knitting needles and crochet hooks

[Missy]

I have noticed when crocheting (is that a word??) and knitting that after a ittle while the yarn doesn't slide as well across the metal as it did when i started or when i got the needle as well. I was wondering if there is a specific way to care for the needles and to clean off hand oils from the metal. How do you care for and maintain yours??

[homesteadmamma]

I haven't found that I get oil on mine, so all I do is have them stored in a container. Dd has the knitting needles in her room, stored in a container as well. They are just a couple of containers we had around the house.

Interesting questions though Melissa.

[SewCrafty]

Great question Melissa!

I was going to start a Crocheting Tip (like CJ's Quilting Tips ) this week and haven't yet.

So here is Tip #1:

To keep your yarn running smoothly over your hooks/needles: wash in soap and water and rinse under very hot water, dry immediately. This will remove all hand oils which is what makes your yarn stick to your hook/needles and can make crocheting/knitting a chore instead of a pleasure.

Only do 1 knitting needle at a time! Don't remove your project from the needle to wash it. Wash the free needle, work the next row, then wash the other needle.

I wash my hook/needles at least once a day when I'm working on a project. But then again my hands tend to sweat (thanks Mom! ) so this is the reason why.

[homesteadmamma]

Holy smoke (man I'm saying that a lot lately) but I have never washed my needles. My hands don't sweat at all, so maybe thats why I've never had the problem.

Great tip Dee, I'm going to start washing them once a day from now on.

[Missy]

Thnaks for the tip Diana!!

[SewCrafty]

Your welcome ladies.

Another thing is, some yarns (especially acrylic ones) have petroleum in them (smells like vaseline!) This will get on your hooks or needles and cause the same thing. The yarn will start sticking.