Knitting? What do I need?

Question

What items do I need to start knitting? I would like to learn how to knit and am wondering what supplies I might need. I realize that I will need yarn and knitting needles. What are some good brands and types of yarn, needles, or anything else I might need? Thanks!

The closest craft stores are at least an hours drive from where I am.

Answer 1

At various online yarn shops, you can purchase a learn-to-knit kit. I'd recommend that, as it comes with clear beginners' instructions, needles in the correct size, and appropriate yarn for the beginner. I've been knitting over 15 years and still prefer to work with "beginners' yarn" myself. I love it. It's so easy to use.

Pleeeeease don't start with real wool or mohair or angora or stuff like that. With many of the furry and/or fuzzy yarn types, you can't unravel your mistakes! With plain old acrylic Red Heart yarn (Super Saver or small skeins that come in tons of nice colors -- and a few ugly ones, too) you can undo your project back to a mistake and fix it. With some of the fancier ones, you're stuck. I still love to use the plain yarn because it's easy to work with and once I've made something, it goes right into the washer and dryer on warm or medium and comes out beautifully. I would personally recommend Red Heart yarns of any type, once you're comfortable knitting, because Red Heart is the only brand with which I have never had any 'surprises.' A garment made with Bernat shrunk. Another brand fell apart after a year or so. Still others don't hold their shape well through laundering, even when their directions are followed to a T. Go with Red Heart. I love their Light and Lofty, but would not recommend starting with it because you can't undo mistakes. (As a beginner, plan on making a few. As long as you don't make the same mistake more than a few times, you'll be fine.)

To find the online yarn shops, I've used Google. Go to www.google.com and type "beginners' knitting kit" or some such thing into the search box that comes up. You'll get some good leads. Annie's Attic is the only online yarn shop whose name I recall off the top of my head.

When your kit arrives, plan some time to get used to knitting. Put on some calming music and have a place where you can sit comfortably and still have a book open nearby. I enjoy knitting very much, and hope you do, too.

Once you knit comfortably, go back to Google and look for a free knitting pattern for fingerless mittens or for slippers. Your friends and relatives may well appreciate those for Christmas. Neither project takes terribly long, once you're comfortable with the process. I had fun with the fingerless mitten pattern myself.

Answer 2

I recently started knitting too. If you can, I would recommend going to a knitting shop and getting lessons. They really help. You can get kits at Hancocks that include instructions, needles and yarn to get started with. I absolutely love knitting, but would be nowhere near the level I am now if I hadn't taken lessons. I started just a few months ago and now I've knitted multiple scarves, learned to cable, knitted a dog sweater, an evening purse and am now working a a felted purse. Go for it!

Answer 3

You should go to Walmart and buy MainStays 100% acrylic 4-ply worsted weight yarn, there are many colors to choose from it's easy to work with. And for that yarn I would suggest size 10.5 needles (don't worry about the brand), I know it's not the recommended needle size but they very comfortable for beginners and in my oppinion they work better with that yarn. You should start with a light/medium colored yarn as it's eaier to see what you doing or have done and it makes it easier to see and correct your mistakes (if you make any). There isn't really much else you need to buy other than a tapestry needle and scissors. You could always ask who ever is working in the "craft" section for help if you need it. I left an answer for your other question you asked about learning how to knit. Hope this helps you. Goodluck

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Knitting? What do I need?
What items do I need to start knitting? I would like to learn how to knit and am wondering what supplies I might need. I realize that I will need yarn and knitting needles. What are some good brands and types of yarn, needles, or anything else I might need? Thanks!

Answer 5

Size 8 needles are a good size to start with. Red Heart is a very good brand of yarn. If you don't have the time to drive the hour to your nearest craft store, ask a friend if you can borrow a set of their needles and buy a roll of yarn from them. Just an idea!!!! There are websites where you can order what you need!! and get tips for what you will need

Answer 6

You really need very little. And you can get it all on line, easily and quickly at places like www.patternworks.com.

Circular needles provide the best flexibility and are easiest on your hands...especially bamboo ones. Yes, it's true, things like Red Heart and Caron yarn are readily available, but they're HORRIBLE. They feel like sandpaper and it's not worth the effort you put into learning something to end up with a garment that already looks worn and yucky.

Wool like Brown Sheep is VERY affordable. Even more so, check out www.elann.com or www.knitpicks.com. They have GREAT quality yarns, free patterns, and prices that start at like $2.00/skein.

Stitch markers and stitch holders are great to have on hand. Markers make it less necessary in some cases to have to COUNT and they're super-cheap. You can use a paper clip or a loop of contrasting yarn, but it's just nice to have the little plastic circles instead...they're easier.

Answer 7

get yourself a knitting for beginners book which you'll have to go to your local craft store to get and joining a class is a good idea, but if the book u buy has plenty of pictures for the stitches u should be alright ubtil u get the hang of it. Just remember to buy the type of yarn the pattern calls for and the right size needles until u feel like u know what u r doing. Also stay with simple patterns, scarves and such, until u feel comfortable with what u r doing and dont get discourage, knitting is easy once u get the hang of it and then u can teach yourself to crochet. dont give up and good luck

Answer 8

Cashmere yarn....or lambs wool
get a higher end Knitting needle and a book
Knitting for Ninnies' (a beginners guide)
you'll need it. . .

Answer 9

Everyone gave you great answers...so I'm not going to duplicate them.

But here's a great idea for getting cheaper yarn. Search the bargain isle at your local craft store. I found 100% cotton yarn (for dishcloths) for $.50 cents in great colors.

The $.99 cent store (of all places) had yarn for sale too!

Last, but not least, you can find scraps of yarn in some thrift shop craft sections. This is where I get my yarn if I'm making a scrap afghan. You don't find the fancy yarn...nor do you find alot. But for a great blanket that you can throw into the wash time/time again. This is a great (frugal) option.

Just some ideas.
Love,
Ang

Answer 10

wHEN i STARTED KNITTING AS A CHILD i GOT THE LARGEST NEEDLES ANY BRAND WILL DO-THE BIGGER THE NUMBER THE LARGER THE SIZE, ALSO A BASIC LEARN TO KNIT BOOK, THERE ARE MANY NOW TO CHOOSE FROM AND AND PLAIN YARN NO SPECIALTY JUST KNITTED WOESTED SUCH AS RED HEART, KNITTING IS PRETTY EASY AND i'M SURE THERE ARE WEB SITES YOU CAN CHECK ON TOO