Have you seen these nifty needle holders or "cozies"? After seeing a few pop up on various Instagram feeds and knitting podcasts, I decided to try to make one. Here's what I came up with for my 6-inch double-pointed needles. If your needles are longer or shorter, just add or subtract an inch from the length (8.5 x 4.5 for 7-inch needles, 9.5 x 4.5 for 8-inch needles, etc.)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: approximately 7 x 2 inches
MATERIALS:
2 pieces of fabric 7.5 x 4.5 inches: one lining and one exterior
2 sets of snaps (I use KAM snaps)
snap press
awl
optional: label & fabric interfacing of your choice
1/4 inch seam allowance
First, I interfaced my exterior piece, then, with right sides of both pieces facing, sewed one long side of my rectangle. Press open your seam or press to one side.
If attaching a label, now is the time to do that. I put mine on the lining piece.
Now, sew down the other long side of the rectangle with right sides facing. Next, line up the two seams and press.
Sew across one short side the entire length, backstitching when you start and stop. On the opposite side, only stitch down your exterior fabric, stopping just past the middle seam as indicated in the picture below. Be sure to backstitch here.
Use your iron and press in the side with the turning hole 1/4 inch. This will make your life easier in a few minutes.
Now, clip your corners and trim seams. Turn right side out through the opening and press.
Hand-stitch the side opening closed. You could use your machine here, but the hole is so small that it takes no time at all and looks much better this way.
It should look something like this when you're done:
Turn the lining inside and press.
Use a pen to mark where the snaps will go. I used disappearing ink, but it really doesn't matter since it will be covered. I marked 1.25 inches in from the side, and 1/2 inch up from the bottom.
Use your awl to punch holes in the fabric where you marked.
Apply snaps with a snap press. I used size 20 KAM snaps with a KAM snap press. This is a pretty reputable brand, used by most cloth diaper makers. These are easy to find on Amazon and Etsy in all the colors of the rainbow. You can also find similar snaps at most big box craft stores, though the selection is much smaller.
Insert your work-in-progress and enjoy keeping your work nice and tidy!
If you use this tutorial, please tag me on Instagram (@thenomeknitter) or use the hashtag #thenomeknitter
I'd love to see what you make!
Edited 4/13/16 to add:
Since I posted this tutorial, I have made literally hundreds of these little DPN holders. One tip I have is to cut the lining fabric 1/4 inch shorter than the exterior fabric. Your lining piece would be 7.5 x 4.25 for 6-inch needles. This helps the lining snug up inside a little better. I also recommend applying interfacing to both pieces, my favorite is Pellon SF101. Happy sewing and knitting!
