Knitting Needles
These are of course available in a wide range of sizes and most knitters will have a selection available. These will probably differ not only size but in type (such as circular, straight with a knob on the end or double pointed to take three examples). The materials they are made from can also vary and many knitters will try needles by different manufacturers till they find a style they like.
Yarn
Yarn is available in a huge range of different styles. It is made from many different materials ranging from the frantically expensive and luxurious cashmere and silk to plain good quality wool, cotton and man made fibres. Whatever is chosen should be of the best quality affordable.
Scissors
These need not be expensive. A pair of 10 cm/4 inch embroidery scissors will suit most needs.
Tape Measure
Buy a new one and don’t rely on the old stretched one inherited from a relative! Accurate measurements are required not only for fitting garments but also for determining what size the work will be when it has been knitted.
Point Protectors
These will protect the tips of needles and help prevent the stitches from slipping off the needle points when the knitting is laid aside. Elastic bands also work well.
Stitch Markers
Markers are essential in knitting, whether it is a thread marker tied in to mark the position of a hem line fold or a stitch marker to show where a decrease or increase is made. For this reason it’s a good idea to keep an odd ball of contrasting yarn, a few ring findings of the kind kept for jewellery (which are ideal for slipping onto the knitting needles to mark the positions of decreases and pattern repeats) and safety pins handy ready for use.
Notebook
For keeping notes of pattern alterations and ideas for the next knitting project.
Pencil
This is useful not only for taking notes in the notebook, but also for marking alterations on the knitting pattern as necessary.
Knitting Needle Storage Roll
Once many knitting needles have been added to a collection it can be quite difficult to keep track of them all unless they have been stored carefully. Local yarn shops can usually help with obtaining special fabric rolls with slots in them which can be tied round themselves to keep the needles clean and secure.
Darning Needle
Ordinary tapestry needles of the type used for cross stitch can be good for this, especially in the larger sizes. For the really thick yarns though a wool needle will be required, again available from the local yarn shop.
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