16 ways to get truly thrifty knitting!

1. Taking proper care of your knits will ensure they last so much longer – in fact, quite possibly a lifetime. You’ve put such effort into creating them. So don’t spoil them for want of just a smidgeon of TLC! Check out our guide to looking after treasured knits here
2. Never forget that ‘value’ and ‘cost’ are two distinct concepts. An excellent way of assessing the true worth of an item of clothing, for example, is to work out its ‘cost per wear’.
3. Always, always shop around for bargains. If you do lots of your yarn shopping online, try liking your favourite shops on Facebook or following them on Twitter – you’ll be more likely to spot a really good offer that way.

4. It is such a joy to work with luxury yarns – so indulge yourself by seeking out smaller projects on which you can really go to town, like LK editor Sarah’s new gloves, knitted in Malabrigo Rastita DK Merino
5. Be aware of meterage when yarn shopping; essentially, that’s the way to ensure you get more bang for your buck, so always make sure you check how much you’re getting. For example, one 50g ball of DK yarn will average at around 100m, so anything above that will go further. (Remember, of course, that natural fibres such as wool and cotton are generally heavier than acrylic, so are likely to be shorter.)
6. Have you ever collected scraps of soap, and squished them together to make a ‘new’ bar? Well, a Magic Ball is pretty much the knitting equivalent! Using a technique called the Russian Join, you can fuse together scraps of yarn (any colour, weight, length or fibre content) and create a whole new ball from which you can knit up all kinds of projects. Check out this handy video tutorial on New Stitch A Day.
7. Why not try browsing around charity shops? You can quite often find unusual garments that feature beautiful embellishments which you can then take off and use for your own projects. Then turn the rest of the purchase into cleaning rags, stuffing, or patches!

8. The internet is an amazing source of free patterns, so do make the most of them! Naturally, our own collection is an excellent place to start – but if your interest is in something specific, such as vintage knits or kooky homewares, just have a google and start exploring…
9. Birthdays, anniversaries, leaving parties… save money on special occasions by making sure you plan plenty of cute little projects around your more time-consuming knits. Tea cosies, arm warmers and toys are all fantastic gift ideas (not to mention much less risk than a larger, fashion item) and bound to be appreciated by the recipient - especially if each one comes with a discreet but visible ‘made by me, with love’ label sewn into it! Plus, the fruits of your labours will have a definite home. Sorted!
10. If you’re guilty of yarn binges that wipe out your knitty budget, why not make a deal with yourself to knit one project from your stash for every one that requires you to buy new yarn? You’ll still have the fun of shopping but overall you’ll get better value from your purchases.
11. Don’t waste time, yarn and money knitting something that doesn’t fit. Make a habit of trying on knitwear in shops as often as possible, so you start to build up a truly realistic picture of the kinds of shapes and styles that are likely to work for you.

12. Gather the odds and ends in your stash, and see how you can use them up. For example, why not try this adorable crochet gadget cosy?
13. The old saying ‘look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’ has a lot of truth in it! Always be on the lookout for little ways you can save money in your day-to-day life, such as making your own cleaning products, buying basic products in bulk, and even storing candles in the fridge so that they burn for longer! That, of course, means more money to spend on yarn…
14. There are so many ways a knitting group can save you money – from sharing advice that will stop you from making expensive mistakes, to stash swapping, to building up a ‘needle library’ so no one needs to buy a fresh set for every new project. Check out what’s available in your area – and if there’s nothing around, why not set up your own?

15. Using big needles will make your yarn go further… but beware, as doing so is also likely to play havoc with your tension and drape. As long as you reserve them for scarves, shawls, and similar projects, though, it’s certainly worth experimenting with chunky sticks? Remember, there’s still time to pick up a copy of the Let’s knit January issue, with FREE 10mm bamboo needles! (On sale until 16th January)
16. Hand dyed yarns are so beautiful! Try creating your own, which will not only satisfy your soul (once you’ve started to get the hang of it), but could also give you stunning, totally unique yarn at a fraction of the price it might otherwise cost you. There are oodles of lovely books on the subject, but for a lovely – and free – starter, take a look at this ‘how to’ guide by Daisy Head Creations, and go to DT Crafts for all of your supplies!

Do you have any tips for saving money in your knitting? Leave a comment below!