Knitting Tools for Beginners that make learning easy. Find out which basic tools you need to start your first knitting project with confidence.
This is exactly why it is essential to have the right tools to make the process smoother and a lot more enjoyable. The good news is that you don’t need every tool right away. Starting with some essentials can make the learning process a lot more fun and easier. Explore the right knitting tools for beginners in this guide.
Knitting Tools for Beginners
1. Knitting Needles
One of the most basic tools required for knitting is, of course, the needle. The three main types of needles for beginners to choose from are:
Straight Needles: They are the best suited for flat projects like scarves and dishcloths. They are quite easy to handle and are perfect for learning basic stitches.
Circular Needles: They prove to be the most useful for knitting in the round or larger projects like blankets. They are connected by flexible cables, which help in reducing wrist strain.
Double Pointed Needles: Great for small and round items like socks or hats. Beginners usually try these after becoming fully versed in straight or circular needles.
2. Yarn
It is a well-known fact that no knitting project can be started without yarn. For beginners, worsted or DK weight is recommended as it is a lot easier to see and handle.
Fiber: Acrylic or cotton yarns are ideal for beginners considering how smooth they are to handle and don’t even split easily.
Color: Light-colored yarns make the task of seeing stitches and correcting mistakes easier.
3. Scissors
Having a pair of small and sharp scissors is essential for cutting yarn cleanly. Embroidery scissors or foldable scissors make it safe and convenient to carry in a project bag.
4. Tapestry or Darning Needle
This large and blunt needle is used mainly for weaving the loose ends after finishing the project. It is quite helpful for seaming pieces together.
5. Stitch Markers
They are very helpful for keeping track of pattern repeats, the beginning of a round, or increases or decreases in stitches. Beginners can use-
Plastic Ring Markers: They easily slide on and off the needles.
Safety Pin-Style Markers: Quick to fasten and great for marking specific stitches.
6. Measuring Tape
Frequent measuring is required for ensuring that the project is the right size. A flexible, retractable tape helps in measuring garments, scarves and blankets.
7. Row Counter
For keeping track of how many rows or rounds have been completed, especially for patterns with repeats, a row counter is used. Some of its alternatives are- a small mechanical counter, an app on your phone, or even a notebook to keep count.
8. Knitting Gauge or Needle Gauge
A needle gauge is helpful in checking the size of the needles, while a knitting gauge helps in measuring the stitches correctly, i.e, per inch, to ensure that the project turns out to be of the correct size. This is most useful while following patterns.
9. Project Bag or Storage
For securing the knitting tools and keeping them well-organized prevents tangling and the loss of pieces. A dedicated project bag with pockets for needles, yarn and small tools makes knitting on the go easier.
10. Optional but Helpful Tools
- Cable Needles: For beginners who want to try cable pattern design.
- Blocking Mats and Pins: These provide shaping and finishing touches to projects like sweaters and scarves.
- Yarn Winder or Swift: It is useful only if you buy yarn in hanks instead of just pre-wound balls.
