10 Essential Tools for Every New Knitter

As a new knitter figuring out what supplies you need to start with can be overwhelming.  But I am here to help you, so it does not have to be overwhelming.  Knitting, like most crafts, when you look at the supplies there are so many tools and gadgets that it can be hard to know what to start with.  Knitting actually does not require that many tools to get started.  Here is my list of the 10 most important tools you need to start knitting.

1.  Sharp Wood Knitting Needles – now I know many people prefer metal over wood but let me tell you about the needles I love.  Either Knitpicks or Knitter’s Pride Dreamz interchangeable needles are my favorite.  They have sharp tips that makes it easy to work with every kind of yarn.  I prefer the circular needles because they are easier to hold on too and manipulate, especially as a new knitter.  I know this is not how many people think of knitting needles. Many think of the old metal long needles.  But I have found through my teaching of new knitters that the circular needles are easier to hold.  If you were going to splurge on one thing for your knitting adventure, I would splurge on a nice set of needles.  The reason I like the interchangeable needles is because you start with a set of many sizes usually from size 4-13 and you can purchase different length cables to go with them.  This is usually a great start for knitters and would include the needles you will use most as a new knitter.
2. Stitch Markers – nothing fancy just round stitch markers and removable stitch markers.  They open and can be added to anything like a safety pin. There are a lot of fancy stitch markers out there, but just basic stitch markers are all you need.  They are inexpensive and will help you keep track of where you are in a project.
3. Tapestry Needle – this is for sewing seams together or more commonly used for weaving in your ends.  A blunt needle is what you want so a sharp tip does not get caught on your yarn.  They come in a variety of sizes and they come in plastic and metal.  If you really want to splurge get the needles with the bent end.  They make picking up stitches easier.
4. Measuring Tape – this for sure does not have to be anything special.  It does not even need to be retractable but just a measuring tape to measure your work will be required for every project, so be sure to get one.
5. Crochet Hook – this tool will help you fix mistakes. Because when you knit somehow there always seems to be mistakes!  Just a regular crochet hook in a small-medium size works.  I have also included a picture of a small crochet hook that has a pointed opposite end.  This is sometimes helpful, but the main thing you need is a crochet hook. 
6. Sticky Notes – now this is a knitter must have.  I use sticky notes to help me keep track of where I am reading my pattern.  That way I don’t have to keep figuring out where I am whenever I look away to work on my project.  I just put it right under the line I am currently reading.  I also use it to make tick marks or to keep track of what row I am on.
7. Scissors – again nothing fancy here, you will just need to cut your yarn every now and then.
8. Blocking board with lines and pins – washing and pinning your work will take your knitting to the next level.  So, having some supplies to do that is very helpful.  I have pictured a board that comes in a package with 12 others that you snap them together and pin your work out on them.  I am really not partial to what kind of board you purchase but if you purchase something just make sure that it has lines in 1” increments so that it makes measuring easy.  This is one item that you can forgo at first if necessary.  I have also laid old towels out on a bed and pinned my item to the bed using my trusty measuring tape I mentioned above. 
9. Notebook – A place to keep track of your project, which row you are on, what size you made, things that you learn at a class, etc. A simple spiral notebook will do but, I like pretty things so, my notebook is more like a journal with flowers!
10. Yarn – now I know this really isn’t a tool, more like a medium, but when you love yarn as much as I do, you can’t help but want to talk about it every chance you get.  Starting with inexpensive yarn like acrylic when you are first starting to knit is a good idea.  But don’t take too long to start sampling some other types of yarn. Animal fibers are really luxurious to work with.  They really do make your garments even more beautiful. 

Knitting is a very compact hobby, uhm, until you accumulate a yarn stash like me!  (We should not mention this in front of our husbands!) It doesn’t take a huge amount of supplies nor does it require a lot of money to get started.  One of the many things I love about knitting is that it is very portable.  Everything you need fits into a bag, and you can take it anywhere.  I love how you can fit a small project in your purse to work on while you wait anywhere.

Knit with Love my Friend,