How to Get Started with Knitting: What Do You Need?

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When starting a new hobby that you’re excited about learning, it can be tempting to go crazy and buy all the tools you could possibly need before you’ve even tried it. Instead, it’s best to think about the key items in a beginners knitting kit so you can save money, see if the hobby is something you’ll enjoy and stick to long term and perfect your technique before splashing out on yarn in all colours of the rainbow. 

Here are some of the key ingredients to a beginners knitting kit that will help you get started without breaking the bank.

Yarn

For those new to knitting, you may not realise that yarn isn’t just yarn, there are many types in terms of the fibres, weights, colours and qualities to choose from to suit your projects. Before spending money on yarn to kick off your collection, think about the item you are going to knit, whether its a scarf, hat, blanket, pair of socks or a small knitted toy for a child. Once you know what you’re going to knit first, your yarn shopping will be a lot easier – simply find a yarn that feels, looks and functions in the way you want it to! 

The Foundry Works design and manufactures their own range of hand-dyed yarn, as well as stocking a range of other independent brands selling yarn, knitting patterns and other knitting accessories such as needles, hooks, and kits that are suitable for people with all levels of knitting skills. 

Knitting needles

Similarly to yarn, there is a huge range of knitting needles to choose from too in all shapes, sizes and materials. It’s best to go for an affordable pair of needles to start with while you’re finding your feet with knitting. Before buying any needles, check which size is required by the pattern you’re using. Each pattern can require different sized needles but for your first knitting pattern, buy the one size and see how you get on. Over time, you can build up a collection of needles in various sizes. 

Photo by Ursula Castillo on Unsplash

Crochet hooks

Although this one might not be an essential item for a beginner, crochet hooks can be a lifesaver if you snag your projects while working on them. They also come in handy for finishing off a project with a crochet border or making sure there are no loose ends. 

Scissors

This is something you likely won’t need to purchase, but a pair of scissors is handy to keep with your knitting items. Kitchen scissors are perfectly fine – so you can spend more on dedicated craft scissors once you’ve decided whether knitting is for you. 

Yarn needles

This might seem like a strange thing to keep with your knitting gear, after all, you’re not sewing? Actually, though, large sewing needles are essential if you’re creating a bigger item that will need various pattern pieces attaching together at the end. The sewing needles used in knitting need to have larger eyes so you can get the yarn through so make sure not to accidentally purchase a sewing needle.