15 ways to create the perfect knitting space

1. When you’re working for long periods, a supportive seat is crucial to make sure you avoid back, neck and shoulder pain. Pick up issue 18 of Homemaker (on sale 17 April) to find the instructions for upcycling the beautiful office chair above! www.homemakermagazine.co.uk

2. “Colour is a very significant factor in our everyday lives,” says Phillipa Allden, colour expert at Dulux Trade. “An intelligent colour scheme for a knitting space can therefore create an environment that focuses concentration and stimulates creativity. Often it is not the individual colours chosen, but the way they combine that has the greatest influence on how they are perceived. So base your palette on a colour you love, but stick to shades that harmonise rather than clash.”

3. For maximum inspiration, keep beautiful yarns on display using bookshelves, cabinets, or even old wine racks! Whether you sort by weight, colour or intended project, it’s a great excuse to go through your stash and get organised.

4. Store your ribbons, buttons, zips and poppers tidily but within sight. Why not reuse old jars for a simple, easy-to-achieve look?

5. No one wants to be hunting for a needle in a yarn-stack when it’s time to sew up! Make sure you have a designated box for all your crafty bits and pieces. We just love this vintage-inspired box by Dibor, available for £21 from www.notonthehighstreet.com

6. Green plants are proven to reduce stress, aid concentration and encourage alertness – perfect for when you’re trying to figure out a particularly tricky pattern!

7. Many of us knit to de-stress – and you’ll find it easiest in a calm space that promotes relaxation. A few drops of camomile, lavender, petitgrain or ylang ylang essential oils will help create a calming, tranquil atmosphere.

8. There’s nothing like having friends over to knit and natter, so make sure there’s room for a big soft armchair, with plenty of handknitted cushions and throws to keep them comfortable!

9. “Nowadays, a computer is a vital piece of knitting equipment, not only for pattern-writing but also for keeping up with trends. Ravelry is a great resource and is also great for helping knitters to keep in touch with each other and improve their skills and creativity.” LK Designer, Susie Johns

10. Create a moth-free zone – the furry little blighters would love nothing better than to set up home amongst your prized stash and are a nightmare to get rid of once settled in. Mothballs, cedar wood and pheromone traps will keep them at bay.

11. Create a moodboard – a great place to keep swatches, shade cards and inspiring clippings from magazines (including yours truly, of course!)

12. “Good organisation is the key to stress-free knitting, and containers are a big help. “Each of my projects in progress has its own basket containing all the yarn and needles as well as a notebook for jotting down pattern instructions,” says Susie Johns.

13. Keep trusty reference books close to help you through a sticky situation. The Principles of Knitting, by June Hemmons Hiatt (Simon & Schuster) is a comprehensive book explaining the methods and techniques of handknitting.

14. “A radio is my must-have,” says LK contributor, Ann Blewett. “Whenever I’ve got a long stint of knitting planned I put on Radio Four. Documentaries are perfect – they keep me entertained during the more mundane sections of a pattern and teach me about topics I never knew I was interested in!”

15. Finally, for maximum relaxation and concentration avoid creating your knitting space within earshot of the telephone. The last thing you need is to be disturbed by a sales call from your internet provider!

Do you have any tips for customising your crafty space? Leave a comment to let us know!