Graces Cases Designs

I get asked frequently why we don't mark the needle slots in the Grace's Cases needlecases with sizes.   We don't mark them because we use flexi-slots that allow you to put your needles in whatever slots you like.  Did you know that a slot sized for a pair of size 7 tips can hold tips as small as size 3?  Or a single size 13? or a set of 5 dpns in size 0?  or crochet hooks of a variety of sizes?  

So I have left the labeling up to each customer - and their solutions have been very creative.  I think the best solution is from RainFallCrafts who sells these handmade markers designed specifically to work with Grace's Cases on Etsy.  She offers them in a variety of colors and numbers or you can request a custom set.  To protect your needles she has avoided using metal crimps so you don't have to worry about them scratching.  Just Brilliant!

I plan to use mine both in my case and in my projects.  Since they are easily removed I will add a marker to my WIPs to indicate what size needle I am using, and then if I get in a pinch and need an extra stitch marker I can use it for that as well!  Again, just brilliant!

So you have made a bag, now what should you use for a drawstring?  You can really use just about anything, but some things are truly better than others.  What you select frequently is just a matter of what you have on hand, but there are many things you can and should consider.

First, how big is the opening for inserting the drawstring?  How big is the overall casing?  Are you using a drawstring tool or a safety pin?  What size?  Make sure both the tool and the drawstring are not too big for the opening!

Most of my bags have a 1/2" to 3/4" casing, and the openings are all 1/2" or larger.  This means that the ideal size drawstring is less than 1/2", so I can use any drawstring up to 3/8" wide.  Pictured above are a variety of types of drawstring varying from braided cords, shoelaces, twisted cottons and ribbons.  I did not include elastic or any other materials that stretch since they don't work well.​

I prefer to use the rounded cords, but I'm not a fan of either the braided or twisted cords shown above.  It is difficult to get a good tight knot on the ends of the braided cords - especially the heavy ones such as parachute cord.  Yes, you could solve this using a cord lock, but if you are using the bag for knitting or other fiber crafts then the cord lock can tangle in your yarn!  Also, the ends of braided cord will unravel unless you have access to the type of equipment that puts the plastic ends on shoelaces :)
​The twisted cords knot well and are a good all-purpose cord, but the ends will really fray and the cord will untwist.  

I love the smooth gliding action of satin ribbon in my bags and my strong preference is to use Satin Rattail which is available in a variety of thicknesses.  Unfortunately some of my customers don't care for it because either the knot has come undone - or their cats like to chew on it!  Because rattail is round rather than flat it doesn't twist inside the casing.  I've tried the flat satin ribbon as an alternative but in my experience it is a bit limp.  Currently I am using grosgrain ribbon for all drawstring top bags.  It is a bit sturdier than satin ribbon and bags stay cinched closed.  It is easy to knot and if you cut the ends at an angle and melt them a tiny bit they don't fray.  The 3/8" width is perfect for most bags, though I will use the 1/4" width on smaller bags.

Oh, and what do I use to insert the drawstring?  I use a bodkin.  I like to joke that you shouldn't work at a fabric store if you don't know what a bodkin is!

I get many questions about what case is best for this or that brand of needles or for complete needle collections like the one shown in this bin (yes, that is mine, unfortunately).  There really is no single answer to that question - just like there is no right answer to the question, "what brand of needles are the best?"  All Grace's Cases needlecases are designed to be flexible so that they can hold a wide variety of sizes, brands and tool collections.  Needles are held in Flexi-slots so that YOU can decide how you want to arrange your needles.  What are Flexi-slots and how do they work?  The way we combine materials to hold knitting needles or crochet hooks means that each slot can hold several different sizes. For example, a slot that one person uses to hold a pair of size 6 tips could be used instead for a pair of tips as small as size 3 or as large as size 7 or 8.  OR that same slot can hold a single tip in sizes 8 through 11!  

Each brand of needles has their own "stock" set of sizes.  Boye sets include sizes 2-15, Dyakcraft has sets in sizes 0-3, 4-9 and 4-10 1/2, Hiya Hiya has both large (9-15) and small (2-8) sets, and Signature lets you select your own "set" of 8 different sizes.  How can we make one case that works for all these different brands?  The trick is all in how you arrange your needles!  

We are always happy to help you decide what case will suit you best.  Just send us a message (if you prefer to chat, we can arrange that as well)!  We'll review your needle collection with you and provide you with solutions and options.  We look forward to hearing from you!!