Knitting for Beginners: Needles, Kits and First Stitches
Knitting vs crochet, how to start knitting and cast on, which needles and beginner knitting kits to choose, and how needle sizes work, explained step by step.
Many people who crochet end up curious about knitting, and many knitters pick up a hook. The two crafts share yarn, patterns written in abbreviations and the same patience, but they build fabric differently. This topic starts with that comparison, so you know which craft suits the projects you have in mind.
If you decide to knit, we walk through the first steps: how to cast on, the knit and purl stitches that make almost every fabric, and how to read the beginning of a pattern. We explain needle sizes, given in US numbers and in millimeters, and the differences between straight, circular and double-pointed needles, as well as bamboo, wood and metal.
For equipment, we compare beginner needles and knitting kits on what they contain and the project you end up with, using the Craft Yarn Council’s yarn weight system to match needles and yarn.
As with crochet, we explain techniques and point to designers’ free patterns for complete projects. If you are just starting with yarn, the Learn to Crochet topic is a good companion.
Stitches and techniques
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Tutorial How to Cast On Knitting: 4 Methods for Beginners, ComparedHow to cast on in knitting: the backward loop, knitted, cable and long-tail cast-ons step by step, how long a tail to leave, and which method to learn first.
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Explainer Knitting vs Crochet: The Real Differences, and Which to LearnKnitting vs crochet compared: how each builds fabric, drape, stretch and thickness, yarn use and speed, what each is best for, and which is easier to start.
The basics, explained
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Guide Knitting for Beginners: Supplies, First Stitches and First ProjectKnitting for beginners: which yarn and needles to buy, casting on, the knit and purl stitches, garter vs stockinette, binding off and a first project.
Tools and kits compared
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Knitting Kits for Beginners: 4 Kits Checked for Needles and YarnFour knitting kits for beginners compared on contents: needles, yarn, instructions and projects, from a video-led super bulky kit to a multi-project and a kids kit.
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The Best Knitting Needles for Beginners: 5 Types ComparedFive knitting needles for beginners compared: bamboo and aluminum straights, a bamboo circular, an interchangeable set and double-pointed needles, with sizes.
How to choose
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How to choose Knitting Needle Sizes: US and Metric Chart, and How to ChooseA knitting needle size chart with US sizes and millimeters, sizes by yarn weight, straight, circular, double-pointed and interchangeable needles, and materials.
FAQ
What is the difference between knitting and crochet?
Crochet uses a single hook and has only one active loop at a time. Knitting uses two needles and keeps every live stitch of the row on a needle. Knitted fabric is usually thinner, stretchier and drapier, while crochet fabric is usually thicker and more structured.
What knitting needles should a beginner buy?
Medium straight needles matched to a medium weight (4) yarn are the usual start. The Craft Yarn Council recommends US 7 to 9 needles, which are 4.5 to 5.5 mm, for that yarn weight. Bamboo and wood needles are less slippery than metal, which helps stitches stay on the needle.
What does cast on mean in knitting?
Casting on is the way you create the first row of loops on the needle, the foundation every other row is worked from. There are many methods; beginners often learn the long-tail cast on or the knitted cast on first.