As with all hobbies and crafts, you could spend a fortune buying all kinds of accessories when in reality, you only need a few basic pieces of equipment to start knitting.
Here I'll take you through what I consider to be the essential must have's for a beginner, as well as what items most knitters have in their stash, along with links to Amazon to purchase so you don't have to shop around, or if you're in lockdown and can't get to the shops. Of course, other stockists are available.
Knitting Needles
You know you’re going to need knitting needles, that goes without saying – but what kind?
If you’re brand new to knitting, I recommend Bamboo Needles as they are slightly grippy meaning your stitches are less likely to slip off, they’re comfortable to hold and work with, and they are are strong yet light in weight.
It’s always best to have an assortment of sizes for different yarn types.
Scissors
Unless you plan on gnawing on your yarn with your teeth, a pair of scissors is a must!
Scissors don’t have to be boring though, why not treat yourself to something pretty!
Tape Measure
The majority of patterns will tell you to knit your work until it measures a specified amount.
This is the set I use
Stationery
I find having a notepad (or paper) to hand useful to make notes on things like how many stitches I’ve cast on, what row I’ve ended on if I put my knitting down etc.
I also rely on using highlighters to mark on a printed pattern what row I’ve just knit – you won’t need these all the time, but they are useful to have.
Crochet Hook
A crochet hook is invaluable for when you make a mistake or drop a stitch (and you will!).
They’re also a great way to make cords, button loops and drawstrings.
You only really need one each of a small and large size for different types of yarn, but to get you started, I recommend a size 4mm hook.
You might want to purchase a smaller or larger size as you become a more confident knitter and know which weight of yarn you prefer to work with.
Needle Stoppers
These are great for when you want to put your knitting down or put it away in your bag. Pop a stopper on the end of your needles and your work won’t fall off.
They're also ideal to use when you first start working with DPNs (double pointed needles).
Not absolutely essential, but useful to have if you can.
Needle Size Gauge
A size gauge is useful if you’ve inherited a collection of needles that don’t have their size on. (If you’re buying all new needles, ensure you buy ones that show what size they are on each needle.)
If you’re not sure, having a gauge in your stash is always useful.
This is the one I have and use from time to time
Stitch Holders
As you find yourself knitting more complex patterns such as jumpers with sleeves, stitch holders are a vital piece of equipment.
They are also really handy if you have to rip your knitting back and need to pick up your stitches
So are they essential for a beginner? No, but if you want to put your work on pause and start a new project with the same needles, then they are useful to have.
Get a set of assorted sizes here :
Stitch Markers
I’ve included stitch markers in this list, purely because they were sent to me free with my stitch holders!
Personally, I don’t use the plastic ones, I prefer to use spare yarn, so I don’t think they’re necessary to have in your stash, but if you don’t like working with wool stitch markers, you will need a set of these when you start to knit with circular needles.
Get a set here :
Pins
You will use pins when you block your work – even if it’s just squares you knit to start with.
I recommend you use glass headed needles so that the pins don’t disappear into your work. Plus, the bigger the heads your pins have, the easier they are to see to pick up when you invariably drop them on the carpet!
Get some here :
Darning Needle
Darning needles are different to sewing needles as they have a rounded tip to avoid snagging on your yarn and much larger eyes to thread wool through. It’s absolutely essential you have at least one in your kit for sewing and weaving in your ends once your project is finished.
Get some here :
Finger Protector
As a beginner, you might find the top of your index finger getting sore from pushing your needle through your work, especially if you do lots of practice.
I love my finger protector and use it a lot, but I realise not everyone will have the need for one.
This is the one I use.
Some knitters swear by using a row counter, but personally, I inevitably forget to press the button and end up getting myself confused.
I prefer to use highlighter pens on a printed pattern, or I make a written note which row I’m pausing my project on.
There are a few different sorts of counters, including cylindrical ones that you slip onto the end of one of your knitting needles. A word of caution for a beginner, these types of counters can make one needle heavier and you might find the imbalance a bit frustrating. To that end, I recommend if you do invest in one, you get one of the handheld types.
Not an essential item to have, and only get yourself one if you think you are going to be disciplined at using it.
Get one here :
Knitting Needle Case
Knitting needle rolls, holders or bags are not an essential item for any knitter to own, but there are some lovely designs available from many stockists, and they make for a great present from friends or relatives!
Get one here :
I hope this list gives you an idea of what you will need to begin your knitting journey, but really, all you need to get started is a pair of needles and a ball of wool! You can invest in accessories once you know if you want to pursue knitting as a hobby.
