I frequently call out waste yarn in my patterns. This is just a substitute for a stitch holder. Personally, I don’t use stitch holders, I always use waste yarn in place of stitch holders. I have a nice collection of smooth cotton yarn that I use, but I’ll admit that I will grab whatever is handy.
How to use waste yarn in place of stitch holders
To use waste yarn as called out in the pattern, just thread a tapestry needle with an appropriate length of yarn and thread it through your stitches that are too be held. Knotting it temporarily is always a good idea!
What is holding stitches?
It is putting stitches securely on a holder to be set aside until later.
Why smooth yarn?
You want a yarn that won’t leave fiber or in any way damage the stitches being held.
Waste yarn can also be used whenever you need a removable marker, a temporary stitch marker, or a row marker. I have this assortment of short lengths and a longer length to cut from.
Why not a stitch holder?
I have never liked them. They get caught in things. To each their own. Use what works best for you in your knitting! I always like “hacks” that don’t require anything special. The giant stitch holder must have been gifted to me. I found one other smaller one. And I keep them because you just never know when you will need them–plus I think the big one is funny.
I have a treasure trove of 100% Egyptian cotton Provence from Classic Elite Yarns which no longer exists.
