Starting or getting back into knitting doesn’t need to feel like a big deal, or cost much. A few basic tools and a bit of patience, are enough to get going. I hadn’t knitted for years and now I’m hooked again.

1. Yarn: keep it simple

Walking into a yarn shop can feel like entering a sweet shop… with no clue where to start.

For beginners:

• Choosing a yarn, start with a double Knit (DK) or a Chunky, always keeping it simple.
• Look for, soft smooth yarns (avoid fluffy or fuzzy textures at first)
• Go for light colours, so you can easily see your stitches, trust me on this!

Tip: Acrylic or wool blends are affordable and easy to work with as a beginner.

2. Knitting needles: your main tool

Not all needles are created equal but you don’t need a huge collection to start.

Begin with:

• Size 4.5mm – 5.5mm (US 7–9)
• Straight needles (classic and beginner-friendly). Knitting in the round is such a trend atm, but lets keep it simple and use straight needles for now
• A Needle bag for me was essential but as a beginner use whichever bag you have to hand, or treat yourself to a new one….

3. Scissors: nothing fancy needed

• A small pair of scissors is all you need for cutting yarn. As I also sew, my favourites are Fiskars but be careful they’re sharp!

4. Tapestry needle: for finishing

Start of with:

• Large eye blunt needle
• I’ve just bought a bent tapestry needle, and I’m amazed at how much easier it’s made sewing up my knitting projects

5. Stitch markers: optional but helpful

These markers help keep track of your stitches, especially useful once you move beyond scarves.

No markers? Use:

• Paper clips
• I have also used small loops of yarn in the past but have now treated myself to some stitch markers

6. Measuring tape: a must have

Knitting isn’t just creative, it’s also a little bit mathematical I have used all types even my husbands metal one. I find the retractable ones the most easiest to use.

A measuring tape helps you:

• Check your project size
• Keep things consistent

7. Stitch holders: super handy!

Stitch holders are like safety pins for your knitting, they keep stitches safe when you’re not ready to work them yet. Prym is a great brand, no worries about the holders coming undone like mine do!

You’ll use them for:

• Pausing part of a project (like sleeves on a jumper)
• Holding stitches while you work on another section

8. Row counter: a great addition to your tools

I find it it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of where I am especially if I’m watching TV, I’m using a pad and pen at the moment, which reminds me I must buy a row counter!! You can also get simple click counters, digital ones, and look at this bougie ring counter. I’ve just downloaded the ‘My Row Counter’ app, if anyone’s used it before I’d love to hear how you got on.

A row counter helps you:

• Keep track of how many rows you’ve knitted
• Stay on track with patterns
• Avoid the dreaded “wait… where was I?” moment

Tip: No counter? Just tally rows on paper or use your phone notes!

9. Knitting bag: keep it all together

Once you’ve got your supplies, you’ll want somewhere to keep everything organised, and portable, so you can knit anywhere.

Look for something with:

• Separate compartments
• A bit of structure (so it doesn’t collapse)
• Enough space for your current project
• Large supermarket bags are great for your WIP (Work in Progress) but don’t be surprised if you find things hard to find, which is why a bag with compartments is a good idea. I bought this bag which is a great size, well made and has lots of compartments.

What you don’t need (yet)

It’s easy to get carried away buying tools, but you can skip:

• Fancy interchangeable needle sets
• Multiple yarn types
• Complicated accessories

Start small, you can always build your kit later.