If you are a knitter or have just begun knitting, then building your knitting kit would be a great inspiration. For this, you need to have an idea of what knitting supplies to buy. Moreover, if you are a do-it-yourself kind of a person, then you can save money by following certain DIY knitting ideas. This way you can live out your knitting passion while maintaining a knitting kit without even spending money.
Let us check the essential knitting supplies to be bought and simultaneously the DIY options too.
Needles
The first thing you need in your knitting kit is a perfect set of knitting needles. There are many kinds of needles for knitting available in different materials like:
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Bamboo
- Metal
- Acrylic
- Carbon Fiber
The best size to start with is a size 10.5 knitting needle (6.5mm) which is the standard size of a pencil. Bigger needles can also be chosen to finish your work faster, but they are a little uncomfortable to hold.
For beginners, bamboo needles are preferred over metal ones as they feel good in the hand. Just like bamboo, wooden knitting needles are also easy on hands and joints while giving a smooth knitting experience, but only in the lighter and smaller sized needles.
DIY needles
Some of the materials with which you make wooden needles are:
- Skewers
- Wooden Dowel
- Chopsticks
You can invest later in circular knitting needles after gaining years of experience in knitting.
Knitting yarn
Check the standard weight chart of yarn as set by the Craft Yarn Council. Each chart has 8 different yarn weights along with recommended needle sizes and knitting stitches for each inch. It is advised to start knitting with a smaller and thinner acrylic yarn than a bigger and thicker woolen yarn.
DIY yarn bowls
- Tumbler yarn bowl
- Plastic container or Pitcher
- Colander
- Ceramic planter
- Teapot
- Stainless steel bowl
- Tissue box
Kitbag
Since your knitting supplies will grow with time as you learn, choose a knitting bag or a zipper bag with good storage and pockets.
If you wish to keep your yarn inside the bag then avoid a bag with Velcro in the inner compartment as it could snag your yarn. Choose a good tote bag that fits your space and need.
DIY containers
Use plastic or mint containers for storage.
Knitting gauge
This is a multipurpose tool for checking stitches per inch. They serve as knitting needle gauges for measuring your needle size.
Stitch markers
Different sizes, styles, and materials of stitch markers are essential in your knitting kit as they are used for:
DIY stitch markers
- Metal stitch markers
- Rubber Ring stitch markers
- Locking stitch markers with earrings
Knitting needlepoint protector
They are designed to cover and protect the tips of your knitting needles from getting damaged and also to keep you from getting hurt. They are made of silicone and come in various sizes.
DIY protectors
- Wine cork
- Tapered cork
Other supplies include:
- Scrap yarn, thread, or floss
- Tape measure
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Every knitter will need these tools for knitting. Gather all the tools and keep them secured in a knitting kit that will serve you for years.
