Everything you need to start to knit: beginner knitting ideas, tools, and more

So, you’ve decided to learn how to knit. Hand-knit pieces are always one of a kind, and they're always created with care. Whatever inspired you to start, knitting is a fun and rewarding hobby—not to mention a practical one.

Knitting for beginners kit#

To start knitting, you’ll need a simple beginner's kit.

Beginner knitting kits for adults are affordable and don’t require many tools. As with most hobbies, higher-quality supplies can improve results, but there’s no need to invest in advanced kits right away. Those come later, once you’re hooked (figuratively and literally).

For now, here’s a beginner knitting supplies list to get started:

• Knitting needles

• A pair of scissors

• A sewing needle

• A crochet hook

• And, of course, wool

About yarn (knitting wool): the best yarn for beginners#

Yarn is essential for knitting, and though many people casually call it “wool,” yarn is the general term for all fibers used in knitting. Yarn comes in many weights, colors, and fiber blends, making it the most personal choice in any knitting project. Your yarn selection will likely change from project to project.

When you’re starting out, thicker yarns are easier to handle. Choose a soft, smooth yarn in a color you enjoy working with.

Yarn weight refers to thickness, not heaviness. Icewear recommends selecting a medium to bulky yarn for your first project, while avoiding super-chunky yarns, which become more difficult to manage. Thicker yarns make it easier to see your stitches, spot mistakes, and fix them quickly. They also work up faster, which means quicker, more satisfying results.

Not all yarn is made from sheep’s wool, by the way. Yarn can be natural, synthetic, or a blend of fibers. While many knitters use “wool” to mean sheep’s wool, all knitting fibers are technically yarn.

Fun fact: Iceland has more sheep than people.

That said, for beginners, wool or wool-acrylic blends are ideal. Cotton and cotton-heavy yarns are less forgiving because they don’t stretch as much and can be harder to work with. Also, look for yarn sold in balls rather than hanks, because hanks have to be wound into balls before you can knit with them.

Hanks, skeins, and balls#

Yarn is commonly sold in three forms: hanks, skeins, and balls.

A hank is twisted into a decorative loop that looks great on display and is easy to ship anbd store. Once untwisted, it becomes a large loop and must be wound into a ball before use.

A skein is an oblong-shaped bundle and is what most people picture when they think of yarn. The yarn in a skein can be pulled from the center or the outside, but as the skein loses its shape, tangling can become a problem. If that happens, wind the remaining yarn into a ball.

A ball of yarn is wound into a round shape and is typically pulled from the outside, though some allow center-pull access. Many knitters prefer winding skeins or hanks into balls before starting a project for convenience.

Knitting needles#

Knitting needles come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, bamboo, wood, plastic, and casein. For your first project, choose the needle size specified by the pattern. Early on, you’ll likely purchase new needles for each new project. Over time, you’ll build a collection and can reuse what you already have. Trying different materials early is a great way to discover your personal preferences.

What size of needles are needed for knitting?#

Needle size depends on the pattern, but beginners should aim for projects that use medium-sized needles.

U.S. sizes 6 (4 mm), 7 (4.5 mm), or 8 (5 mm) with a length of about 10 inches (25–26 cm) are excellent starter options. Needle lengths generally range from 9 to 12 inches.

In addition to straight needles, there are specialty needles including circular needles, which are commonly used for Icelandic-style sweaters.

Types of knitting needles#

Knitting needles vary by size, material and style. Common options include:

• Straight needles

• Circular needles

• Interchangeable needles

• Double-pointed needles

• Cable needles

Straight needles are best for beginners, but as your skills grow, you'll want to explore projects that require different needle types.

Circular needles#

Circular needles are essential for knitting sweaters like Icelandic wool sweaers and other garments made “in the round.” This is a method that creates a seamless tube instead of separate front and back pieces that have to be sewn together.

Typically, larger circular needles are used for the body, while smaller circular needles or double-pointed needles are used for sleeves. Circular needles consist of two needle tips connected by a flexible cable, which can be either fixed or interchangeable. These are also useful for knitting hats, cowls, blankets, and other projects that use the "magic loop method."

Interchangeable needles#

Interchangeable needles are ideal if you plan to work on multiple projects with different needle sizes. They feature detachable needle tips and cables that can be mixed and matched.

Double-pointed needles#

Double-pointed needles (DPNs) come in sets of three to five, with points on both ends. They’re commonly used for small, circular projects like socks, gloves, sleeves, hats, and toys. DPNs are usually 5-8 inches long, with shorter lengths for smaller items.

Cable needles#

Cable needles are short, typically curved tools designed to hold stitches temporarily when creating cable patterns. Although cables can be made without them, dedicated cable needles help keep stitches secure. Icewear recommends choosing a cable needle that's the same size or slightly smaller than your working needles.

Scissors#

You don’t need specialty scissors, just a pair that cleanly cuts yarn and feels comfortable to use.

Sewing needle#

Sewing needles (or even tapestry or yarn needles) are used to weave in ends, assemble pieces, and attach embellishments. Choose one with a large eye that easily accommodates yarn. Tapestry needles are a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly option.

Crochet hook#

A crochet hook might not seem essential at first, but Icewear recommends adding one in U.S. size G or H to your starter kit. These sizes work well with most yarn weights.

Crochet hooks are useful for fixing snags, pulling yarn ends through tight spaces, and finishing details. They’re also great for mending knitwear you already own and for adding crochet borders once your skills advance.

Types of knitting stitches#

There are hundreds of different knitting stitches, many of which challenge even experienced knitters.

The first two stitches every beginner should learn are the knit stitch and the purl stitch. These stitches are opposites: the knit stitch forms loops on the back of the fabric, while the purl stitch forms loops on the front. Countless patterns are created using just these two basics.

Another beginner-friendly stitch is the garter stitch, made by switching between knit stich and purl stich every other row. This produces fabric that looks the same on both sides.

The stockinette stitch is also very popular. It alternates rows of knit stitches and purl stitches, creating a smooth front and textured back.

Small knitting projects#

Simple projects like scarves, dishcloths, and headbands are perfect for beginners, meaning that knitting opens up endless gift possibilities. Handmade items are surprisingly easy to make, and they always feel special to give.

Here’s a list of easy knitting projects for gifts:

Gift jar toppers#

Relatively small, these jar toppers are a terrific way to use up odd bits of yarn and make thoughtful gifts for friends who make or own jams, preserves, or aromatherapy products.

Pet walk treat bag#

Knit a simple bag and attach either a long handle to be worn across body or smaller loops to secure to a belt. Make smaller versions to carry in coat pockets.

Scarf#

A personal scarf in a favourite color is always well received.

Headband/hairband#

Make wide headbands to cover ears during cold weather or narrow versions to use as a hairband for daily wear. Gift two or three in different styles and colors.

Hair scrunchie#

An alternative to headbands, you can also make small hair scrunchies.

Hot water bottle cover#

Buy a basic hot water bottle, then knit a soft cover to go over it.

Rose brooch#

A knitted rose flower (or any other shape) with a pin attached to the back can be worn as a brooch. 

Mushroom or toadstool bookmark#

These are fun for avid readers in your life. Add one as an extra gift when you gift someone a book.

Cowl#

A cozy cowl is a perfect gift for cold weather, plus a chance to practice using circular needles.

Tassels#

Tassels have many uses, from keychains to bag charms, curtain ties, and more.

Mug warmer#

A winter-themed mug warmer will be a welcome gift for the coffee drinkers in your life.

A wool pin cushion#

Lanolin in wool can help prevent pins and sewing needles from rusting, meaning that a wool yarn knitted pin cushion offers a useful gift for sewing enthusiasts.

Final words#

No matter where you begin, learning to knit is an enjoyable pastime and skill that opens up endless creative opportunities. It doesn’t require a large investment or formal classes. You can knit alone or with others. And you can knit whenever it suits you.

One more fun fact: the iconic Icelandic sweater, known as the lopapeysa, is traditionally made from unspun Icelandic sheep wool. The name translates to “a sweater made from lopi,” referring to the unspun yarn. These sweaters feature a circular yoke pattern, giving the front and back the same design.

Once you’ve built up your confidence, you can learn how to make a lopapeysa jumper, too.