Essential Knitting Supplies for Beginners: Tools You Need to Craft Perfect Knitwork

Natural - Natural yarns are made from animals or plants. The plant fibers include hemp, linen, cotton, and bamboo, while animal fibers are wool, alpaca, angora, cashmere, or silk.

Synthetic - Synthetic yarns are typically made of acrylic, nylon, and polyester. They are a good choice for beginners because they are inexpensive, easy to work with and easy to maintain. The downside is their ecological impact, so you may want to switch to naturally made yarn.

Blends – The most common blends include wool/acrylic, cotton/polyester, and cotton/nylon. The goal of creating blends is to achieve better qualities (warmth, durability, flexibility, etc.)

Straight needles – Also referred to as ‘single pointed needles’, these are traditional, straight needles with a point at one end, while the other end has a stopper, usually in the form of a knob, which prevents stitches from slipping off the needle and losing your work. They are beginner-friendly and come in different lengths, typically 8” – 14”. Straight needles are used to knit flat things, so always back and forth, and never in rounds. Use shorter needles to make scarves, and longer ones to create things like sweater panels, wash cloths, or other flat pieces which will later be seamed together. Typically, they can hold about 60% fabric beyond their maximum length; however, since the whole width of the project should fit on one needle, they are not a good choice for making larger items, such as Afghans. Straight needles are easily accessible and a good fit for those who like to rest needles against their body. However, be aware that longer single point needles can cause more strain to wrists and hands.

Circular needles – These are two short, pointed needles connected with a flexible plastic or nylon cord and they enable you to knit in the round. There’s no need for sewing the ends when you work with circular needles. The cord that connects the needles allows you to knit large pieces without turning the knitting; plus, you can rest the fabric on your lap, instead on needles, which reduces the strain on your hands. They come in various length and sizes ( 9 – 60 inches), but can also be bought individually, or as a kit, allowing you to mix sizes as necessary. Use shorter cords for smaller items and longer cords for larger items. Circular needles can be used for making hats, socks, collars, sleeves, mittens, infinity scarves, or seamless garments.

Double-point needles – Also referred to as DPNs, these are short needles with point at each end. They come in different sizes, and are usually sold in sets of 4 or 5. While you work with one “active” needle, the others hold the stitches. Transfer stitches to the next needle and continue until you complete them all. They are used to knit small, tubular shaped items, such as leg warmers, socks, smaller collars, or mittens.

Cable needles – This tool has pointed ends and serves to hold stitches when knitting cable patterns (twists, honeycombs, plaits, etc.). They can be made of plastic, wood, acrylic, and metals and come in a variety of different shapes – straight, U-shaped, curved, J-shaped.

Bamboo – Bamboo needles are eco-friendly, they don’t easily break, and are inexpensive. Novice crafters love bamboo due to its smooth surface and being gentle on hands (and joints), plus, it’s ideal for anyone who is not very fast.

Metal (aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass) – Metal needles are traditional tools our grandmothers used, and there’s a chance you have a vintage piece somewhere in your attic. They are strong, durable, and hard to break. The only downside for the inexperienced crafters may be that it’s surface is sleek and slippery, making them lose a stitch easier than with other types of needles.

Plastic (Acrylic) – Plastic is suitable for beginners as it’s not slippery, not sticky, and is quite affordable. The yarn will not fall off the needles easily, which is important for beginners who are just getting familiar with the craft and how to hold the needles. They are lightweight and can be straight, circular, or double pointed. They are often included in knitting kits for kids. The disadvantage is the negative ecological impact you’re making for using plastic. Unless its’ 100% biodegradable.

Tapestry needle – Also known as darning or yarn needle, this needle is similar in looks to sewing needle and has large eye and blunt tip is used to weave in loose ends of your knitwork. It’s a very useful and inexpensive accessory that makes your crafting easier.

Stitch markers – Stitch markers are small rings used to mark specific stitches in your project to help you keep track of your progress. They can be made of metal or plastic, and it’s good to have a few in different colors, so they can stand out against the yarn.

Stitch holders – They are used to secure certain stitches, while you work on others. They look like large safety pins and will secure your stitches without losing any.

Needle stoppers – Rubber tips that fit the needle point and prevent the stitches from slipping off. As they are manufactured in various sizes, make sure you get ones that fit the size of the needle you’re using.

Crochet hook – Use crochet hook to help you to bind of work or to pick up a dropped stitch. Pick medium size hook (3.75 to 4.00 mm, US size F or G).

Yarn guide – It’s a small tool that helps guide multiple strands of yarn at the same time. It enables even tension, keeps yarn from tangling, and prevents hand strain.

Yarn bowl – It serves to prevent yarn ball from rolling away from you. It had heavy bottom which keeps it stable, and an opening on the side which guides the strand.

Craft light - Some artisans use special craft lights if they are working in artificial light or at night. An extra light source allows you to see every stitch, even in low light. It will help you avoid mistakes, but even more importantly it will prevent eye strain. There are many varieties you can use, from floor and desk types, to clip on and neck lights.

Row counter – This is not a necessary tool, but it can be helpful as it saves time by clicking the counter with each finished row, instead of counting rows every time. What’s even better, they can be worn around neck, fit right on the needle, or worn on finger.

Measuring tape – It’s another handy tool that will help you measure the body size when crafting different pieces of clothing or accessories. Ensure it’s flexible, with both metric and imperial markings, as certain patterns don’t include both versions.

Needle gauge – This tool is used to measure the size of needles. Although they typically have size written on them, sometimes they rub off, so this tool can come in handy.

Gauge swatch ruler – Gauge swatch ruler is a type of square ruler that enables you to count the stitches per inch. When you knit a garment from a pattern, you must have the same stitch count as the pattern, otherwise your garment doesn’t end up different size.