Knitting can be a very rewarding hobby. Not only is it a great way to make your own unique clothes, but it is also great for relaxing, and it has been scientifically proven to have numerous cognitive benefits. However, if you are new to this activity, it can seem very overwhelming at first. You will have to build up your dexterity, learn how to read patterns and much more. But before you complicate your life with too much information, let’s take things easy and start with some basic supplies that you will need to get started.
1. Needles
This is the most important supply that you will need to get started. Our advice is to start with straight needles, preferably in a bigger size, as it is easier to work with bigger needles and thick yarn. Later on, as your skills improve and you can handle more complex stitches, you can try smaller needles and thinner yarn. Usually, if you follow a certain pattern when you knit, the pattern should specify the type of needles that you will need. For beginner patterns, the most popular needles are 13/9 mm. As far as the material goes, for beginner patterns, plastic needles are your best choice. Plastic needles are also the best choice for lose stitch work and thick yarn. As your skills improve, you can upgrade to wooden needles, which are more expensive, but they are easier to work with. For very complex stiches, you will need thin metal needles.
2. Yarn
Aside, from the needles, you will also need some quality yarn for your knitting projects. Again, if you follow a certain pattern, it should dictate the type of yarn that you should use. Nonetheless, if you knit randomly, you can play with different types of yarn. Most beginner knitters start with basic wool, as it is very affordable and quite easy to work with. However, wool is not the most comfortable fabric to wear as it is prone to pilling, and it is also a little itchy. For a softer feel and an increased durability, consider Malabrigo yarn. This is a higher quality yarn made from merino wool, which is softer, more durable, and it has greater insulating properties, so it can be used for different types of garments. For unique garments, choose hand-dyed Malabrigo yarn, with different ombre patterns. You may also be tempted to work with more luxurious fabrics like silk or cashmere. While these fabrics have a great feel, they are quite difficult to work with, so they are not recommended for beginners. Try to stick to basic yarns like wool, cotton or synthetic fibers until you master the art of knitting, and then you can move on to more sophisticated fabrics.
3. Stitch markers
These knitting accessories can be very useful for beginners. They work in a very simple way. You just place the marker over the stitch that you need to remember and then you continue your normal stitch work. While you work, the marker slips back and forth between the needles. They can be very helpful for remembering special knitting areas like borders.
4. A couple of stitch counters
Depending on the complexity of your pattern, you can use one or two counters. In most situations, you will probably use just one for counting stitches, but some patterns may also require you to count rows. The counters work in a very simple manner. You just slip them onto your needles, and change the number when you finish the row or the stitch. Just make sure to pick counters that match the size of your needles.
5. Measuring tape
You probably already have a measuring tape somewhere around your house, but if you don’t, you will definitely need one for your knitting projects. It is very useful for knitting scarves or blankets, for when you have to measure the length of your project. You can also use it for measuring your gauge.