Using Scrap Yarn Instead of Stitch Holders

How to use scrap yarn instead of a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

If you need to use a stitch holder, but do not have one available, you can substitute a strand of scrap yarn. Using a darning needle, thread a bit of yarn through live stitches that need to be kept workable for later. Tie a small knot in the scrap yarn to keep it in place and it will hold your stitches until you are ready to knit them again.

Below you will find both video and written guides to help you learn how to substitute yarn for a stitch holder. Or, learn to use a stitch holder at this link.

Video Guide: How to Use Scrap Yarn Instead of Stitch Holders

Written Guides: How to Use Scrap Yarn Instead of Stitch Holders

Step 1: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 1:

Thread a scrap of yarn that is at least 12 inches long onto a darning needle. Place the working yarn behind the knitting needles. Let go of the righthand needle and pick up the darning needle with your right hand.

Step 2: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 2:

Insert the tip of the darning needle into the front leg of the next live stitch from back to front (as if to purl).

Step 3: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 3:

Slip the stitch onto the tip of the darning needle.

Step 4: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 4:

Slip all the stitches your pattern instructs onto the darning needle and scrap yarn in the same manner.

Step 5: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 5:

Pull the darning needle and scrap yarn through the stitches, so the stitches sit on the yarn. Ensure you do not allow the stitches to drop off the scrap of yarn.

Step 6: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 6:

Carefully remove the scrap yarn from the darning needle.

Step 7: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 7:

Tie a knot or bow in with the ends of the scrap yarn, which can be undone later.

Step 8: Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scrap Yarn as Stitch Holder, Step 8:

Pick up the working yarn and knit into the next live stitch.

Using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Ready to try it?

Simple fingerless glove knitting pattern in all sizes by Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels.

Try knitting Simple Fingerless Gloves to practice using stitch holders to make thumbs.

Basic mitten knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

In my pattern for Basic Knit Mittens you will also separate the thumb and hand sections with a stitch holder.

Up Next

Learn to bind off when you have been knitting in the magic loop - a knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

To finish off fingerless gloves and other round knits, you’ll need to learn how to bind off. In the next lesson we will learn how to bind off when working in the Magic Loop.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index