6 Must-Have Tools for Every Beginning Knitter

The beautiful thing about being a knitter is that we have this magical ability to take yarn and a pair of sticks and create an endless assortment of delightful things. But let’s be honest—no one can truly call themselves a knitter unless they have a bag full of tools and gadgets to help create those delightful things with a little more ease. Every knitter has their favorite must-have tools.

If you are a new knitter and aren’t sure where to start, here is a list of our favorite tools that every beginning knitter should have within reach.

Locking Stitch Markers

These little plastic safety pins have an endless number of uses. They are great for temporarily marking your fabric, holding a dropped stitch, and doubling as a stitch marker on your needle. You’ll be surprised at how many ways you can use these little gadgets. It is always good to have one or two of these clipped to your project bag. You never know when you are going to need one!

Related: How to Choose and Use Stitch Markers in Knitting

Variety of Tapestry Needles

With every knitted project comes the tails that need to be woven in. Tapestry needles are important to have in different sizes to match the different weights of yarn you are working with. Find a set of needles in a variety of sizes that work for the yarn you most often knit with. And pay attention to the tips of the needles because sometimes you want a sharp tip or bent tip, and sometimes you need a blunt end. Once you find the perfect set of tapestry needles, you will be lost without them!

Gauge Ruler

Learning about gauge as a new knitter is an important step in advancing to more complicated projects. Having a solid gauge tool in your knitting bag is a great way to practice measuring gauge on any project you cast on. We like the mini gauge tool for small projects (hats, cowls, etc)—it’s a perfect tool to introduce beginning knitters to measuring gauge. Upgrade to the four-inch gauge when you dive into larger projects such as a sweater or cardigan.

Point Protectors

Nobody wants all of their stitches to fall off their needles while it’s sitting in your bag. And no knitter wants those tiny pointed needle tips to snag your work while your knitting bag is being shuffled around between home and knitting group. Protect your needles and your work by always securing the tips of your needles when you aren’t actively knitting the project.

Sharp Scissors

Not all scissors are created equal in the knitting world. Having smaller scissors helps with the precision clipping of yarn tails. You want to make sure the blades of your scissors are sharp enough to slice through the thickest of wools. No matter what scissors you like, be sure they are protected every time they go back into your knitting bag. An uncovered blade can do some serious damage to your knitting and your knitting bag. (And your car seat, lap, wooden dining room table . . . you get the idea. Protect those sharp tips!)

Repair Hook

Mistakes happen for new knitters and well-seasoned knitters alike. Having a small repair tool within reach can save you from a big headache. Drop a stitch? No problem—grab your tiny repair tool and pick it back up with ease.

All of these tools are important, and you also need a secure place to put them. Choose a notions bag that is small enough to fit all your gadgets inside, but which leaves room to add new ones. Your collection will grow! You also want to be sure that your bag closes securely. Stay away from Velcro and choose a zipper bag instead. Make-up or toiletry bags work great as a starter pouch and there are designs, shapes, and sizes available.

Related: Notions Cases We Wish We’d Thought Of

Did your favorite tools for beginning knitters make our list? If we missed something, share a link in the comments below! Your fellow knitters will thank you.

Krista Ann is a nomadic knitter. She travels with her husband and their fur baby, Phinny, in an RV while she designs knits and teaches at yarn shops along the way. Instagram @explorewithknitsy | Website www.explorewithknitsy | The Knitting Rockstar Academy www.knittingrockstar.com

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