Designer Lisa K. Ross’s Favorite Tools for Slip-Stitch and Mosaic Knitting

Popular designer and colorwork expert Lisa K. Ross has spent the last 10 years honing her craft. Along the way, she has used a variety of needles and other notions to create her stunning slip-stitch and mosaic designs. Some have been more helpful than others, and result in more successful finished projects. Today, Lisa is sharing a few of her favorite products.

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Knit More Efficiently

When it comes to tools for knitting, I’m always looking to improve my speed and efficiency. There is never enough knitting time, so I try and do everything I can to make the most of it! For this reason, I try to limit the number of stitch markers I use in a project. While stitch markers are necessary for things like raglan increases or decreases, I typically omit them when they are simply marking pattern repeats. Learning to read my knitting has been one of the most useful skills I have acquired, making it easy to see what stitches come next simply by looking at the previous rows.

When I do use stitch markers, I like smooth, simple shapes that slide easily from one needle to the next. Some of my favorites are the round Cocoknits stitch markers. Not only do they fit the above criteria, but they come in fun colors! This makes it easy to coordinate them with my project, or to differentiate them from one another while filming tutorial videos. I own several sets of the small markers (especially great for socks!), and one set of the larger markers. For removable stitch markers, I enjoy the Clover locking stitch markers (affiliate link). They go in easily without splitting the stitches and do not stretch out the design with extra weight.

The Best Needles 

As far as WIPs (works in progress) go, I am not a monogamous knitter. I always have a variety of projects on my needles that allow knitting no matter the occasion. Garter stitch or stockinette stitch projects accompany me to knit nights or retreats, while the more intricate designs like cables or lace are reserved for kid-free quiet time . . . usually late at night when my husband and four boys are asleep! For this reason, I appreciate the flexibility of interchangeable needles. I have a large collection of ChiaoGoo tips and cords that allow me to “share” needles or cords between projects. 

Related: 5 Reasons to Invest in Interchangeable Needles

Working with interchangeable needles also allows me to begin a design on a smaller cord or needle, then switch sizes as the project progresses. For example, I can cast on the neckline of a sweater with size 2 needles on a 16” cord. After the ribbing, I can unscrew the tips and switch to a size 3 needles without removing the cord. As the sweater progresses, I can switch out the cord for a wider circumference, going up to a 24” or 40” length as needed, or even putting on a 60” cord when I want to try it on.

While there are lots of great options for interchangeable sets on the market, I think it’s important to commit to and invest in just one. I chose to invest in ChiaoGoo red lace needles  (affiliate link) for quite a few reasons. The needles are smooth, and the joins are seamless, so my knitting slides right over without catching. The cords do not kink or curl up on themselves. Most importantly, both the needles and cords are affordable and widely available. I can easily pick them up from my LYS, order from Amazon, or find them at my next knitting event. 

Project Bags that Double as a Yarn Bowl

Of course, every WIP needs its own project bag! The bags I use the most are handmade by Beautiful Syster.

“The Heather” bag is perfect for knitting on the go, as the wide handle distributes the weight across my forearm allowing me to walk and knit at the same time. The handle folds down around the square base to create a yarn bowl as I sit with my project, giving me easy access to all my colorful mini-skeins without having to dig around. When I’m finished, the triangular sides tie together to keep everything secure as I throw it into my suitcase for my next knitting event. I also have quite a few “The Hillary” bags, which are the perfect size for my sock designs. They zip up easily and have a small handle to hang from my wrist.

Every knitter has his, her, or their own preferences, and these are just a few of Lisa Ross’s! Lisa and the Interweave team are always on the lookout for new favorites, though, so be sure to comment below with some of your own favorite tools for slip-stitch knitting!

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.