Barber cords are flexible, hollow tubes specifically designed for knitters to temporarily hold live stitches off their knitting needles. They serve as a highly effective and reusable alternative to traditional waste yarn, allowing knitters to set aside sections of their work, such as sleeves or necklines, without them unraveling.
What Are Barber Cords Used For?
In knitting, barber cords function primarily as stitch holders. They are indispensable for projects where certain stitches need to be placed on hold for an extended period while other sections of the garment are worked. This can include:
- Setting aside sleeve stitches: When knitting a sweater in the round, sleeve stitches are often put on hold before the body is completed.
- Holding neckline stitches: To work a collar or finish a neckline later.
- Dividing body stitches: For projects like cardigans where the front and back are worked separately after a certain point.
- Trying on garments: Their flexibility allows for easy trying on of a work-in-progress, even with many stitches on hold, to check fit.
How Barber Cords Work
Barber cords are typically made from soft, flexible silicone or similar material. Their genius lies in their simple yet effective design:
- Attachment: One end of the hollow cord is gently pushed onto the tip of a knitting needle. The slight friction or "suction" ensures a secure connection.
- Transfer: Stitches are then slid directly from the knitting needle onto the barber cord, much like they would be slid onto a second needle or waste yarn.
- Securing: Once all desired stitches are on the cord, the connection to the knitting needle can be broken by simply pulling the cord off the needle tip. The flexibility of the cord means the stitches are securely held without the risk of slipping off.
This method allows knitters to hold a large number of stitches safely and efficiently, treating the cord as a temporary resting place for their work.
Benefits of Using Barber Cords Over Waste Yarn
While waste yarn has long been a staple for holding stitches, barber cords offer several distinct advantages:
- Ease of Use: Transferring stitches onto a barber cord is often quicker and smoother than threading stitches onto a piece of waste yarn with a darning needle. Reattaching the cord to a needle to retrieve stitches is also very straightforward.
- Flexibility: The soft, pliable nature of the cords means they can bend and coil, taking up less space and making them ideal for trying on garments.
- Less Bulk: Unlike bulky waste yarn, especially for many stitches, barber cords maintain a low profile, which is particularly useful when checking the fit of a garment.
- Durability and Reusability: Barber cords are highly durable and can be reused countless times, making them an economical and eco-friendly choice.
- No Snagging: Smooth silicone cords are less likely to snag or split delicate yarns compared to some waste yarns.
For knitters looking to streamline their process and enhance their crafting experience, barber cords have become an invaluable tool. For more insights into these practical tools, consider exploring resources on knitting accessories.
Quick Comparison: Barber Cords vs. Waste Yarn
| Feature | Barber Cord | Waste Yarn |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Flexible silicone or similar | Any scrap yarn (cotton, acrylic, etc.) |
| Transfer Method | Slides directly from needle tip | Often threaded using a darning needle |
| Flexibility | High, allows for trying on garments | Variable, can be stiff or bulky |
| Reusability | High, very durable | Reusable, but can fray or tangle over time |
| Bulk | Low profile | Can be bulky for many stitches |
| Snagging Risk | Low | Can snag certain yarns |
