entire process.  I find this exercise helps greatly.  Let’s say I’m knitting a cowl: what yarn am I using? Where can I buy it? Coupon code? What size needles and length (if circular)? Something to mark the in the round join (stitch marker)? Scissors to cut the yarn… you get the idea.   Save yourself multiple trips to the store. 

The supplies checklist in our planner is broken down into sections to help you stay organized and think through the entire process.  Making a hat - don’t forget the pompom! 

Making sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand is key to a successful and stress-free holiday knitting. Use this checklist to keep track of everything you need for your projects, from yarn and needles to patterns and embellishments. You can get the planner here for $5. 

 

Let’s Recap

• Yarn Types and Colors

List the types and colors of yarn needed for each project. Include the quantity required to complete each item on your knitting list. Different yarn weights and fiber content are crucial. For example, if you are making socks, you probably want yarn with nylon like our Southern Sock yarn because the nylon will help maintain shape and wear better.

 

• Needle Sizes and Types

Note the sizes and types of needles necessary for your projects. Whether you prefer circular, straight, or double-pointed needles, ensure you have the right tools for each knitting task.

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• Embellishments or Additional Details

If your projects require any additional embellishments such as buttons, beads, or ribbons, stuffing, be sure to list them. Include quantities and specific details to make sure have everything you need.  

 

• Other Materials and Specialty Tools

Consider any other materials you might need, like stitch markers, blocking supplies, or specialty tools. Add them to your checklist to avoid last-minute shopping trips. Check out our Tools and Accessories Collection 

 

Now let’s look at your planner: Tips for Using Your Checklist

 

Check Off Items:

As you gather or purchase each item, check it off your list to keep track of what you have and what you still need. Make sure to keep track of the costs for when we talk about budgeting for your Christmas knitting.

 

Review Regularly: 

Review your checklist to ensure you haven't overlooked any supplies or underestimated quantities.

 

Plan Ahead:

Use your checklist to plan shopping trips or online orders in advance, which will decrease stress so that you have everything ready when you need it.

Happy knitting and I’ll see you again next week - Jenna