Where to keep that cable needle? A solution.
Now as I've said many a time, I do love my cables. However it wasn't until knitting on a particularly cramped plane once that I suddenly became self aware enough to realize I was sticking my cable needle (and extra double point for that matter) in my mouth when not in use. Oh.
So what to do with it?
I know many rave about cabling without a cable needle and I do it for 1x1 cables sometimes but generally it's just not for me. (I end up feeling I'm strangling rather than working the cables). I like working fast though and all other methods have fallen short (sticking behind the ear- long hair bad idea / in the knitting - it falls out, split stitches / setting it down- the invisible gnomes abscond with it, etc).
With Mother Necessity nudging me, I set my mind to inventing a solution. I wanted a method that didn't require letting go of the knitting and liked a similar idea to the wrist pin cushion. After a few failed prototypes this is what I came up with and Eureka, it works perfectly!
This cable needle holder is worn like a ring on any finger that's comfortable. The elastic loop performs double duty as a button loop closure and holds the cable needle securely under tension. The cable needle is slipped in and out as needed without having to let go of the working yarn or needles.
What You Need (or what I used anyway):
- 2 1/2" long piece of round cord elastic
- 4" x 7/8" piece of fabric (approximately)
- Matching sewing thread
- One 1/2" button (with a shank strongly preferred)
If you'd like, you can print out this template for the fabric. First fold and press your hems, your final size should be 3" x 5/8". This final size is what matters, not the hem allowance. (Also, does pressing my folds with my hair straightener instead of the huge industrial iron make me a total freak?)
I used the fabric selvedge here as it was a little sturdier for attaching the elastic.
View from the right side. Note: if you have thin fingers (smaller than size 6), or would like to wear this on your pinky I'd recommend making the piece shorter.
Next fold the piece of elastic in half and secure it to the inside hem fabric making sure not to go through both layers. It's pictured here half unfolded on the right side. I found lashing down both ends by wrapping the thread around everything a few times help to initially secure it. Then work up and over each end in a figure 8 fashion being sure to pierce through the elastic a few times until it's nice and secure.
If you have greater finesse with a sewing machine than I, topstitch around all the edges to secure hem. Otherwise hand sew with backstitch.
Finally, sew on your button. If not using the recommended shank type button be sure you make a good strong thread shank. (You will be putting a lot a repeated tension on this closure.)
Now you're ready to zoom through your next cabling project!
I'm really rather fond of mine and happily wear it simply as jewelry. Definitely more stylish if forgotten than a needle behind the ear (or in the other stow-away place I’ve heard of- the cleavage)!
Comments
This is an Awesome idea!!!
Posted by: Reema | May 14, 2008 11:30 AM
wow - you are a genious! lol
Posted by: kristina | May 14, 2008 12:30 PM
That's a fantastic idea. No more sticking the needle behind my ear for me. Now I just have to learn to sew.
Posted by: Raven | May 14, 2008 12:38 PM
No, using your hair iron just means you saw the futility of lugging out that huge iron and trying to hold the pieces down and pressing them and... Yeah. Been there, done that!
Posted by: Audrey | May 14, 2008 12:49 PM
You are a GENIUS! Seriously, you should try selling those!
Posted by: Rachel | May 14, 2008 01:48 PM
What a neat idea! I am always putting my cable needle down only to pick it back up or sticking it in my mouth : )
Posted by: Octopus Knits | May 14, 2008 02:36 PM
Haha. Very cute. I once worked with a woman who created a similar doo-hicky for holding her pencil on her finger while she was typing on the computer keyboard or filing, so she could flip it around and write with it when needed.
Humans are so creative!
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 14, 2008 02:38 PM
Am I the only one who sticks her cable needle in her cleavage between uses!? It really sucks when you forget you put it there though and end up walking round the house for hours and then find the needle at bed time when you get undressed!
Posted by: Gem | May 14, 2008 02:41 PM
This is a brilliant idea! One of my biggest annoyances when working with cables, or dpns for that matter, is that it's difficult to keep the flow going when switching needles. I'm running to my scrap bin right now to get started on mine.
Posted by: Ahava | May 14, 2008 04:24 PM
Genius! You are brilliant!!!
Posted by: chris | May 14, 2008 05:59 PM
You are like genius woman of amazing talents! Hurrah! :) Thanks for the excellent tutorial!
Posted by: Sasha | May 14, 2008 06:05 PM
That is such a cool idea. I'm off to knit, I mean sew, myself one now!
Posted by: PrincessPea | May 14, 2008 06:19 PM
Love!
That is great!
Posted by: Bex | May 14, 2008 07:30 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 14, 2008 08:43 PM
I ditto everything everyone else here has said.
Posted by: *karen | May 14, 2008 09:20 PM
if you do decide to sell these, let me know, i'll buy one.
Posted by: sandy v | May 14, 2008 11:59 PM
Great idea! I generally stick my needles not in use in the base of my ponytail.
Posted by: Nichole D. | May 15, 2008 08:05 AM
Gah! That's genius! I must make one!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Kimberly | May 15, 2008 08:09 AM
I used to make cables without the needle, but the for some project it just didn't want to happen - the thread was too thin and the needles too... anyway - I needed the needle.
Behind the ear - yes. But I can't find it there LOL Yes, I have long hair, and I use a needle that is just bigger than the darning needle... (Or the darning needle).
And, indeed, the stealing pixies nixed it if I put it on the table, in my lap, cleavage, the knitting etc.
So I pushed it under my watch strap, and that works for me :-)
But I have a leather strap - it might be different with metal strap.
Posted by: Ketutar | May 15, 2008 09:40 AM
Brilliant! Adorable! Functional!
Posted by: Sonya | May 15, 2008 09:56 AM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Nanc | May 15, 2008 12:51 PM
Ooh, that's such a great idea! Everyone says cabling without a cable needle is the answer, but sometimes you *need* that needle!
Posted by: Julie | May 15, 2008 05:03 PM
You blow me away. That is so clever! And cute enough to be jewelry!
Posted by: TheAmpuT | May 16, 2008 07:38 PM
That`s a greatest idea, they always knock around, but when it is cooler I normally knit wearing something knitted already so I just stick it in one of my sweater`s loops, ha... so this isn`t so bad... ;]
Posted by: jezzabell | May 17, 2008 02:24 PM
Another wonderful idea by Lady PieKnits!
Posted by: Valerie | May 18, 2008 03:59 PM
Thanks for this pattern. I am constantly reminded of why you are in my bloglines. This ring certainly beats keeping it in the cleavage!
Posted by: DonnaC | May 19, 2008 07:48 AM
that is genius! what a great idea. especially helpful was seeing the action shot :)
Posted by: susan | May 21, 2008 11:28 AM