First Things First

Before you begin to learn how to knit, you'll need a set of knitting needles and a good ball of yarn. When you are shopping for these items, keep in mind that there are a few other things you'll need as well.

Essential tools for every knitter's bag

Needle sizer/stitch gauge - for measuring needles and gauge
Retractable/flexible tape measure - for measuring stuff
Stitch markers - to keep track of stitches
Row counter - to keep track in patterns
Crochet hook - for rescuing dropped stitches
Tapestry needle - to weave in ends
Little scissors - for snipping ends of yarn
Pencil - to take notes on patterns

(Click on the picture to download the free pattern for the Berrocco Suede Knitting Tote!)

The Important Little Details

Knitting Needles

You'll find more types of knitting needles than ever imaginable. They come in almost 20 different sizes and a multitude of materials and styles. Below are the most common materials and styles that you'll encounter.

	Materials	Styles
	Bamboo Metal Plastic Wood	Single Point Double Point Circular

What's the difference?

Woolworks.com describes in great detail the differences between the materials and various styles of needles.

So which do I want?

KnittersReview.com gives benefits and drawbacks to these listed materials and more!

What size should I get?

The size of your needle depends on the weight of your yarn. Unless you are following a pattern with a given needle size, just use the size suggested on the label. If there is a range of sizes, keep this in mind: If you knit tightly, go with a larger size, if you knit loosely, go with a smaller size.

Alisa's Pick

Pink Denise If you're ready to invest in your newfound hobby, I suggest buying an interchangeable needle set like the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles or the Options Interchangeable Needle Set (in wood or metal). Although they may seem expensive, these sets are often the best bang for your buck! They come with the most common needle sizes and because you can knit nearly everything on circular needles, a set like this will provide you with every needle you need! (Except in a few special circumstances).

Yarn

For as many different kinds of needles, there are even more types of yarn! They come in different weights, types, and fibers.

Keep in mind that the best yarn with which to learn is often the most simple and plain yarn. Yarns that are fuzzy make it difficult to see your stitches.

For more information on specifics of yarn, go to the Yarn page.

Great Resources for Beginners

Online Instruction

KnittingHelp.com

BEST overall knitting website. Has instructional videos for every step from casting on to binding off. Includes videos for both continental and english-style knitters.

Learn-to-knit.com

Shows detailed drawings of casting on, knitting, and purling for both right-hand knitting AND left-hand knitting!

Instructional Books

(Quick note about WorldCat: Type in your zip code to see which nearby libraries carry the book. Or if you prefer to buy the item, you can buy it from WorldCat and your purchase will help support a library of your choice!)