Knitting supplies: What do you need to knit correctly?

Knitting is a great craft that doesn’t really need a lot of specialized items to get started. It’s not like you have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on tools or equipment, in fact, a lot of what you need to knit may already be in your craft closet. Here’s a look at some of the tools you need when starting that knitting project.

thread

Of course, for knitting you will need yarn or wool. This is readily available and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. Some of it is real wool, i.e. real sheep’s wool, but most of it is constructed from man-made fibers. Cotton, polyester, mohair, angora, and chenille are all types of yarn.

Yarn or wool comes in different weights, and that basically tells you how thick or thin the product is. Thin threads weave much more slowly than thick threads. Each pattern will have in mind a weight of yarn that you will use if you want the garment to reach the measurements that the pattern promises.

needles

The next part of your knitting supplies is the needles. Once you have your yarn, you’ll need a place to work with it. Insert the knitting needles. These are long sticks with stitches on the ends that allow you to pick up stitches as you work on your project. Finished stitches sit on the needles until needed again.

The needles can be made of bamboo, plastic or aluminum and come in different widths and lengths. The width is important, since each project will be worked on a specific width of needle to achieve the measurements and the desired result. Large (wide) needles and thick yarn, for example, will knit faster than fine needles and fine yarn.

row counter

Some knitters find it helpful to use a row counter. This little device sits on the end of a needle and will keep track of how many rows have been worked.

Pins/scissors/tape measure

All weavers should periodically check their work to ensure it is the correct length and width. The pins can hold their place while you measure, and the tape measure can ensure the correct amount of knitting has been finished. Scissors are used to cut the ends of the thread after the garment has been made.

sewing needle

This is a great little tool to have, especially when you are sewing on your knitting project. They have a large eye to facilitate the passage of the thread and have a blunt end so that the stitches do not split when sewing. A sewing needle is definitely essential for your knitting supplies.

Pattern

Most knitters read from a pattern. This will tell you exactly which stitches to use on which rows to create the item you want. The patterns also tell you what type of yarn and what size needles will give you the effect you want. Patterns can be found in stores, online, and in books.

Knitting is a great way to create wonderful items for your family and friends. You don’t need any bulky equipment and what you need can be easily stored in a small bag when not in use.