How to Get Started with Knitting: Tools, Yarn and First Projects
Knitting needs only two needles and some yarn, and a scarf or dishcloth can be finished in a few evenings. Here’s what to buy and how to start.
What you need
| Tool | Beginner recommendation |
|---|---|
| Needles | Straight needles, US 8–10 (5–6 mm), in bamboo or wood (less slippery) |
| Yarn | Smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn |
| Scissors | Any small, sharp pair |
| Tapestry needle | For weaving in the ends |
| Extras | Stitch markers and a tape measure |
Choosing your first yarn
- Weight: worsted or aran (medium) is easiest to see and handle.
- Color: light, solid colors make stitches easy to see.
- Fiber: wool is forgiving and elastic; cotton is great for dishcloths but less stretchy.
- Avoid at first: fuzzy, novelty, very dark or very thin yarns.
The four skills to learn first
- Cast on – putting the first stitches on the needle (the long-tail cast-on is a popular method).
- Knit stitch – the foundation of everything.
- Purl stitch – the reverse of a knit stitch.
- Bind off – finishing your piece so it doesn’t unravel.
With just the knit stitch you can make “garter stitch” fabric. Alternating knit and purl rows creates the smooth “stockinette” look.
Easy first projects
| Project | Skills | Why it’s good |
|---|---|---|
| Dishcloth | Knit stitch | Small, fast, practical |
| Garter-stitch scarf | Knit stitch | Builds rhythm and even tension |
| Simple hat on circular needles | Knit, purl, decreasing | A natural next step |
Common beginner problems
- Tight stitches: relax your grip and knit on the thicker part of the needle.
- Extra stitches appearing: check you aren’t wrapping the yarn over the needle by accident.
- Dropped stitches: a crochet hook helps pick them back up.
Where to learn
Video tutorials are ideal for seeing hand movements, and many local yarn shops and libraries run beginner classes. Online communities are great for pattern ideas once you’re comfortable.
The bottom line
Buy one pair of medium wooden needles and a ball of smooth, light worsted yarn, learn to knit and purl, and make a dishcloth. You’ll have the basics for most beginner patterns.