Ready, Set, Knit! Equipping Yourself With the Basics To Get Started
How do you know what to buy?
Getting started with knitting doesn’t require a lot of money, and you only need a handful of supplies: yarn, knitting needles, scissors, and a tapestry needle.
Yarn
Choosing the right yarn is key to a great knitting experience. As a beginner, it’s best to hold off on expensive purchases and opt for inexpensive yarn in light or bright solid colors. This allows you to focus on learning without worrying about the cost of mistakes. As you gain more experience, you can start to experiment with different textures and more luxurious yarns. Remember, knitting is about the joy of the process and finished product, so choose a yarn that brings warmth and happiness.
Knitting Needles
A wide variety of knitting needles are available, and their prices vary greatly. For beginners, a good choice is a set of reasonably-priced bamboo straight needles. Bamboo needles provide some grip on the yarn, preventing it from slipping off the ends of the needles.
Watch this short video to learn about the different types of knitting needles and notice how they relate to yarn weight.
So where does a tapestry needle fit in?
A tapestry needle is used to weave in loose ends of yarn to create a finished look. It has a large eye and a blunt tip, which makes threading your yarn easier and prevents the needle from splitting the yarn.
And of course, scissors
Scissors are essential tools for any knitter, as they are needed to cut the yarn when changing colors or finishing a project.
Pause and Ponder
Do you think that learning with inexpensive yarn will help you enjoy the process and reduce your need for perfectionism?
How do you think the color and texture of the yarn will impact your learning experience?
Photo by Paula Heckathorn on Unsplash