Knitting & Crochet Supplies for Beginners

In depth

Let’s start by looking at the essentials when you're just beginning to explore knitting and crochet. It can seem overwhelming with all the different types of yarn, needles, hooks, and accessories available, but really, a few core items will get you started without breaking the bank. Don’t worry about buying everything at once; focus on building a small collection that covers the basics. The most important thing is to choose materials that feel comfortable in your hands – particularly if you're new to it, this can make all the difference.

First up, let’s talk yarn. Wool is often recommended for beginners because it has some “memory,” meaning it tends to spring back into shape after being stretched or folded, which can be helpful when learning basic stitches. However, wool can also felt – a process where the fibres interlock permanently and make the yarn stiff – so avoid vigorous washing at first. Acrylic yarn is an excellent, affordable alternative that doesn’t felt as easily and comes in a huge range of colours and textures. Cotton is another good choice, especially for warmer weather projects, but it's generally less forgiving than wool or acrylic. When considering the weight of your yarn, you’ll often see terms like ‘DK’ (double knit) or ‘worsted’. Worsted is a common gauge – think of it as roughly the thickness of a pencil – and DK is slightly finer. For beginners, worsted is usually easiest to work with because the stitches are larger and easier to see.

Next, you'll need some needles or hooks. Knitting uses straight needles, which come in various lengths and materials like wood, metal, or plastic. Crochet uses a hook, which is essentially a looped tool for pulling yarn through fabric. For knitting, consider a pair of wooden needles – they’re generally easier to grip than metal ones, especially when you're starting out. A good size to begin with would be 8mm (US Size 8) or 9mm (US Size 9), as these are versatile and work well with most yarn weights. With crochet hooks, a size H/8 (5.0 mm) or I/9 (5.5 mm) hook is a good starting point. Again, the material isn't crucial at this stage; choose what feels comfortable in your hand.

Now, let’s consider notions – these are the small tools and accessories that make knitting and crochet easier. You’ll need some form of stitch marker to denote where you left off when you put down your project (these little plastic rings simply slip onto the yarn). Scissors are essential for cutting yarn ends, and a yarn needle (a large-eyed blunt needle) is used for weaving in those loose ends at the end of your work. You might also want to invest in a cable or tapestry needle – these have very fine needles that you can use to pass thread through fabric, which can be useful for attaching buttons or embellishments later on. Don’t worry about buying a large assortment of notions; start with the basics and add more as you need them.

It's perfectly normal to encounter some jargon when learning to knit or crochet – terms like “gauge,” “yarn weight,” "purl stitch," and "knit stitch" can seem confusing at first. Gauge refers to how many stitches and rows you get per inch of knitted fabric; it’s important for ensuring your finished project will be the correct size. Yarn weight is, as we've already discussed, a measure of the yarn’s thickness. The ‘purl stitch’ is one of the fundamental stitches in knitting, creating a different texture than the knit stitch – you’ll learn these gradually through tutorials and practice. Don’t feel pressured to understand everything immediately; focus on mastering the basic stitches first.

Finally, there are some accessories that can be helpful but aren't strictly essential for your initial purchases. Things like stitch counters (to keep track of rows or rounds), yarn bowls (to hold your yarn while you knit), and ergonomic needle holders (designed to reduce hand strain) can all be beneficial, but they’re really things you might consider later once you've established a routine and are working on larger projects. A simple project bag to carry your supplies is also useful – it keeps everything organised. Prioritise the essentials: yarn, needles/hooks, stitch markers, scissors, and a yarn needle. Everything else can come gradually as you gain confidence and discover what works best for you.