Choosing Knitting Tools

Learn about choosing knitting tools for beginners learning to knit in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Learn about choosing knitting tools for beginners learning to knit in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

After picking out your yarn and knitting needles, you will have one last task: choosing knitting tools. To complete a knitting project for beginners, you will need sharp scissors and a darning needle. Later, when you start making more complex knitting projects, you may also need stitch markers and stitch holders.

Scissors

Choose sharp sewing scissors (precision tip scissors) to clip yarn after knitting a project - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

At the end of a knitting project, you will need to free your work from the ball by cutting the yarn. While there are several gadgets designed to clip yarn, scissors are the most versatile cutting tool to put in your knitting bag. “Sewing” or “precision tip” scissors work best to trim yarn, as they are small and easy to maneuver.

Be sure you choose very sharp scissors. Dull scissors tend to fray the yarn ends, making them difficult to thread through the eye of a darning needle. To help your scissors stay sharp for a long time, do not use them for anything other than snipping yarn and thread.

You can find my favorite precision tip scissors on Amazon.com at this affiliate link: Fiskars Scissor 5″ Micro Tip Fashion Berry.

Darning Needles

Darning needles help you weave in your loose ends after knitting a project - learn about tapestry and darning needles in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

After you have cut your project away from the ball, you will be left with dangling yarn tails. You will weave them into your project using a darning needle. These needles look just like a sewing needle but are much larger. They have blunted tips that will not snag your yarn. Sometimes, darning needles are sometimes referred to as “tapestry needles;” however, tapestry needles usually have bent tips. Whether the manufacturer calls it a “darning needle” or a “tapestry needle,” as a beginner, you will want to choose a straight, blunted needle with an eye large enough to thread your yarn through.

You can find a set of blunt-tipped darning needles on Amazon.com at this affiliate link: Hekisn Large-Eye Blunt Needles

Stitch Markers

Stitch markers help you keep track of your place in knitted rows. Learn more about stitch markers in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Many knitting patterns you read will recommend you use a “stitch marker.” This is a small clip, ring, or piece of string used to keep track of your place while knitting. Stitch markers can be slipped onto your needles to mark an endpoint, or they can be clipped onto a specific stitch to keep track of it. Common stitch markers look like plastic safety pins. You also can find a variety of decorative stitch markers, some looking like small rings, others like lever-back earrings. Try to find stitch markers that clip open and closed, as this type of marker can be removed from your work more easily.

You can find a set of stitch markers on Amazon.com at this affiliate link: Locking Stitch Markers

Stitch Holders

Stitch holders take stitches off your knitting needles and save them for later knitting. Learn about stitch holders in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Though they can be similarly shaped, stitch holders are much larger than stitch markers. Stitch holders are used to slide stitches off your knitting needles so that you can work them later. This technique is especially helpful in shaping thumbs on gloves and arms on sweaters.

When a stitch holder is not available, you can sometimes substitute a piece of yarn as a stitch holder. Using a darning needle, you can slip stitches onto a bit of leftover yarn, then tie the yarn ends together to secure the stitches in place temporarily.

You can find stitch holders on Amazon.com at this affiliate link: Stitch Holders Assorted Colors

Materials for Your First Knitting Project

In most knitting patterns, you will see a “materials” section, which lists the specific tools you will need to make each project. When in doubt about what yarn or tools to get, always check your pattern for a supply list.


Tools to Knit a Face Scrubby or Scarf

If you are following my Learn to Knit Guide, you will start with a small Face Scrubby or Beginner Scarf. Both projects require the same tools. You can find knitting tools at most craft stores or on Amazon by using the affiliate links below:

Face Scrubby Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Now that you have your tools, you can start knitting. Start with my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern for a small first knitting project.

Scarf Knitting Pattern

Beginner knit scarf, free easy knitting pattern from PurlsAndPixels

Or, to start with something a little larger, you can make my free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern. Find it here.


Learn about tools for knitting in this beginner lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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Learn to make a slip knot then put it on a knitting needle, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Once you’ve picked up your knitting supplies you can start learning to knit! The first step is to make a “slipknot” in your yarn. The next lesson will show you how.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Choosing Knitting Needles

Learn about choosing knitting needles in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Learn about choosing knitting needles in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Once you have chosen your yarn, you will have another big decision to make before you can start learning to knit: what kind of knitting needles will you use?

Choosing Knitting Needles

Pick out your first set of knitting needles with this lesson about choosing knitting needles for beginners from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

There are a few kinds of knitting needles to choose from: straight needles, circular needles, and double point needles. Most knitting needles come in a variety of materials, including wood, bamboo, and metal. Try a few different types of needles to decide what feels the most comfortable to you.

Types of Knitting Needles

Straight Needles

Learn what straight knitting needles are and how they are used in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

When most people think of knitting needles, they think of straight needles. These are two matching rods, often pictured sticking out of a ball of yarn. One end of each needle has a sharpened tip. The other end has a knob, which keeps the yarn from slipping off. Straight needles come in varying lengths, which allow you to make larger or smaller items more comfortably, depending on the needs of your project. These needles are useful for making flat pieces of fabric. You can craft scarves, blankets, washcloths, and dishcloths with straight knitting needles. You can also knit flat pieces that can be sewn together to create a garment like a sweater.

Circular Needles

Learn what circular knitting needles are and how they are used in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

More unusual looking, but also more versatile, are circular knitting needles. Most circular needles have a flexible cord that connects the sharp working points of the needles. You can use circular needles to knit flat pieces of fabric like washcloths and scarves. You can also create seamless knitted tubes to make things like hats, sweaters, mittens, and socks. Circular knitting needles are made in different lengths; the longer the needles, the more stitches you can knit. Shorter circular needles are perfect for hats and smaller accessories. Longer knitting needles are useful for projects like knit sweaters and blankets.

Double Point Needles

Learn what double point knitting needles ("DPNs") are and how they are used in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Double point needles (DPNs) are straight rods with sharpened points on either end. This allows you to knit with both sides of the needle. DPNs are mainly used for knitting smaller items that are tube-shaped, such as gloves, leg warmers, and baby hats. A package of DPNs typically comes with set of five identical needles. You will use at least three needles to hold your stitches and one needle to work into the yarn and make your next row. Often, especially in more simple patterns, the fifth needle is not used at all.

Metal or Wooden Knitting Needles

Should you choose metal, wood, or bamboo knitting needles? Learn how to decide in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

You can buy your needles in several different materials, most notable of which are metal, wood, and bamboo. Metal needles maintain their sharpness longer and are less prone to breakage than wooden and bamboo needles. On the other hand, wooden and bamboo needles are slightly less slippery than metal knitting needles; this means your knit stitches will not fall off them as easily as they might with a set of metal needles. Wooden and bamboo needles also make less noise as you work, minimizing the “clink” sound made as the needles come together. Bamboo weighs the least of the three materials, making these needles noticeably lighter, especially in larger sizes.

Knitting Needle Size

Learn about knitting needle sizing in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Most knitting needles are assigned a United States Number (US No.) and a millimeter (mm) measurement. The abbreviations “US,” “No.” or “US No.” are used to refer to the “American” knitting needle system which assigns a number to each needle size.

The millimeter measurement refers to the “diameter” or distance across the center of the knitting needle. For example, a US No. 7 / 4.5 mm needle has a diameter of 4.5 mm.

Most yarn labels suggest a needle to match the yarn weight, so referring to the packaging is a great place to start when choosing a needle size. You will also see recommended needle sizes for each type of yarn on the Crafty Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System chart.

Starter Knitting Needles

When selecting your first knitting needles, think about what your current project needs and what will be useful in your future knitting.

Long circular needles made of bamboo are great for beginners. Learn why in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Metal needles, especially those of high quality, can last a lifetime and may never need to be replaced. Bamboo or wooden needles, on the other hand, can be easier for beginners to use, since they grip the yarn a bit better than a metal needle.

Circular needles are more versatile and can be used for many projects in the future since you can knit both flat and circular pieces with them.

Selecting a US No. 7 (4.5 mm) sized needle will allow you to make all the washcloth and face scrubby patterns in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection.

If all these choices have you muddled, my recommendation for a first set of knitting needles a 36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) bamboo circular knitting needle (Amazon affiliate link).

When you are following a pattern, remember to consult the materials list to find the correct knitting needles for the project.


Needles to Knit a Face Scrubby

If you are following my Learn to Knit Guide, you will start with a small Face Scrubby. Choose between straight needles or long circular needles, then select a US No 7 (4.5 MM) size. You can find knitting needles at most craft stores and on Amazon by using the affiliate links below:

Choose between straight knitting needles or long circular needles for beginner knitters.

*Bamboo or wooden needles may be easier than metal for beginners.

Face Scrubby Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You will also need a knitting pattern to get started. You can find my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern. I suggest this for your very first knitting project because it is very small and simple; you’ll have a finished project quickly.


Needles to Knit a Scarf

To start learning to knit with a scarf instead, you will need to choose a US No. 8 (5.0 mm) sized needles. You can also choose between straight and long circular needles for the Beginner Knit Scarf project. You can find knitting needles at most craft stores and on Amazon by using the affiliate links below:

Choose between straight knitting needles or long circular needles for beginner knitters.

*Bamboo or wooden needles may be easier than metal for beginners.

Scarf Knitting Pattern

Beginner knit scarf, free easy knitting pattern from PurlsAndPixels

You will also need my free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern. Find it here.


Learn about knitting needle types and how to pick out needles for beginners in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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Choosing Yarn for Knitting

Learn about choosing yarn for beginner knitting projects in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Learn about choosing yarn for beginner knitting projects in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

When you start gathering your materials, choosing yarn for knitting will be one of your first and most exciting tasks.

First, a bit of vocabulary to help you get started: a ball of yarn is often called a “skein.” You will see that word come up a lot in knitting, so it’s best to know it from the beginning.

Choosing Yarn

Learn to choose yarn for beginner knitting projects in this lesson with Liz Chandler@PurlsAndPixels.

While picking out yarn can be one of the most exciting parts of knitting, it can also be intimidating. From basic wool to luxurious silk blends, there are countless types of yarn to choose from. Yarn strands can be thick, thin, and everywhere in between. And you can find yarn in almost every shade in the rainbow; some created in bulk by machines, and some handcrafted with natural and plant-based dyes. Learning about yarn sizing (“yarn weight”) and the materials from which yarn is made can help make choosing yarn much less overwhelming.   

Yarn Weight

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of each strand of yarn - learn more in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

When you first hear the term “yarn weight” you may think of putting yarn on a scale and measuring it in ounces or grams. However, in knitting and other fiber arts, “yarn weight” is a term that refers to the thickness (or thinness) of each strand of yarn.

The Crafty Yarn Council has standardized yarn weights in a convenient chart called the “Standard Yarn Weight System.” This system organizes yarn into categories based on weight (strand thickness). This chart can help you determine what kind of yarn you will need for your project. You can find it at the Crafty Yarn Council’s website:  http://craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html.

Learn how to find out what weight yarn you have in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

To find out the weight of your yarn, start with the yarn label. Almost every yarn label has the yarn’s weight listed. Many packages note the weight by displaying a “yarn weight symbol.” Those symbols look like little balls of yarn with numbers on them; the number represents the thickness of the yarn.

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of each strand of yarn - learn more in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Yarn weights range from 0 to 7. Yarns with a weight of 0 are thinnest, while yarns with a weight of 7 are the thickest. The weight symbol is often placed on the label of yarn you will purchase. Not only does the symbol indicate the thickness of the yarn you are looking at, but also can give you a guide on whether it is suitable for the project you wish to make.

Midweight Yarn

Choosing yarn for knitting - what is worsted weight yarn? Find out in this beginner knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

One of the most commonly available yarn weights is Medium (4) Yarn; it is often called “worsted” weight yarn. Worsted weight (4) yarn is a mid-weight yarn that is suitable for a variety of craft projects. The thickness of this yarn makes it is nice for basic garments like hats, mittens, scarves, and blankets. The wide availability of worsted weight yarn can also be quite useful. You will frequently find basic worsted weight yarn in big box and bulk crafts stores. It is also often handmade by boutique yarn sellers in luxurious materials and a rainbow of colors. Because of its versatility, I recommend worsted weight yarn for beginners.

Thin Yarn

What to do with lightweight thin yarn - a knitting lesson for beginners from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Yarn weights smaller than 4 are thinner than worsted weight yarn. These yarns take longer to knit into clothing, since you will need to make more stitches to create the same sized garment. Your final product with a thinner weight yarn will also be thinner, making light (3), fine (2), superfine (1) and lace (0) yarns perfect for garments like socks, shawls, and lace. Finer yarns are often made of luxury fibers like silk, angora, or alpaca; because knitters spend more time on a pattern made with thin yarn, many prefer to work in higher quality materials for these projects.

Thick Yarn

What to do with heavyweight thick yarn - a knitting lesson for beginners from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Heavier weight yarns (5, 6, and 7) will knit into final projects much more quickly. Because each stitch will be larger, when made with a thicker yarn, fewer stitches are required to make a project with chunky and bulky yarn. A finished project in this type of yarn will also be much thicker than those made on thinner yarns. The larger the yarn weight number, the bulkier your item will be. People often craft chunky knitted clothing and accessories from bulky (5) and super bulky (6) yarn. Jumbo (7) is usually best suited for oversized blankets, rugs, and other home décor projects.

Yarn Material

When you start looking for your first ball or “skein” of yarn, you will find that there are numerous materials from which yarn is made. Acrylic, wool, and cotton are frequently used yarn materials and can be very cost effective. Fancier materials such as alpaca, silk, and bamboo are usually spun into beautiful luxury yarns. Often, yarn is created by combining different materials.

Choosing yarn for beginner knitters - wool yarn is biodegradable - learn more in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Yarn Cost

The price of yarn can vary greatly, even among yarn made of similar materials. Different factors impact yarn price. Some materials, like alpaca and angora, are more expensive because it is more difficult to acquire the extra-soft wool. Yarn that has been hand-spun or hand-dyed tends to be priced higher, since it requires much more labor and artistic ability.

Learn how to pick out yarn for beginner knitting projects in this lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Yarn price can also be affected by the amount of yarn that a company can produce at once. Less expensive yarns are generally made by larger companies, which can produce larger quantities of yarn. Each batch of yarn that is colored at the same time is called a “dye-lot.” Because “cheaper” yarns are often made in bulk, they can have large or no “dye-lots.” A bulk yarn maker can create more skeins of yarn that are perfectly matched than a smaller craft yarn maker would be able to make. As a result, yarn made in bulk with large dye-lots is usually much less expensive.

Having yarn available in larger or no dye-lots is useful because it ensures better access to the correct color. For example, if you underestimate the amount of yarn you need for a specific project, you can get more of the exact color you need; this is not usually possible with yarn that is dyed in smaller batches. And while the materials used in less expensive yarn tend to be less unique, it does not necessarily mean they are always of lower quality. If “fancy” yarn is not in your budget, you can still find plenty of soft, beautiful, and economical yarn to work with.

Choosing Yarn for a Knitting Project

The yarn you choose should always depend on what you are making.

Hats, mittens, scarves, and other items of clothing turn out well when made in acrylic or wool yarns. Both acrylic and wool are stretchy, warm, and do not tend to hold water and moisture. Acrylic yarn is often softer, can last longer, and your finished piece will not be eaten by moths. However, acrylic is simply another name for plastic, so classic sheep’s wool is a more environmentally friendly option for a cost-effective clothing yarn.

Cotton yarn is biodegradable and absorbent, making it great for washcloths - learn more about choosing yarn for knitting projects in this Lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

If you plan to make washcloths, towels, or anything else that should be absorbent, choose a cotton-based yarn. Keep in mind that cotton does not stretch like wool and acrylic, so do not expect the things you knit with a cotton yarn to have a huge amount of give.

Starter Yarns

When you start learning to knit, you will probably have to throw out some yarn. The string will tangle. You will drop a stitch off the needles. You will make mistakes. That is ok! It is part of the learning process. With any luck, you will be able to salvage practice projects to reuse the yarn. But, in case your yarn becomes hopelessly tangled, you may want to save the fancy yarns for later. Starting with an economical ball of yarn may save you some heartache if your yarn gets damaged while you are learning.  


Yarn to Knit a Face Scrubby

If you are following my Learn to Knit Guide, you will start with a small Face Scrubby. Select a worsted weight yarn made of cotton in any color you like. You do not have to choose a solid color; multi-colored yarn looks nice, as well. You can find cotton yarn at most craft stores and on Amazon by using the affiliate link below:

Face Scrubby Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You will also need a knitting pattern to get started. You can find my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern. I suggest this for your very first knitting project because it is very small and simple; you’ll have a finished project quickly.


Yarn to Knit a Scarf

If you want to invest a little more time in your first knitting project, a Beginner Knit Scarf is made in the same way as a Face scrubby, but it is larger. If you’d rather start learning to knit with a scarf, you will need the following yarn (Amazon affiliate links below):

Caron Simply Soft yarn is a great acrylic yarn for beginner knitters learning to make a scarf - knitting lessons from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Scarf Knitting Pattern

Beginner knit scarf, free easy knitting pattern from PurlsAndPixels

You will also need my free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern. Find it here.


Learn how to pick out your first yarn for learning to knit in this lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index