Knitting Starter Kit
Before you embark on your knitting journey it is worth setting out on your quest with all of the essential knitting tools. Along the way you will probably add to this knitting starter kit or find you prefer variations, such as working with circular needles rather than simply straight pins. It's all part of learning something new, settling with what is comfortable and works for you personally. Speak to any knitter and their knitting kit will vary from another. We have just created a guide to what we would suggest are the essentials for a knitting starter kit.With these few items, all you need now is some yarn and perhaps a pattern if you wish to start making something straight away.
Knitting Starter Kit
The Essentials
Knitting Needles - a selection of knitting needles are always handy to have in your knitting bag when you enjoy working with various weights of yarn. The knitting needles you require will vary depending on what you are planning to make. If you plan to work with a DK (Double Knitting) weight of yarn then 3.25mm and 4mm will be your go to needles for most standard DK patterns. Knitting needles can be made of different materials too - metal, plastic, bamboo or rosewood.
Scissors / Snips - a small pair of embroidery scissors or snips are super useful to have in your knitting kit. It is a good idea to keep them in your knitting bag at all times, as you don't want to have to go searching at that crucial point in your knitting. Snips are a great invention as you can put a lid on them to protect your rummaging fingers from the blade.
Tape Measure - a very useful tool to have in your knitting starter kit. There is always an occasion where you will need to keep an eye on the length of your piece of knitting. We've all been there and done that when it comes to knitting too much and having to pull it back. Staying on track and being aware of how your knitting is progressing is a good habit to get into from the beginning.
Stitch Markers - there are a variety of different stitch markers available, split ring, locking and ornamental. Many people find their own personal favourite as they become familiar with knitting.
Knitters Needle (Sewing up needle) - no knitter can be without a sewing up needle. A must have item whether you are making a project that requires joining together or even if you just need to sew in your ends. A handy tip would be tip keep it in a pouch or attach to a stray ball band so it doesn't get lost at the bottom of your knitting bag.
Notepad & pen - a very useful pair of items to have to hand to make notes about the pattern you are working on. When you are following a knitting pattern, it is good to get into the habit of writing down where you are up to, so that you can easily pick up where you left off next time.
Crochet Hook - it may sound strange and you might think you are now reading the essential items for a crochet starter kit, you're not, it is still knitting. A crochet hook is a life saver if you drop a stitch in your knitting. Simply catch the stitch and crochet back up to the top.
Non - essential (but still useful)
Cable Needle - once you are confident with your knit and purl stitch and fancy tackling something new, such as a cable pattern, then you will require a cable needle.
Stitch Holder - if you are following a knitting pattern it will often require that you leave a piece of knitting on a stitch holder rather than casting off. You can then free up your knitting needles to knit the next section of your pattern.
Nappy Pins - are mini stitch holders really. Very good for when working on smaller projects, to hold small sections of knitting.
Row Counter - these little gadgets can simply be slipped onto your knitting needle, so that you can manually adjust the number after every row or stitch repeat completed so that you don't lose track of the pattern.
Yarn Bobbins - are used for colour work. When you need small quantities of each colour you can wrap the yarn onto a yarn bobbin and use it from there. This helps to avoid any major tangles with full balls of yarn too.
Yarn Guide - an extra piece of equipment that some knitters find helpful when doing Fair Isle. It helps to keep the yarn from getting tangled when working with two colours simultaneously.
Stitch Stoppers - attach to the tips of your knitting needles to prevent your knitting from dropping off the end when in storage.
Knitters Marking Pins - will help to hold your knitted pieces together temporarily whilst sewing up.
Sara has been looking in her knitting kit, sharing her essential items below on our YouTube channel.