What useful knitting tools save time and make the work of needlewomen easier?

Additional knitting tools greatly simplify the work of needlewomen and make work comfortable.

Some devices look intricate, and not every knitter can determine at first glance what it is and how it is used. But once you discover a new feature, it’s hard to imagine working without a functional assistant. In this review, you will get acquainted with useful devices for those who knit and crochet or simply create beautiful decorations from yarn, such as flowers or pom-poms.

1. Measuring instruments for knitters
   Knitting patterns
2. Ruler for determining knitting density
3. Row counter
4. Magnetic ruler
5. Crochet and knitting equipment
   Needles for stitching parts
6. Stitch markers
7. Device for winding yarn into a ball
8. Ball holder
9. Large pin (stitch holder)
10. Benefits for knitting
11. Crochet Helpers
12. Tools for working without knitting needles and hooks
    Device for circular knitting without knitting needles
13. Shuttle for weaving cord
14. Circular knitting machine
15. Device for creating pompoms and tassels
16. Flower knitting kit (Tenerife)

Types of tools for knitting reinforcement

The knitting method involves using steel wire to manually fix rods perpendicular to each other in places where they intersect crosswise.

A crochet hook is a simple and safe tool that allows you to tie reinforcement bars quickly, securely and evenly.

Today, there are three types of ready-made hooks for knitting reinforcement bars, which can be purchased in the store. In addition, you can make a hook for the reinforcement yourself.

Manual

Photo of a purchased hook. The handle rotates freely.

A simple hook is a rod attached to a handle with bends that grip the wire. The hook for tying the reinforcement is rotated manually. The advantage of hand tools is their availability, durability and ease of use.

A hand crochet hook is an excellent option for novice builders, which will allow you to understand the knitting algorithm and feel the optimal degree of wire tension to obtain high-quality knots.

Screw

The knitting wire is selected with a diameter from 0.8 to 2 mm.

A semi-automatic hook is a reversible tool that operates by forward movements of the handle. The device has a rod with a hook in the form of a drill, which fits into the funnel of the handle along the thread, tightening the wire.

The cost of such a tool is higher than a manual one. But the screw tool makes it possible to cope with a wide range of work in a short time - in order to completely tighten the knot, it is enough to make only a couple of movements.

Mechanical

Builders who value every second choose an automatic hook (gun) for tying reinforcement. The operating principle of the gun is based on fully automatic rotation of the hook. This device is the most modern and advanced, allowing you to achieve maximum results and speed without large labor costs on the part of the builder.

Operating principle.

Buying such a hook for household purposes will not be justified: working with a gun requires a fairly large consumption of wire, and the cost of the device is high. But on large projects or when performing work that needs to be completed in an extremely short time, this option is ideal!

Homemade

Photo: hook made of wire with a diameter of 3-4 mm.

Purchased hooks are not always able to fully satisfy construction needs. Often, the shape of their rod has incorrect bends, and the length of the tools is made too short, which significantly affects the quality of work. So how then to make a hook for tying reinforcement correctly?

To make a device for tying reinforcement with your own hands, we will need a welding electrode or steel wire with a diameter of 4 mm.

In order to make a hook, you need:

1. Make a handle for the device from a piece of thin hose to the size of a rod or trowel without a spatula.
2. Insert the electrode into the hose or insert trowels into the funnel and secure (for example, using epoxy resin).
3. Bend the rod at an angle of ninety degrees at a distance of about 5 cm from the handle (the bent rod should resemble a rocker in appearance).
4. Bend the end of the rod in an arc.
5. Before work, sharpen the sharp edge of the electrode using a file or sharpener.

A hook can be made from an unnecessary screwdriver or a handle from a construction roller, bending the sharp end at the required angle and sharpening it slightly. An automatic mechanism can be made by inserting an electrode rounded at the end into a screwdriver.

A homemade tool is perfect for household purposes, will save money and allow you to quickly knit even and reliable knots.

Portable organizer

For those needlewomen who cannot spend a minute without their favorite activity, a yarn organizer or bag would be an excellent solution. Such knitting devices are convenient because they take up little space. They are attached to the hand and do not fall off anywhere. You can put a skein of the necessary yarn inside - this way it will always be at hand and will not fall and get dirty. In order to sew such a bag with your own hands, you need to draw a pattern. It consists of two parts - external and internal. You can get by with just one layer - it all depends on your wishes.

Methods of knitting reinforcement

Let's consider all the existing ways to connect reinforcement. Each of the options is good in some way, and is used by builders, depending on the type of building and design requirements. There are 3 ways to connect rods; with their help, a strong and reliable metal frame is created:

1. Wire knitting.
2. Welding.
3. Plastic clamps.

These methods of tying reinforcement have their own characteristics. Each of them is correct and is applied depending on the requirements and the material used. When reinforcing a strip foundation for a private house, the reinforcement is often connected by welding rather than tied with wire. But which option is the best?

Advantages and disadvantages of welding connections

Despite the fact that these are different technologies, the right choice can save money and time on construction, without sacrificing structural strength. The method of connecting elements by welding was previously considered one of the most reliable and effective. However, such technology is not always appropriate. Usually it was used when installing bulky frames that strengthen the foundation for multi-story buildings and large cottages.

This method has some disadvantages:

1. You need to have skills in working with a welding machine, otherwise you need to spend money on the services of a professional welder. In this case, the cost increases.
2. Welding points are the weak point of the structure. There the strength of the frame becomes lower.
3. The method is not suitable if you use fiberglass reinforcement. In addition, the A-400 (A-3) fittings, which are the most popular, cannot be connected by welding. Only rods with the index “C” are suitable for work, for example: A500C reinforcement.

Therefore, in modern monolithic construction, welding has been replaced by viscous welding. For private and residential houses, construction of a bathhouse, garage or other buildings, this is the best option for connecting reinforcement.

Pros and cons of joining using the knitting method

Why is this method so good? It has the following positive aspects:

1. Speed ​​of work completion. Knitting with wire takes little time, it is simple and does not require skills. However, if you do it manually, the process slows down. Next we will look at how to quickly knit reinforcement.
2. Ease of troubleshooting. When working with welding, it will be more difficult to eliminate errors; you will have to take a grinder and cut the welding seam. The wire can be simply bitten off with wire cutters or unwound with a crochet hook.
3. You don't need to be a professional to knit reinforcement.
4. The reinforcement process can be performed in formwork.
5. The cost of work is much lower.

An example of knitting a mesh of reinforcement with wire.
If we talk about shortcomings, we note the precariousness of the finished frame. True, this is not a big problem. The structure will be strong, the only problem is that when the frame is moved into the formwork it begins to loosen, in this case it is possible to tack the reinforcement in several places by welding. To solve this problem with fiberglass reinforcement, you need to attach several braces to make the structure more rigid and stable. By bending, the tension in the knitting areas changes, the frame moves. Therefore, you need to be careful when installing it in the formwork. It is better to knit the reinforcement in the formwork or above it if the strip foundation is being reinforced.

Features of connecting reinforcement with plastic clamps

The main advantages of this method are that it does not require special skills, it has a high speed of work, and reliable fixation of the reinforcement. The disadvantages of this method are the following:

1. Price. For large volumes, the wire will be more economical.
2. Speed ​​of work (when compared with other methods of knitting).
3. Correction. You made a mistake somewhere, you will have to bite off the clamp, it becomes unusable, but the wire can be tied up.
4. Reliability. It is not advisable to move around a structure connected with plastic clamps.
5. Temperature. They burst at subzero temperatures.

Based on these data, we can say that this method is more suitable for private construction, with small volumes, and it is also suitable for people who want to do the reinforcement themselves with their own hands.

Home textiles

Some styles allow the use of a large number of knitted items at the same time. Such directions are eco and ethno. In such interiors, wool pillows, a warm blanket and a hand-made carpet coexist perfectly. Sets of items will look great; you can also use individual elements. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain balance and maintain a sense of proportion, otherwise the room may look too overloaded with knitted items.

Two knitted pillows Source roomester.ru

Professional hook for fittings - use a gun

The knitting gun is a professional tool

Advantages of a professional device:

• there is no need to pre-cut the wire into blanks;
• wire is automatically fed from the working drum;
• material savings are achieved due to the absence of wire waste;
• increased pistol performance;
• increased loop tightening force;
• possibility of adjusting the twisting force and wire length.

Among the main advantages, it is necessary to note the possibility of autonomous operation from a battery, as well as the use of a special extension cord, which allows you to perform work while standing, without bending your body. The design of the device allows you to hold it in one hand, while the other hand supports the steel rods without the help of assistants. The duration of tightening the joint does not exceed one second. This is very convenient when performing work on an industrial scale.

Along with the advantages, there are also weaknesses:

• quite high price of a professional pistol;
• increased costs for purchasing special wire;
• inconvenience of use in confined spaces;
• the need to train knitters in how to work with the tool.

It is important to purchase consumables that correspond in cross-sectional size and rigidity to the characteristics of the gun. Otherwise, equipment damage may occur.

The gun is used by professionals when assembling the frames of large foundations. And at the same time, in certain places of the grille, fastening can only be done using hand tools.

Knitting gun BM-400

Organizer pattern

To create a pattern, you need to take measurements - wrist circumference. A letter “T” with a wide head and a thinner perpendicular leg is drawn on paper. The pattern must be mirrored symmetrically. The edges of the thin stem are immediately processed to avoid fraying.

For this, adhesive material is used, or the fabric is overwrapped or overcast by hand. Then the handbag is sewn from the wrong side, without grabbing the narrow “legs”. This bag is very light and comfortable.

How to knit the frame?

When reinforcing a small volume of concrete, builders simply place the reinforcement in the formwork and then fill it with mortar. However, if large concrete products are to be reinforced, for example, a monolithic (slab) or massive strip foundation, then a frame is required. The reinforcement must be distributed evenly throughout the entire volume of concrete in order to reliably perform its function of increasing the strength of the structure. In these cases, a complex frame is made from metal rods.

crochet hook

The first option is the simplest and most accessible. If necessary, you can buy it in a specialized store for a hundred rubles or even cheaper. Moreover, it can be made by hand if the suitable material is available - we will return to this later. The downside is low performance. A novice knitter, with a sufficient supply of wire, will be able to produce 6-10 knitting per minute.

Screw hook

The screw hook is the next step in the development of the tool for knitting reinforcement. Outwardly, it looks a little like a regular one, but thanks to it, the knitting speed will increase, and the worker will get tired much less. If, when working with a regular hook, a specialist must twist the ends of the wire and manually twist them, then a screw hook is much more convenient.

Loop the loop and ends, then gently but firmly pull towards you. The plastic handle will be fixed in the hand, and the hook itself will begin to spin quickly, securely tightening the loop. Such a tool costs from 600 to 1000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and store. It will be an excellent choice if you need to perform work once on a relatively large object. The knitting speed will increase, however, the wire will still have to be cut and bent by hand.

Instructions for crocheting reinforcement

It is useless to knit the reinforcement with your bare hands - you can achieve the required force to tighten the wire only with the help of additional tools. Let's take a step-by-step look at the basic techniques for crocheting reinforcement.

Manual

To knit wire by hand you will need a hook. The wire is folded in half and hooked under the fixation point. The free end is threaded into a loop and crocheted until the wire is tightly tensioned.

Simple knot

To tie a wire with a simple knot, you will need to do the following:

1. A wire 200 mm long is cut and bent in half.
2. The bent section is pushed under the point where the two rods meet.
3. The hook is inserted into the loop and catches the free end.
4. A full revolution is performed around its axis. The free end must be held.
5. Next, while tensioning the wire, the hook is turned several more times until a reliable connection is obtained.

You don't have to buy a hook at the store. You can easily make a convenient tool yourself by giving the required shape to a steel rod and putting a handle on the end.

Dead node

Before crocheting foundation reinforcement, you need to learn how to form a dead knot. This method is especially good for tying vertical rods for columns and beams.

1. A piece up to 400 mm long is cut and bent in half.
2. The segment is pushed forward by a loop from below the knot being fastened.
3. The free end is passed through the top and again bent under the rods.
4. The loop and the free end are aligned and then hooked with the hook tip.
5. The hook is rotated with tension until the loop comes off.

To obtain a high-quality connection, you need to ensure that the wire is tightly laid on the surface of the reinforcement. The knitting process continues in a checkerboard pattern.

Screwdriver

The scheme of working with a screwdriver is reminiscent of the crocheting process, but instead of manual force, automation is used. Instead of a regular tip, a homemade hook is inserted into the screwdriver; usually a roofing nail is used for this purpose.

It is important to ensure that the speed of the screwdriver corresponds to the required force for tightening the wire. If you apply too much force, the wire will break, and at low speed you may end up with a weak knot.

Knitted blanket from giant yarn by hand without knitting needles or hooks

And the next unusual knitted item in our selection is a giant yarn that has become a real hit on Instagram. They knit everything from it - from hats and snoods to giant blankets. But what’s most interesting is that they knit by hand without knitting needles or hooks. So, let's first decide how much of this yarn is needed?

Knitted blanket from giant yarn by hand without knitting needles or hooks

• Baby blanket for a stroller or crib 80*120 cm - you will need 2 kg of yarn;
• Blanket for a baby, size 100*150 cm - you will need 3 kg of yarn;
• One and a half blanket size 140*190 cm - you will need 5 kg of yarn;
• Blanket for a double bed 150*200 cm - you will need 6 kg of yarn.

The pricing policy for this yarn is very high, so it is better to immediately decide on the size of the blanket and not collect excess yarn.

Knitting with giant yarn on hands without knitting needles or hooks

So, we cast the first row identically to how we cast on the snood given above. The yarn gets tangled and unraveling is problematic, as the fibers are tenacious. Therefore, it is better to practice on simple yarn, and then move on to giant yarn.

Threading yarn through the loop of the previous row

After you have cast on the first row, remove the first stitch, then knit a knit stitch, catching the working stitch in your palm and so on until the end of the row. We knit the last loop purlwise. This is done simply - the thread does not go from bottom to top, but on the contrary - from top to bottom and up again.

The process of knitting with giant yarn

We close the loops simply - we knit two loops into one, then again two loops into one, and so on until the end of the row. Tighten the last loop tightly.

For maximum convenience, we provide a video tutorial on how to knit correctly with giant yarn from the best European craftsmen.

Automatic hook for tying reinforcement

A special device with a reverse operating principle allows you to speed up and automate the twisting process. At first glance, it looks like a standard manual device, but differs in the presence of a screw mechanism consisting of the following parts:

• plastic handle with internal screw thread;
• working body with a screw thread on the rod.

When assembled, these elements form a mechanism with a reciprocating principle of operation. The reversible device works quite simply - moving the handle causes rotation of the working element on which the wire loop is put.

Advantages of the reversible device:

• increased wire binding performance;
• Possibility of use in areas with limited access;

Automatic hook for tying reinforcement

• ease of knitting operations;
• durability of the device with regular lubrication.

The device has the only drawback - its increased price when compared with the cost of a conventional hand tool.

Using a reversible tool, the knitter can perform an increased amount of work without getting tired. The screw device is superior in efficiency to the manual device when it is necessary to manually pull and twist the wire ends. Without reinstalling the working hook, by cyclically moving the handle you can achieve reliable fastening.

Procedure for using the device:

• Insert the hook of the tool into the twisted loop.
• Pull the handle towards you along the working axis.
• Return the handle to the starting position.
• Perform the next movement cycle.

You can also make your own semi-automatic tightening device using a regular screwdriver. You will need a bent nail without a head or an L-shaped rod, the end of which must be inserted into the tool chuck. With a little practice, it is not difficult to master the principles of operation using this device.

Yarn separator

Often when knitting, the question arises of how to make sure that the threads do not intertwine. A knitting device consisting of an ordinary plastic bucket will help to achieve this (you can take a large food container or a container of under-water). Stationery clips are attached to the edge of the container along the perimeter. The loop of the clamp is removed and a thread is threaded through it, then the clamp is attached to the container. Yarn threaded through such a device will not get tangled.

To prevent the balls from running over one another, you can make cardboard dividers inside. To do this, 3 or 4 strips of cardboard are cut out with a length equal to the diameter of the container, and the width should be chosen with a margin so that it is enough for the size of the ball. Such strips are inserted one into another. A cut is made in the middle of each, and they are put on each other in a herringbone pattern.

Related Posts via Categories

• How to calculate the cross-sectional area of ​​reinforcement of all types?
• How much does 1 meter of construction rod reinforcement of various types weigh?
• Length of rod reinforcement - all possible options regulated by GOSTs
• Linear fittings – high-quality installation of power lines is guaranteed!
• Unmeasured reinforcement is the best option for low-rise construction!
• Brands and classes of construction rod reinforcement and wire for reinforcement
• Coupling fittings, what they are and what they are used for
• Anchoring reinforcement in concrete is a complex but important operation
• Hot-rolled reinforcement - GOST and the entire life cycle of the product
• Weight and features of steel corrugated reinforcement A3 and other classes

Making your own hook

Despite the low cost of a crochet hook for reinforcement, some experienced craftsmen who have worked with reinforcement for many years prefer to use homemade ones rather than purchased ones. This has its advantages.

1. When making it yourself, you can give the handle the optimal shape so that it fits comfortably in your hand. Your hand will get less tired and your productivity will increase.
2. The choice of steel for production; you often come across factory hooks made of soft metal. As a result, it cannot withstand the load and bends.
3. Make a hook for crocheting reinforcement of the required size. There are times when it is impossible to get to the place of tying with a factory hook because of its length.
4. Small, but still savings (if materials and tools are available).

Electrode hook

An electrode hook is suitable for small amounts of work. When it is necessary to tie a small frame from reinforcement.

Making a hook with your own hands takes only 5 minutes. You will need: electrode 4, pliers and a grinder (if not, you can do without it).

Let's look at how to do it step by step:

1. We beat the electrode off the protective coating.
2. We retreat 1-2 centimeters from the edge and bend it at 80-90 degrees.
3. We retreat 3-4 centimeters from the other edge, make the first bend at 90 degrees. We retreat another 10-12 centimeters, and make a second bend at 90 degrees. We retreat another 4-5 centimeters and make a third bend.
4. Let's sharpen the tip of the hook a little so that the wire can peel off better.

The hook is ready, it should have the same shape as in the drawing below.

Homemade hook made from rebar with a wooden handle

A homemade hook is most often used by professional reinforcers, thanks to the advantages described above. Its production will take about 2 hours, and the result will be a hook that is in no way inferior to the factory one.

To make a hook you will need the following materials and tools:

• Corrugated fittings 8-10 in diameter, 35-50 centimeters long;
• wooden blank for handle;
• 2 washers - the diameter is equal to the hook handle;
• 2 nuts;
• pliers, knife or hatchet;
• grinders and welding;
• drill with drill 8-10 diameter;
• sandpaper.

Manufacturing procedure:

We grind the ribs of the reinforcement on a grinder so that it becomes smooth. We take a corrugated one, not a smooth one, since a higher grade of steel is used for its production, the hook will be stronger. Let's prepare the pen. Using a drill, a drill of a suitable diameter, drill a hole in the center of the workpiece. Afterwards, if necessary, we adjust it to the required size using a knife or hatchet. At the same time, make sure that the hole is in the center of the handle. Next, sand the handle until smooth with sandpaper. We put a nut on the edge of the reinforcement and weld it by welding. Put a washer on top of the nut, then put on the handle, then the washer and nut again

It is important that there is a small gap between the washers and the handle so that the hook handle can rotate well. To do this, place a piece of paper folded a couple of times between them.

Then weld the second nut. Be sure to place water near you so that if the pen catches fire, you can immediately extinguish it. Now we will sharpen the edge of the reinforcement with a grinder, do not overdo it so that it does not turn out too thin, otherwise the crochet hook will bend. We retreat 1-2 cm from the edge of the handle and make a bend at 90-140 degrees (it all depends on the chosen type of hook, see examples of bends in the picture below). We retreat 1-2 centimeters from the edge of the reinforcement and bend the tip of the hook with pliers at 80-100 degrees. Make sure that the bends are in the same plane. To increase the service life of the handle, we cover it with impregnation for wood against rotting and moisture in 2 layers. After drying, coat it with wood varnish. The hook is ready, all that remains is to make a couple of ties for testing; if it fits well, then you don’t need to bend anything, otherwise you can bend it a little to fit your hand.

Photos of handmade hooks for tying reinforcement

We recommend watching the video instructions for one of the options for making a crochet hook with your own hands.

That's all. Now you have not only learned about knitting devices, but also learned how to make a hook for tying reinforcement with your own hands and can easily cope with this task.

New Year decoration

On this magical holiday, you want to decorate your home with something original, express your individuality and give room to your imagination. The New Year tree can be decorated not only with balls and garlands, but also with original knitted figurines of funny animals and fairy-tale characters added to its branches. A good idea would be to place special pockets in which you can put gifts and decorations. If you were unable to purchase a large Christmas tree, then you can create a miniature tree from green yarn. Then the Christmas tree is decorated with wreaths, bells and satin ribbons of different shades. This way you can create a special holiday feeling.

Knitted decor for the New Year Source roomester.ru

Important recommendations for choosing reinforcement for the foundation

Diameter

When choosing reinforcement for the foundation, first of all, pay attention to the diameter of the rods. The relationship is simple: the thicker the reinforcement, the more severe loads it can withstand

When determining the optimal diameter, first of all, the characteristics of the soil are taken into account (the main point is heaving) and the expected weight of the finished building, taking into account the weight of its internal arrangement and residents/visitors.

This is how it should be ideally and according to the rules. Along with this, many private developers refuse to draw up design documentation and perform related extensive calculations, adhering to average and generally accepted values. In the case of the construction of relatively small buildings, for example, such as a bathhouse, such an approach is acceptable.

The recommendations are as follows:

• if the structure is erected from relatively light materials (timber, gas blocks and other lightweight building elements from this series), reinforcement with a diameter of 1.2 cm is used. It is impossible to use rods with a diameter of less than 12 mm for arranging the foundation - reinforcement so modest in its overall characteristics is only suitable for use in the construction of supports for fences, gates and other light utility structures;
• if construction is carried out using heavier materials, the recommended diameter of the reinforcement changes accordingly. In most cases, rods with a diameter of 1.4-1.6 mm are used.

Assortment of fittings

Class

The second important indicator is the class of the reinforcement. For a private foundation, class A-3 material is suitable.

Corrugated fittings A3, steel grade A500S, GOST 5781-82

The fittings of this group are very easy to use (easily bends without the use of special tools), durable and reliable. Less commonly used are rods of class A-2 (they can be bent 180 degrees, A-3 – 90 degrees).

Table of reinforcement classes and steel grades

Openwork covers for various containers

Banks, bottles, boxes, candlesticks and vases are often dressed in patterned covers. Provence and retro styles are perfect for such decor. An ordinary jar will turn into a real interior decoration if you knit a case for it with a folding collar. The combination of boxes of different sizes, which are decorated with knitted items using various techniques, looks interesting. Openwork covers on candlesticks will gently diffuse the light, which will serve as an excellent addition to the romantic atmosphere. The candles themselves can also be decorated with patterned items. Such compositions will be especially relevant at holidays and celebrations.

Covers for containers Source roomester.ru