As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us scribble down resolutions like “go to the gym” or “eat healthier.” But what if this year, you resolve to do something that doesn’t require spandex or saying goodbye to your favorite snacks? Enter knitting – the New Year’s resolution that’s both productive and forgiving of your occasional snack attack.
Cozy and Good For You
In a world spinning faster than a knitter’s yarn, picking up those needles offers a relaxing break from life’s chaos. Picture this: you, cocooned in a comfy chair, needles clacking away like a tiny percussion section, while everyone else is stuck in traffic. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a magical retreat that says, “Sorry, I’m on ‘knit’ time.”
Apart from fashioning fabulous scarves and blankets, knitting is like a personal Zen garden. Studies rave about its stress-busting powers and ability to lower blood pressure. While others are in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, you’ll be in your happy place, creating something utterly ‘knit-credible.’
And let’s not forget the knitting community – it’s basically a secret society disguised as a craft circle. Join one, and you’ll soon be swapping stories faster than a dropped stitch. It’s where rivalries over the best yarn blend turn into lifelong friendships.
Plus, knitting isn’t just a way to avoid buying mass-produced stuff; it’s the ultimate flex of creativity. From a simple scarf to the Picasso of sweaters, every project you finish is a high-five to your inner artist.
This year, instead of sweating it out on the treadmill, why not create your own style while watching a marathon of your favorite shows? Pick up those needles, select some yarn that speaks to your soul, and knit your way to a year filled with cozy accomplishments and endless laughter.
Who knew that something as simple as two sticks and a ball of yarn could be the key to unlocking a year of creative fun? So, grab your needles, choose your colors, and let’s make this year ‘knit-tastic’! Cheers to a new year of loops, laughter, and knitted dreams coming true!
Let’s chat real knitting. Not the curated basket‑on‑a‑white‑couch fantasy. Not the twelve‑hundred‑dollar set of heirloom needles your neighbor pretends she uses. This is the gear I actually knit with. These are the supplies that sit next to my coffee, the ones that get tossed in my tote bag, and the exact things I recommend to anyone learning or coming back to knitting.
Grab your yarn, your coffee, and zero perfection pressure. We knit here. We do not stress.
To make things easier to find, I’ve included Amazon affiliate links throughout this list. They’ll take you to the yarn and tools I usually order. Happy knitting!
Start Here: Your Beginner Knitting Kit
Brand new? Restarting after life took over? (Welcome back.💞 ) This simple setup will carry you through the first wins without overwhelm.
Choose your beginner knitting path:
Fast + useful: Knit washcloths and face scrubbies (free pattern here)
Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns
In addition to my free online lessons, you can learn to knit in my complete guide book. I wrote this book because nobody else had. My complete instruction manual for true beginners has full‑color photos for every single step and patterns you will keep using long after you learn.
Liz Chandler’s Knitting The Simple Things: A Collection of Practical Patterns
Want all the patterns from my Knitting Guide without the knitting lessons? Grab Liz Chandler’s Knitting the Simple Things. My pattern-only book has 15 designs all in multiple sizes (65 total patterns are included). This high-gloss color-printed pattern book has all the classic knits you’ll want to knit over and over: washcloths, scarves, hats, gloves, and more!
Buy what feels good in your hands. If you pick it up and your brain immediately goes, “ooooh, squishy!” that is your yarn.
Cotton
For dishcloths, towels, or anything you’ll wash often, Lily Sugar ’n Cream 100% cotton yarn is your best friend. It’s durable, absorbent, and feels amazing to work with.
If you want something smooth, washable, and easy to find, try Caron Simply Soft. It comes in every color imaginable and is perfect for scarves, blankets, and beginner projects.
For instant-gratification knitting, you can’t beat Lion Brand Wool‑Ease Thick & Quick. It’s perfect for chunky scarves, cowls, or anything you want to finish fast and love forever.
When you’re ready for something softer and more luxurious, try Malabrigo Merino Wool. It’s beautifully dyed, smooth as butter, and perfect for special gifts or long-lasting wearables.
If you’ve ever wondered which knitting needles are best for beginners, here’s the short answer: it depends on what kind of knitter you are. Bamboo needles are warm to the touch, slightly grippy, and help keep your stitches from sliding off. They’re perfect for relaxed, meditative knitters or anyone just getting started. Metal needles, like Addi Turbo, are slick, fast, and great for those who love speed and precision.
Needles also come in many shapes. You’ll see straight, circular, and double point needles line the shelves. Each has its perks, so the best choice is whichever one makes your hands (and your mood) happiest. Circular needles are the most versatile of all; they can handle everything from scarves to hats and blankets without taking up much space. Here’s a quick guide that makes sense:
If you’re knitting washcloths or towels, use US No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. For scarves and cozy basics, reach for US No. 8 (5 mm). And when you’re in the mood for fast, super‑bulky projects, go big with US No. 13 (9 mm).
If you’re only buying one kind of needle, circular needles around 16 inches long will handle most projects, from scarves to hats to washcloths.
Bamboo needles, like Clover Bamboo, are my go-to for calm, quiet knitting sessions. They have just the right grip to keep your stitches from slipping, and they feel warm and natural in your hands. Plus, they are much quieter to work with than metal needles that make a clinking noise when you work them.
Metal needles, like Addi Turbo, glide smoothly and are perfect for when you want to move quickly through a project. They’re strong, durable, and ideal for knitters who like speed with precision.
Bamboo Knitting Needles
Calm, cozy, gentle. Clover Takumi Bamboo when I want quiet knitting.
Bamboo US No. 8 (5 mm) 16 inch (14 cm) circular needle
Bamboo US No. 13 (9 mm) 16 inch (14 cm) circular needle
Metal Knitting Needles
Smooth and fast. Knit with ChiaoGoo Red Lace needles when caffeine meets ambition. I like the thick cable on this brand. And, they’re good for everything, not just lace. 😉
I’ll be honest, these are an indulgence I have not yet tried. But, oh do I wish I could work with a set of interchangeable needles! They come with tons of needle tip sizes and cord lengths. It looks very handy to be able to mix and match! Here are some sets I’ve been drooling over. Have you tried them? Let me know how it went!
These little helpers make your finished pieces look tidy and professional. You’ll want tapestry needles for weaving in yarn ends, small scissors for trimming, stitch markers for tracking sections, and a row counter if you like to stay organized. Each tool makes your knitting just a little smoother.
If you want to see exactly how I use each one, check out my detailed post: Choosing Knitting Tools.
Keeping Notes
Always jot down what yarn you used and where you left off. You’ll thank yourself later. Whether you use a notebook or an app, keeping notes helps you remember what worked and what didn’t. It also saves you from trying to guess which shade of blue you used six months ago.
Hear me out. Fancy baskets are lovely, but containers that stack, travel, and survive kids, dogs, and gravity make the best yarn holders. Practical wins.
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
Knitting Patterns with only Knit and Purl Stitches
Once you master knits and purls, you’ll be able to start making simple beginner knitting patterns. Beginning knitters can easily try making Garter Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Seed Stitch, and Rib Stitch, because they are all made with only knit and purl stitches.
Garter Stitch
Garter stitch is a knitting pattern that is composed of all knit stitches. When knitting a regular flat piece, you will knit all the stitches in one row, turn, then knit all the stitches in the next row, turn, and repeat. This creates a ribbed fabric that looks the same on both sides.
Garter stitch has a very simple abbreviation: “k” every row.
Stockinette Stitch is one of the most widely used knitting patterns, which has smooth “knit side” and a bumpy “purl side.”
When knitting a flat piece in Stockinette Stitch, you cast on an even number of stitches, knit one row, turn your work, then purl one row and continue alternating knit and purl rows.
Stockinette is usually abbreviated in this way: c/o even number of stitches.*k 1 row, p 1 row.*
Knit, purl rib is a frequently used stitch for ribbed borders on clothing like hats, mittens, and sweaters. To knit this type of ribbing, cast on an even number of stitches. *Knit, purl* repeat for one row. Turn, and repeat the same row. You will be knitting into the knit stitches and purling into the purl stitches of the row below.
Abbreviated, a rib pattern will often read: c/o even number of stitches. *k, p* every row.
You can knit a more elaborate texture using the Seed Stitch. Although it looks more difficult, simply alternate knit and purl stitches, much like a Knit, Purl Rib. Instead of stacking the knits and the purls in columns, however, in Seed Stitch you purl into the knit stitches and knit into the purl stitches. Both sides of the work will look the same.
To make the Seed Stitch, cast on an even number of stitches. Knit one stitch, purl one stitch, then repeat for one row or round. At the next row or round, purl one stitch, knit one stitch, then repeat until the end of the row or round. Repeat these two rows until you are finished.
The abbreviated version of this would read: c/o even number of stitches. *k, p* one row, turn, *p, k* one row. Repeat.
After you understand these basic patterns, you can make lot of different fabrics with the same ball of yarn.
It is a great time to start exploring fun beginner patterns and learning new skills. My beginner knitting patterns use the stitches above to make your own cozy accessories.
Minimalist knitting patterns are simple to knit and you can make them over and over again. But your plain knitwear does not have to stay plain. Try to customize knits to fit your personal style. You can take any simple pattern and spice it up by adding decorations or changing the yarn design.
Customize Your Knitting
Once you have learned to knit the basic patterns, you may want to find a way to make simple designs a little more unique. Choosing a colorful, variegated yarn is a great way to spice things up. Try a new material, like wool, alpaca, or silk.
Add pom-poms, tassels, bows, or faux flowers. If you are familiar with embroidery, stitch embroidered embellishments onto your knitwear using your darning needle and yarn.
Substitute Yarn
You can alter the look of a knitted item dramatically just by changing the recommended yarn. Experiment with both color and yarn material to create your own, one-of-a-kind knit. The most important thing to keep in mind when substituting yarn, however, is to choose yarn that is the same weight as the recommended yarn. When working through my beginners’ lessons make sure you select a “worsted weight” yarn.
You can also try working with different yarn materials. Each type of fiber that is spun into yarn has its own unique look and feel, so changing the yarn material can change the texture of your knit pieces. When substituting yarn, choose materials that are similar to your starting yarn. For example, wool and alpaca make excellent substitutes for acrylic yarn; they are soft, stretchy, and warm. Try a bamboo-based yarn instead of cotton, since it is absorbent and holds its shape.
Explore the wide array of colors and try a few of your favorites. Yarn-makers offer solid color yarns in every shade of the rainbow. Or, add pattern and depth to your knitting by working with a multicolored or ‘”variegated” yarn. Skeins of variegated yarn are dyed with different sections of coordinated colors; they allow you to knit in multiple colors without switching balls of yarn. Some variegated yarn is even made to be “self-striping;” it is dyed in sections that create the illusion of separately knit color stripes.
Let your imagination run wild when it comes to decorating your finished knits. Handmake or purchase fun accents to compliment your knitwear. To any simple knit, consider adding:
(Links above lead to Amazon.com associates shopping.)
Find Simple Patterns
You can customize any of my simple knitting patterns using these ideas. Changing the yarn color, material, or decorating hats, gloves, headbands, and legwarmers makes these classic knits unique.
To make this ribbed hat, you will work in a simple knit, purl pattern. This will create a stretchy ribbing, which allows the hat to fit most head sizes from children through adults. Working from the bottom of the hat, upward, you will knit a long tube before adding decreases to close the top of the hat. Folding the brim will not only help it fit most heads properly, but will also add an extra layer of warmth around the ears.
Prefer to knit offline?
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
Using the suggested acrylic yarn will give you a soft, solid-colored hat. Try experimenting with yarn colors, textures, and materials to make this hat more unique. Be sure you choose worsted weight yarn and check your gauge before substituting materials.
One 315-yard (6 ounce) skein of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.
one hat uses about one hat uses about 157.5 yards (3 oz.)
*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).
(Fits most children, teens, and adults or 18-inch to 25-inch head circumference)
Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round.For Double Point Needles, follow DPNinstructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow instructions written in bold. On long circular needles, follow the Magic Loop instructions. Or, for this size, you can substitute short (16-inch) circular needles to knit in the round without the Magic Loop; you will need to switch to DPNs or the Magic Loop to complete the decreases at the top of the hat. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
[Using No. 5 DPNs or short circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 88 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (30 on 1st, 28 on 2nd, and 30 on 3rd DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (44 on each side). Or place all cast on stitches onto short circular needles. (88 stitches)
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches)
Rows 3 – 75: *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches) {Work should measure 11 inches at this point.}
{Begin decreases.}Row 76: ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p. (80 stitches)
Row 77: ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4). (72 stitches)
Row 78: ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p. (64 stitches)
Row 79: ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3). (56 stitches)
[Switch to No. 5 DPNs or long circular needles and the Magic Loop] Row 80: ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p. (48 stitches)
Row 81: ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2). (40 stitches)
If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find on my knitting pattern collection page.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
This pattern will show you how to make simple pillow covers by knitting in the round on circular needles. Using only the knit stitch creates a smooth, stockinette stitch pattern. The top and bottom edges of stockinette that has been knit in the round will naturally curl. When you sew the edges of the pillow together, the curl adds a decorative touch to these basic pillowcase.
You can sew the edges with a simple “running stitch” and a strand of yarn in the same color. Or try using a contrasting yarn color or a fancy ribbon to make your pillows more unique. Once you are finished, you can leave the pillows plain for a minimalist look. Or decorate your pillow cover with embroidery, faux flowers, or applique patches.
Yarn: One or two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.
Mini size uses about 52.5 yards (1 oz)
Small size uses about 204.75 yards (3.9 oz.)
Medium size uses about 315 yards (6 oz.)
Large size uses about 388.5 yards (7.4 oz.)
*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda,” “Robins Egg,” “Charcoal Heather,” and “Orchid.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).
(Fits 5-inch x 5-inch pillows; measures 6 inches x 10 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with extra-short (12-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 40 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 40. (40 stitches)
Rows 3 – 46: k 40. (40 stitches) {Work should measure 10 inches at this point.}
Row 47: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 5-inch by 5-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about two feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Small Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 12-inch x 12-inch pillows; measures 13 inches x 17 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with short (16-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 86 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 86. (86 stitches)
Rows 3 – 79: k 86. (86 stitches) {Work should measure 17 inches at this point.}
Row 80: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 12-inch by 12-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Medium Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 16-inch x 16-inch pillows; measures 17 inches x 21 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 112 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 112. (112 stitches)
Rows 3 – 97: k 112. (112 stitches) {Work should measure 21 inches at this point.}
Row 98: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 16-inch by 16-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Large Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 18-inch x 18-inch pillows; measures 19 inches x 23 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 126 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 126. (126 stitches)
Rows 3 – 106: k 126. (126 stitches) {Work should measure 23 inches at this point.}
Row 107: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert an 18-inch by 18-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
With this pattern, you can create a cozy ribbed scarf. Alternate knits and purls to make thick and stretchy scarf. As you knit, you will see that the columns of knits and purls line up with one another to highlight the “V” or heart-shaped knit stitches.
Try customizing this pattern by choosing a different yarn color or material. While this scarf looks great in any solid color, you can spice it up with variegated (multicolored) yarn. Self-striping yarn is another way to add visual interest to this scarf. Experiment with different types of yarn material as well; merino wool and alpaca are soft and cozy choices. Just be sure to choose worsted weight yarn when making substitutions.
Prefer to knit offline?
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
Includes two scarf widths: standard and extra-wide
This simple ribbed scarf is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.
Materials
You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:
Two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.
one standard scarf uses about 514.5 yards (9.8 oz.)
one extra-wide scarf uses about 624.75 yards (11.9 oz.)
*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda,” “Iris,” and “Black.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).
If you use the materials called for in the Ribbed Scarves Free Knitting Pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your scarf looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
