Stitch Holder
A stitch holder is a large, lockable safety-pin-like tool or a strand of waste yarn that holds live stitches safely while they wait to be knitted again.
Explanation
A stitch holder is used to temporarily set aside a set of live stitches that won't be knitted right away, such as the stitches for a sleeve cap or a pocket opening, while you continue knitting the rest of the garment. The most common options are a purpose-made stitch holder that looks like a large safety pin, or simply a long strand of waste yarn threaded through the stitches. A strand of waste yarn is often preferred for many stitches or longer breaks, since stitches can't slide off the way they can from a holder.
Also known as: Holder, Waste yarn holder
Live stitches on hold
A stitch holder keeps stitches you will return to later: armholes while you finish the body, neck stitches while you shape the shoulder, toe stitches waiting to be grafted. The stitches stay live and can be worked again without ripping.
Rigid holders look like oversized safety pins. For larger numbers of stitches a spare cable or circular needle is better, because the stitches are not compressed.
Waste yarn as a holder
The simplest holder is a length of scrap yarn threaded through the stitches with a tapestry needle. It bends with the fabric, takes no space, and lets you try the garment on without a rigid holder in the way.
Common mistakes
- Using a holder too short for the number of stitches, compressing and stretching them.
- Using fuzzy yarn that catches when it is time to remove it.
Keywords
- stitch holder
- holding stitches
- waste yarn
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a safety pin?
For a few stitches, yes. For many it gets crowded and the stitches stretch unevenly.
How do I get the stitches back on the needle?
Slide them across one at a time and watch that none twist. If one comes back twisted, work it through the back loop once to correct it.