Essential Knitting and Crochet Tools for Beginners
You don't need a huge kit to start knitting or crochet, just a few basics. Here's what's essential, and what makes life easier once you're hooked.
The essentials
- Needles or hooks in the right size. Check your yarn label for the recommended size in millimetres. A set of crochet hooks or knitting needles in several sizes is good value and covers most yarns.
- Scissors or thread snips for cutting yarn cleanly.
- A tapestry (yarn) needle with a large eye and blunt tip, for sewing in ends and joining pieces.
- A tape measure for checking your tension and sizes.
Nice to have
- Stitch markers: small clips that mark the start of a round or a pattern repeat. Essential for amigurumi.
- Row counter: keeps track of where you are, so you never lose your place.
- Ergonomic hooks: hooks with soft, chunky handles are kinder on your hands for long sessions.
- Yarn bowl or holder: stops your ball rolling around the floor and tangling.
- Storage case: keeps hooks, needles and bits together and easy to carry.
Knitting needles: which type?
- Straight needles are the classic choice for scarves and flat pieces.
- Circular needles (two tips joined by a cable) are used for hats and jumpers knitted in the round, and also hold big blankets comfortably.
- Bamboo and wood needles are a little "grippy", so stitches don't slide off. Many beginners find them easier than metal.
Not sure which yarn to start with? Read how to choose yarn for your first project.
Shop hook sets, needles, markers and yarn holders in our knitting accessories.
