10 Best Products For New Knitters

It is hard to know the right tools to get when you are new to knitting. I hope this article helps you start on the right foot.

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Have you been in the fiber arts isle in the store or online and did not know what to buy? Yes? Do not worry, I got a guide to help you out. When I was a beginner, I did not know where to start or what to buy. Knitters around me had their opinions but that did not help me. Here is a list of every tool you should have as a beginner knitter.

1.   1. Yarn

The great debate: yarn. There are so many options and fibers that it can not only get confusing but also very overwhelming. Should you buy from big box stores? Local yarn shops or online? Honestly, there is no wrong answer but for a beginner, I suggest something simple and durable like Lion Brand Wool and Ease or Red Heart Super Saver. Both yarn lines are soft and durable, they are perfect for beginners. Lion Brand wool and ease is super bulky soft yarn which promotes instant gratification. Most beginner knitters want to have a tangible item while learning to knit. Red Heart Super Saver, the yarn that most people recommend to new knitters because of the durability and affordability.

2. Knitting Needles

As you learn and knit, you will find out that knitting needles are a very personal preference. When I first learned, I was told that straight metal needles in a generous size is best. I bought Boye metal needles in size thirteen and I did not regret it. They made knitting a breeze which is exactly what I wanted as a newbie to knitting. Now after a decade of knitting, I recommend bamboo circular needle because the weight of the project is on your lap instead of your hands. My preferred brand is Clover Takumi bamboo needles. I find the yarn glides off the needles without snagging the yarn. One of the worst things that can happen to a knitter is having the yarn caught in the needle and ruin the clean look of the project. Both brands are popular to knitters.

     3. Project Bags

Project storage is critical because you spend a lot of time knitting and do not want it to get ruined. Also, you do not want your furry friends to get their paws on the yarn because you will have a booby trap in your living room. I recommend a bag that closes whether it is drawstring or zipper. These bags are a real lifesaver. When you first start out with knitting, they never tell you to invest in a project bag or two, but they are essential if you become a diehard knitter like me.

    4. Project Storage

The more you knit, the more you will hear knitting and yarn collecting are two different hobbies. Yes, most knitters are guilty of this because yarn is pretty and squishy, if you know you know. You will need storage for your yarn collect so it does not get ruined. Most people put their yarn in a container, a plastic tote or a basket then put the container in a closet or cubby locker. Here are products that will keep your investment safe.

5. Crochet Hooks

Yes, you read that right. Most knitters carry around a crochet with them while knitting because it becomes an essential tool. Imagine knitting away on your project feeling good then when you look over your project you see something horrific. I mean ever knitters’ nightmare, a dropped stitch ten rows down! Usually that would mean frogging the project or adding a lifeline (read the article for more detail). If you do not want to frog or have the tools to add a lifeline; you can take your handy dandy crochet hook and “knit” the stitch to the point you are at. Trust me, you will be surprised with the results. If you prefer to start crochet, you will want a crochet hook comfortable in your hands. These hooks will work for all your crochet needs!

    6. Extra Yarn

One of the best skills you can learn in fiber arts is adding a lifeline or two throughout your project. A lifeline is putting a piece of scrap yarn thinner than your project and weave it through a row of stitches. Then when you see a dropped stitch or two; you can frog to the lifeline. It is a life saver! If you do not have extra yarn; I recommend crochet floss. Crochet floss is very thin and contrast with the yarn of your project.

    7.Yarn Bowls

You will spend time hand winding the yarn into a center pull cake or ball. You do not want it to roll all over the place as you knit or crochet. I strongly recommend investing in a yarn bowl because it will keep your yarn restricted to the bowl. Also, if your cat is like my cat, they will try to play with the yarn but will struggle to get it because of the height of the bowl. You can get a wooden one or a cutesy one like these. 

    8. Darning Needles and Stitch Markers

Okay, you have decided to go all in on your new craft and bought your materials. As you are looking at patterns, you are noticing a pattern; you need a darning needle and stitch markers. I bet you are saying, “I have darning needles, why do I need special ones for knitting or crocheting?” Darning needles for fiber arts has a large eye so the yarn can go through. You will need to invest in it because they will disappear easily in the house. Stitch markers are essential for every single project whether you need a visual to mark the beginning of the project or help you keep track of the number of stitches. Again, invest in them because they are one of the most useful tools.

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    9.Scissors

This is important and I wish I knew as a beginner knitter. PLEASE USE A DIFFERENT PAIR OF SCISSORS! The pair of scissors you have laying around the house could have dull blades and ruin the yarn of your project. No one wants to fray the yarn. This pair of scissors have been great for me!

10.Paper for Notes

Okay, you have finished your first project and now you want to document it. You want to remember the pattern, yarn, and the duration of the project. I recommend buying a journal or notebook big enough for however you want to keep your journal. I keep flashcards and post-its with little notes of a project. 

Lastly, I hope this guide will help your new hobby off with the right foot because I wish I knew these tools would be a notable change to my knitting ability. Thank you for reading and joining my corner of the internet.