Knitting is a very fun and relaxing activity. It can either be a hobby or a full-time job for some people. There are thousands of knitting projects you can start and they’ll all be unique and beautiful. If you’re new to this hobby and are still learning the basics, you’ll need some of the essentials to get you started. There are a few basic tools that will help you do the job properly.
Acrylic Yarn
In the wide variety of yarn materials, manufacturers added acrylic as a choice. These yarns are made of a synthetic fibre derived from a petroleum product called polyacrylonitrile. It was chosen for this purpose because it’s lightweight, durable and strong. It’s also a budget-friendly alternative, which is especially important for beginners because they’ll do a lot of experimenting.
The colourful and easy to work with acrylic yarn is also not demanding when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. The garments and accessories you’ll make will be machine-washable which makes it great for people with allergies or sensitive skin. No matter how many times you wash it, it will never lose its shape.
This is a type of material that holds on to dyes very well. That’s why it comes in so many colour choices, bright and bold or some more subdued shades. This yarn is also highly durable. It will stand up to wear and tear and it’s perfect if you want to create something that will be passed down from one generation to another. It’s also quite warm and perfect for knitting sweaters, gloves, hats, afghans, socks and much more.
Because it has lower fibre density, this yarn is also very lightweight when compared to natural fibres. As a result, you can knit comfortable and warm blankets for people of all ages, babies, youngsters and even elders. It has a great stitch definition and is less likely to split. Acrylic is also less breathable which can be a pro and a con at the same time. It’ll keep you warmer than other materials, but you won’t get enough airflow and you might sweat.
Another great thing about this yarn is that it won’t get attacked by moths, carpet beetles and silverfish. They’re the most common pests that can ruin your yarn creations as acrylic won’t attract them. Overall, this is a nice yarn that will work perfectly for beginners.
Natural Fibre Yarn
The natural yarn category is very wide. It encompasses plenty of natural fibres and they all have their special features, pros and cons. The first category is plant fibres. Just as the name suggests, they come from plants. Bamboo yarn is very soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and has a great drape. Cotton yarn is very common, soft, durable and will keep you warm.
Hemp won’t stretch or pull and it’ll get softer with each wash. Plus, just like acrylic yarn, it comes in a lot of bold and vibrant colours. Linen is a popular choice that’s strong, highly absorbent, and fast-drying but doesn’t have a lot of elasticity. Soy yarn is the latest addition to the knitting scene that’s good for beginner knitters.
We also have animal fibre yarns. Alpaca yarn is very soft and has a silky feel. It’s great for knitting hats, cardigans and jerseys for people with allergies because of the hypoallergenic properties. Angora fibres are exceptionally soft. It’s an option that’s not very elastic so it’s often blended with wool. Camel fibres are also blended with wool because they’re too coarse on their own.
Cashmere has perfect insulating properties. It’s considered a luxurious fibre and it’s great for knitting sweaters, gloves, hats and socks. Wool is the most popular type of natural yarn that everyone is familiar with. It’s breathable, very soft and will keep you warm. You can also choose mohair which is lightweight and thermoregulating as it stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Hooks
Hooks are one of the essential tools that will help you make your creations. There are two main types of hooks: inline and tapered. Despite their similar looks, they differ slightly, which can affect how you crochet. Inline hooks feature a defined lip and a deeper mouth. They can fit into tighter places and are ideal for consistent stitches.
Because of this, they’re great for knitting scarves and gloves. The tapered hooks have a rounder head and a shallow mouth. This is the right hook if you like knitting blankets. There are also ergonomic, Tunisian and a knook hook. The Tunisian is longer and with a stopper at the end. The ergonomic hook has a larger handle for a more comfortable grip. And the knook hook has a specific design and it isn’t recommended for beginners.
Needles
Once you finish a project, you’ll need darning or tapestry needles. They will help you sow the ends of the yarn and the fabric. Try to get them in many sizes because they’re not an expensive investment but are very practical. They will have either blunt or sharp tips. The sharp one will help you with the ends, and the blunt one will deal with the seams.
Scissors
Manufacturers made special scissors for knitters. They’re also known as yarn snippers. They don’t look the same as the regular, everyday scissors we have at home. Although you won’t use them much, you will need a suitable tool to trim the yarn tails at the end of the knitting project. They cut any yarn material cleanly and precisely no matter if you buy acrylic yarn or natural fibre ones. If you take good care of them, snippers will last for a long time. Don’t use them on other materials and be careful not to drop them.
Stitch Markers
This bit of knitting equipment is incredibly useful and easy to use. It’s very practical when you put a knitting project on hold for a longer time. You will simply add the stitching markers on the stitch and you can be sure they won’t get loose. They can also be used to mark the beginning or the end of a pattern. Stitch markers can be made of steel and plastic and come in many shapes and sizes.
