Glossary of Knitting Terms
Whether you're picking up your first pair of needles or have a lifetime of stitches behind you, this guide is here to support your craft.
Inside, you'll find clear, down-to-earth definitions for the tools, materials, and terms that knitters and crocheters encounter every day. From understanding interchangeable needle systems to choosing the right project bag, we break it all down with practicality and care.
Think of it as a companion for your creative journey—designed to help you make confident choices, stay organized, and feel more connected to your craft.
Adjustable Needles
Commonly referred to as interchangeable knitting needles, these are modular needle systems that allow users to customize knitting needle length and tip size by connecting detachable needle tips to flexible cables of varying lengths.
These systems typically include needle tips ranging in diameter from 2.75 mm to 15 mm and cables running from 20 cm to 150 cm in length, providing versatility for a wide variety of knitting projects, such as flat knitting or circular work in the round.
Aluminum Needles
Aluminum needles are knitting needles manufactured from lightweight aluminum alloys, commonly used for their durability, resistance to corrosion, and smooth surface finish. These needles typically feature a hollow or solid shaft and are anodized to enhance glide and reduce yarn friction during knitting.
Aluminum's thermal conductivity also allows it to adjust quickly to hand temperature, enhancing tactile comfort. Most commercial aluminum knitting needles are produced using 6061 or 6063 aluminum alloys, which balance strength and softness, enabling precision machining and lightweight construction.
Bamboo Needles
Bamboo needles are a type of knitting needle manufactured from bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable natural resource commonly derived from species such as Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo). These needles are favored for their lightweight structure, natural texture, and low thermal conductivity, offering a warm and tactile knitting experience.
Binder Page
Modular insert designed to fit into the Thread & Maple Needle or Crochet Binder. Each page is tailored to hold specific tools, like interchangeable tips, cords, hooks, or notions, and can be removed, folded, or swapped as needed. Pages are available in standard or jumbo sizes to suit different tool collections. For help choosing the right page, visit our Binder Builder.
Binder Page Backing
The material and attachment system on the back of a Thread & Maple binder page, which determines how it connects inside your Needle or Crochet Binder. Options include fixed (sewn-in), Velcro, and magnetic backings, each designed for different needs.
Fixed backings offer a permanent setup, while Velcro and magnetic versions allow for flexible rearrangement and portability to attach different Velcro tabs fitting different knitting needle or crochet hook sets. Different backings have different pocket options, from zip to snap to cable organizers to none at all, allowing you to organize your tools your way.
Choosing the right backing ensures your tools stay secure and organized, whether you're crafting at home or on the go.
Cables
Flexible cords used to connect interchangeable needle tips for circular knitting. Available in a range of lengths, they allow you to adjust your needle setup based on your project’s size and shape. You can organize them by length using cable organizers, such as the Cables Organizer Page or Cable Organizer Pouches.
Cable Needle
A cable needle is a specialized short knitting needle used to temporarily hold a small number of live stitches when creating cable patterns in hand knitting. Typically shorter than standard needles, cable needles are designed with a slight curve, hook, or bend in the center to prevent stitches from slipping off while inactive. You can find out more in our cable knitting tutorial.
Cable Organizer Page
A modular storage page engineered for organizing circular needle cables within the Needle Binder system. Equipped with dedicated elastic loops, segmented slots, and zippered compartments to securely hold cables in place, prevent tangling, and facilitate size-based sorting for efficient access.
Cable Organizer Ziplock Pouches
Transparent, durable pouches with secure zip closures, specifically designed to snap into our Binder systems. Constructed from high-clarity, heavy-gauge plastic for visibility and longevity, these modular pouches are ideal for storing small tools, stitch markers, swatch samples, or pattern notes, keeping accessories organized, protected, and easily accessible.
Cables Organizer Ziplock Pouches 4PC
Circular Needles
Circular needles are a type of knitting needle consisting of two tapered needle tips connected by a flexible cable. They are used to knit projects in the round or flat and are preferred for creating seamless tubes, such as hats, sleeves, and socks.
The needle tips are typically made of materials such as bamboo, stainless steel, or plastic, while the joining cable is often nylon, coated steel, or plastic to allow smooth yarn movement.
Colorwork Slip/ Companion
A yarn management accessory designed to assist with stranded colorwork techniques such as Fair Isle knitting. This tool holds and separates multiple working yarns, reducing strand entanglement and minimizing tension inconsistencies. It supports even yarn feed and improved strand control, contributing to cleaner color transitions and more uniform fabric texture in multi-strand knitting projects.
Compact Needle Set
This needle set is a space-efficient, modular collection of knitting needles and accessories, typically designed for portability and storage optimization. These sets commonly include interchangeable needle tips of varied sizes, extension cords, cable connectors, end stoppers, tightening keys, and organization tools such as fabric or leather cases.
Connectors
Precision-engineered joiners designed to link two interchangeable knitting cables, effectively extending total cable length. Ideal for accommodating large-scale projects such as shawls, afghans, or blanket panels. Typically crafted from lightweight metal or durable polymer, connectors feature threaded or snap-in mechanisms that ensure a secure, seamless join with minimal snag risk during stitch transitions.
Convertible Backpack
A thoughtfully designed bag that transitions from backpack to crossbody with adjustable straps. Spacious enough for multiple WIPs, yarn, and tools, with dedicated compartments to keep everything in place. Crafted from high-quality leather and lined for durability, it’s a go-to for makers on the move.
Crochet Binder
A customizable leather binder system built specifically for crochet tools. Fill it with interchangeable pages designed to hold hooks, cables, stitch markers, and more. Crafted from premium leather and thoughtfully designed to grow with your craft, whether you crochet exclusively or alongside knitting.
Crochet Hook
A crochet hook is a slender, tapered tool used to create loops and stitches in yarn or thread for the method of textile formation known as crochet. The hook typically features a round shaft with a hooked end designed to pull loops through fabric or other loops, enabling the construction of complex patterns and textures.
Detachable Cords
Detachable cords are interchangeable cable components designed to connect to knitting needle tips for use in circular or modular needle systems. Typically constructed from flexible nylon, polyurethane, or coated steel cables, detachable cords provide customizable knitting lengths and enhanced portability by allowing users to swap or disconnect needle sizes without removing live stitches.
Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are a type of knitting needle featuring two pointed ends, designed for working small-diameter, tubular fabric in the round. These needles are commonly used to knit items such as socks, sleeves, hats, and mittens, where a circular needle may not be suitable due to limited circumference.
Embroidery Scissors
Small, precision-point scissors perfect for snipping threads, trimming ends, and adding fine detail to your work. Compact and sharp, they’re a must-have for finishing touches or embroidery work on knit or crochet pieces.
Ergonomic Crochet Hook
A crochet hook with a shaped handle designed for comfort and reduced strain. Ideal for longer sessions or anyone with hand pain, these hooks help maintain even tension with less effort.
Fabric Shears
Large, heavy-duty scissors designed for clean, accurate cuts through fabric. Balanced for comfort and control, these scissors are a sewing room essential for anyone working with garments, linings, or mixed-media projects.
LDH Midnight Edition Fabric Shears
Fingering Yarn
A lightweight yarn ideal for socks, shawls, and delicate knits. Typically used with 2.25–3.25 mm needles, fingering yarn offers fine detail and drape without too much bulk.
Louie & Lola Merino Possum Fingering
Fixed Circular Needles
Fixed circular needles are a type of knitting needle that consists of two tapered needle tips permanently connected by a flexible cable, designed for knitting in the round or accommodating a large number of stitches in flat knitting.
Unlike interchangeable circular needles, the needle tips and cable in fixed circular needles are non-detachable, which enhances structural integrity and reduces the risk of tip–cable separation during use.
Gauge Ruler
A gauge ruler is a precision measurement tool used in knitting, crocheting, and textile fabrication to determine the number of stitches and rows per inch or per centimeter in a fabric swatch. Proper gauge measurement is essential for ensuring the final dimensions of a handmade garment match the pattern specifications.
Interchangeable Crochet Hooks
Modular crochet hooks that connect to flexible cords, allowing you to customize hook length for Tunisian crochet or convert to standard crochet with a cap. Compact, versatile, and travel-friendly.
Interchangeable Needle Sets
Interchangeable needles are a modular knitting needle system consisting of detachable needle tips and flexible cables that can be connected to create circular needles of variable lengths and tip sizes. Typically made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, bamboo, or resin-impregnated birch, interchangeable needles allow knitters to customize tools based on project requirements, reducing the need for owning multiple fixed-length circular needles.
Keys
Tiny T-shaped tools are used to tighten the connection between interchangeable needle tips and cables. A must-have to ensure a secure join and smooth knitting experience. These are often tiny and easily misplaced. We recommend using our magnetic Tapestry Needles Slip to keep them safe.
Knitting Bag
A knitting bag is a specialized, portable storage solution designed to organize, transport, and protect knitting materials, including yarn, needles, notions, and work-in-progress (WIP) projects. Typically constructed from durable textiles such as canvas, leather, waxed cotton, or synthetic fibers, knitting bags often feature multi-compartment layouts, yarn guides, tool loops, and zippered or magnetic closures to secure contents during transit.
Knitting Case
A knitting case is a specialized, portable storage solution designed for organizing, protecting, and transporting knitting tools and accessories. Typically constructed from durable materials such as leather, canvas, or synthetic textiles, a knitting case features categorized compartments or elasticized bands to hold knitting needles, interchangeable needle tips, cables, stitch markers, tapestry needles, and other small notions.
Knitting Gauge
Knitting gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per unit of measurement produced when knitting with a specific yarn, needle size, and tension. It is a critical metric used to ensure accurate sizing of a finished garment or fabric piece and is often specified in patterns to maintain consistency across projects.
The table below provides a general reference for typical stitch gauge ranges and recommended needle sizes based on standard yarn weight categories:
| Yarn Weight | Recommended Needle (mm) | Stitches per 10cm (4") |
| Lace | 1.5–2.25 mm | 33–40+ |
| Fingering | 2.25–3.25 mm | 27–32 |
| Worsted | 4.5–5.5 mm | 16–20 |
Knitting ToolKit
A knitting toolkit is a curated set of coordinated tools and materials intended to facilitate the creation of knit fabric projects. Typically designed for convenience, portability, and project-specific use, knitting kits are packaged to include essential tools such as knitting needles, yarn, and instructions, and may also feature auxiliary accessories like stitch markers, tapestry needles, cable needles, measuring tools, and storage components.
Knitting Markers
A knitting marker, also referred to as a stitch marker, is a small, removable or fixed loop or clip used in hand knitting to denote specific locations within a row or round of stitches. Common uses include marking the beginning of a round in circular knitting, identifying pattern repeats, tracking stitch counts, or indicating increases, decreases, or other structural changes in a project.
Knitting Needle Organizer
A knitting needle organizer is a specialized storage solution designed to house, protect, and systematize various types of knitting needles and accessories. These organizers are commonly made from materials such as leather, canvas, wool felt, or synthetic fabrics and may include multiple compartments, elastic loops, zippered pouches, or magnetic closures for securing items of varying lengths and sizes.
Knitting Notions
Knitting notions are auxiliary tools and accessories used in conjunction with knitting needles and yarn to assist with the construction, finishing, modification, or measurement of hand-knitted fabrics.
Notions encompass a broad range of small implements that serve specialized functions, such as stitch marking, shaping, seaming, measurement calibration, and structural stabilization of works-in-progress.
Knitting Pouch
A knitting pouch is a compact, portable storage unit designed to hold and organize small knitting tools and materials such as stitch markers, tapestry needles, cable connectors, and interchangeable needle tips. Constructed from a variety of materials including leather, waxed canvas, felted wool, and synthetic fabrics, knitting pouches often feature compartments, elastic loops, zippered pockets, or magnetic closures to secure contents during transport.
Knitting Tote
A knitting tote is a portable, soft-sided storage solution specifically designed to organize, protect, and transport knitting tools, yarns, and active projects. Typically constructed from durable textiles such as canvas, waxed cotton, linen blends, or leather, knitting totes vary in volume capacity and often include multiple interior compartments, elasticized loops, and zippered pockets to segregate notions, needles, and yarn skeins.
Leather Needle Case
A leather needle case is a specialized storage accessory designed for the organization, protection, and transport of knitting needles and knitting-related tools. Constructed primarily from full-grain, top-grain, or genuine leather, these cases offer enhanced durability, abrasion resistance, and longevity compared to textile-based alternatives.
Leather Salve
A rich, natural balm used to condition, restore, and protect leather items. Helps prevent cracking and drying while deepening the patina of full-grain leather with age.
Magnetic Tapestry Needle Slip
A compact leather or felt case with a built-in magnet to securely hold tapestry needles or cord keys. Slim enough to slip into a binder or project bag and perfect for keeping essentials on hand.
Metal Needles
Metal needles are knitting needles manufactured using various metal alloys, such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or nickel-plated steel. These materials are selected for their durability, strength, smooth surface finish, and resistance to corrosion.
Metal knitting needles are typically lightweight yet highly rigid, making them ideal for precision knitting and achieving consistent stitch tension, especially in projects requiring speed and control.
Mini Rolodex Page
The Mini Rolodex Page (Page 9) is a compact version of our Page 6 Rolodex Page. It includes four tabbed plastic sheaths and a zip pocket that keeps everything securely closed. It is slimmer than the full Rolodex backing. This page keeps your most-used cables visible, labeled, and ready to go, without the clutter.
Needle Binder
Our signature modular system for organizing knitting needles and accessories. The Needle Binder houses removable leather or cork pages, each designed for a different type of needle or tool, interchangeables, fixed circulars, DPNs, cables, etc. Pages can be added, removed, or swapped to create a custom setup that works for your workflow.
Needle Caps
Needle caps are small, protective accessories designed to enclose the tips of knitting needles when not in use. Their primary function is to prevent needle tips from causing damage to stored projects or accessories, and to keep stitches from unintentionally slipping off the needles during transport or storage. Needle caps are commonly constructed from durable, pliable materials such as silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or synthetic polymers, which provide a secure yet flexible grip on various needle gauges.
Needle Case
A needle case is a compact storage solution specifically designed to organize, protect, and transport knitting needles and related accessories. Typically constructed from materials such as leather, canvas, or synthetic textiles, needle cases are engineered to accommodate various needle types, including interchangeable circular needles, double-pointed needles (DPNs), and fixed circular options.
Needle Gauge
A needle gauge is a precision measuring tool used to determine the diameter of a knitting needle, typically measured in millimeters or U.S. sizes. It ensures compatibility between needles, yarns, and patterns by accurately identifying the exact dimension of a needle's shaft. Needle gauges are commonly made of materials such as plastic, wood, or metal and feature holes or slots labeled with corresponding size markings.
The table below shows the needle gauge comparison between the US and Canada size types against the metric system. It helps convert between regional sizing standards and makes needle selection easier for international patterns and projects.
| Metric (mm) | US Size | UK/Canada Size |
| 2.0 | 0 | 14 |
| 2.25 | 1 | 13 |
| 2.75 | 2 | 12 |
| 3.0 | - | 11 |
| 3.25 | 3 | 10 |
| 3.5 | 4 | - |
| 3.75 | 5 | 9 |
| 4.0 | 6 | 8 |
| 4.5 | 7 | 7 |
| 5.0 | 8 | 6 |
| 5.5 | 9 | 5 |
| 6.0 | 10 | 4 |
| 6.5 | 10.5 | 3 |
| 7.0 | - | 2 |
| 7.5 | - | 1 |
| 8.0 | 11 | 0 |
| 9.0 | 13 | 00 |
| 10.0 | 15 | 000 |
Needle Size Markers
Small ID rings that slide onto your interchangeable needle cables to indicate which needle tips you're using. Helps keep track of sizes between projects and prevents mid-pattern mix-ups.
Needle Threader
A small tool that helps guide thread or yarn through the eye of a needle. Perfect for tapestry, sewing, or embroidery needles, especially when working with fine threads or tired eyes.
Notions Case
Portable, purpose-built container designed to store and organize small knitting and sewing accessories collectively referred to as "notions." These may include stitch markers, tapestry needles, measuring tape, thimbles, scissors, cable needles, row counters, button blanks, and other auxiliary tools essential for needlework.
The primary functions of a notions case are compartmentalization, portability, tool preservation, and efficient workflow management during textile-based crafting projects.
Notions Tray
A small open-top organizer for keeping your frequently used tools, like scissors, tapestry needles, stitch markers, or measuring tape, neatly stored on your desk or work table. Available in wood or leather, it brings order and a bit of beauty to your making space.
Organizer Pouch
Compact, soft-sided container designed to store and categorize small textile tools and knitting accessories such as stitch markers, tapestry needles, measuring tapes, and cable connectors. Typically constructed from materials such as leather, vegan leather, waxed canvas, or wool felt, the organizer pouch is engineered to withstand repeated use while protecting contents from environmental exposure and physical damage.
Pattern Magnifying Tool
A clear, repositionable magnetic strip designed to highlight specific lines or rows on your printed knitting or crochet pattern. Helps keep your place during complex repeats, especially when used on magnetic pattern boards or binders.
Project Bag
A portable bag designed to hold your active knitting or crochet project, along with yarn and essential tools. Ours come in various sizes and formats—from compact drawstring pouches to structured totes and zipper bags—so you can choose based on your project size and personal style. Need help picking the right one? Check out our guide to choosing the best project bag.
Project Tote
A project tote is a portable, open-top or zip-closure bag designed specifically for transporting and organizing in-progress fiber arts projects, such as knitting, crochet, or needlework. These totes are engineered with textile-specific storage needs in mind, typically featuring internal compartments, reinforced bases, and secure closures to protect yarns, tools, and works-in-progress during transport.
Removable Stitch Markers
Flexible, openable stitch markers that clip onto your stitches rather than slide over the needle, ideal for marking rows, repeats, or spots that need fixing. Great for both knitting and crochet, especially handy when correcting mistakes like dropped stitches.
Rolodex Page
A Rolodex Page (Page 6) is a structured backing designed for organizing interchangeable needle cables along with interchangeable needle tips within the Needle Binder. It features eight transparent sheaths, each with a tab for labeling, so you can sort cables by length, join size, or type at a glance. The top and bottom flaps secure with snaps to keep everything in place, even when your binder is full. You can select velcro tabs to fit your specific needle sets to attach to the top of the page. It can be inserted into the binder or folded closed like a book for easy access and tidy storage on its own.
Saddle Soap
A gentle, moisturizing leather cleaner that removes dirt and conditions natural leather. Recommended for maintaining the look and feel of your Thread & Maple leather goods over time.
Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is a small, pointed sewing tool designed to remove stitches, cut thread seams, and open buttonholes with precision. It consists of a handle, a shaft, and a head with a forked blade, typically featuring one pointed end and one slightly rounded end with a protective ball. The sharpened inner curve of the fork is used to cut stitches cleanly without damaging the surrounding fabric.
Sewing Scissors
Versatile mid-size scissors designed for cutting thread, yarn, or fabric with precision. Sharper and more durable than basic craft scissors, they’re ideal for finishing seams, cutting fabric swatches, or prepping materials for fiber arts projects.
Wilkinson 6" Glide Sewing Scissors
Shorties
Miniature interchangeable needle tips used for knitting small circumferences in the round, such as socks, sleeves, or baby garments. Designed for use with short cables to form compact circular needles.
Velcro Tab M Chiaogoo Red Shorties (2-3.25mm (x2))
Sidebent Sewing Scissors
A type of fabric shear with an angled handle that allows the blades to stay flat against your cutting surface. Ideal for smooth, accurate cuts without lifting or shifting the fabric—especially useful for garment construction or layout work.
Wilkinson 8" Black Sidebent Sewing Shears
Snap Closure
A snap closure, also known as a snap fastener or press stud, is a mechanical fastening system consisting of two interlocking disc components: a stud (male part) and a socket (female part). The closure functions via an interference fit where the stud is pressed into the socket, resulting in a secure, tactile "snap" sound that confirms engagement.
Snap closures are widely used in textiles, leather goods, and soft-sided containers for their quick-connect/disconnect and low-profile properties.
Sock DPNs
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in sock-friendly sizes, typically US 0–3 / 2.0–3.25 mm. Used to knit small tubes in the round like socks or mittens, these are available in sets and can be organized by size in our needle binder system. More information on the binder can be found in our blog on your sock DPN finally having a home.
Fitted DPN Page – US 0–3 | 6" Max
Spindle Bowl
A small bowl used to support a drop spindle while spinning yarn. Provides balance and reduces friction, helping keep your spindle in motion for smoother, more consistent spinning.
Spindle Bowl Non-slip Pad
A grippy silicone or rubberized mat used under tools or bowls to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces. Ideal for stabilizing your spindle bowl or keeping tools in place during use.
Stitch Counter
A stitch counter, also known as a row counter, is a precision tool used in knitting and crochet to accurately track the number of stitches or rows completed during a project. Its primary function is to prevent loss of count, especially in complex patterns involving repeats, shaping, or varying stitch heights.
Stitch Holder
A stitch holder is a reusable device designed to temporarily secure live knitting stitches that are not currently being worked, preventing them from unraveling and maintaining their structural integrity for later use. Typically available in metal, plastic, or coated wire, stitch holders preserve correct stitch orientation and spacing across a suspended section of fabric, such as during the shaping of armholes, collars, or while working sleeves separately in flat or circular knitting.
Stitch Marker Pouch
A marker pouch is a compact, protective storage accessory specifically designed to organize and transport stitch markers used in knitting and crochet. Typically made from materials such as leather, canvas, or synthetic textiles, the marker pouch prevents the loss and misplacement of small knitting notions during storage or on-the-go crafting.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are small, discrete tools used in knitting and crochet to indicate specific locations within a row or round of stitches. They serve as visual and tactile references to aid in tracking pattern repeats, row counts, increases, decreases, or specific stitch placements such as the beginning of a round. Stitch markers are commonly constructed from various materials including plastic, metal, resin, or silicone, and are available in either locking (removable) or ring (fixed) styles.
Stitch Repair Hook
A small crochet-style hook designed to quickly catch and fix dropped stitches in knitting. Our standard version is double-ended, perfect for garter stitch repairs and versatile enough to handle different yarn weights. We also offer a mini version for finer yarns and more delicate fixes. A must-have for any knitter’s toolkit.
Storage Pouch
A storage pouch is a compact, flexible container designed to organize, protect, and transport small to medium-sized knitting tools and accessories, commonly used by crafters for efficient workflow and safe storage. These pouches are typically fabricated from materials such as natural leather, waxed canvas, wool felt, or engineered textiles, offering durability, abrasion resistance, and material memory for structured support.
Swatch Size Markers
Laser-cut wooden tokens used to label your swatches with key info like yarn weight, needle size, and gauge. A beautiful and practical way to keep track of your tests and tension checks.
Tapestry Needle
A tapestry needle is a blunt-tipped, large-eyed sewing needle designed primarily for yarn-based textile applications such as weaving in ends, seaming knitted or crocheted pieces, and needlepoint embroidery.
Typically manufactured from stainless steel, aluminum, or durable plastic, tapestry needles are characterized by their elongated eye, which accommodates thicker fibers such as wool or cotton yarn, and a rounded, blunt tip that prevents yarn splitting during insertion through loosely woven or knitted fabrics.
Tunisian Crochet Hook
A long or cable-tipped crochet hook used for Tunisian crochet, a technique that blends elements of knitting and crochet. Allows stitches to be held on the hook like a knitting needle, creating a dense, textured fabric.
Lykke Driftwood IC Tunisian 12pc Crochet Hook Set
Velcro Tab
A small accessory used in a modular binder system to secure interchangeable pages in place. The Velcro tab makes it easy to customize your storage by adding or removing pages, ensuring your toolkit stays organized and adaptable.
Worsted Weight Yarn
A medium-weight yarn that’s incredibly versatile, great for garments, accessories, and home décor. Typically worked with 4.5–5.5 mm needles, it strikes a balance between stitch definition and speed.
Yarn Bowl/ Yarn Box
A yarn bowl or box helps keep your working yarn clean, untangled, and tidy as you knit or crochet. Our versions are handcrafted from solid wood with smooth edges and roomy interiors. Choose from an open-top bowl or a lidded box to suit your setup at home or on the go.