Beginner Knitting Resources
Looking to start knitting for the first time?
We've put together some suggestions for materials, tools and learning resources below!
What you need to get started:
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| Cascade 128 Superwash |
Yarn:
We recommend you begin with a heavy worsted (Blue Sky Organic Cotton) or bulky weight yarn (Cascade 128 Superwash) which will make it easier to see what you are working on. Choose a lighter color over a darker one for the same reasons. One hank is enough to do a few dishcloths or a cowl, or get 2 hanks if you want to do a scarf (see What to make? below).
Be sure to ask us in the notes field to wind your yarn if you are knitting for the first time!
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| Chiao Goo Straight Needles | Knitter's Pride Circular Needles | Lykke Interchangeable Needle Sets |
Needles:
There are two types of needles you might want to work with; straight or circular, and two materials; wooden or metal. Each type has it's advantages but starting out we recommend wooden needles as they grip the yarn slightly. You can decide between straight or circular needles or try both to see what you prefer. Generally circular needles are more versatile but straight needles may be less confusing when you are starting out. You can also try interchangeable needles - these are circular needles where the tips can be removed and replaced to make various sizes and lengths.
Needle Size:
If you are using a heavy worsted weight yarn we recommend size 8 or 9 needles, if you are using a bulky yarn we recommend size 10.5 or 11 needles. If you are going to do circulars 24" is a good starting length.
What to make:
We are making our Knitting Basics booklet and Knit 101 project booklet available online for free for you - there are some great how-tos and simple beginner projects in these you might want to try.
In our Knit 101 classes we often start complete beginners on dishcloths as these are small and quick to finish, and still perfectly functional even if you make mistakes! They are also a wonderful way to try out new techniques and stitches.
Scarves and cowls are also popular first projects and hat make great projects for starting out knitting in the round.
Learning Resources:
We are making our Knitting Basics booklet available online for free.
We also highly recommend the Knit How book from Pom Pom Publishing. It has great how-to photographs and lots of modern beginner friendly projects to keep you engaged.
KnittingHelp.com is a great video learning resource. They have tutorials for all the basic skills as well as more advanced stitches.
Ravelry.com is the biggest knitting and crochet resource website. You can use it to connect with other crafters, search for patterns and research yarns.