Comments on: Plastic-free Knitting

By: Rebeca

Rebeca — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:38:23 +0000

I was trying to find a plastic-free knitting group on Ravelry and then, since I subscribe to your blog, I thought I would check out what you might have to say on the subject. I do love knitting on circulars, but those nylon cables (and platic packaging) are a sticking point in my ongoing consideration of purchasing an interchangeable set.

You mentioned you were using a superwash wool yarn. My understanding is that superwash yarn is treated to gain that quality. From The Yarn Tree:

What is Superwash?
Superwash is the process of making wool fibers shrink resistant. The surface of the fiber has projecting edges or scales. Synthetic polymers are used to fill in the cavities of the fiber’s rough jagged surface. This means that your yarn can be safely machine washed. Superwash fiber takes dye beautifully!

“Synthetic polymers” sounds like it might be plastic…. Do you know?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:04:56 +0000

another great place to find needles, hooks and yarn is at estate sale

By: Caroline

Caroline — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:23:00 +0000

I actually just bought some plastic free knitting needles the other day. As I’m on a college budget, I was more concerned with the price than with the plastic content or total sustainability (I know, shame shame) however, it turns out not so bad. I bought two sizes of Wrights Boye double pointed metal needles (I’m not sure if they are aluminum or stainless steel) that came in just a bit of thin cardboard as packageing. Of course, metal needles are slippery and can be harder to use, but at 1/3 the price of the plastic packaged bamboo needles, and plastic free to boot, it was perfect for me.

By: bluefish

bluefish — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:32:00 +0000

For once I had perfect timing. I came across your blog two days ago, and yesterday was the first night of my beginning crochet class. Happily my local yarn shop carries the wooden crochet hooks with the minimal paper packaging (which I knew to look for because of reading your post). I made sure I told the instructor why I chose that crochet hook… I figure if people know why I’m buying a product that might impact the types of product they stock in the future.

By: Siel

Siel — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:08:00 +0000

Easiest way to green your needle collection: Get ‘em used. eBay and sometimes Craigslist will often have huge stashes of knitting needles for sale — at a cut rate. I’m guessing they’re sold by people who went into knitting with a frenzy, bought up a whole buncha needles, then decided it wasn’t for them. Anyway, eBay is how I got pretty much all my needles, cheap –

By: Jessica at Bwlchyrhyd

Jessica at Bwlchyrhyd — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:02:00 +0000

Freecycle is also another great source of knitting needles I find...

By: Emily the Great and Terrible

Emily the Great and Terrible — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:18:00 +0000

Wooden and bamboo needles are actually easier to use than plastic–less slippery.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:07:00 +0000

Since you asked for comments - I can only say it's a great site with a lot of useful information. More shopping resources might be helpful.

Thanks,

Jonathan
Piedmont, CA

By: Rosie

Rosie — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:20:00 +0000

Beth, how exciting that you’re a knitter! Activist knitters of the world, unite!

Needle-wise, there are several options. I’ve been dying to try the wooden dowel method that holly described, but not brave enough so far. Remember that knitters are crafty people and that etsy is a great source for homeade knitting supplies. Trading with fellow knitters is always a great option. I’m interested in the interchangeable needle trend–love the idea that I would never need to buy another pair–and I believe that one of them (Denise or Knitpicks) comes with metal cables to make circs, rather than plastic. Packaging I think is the big issue there, as it is with the gorgeous addi circs that can be wood or metal with metal cables.

My favorite tip? Thrift stores. They very often have a big bucket in a corner full of knitting needles and other supplies–with or without original packaging–and at rock bottom prices, of course! Recycling wins again!
Cheers, Rosie

By: Juli in NYC

Juli in NYC — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Another knitter here. Thanks for the tips on plastic-free needles. I don’t need any now, but it’s good to have this post for future reference!

The other ‘plastic free’ option is to buy used, and request no plastic packaging from the seller. Since I’m still doing ‘The Compact’ (not buying anything new), that is my method of choice. For my crafting, I am applying The Compact as follows: projects must use materials already on hand. If more materials are required to complete a project, look for it used first before buying something new.

…and after a whole year, somehow my yarn stash has not diminished. Not even dented. Those partial balls are mating under the bed, I’m telling you.