As a new knitter, you’ll discover an exciting world of yarn and knitting needles. To keep things simple, we are going to start with just one type of yarn and one pair of knitting needles. They will be the perfect set of kids’ knitting tools to learn the basics and make all five knitting projects.
The knitting tools for kids and beginners looking for a fast project are extra-thick yarn and knitting needles, plus a few small gadgets to help finish up. Use the affiliate links here to shop on Amazon or you can usually find these knitting supplies at your favorite local yarn shop.
Yarn
The thickest, squishiest yarn that is still easy to handle is called “super-bulky” or “No. 6” yarn on the label. This fluffy string knits up in a flash. Here, we will use Wool-Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn. I worked in the color “Bluegrass,” but there are lots of choices. Choose your favorite! You will need seven balls of yarn to make every pattern in the Kids’ Knitting Guide. Or start with one ball of yarn for your first project.
Knitting Needles
Each yarn size has knitting needle sizes that match. For our super-bulky yarn, we’ll use a thicker needle. The size of needles is shown on the package with a US number and millimeter number. To learn with this series, look for a needle that is labeled US 13 (9 mm).
Instead of using the two sticks you might imagine when you think of knitting needles, we are going to use a “circular knitting needle.” This knitting needle has a bendy cable between the two pointy sticks. It will let you knit both flat things, like scarves, and round things, like hats. The cords can be long or short. For now, choose a circular needle that is 16 inches (91 cm) long.
The last thing you’ll need to choose from a knitting needle is material. They often come in metal, wood, and bamboo. When you’re learning, choose bamboo. It helps keep your yarn from slipping off your needles. Plus, it’s a little quieter to work with.
Other Kids’ Knitting Tools
Now that you have yarn and needles, you’ll just need a few more small tools.
A measuring tape is helpful for your whole project. You’ll measure your yarn and your knitting projects to make sure they are the right size.
A stitch marker is a small ring that you can slip onto your knitting needles. This will help you keep track of where you are in your knitting projects.
Darning needles look like big sewing needles, but they are not sharp. These let you sew the yarn ends back into the knitting project. Make sure you get a darning needle with a large opening (called the needle “eye”) for our big yarn.
Scissors clip the leftover yarn away. These are make just for kids, but all scissors are sharp! (Kids, be careful and adults, make sure you help or supervise.)
Below, you’ll find a complete shopping list. Gather your tools and we can start knitting!
Your First Knitting Shopping List 🧶
- One ball of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn in your choice of color. (Shown in the color “Bluegrass.”)
- One circular knitting needle that is 16 inches (91 cm) long in size US 13 (9mm). (Shown in Clover Takumi brand bamboo needles.)
- One measuring tape.
- One large stitch marker. (Shown in ChiaoGoo brand circle stitch markers.)
- One large-eye darning needle.
- One pair of scissors.
Next
Find your first knitting pattern. Here we will make a coaster. Open the coaster pattern, and also open your first lesson: Making Your First Stitch. (available next week) The lessons will teach you how to use a pattern and make your first knitted thing.
This will be fun! Let’s get started.
Return to the Kid’s Knitting Guide.