One of the biggest misconceptions about learning to knit is that you need to buy lots of equipment before you can begin.

Walk into a craft shop or browse online and you'll find walls of needles, shelves of yarn and countless accessories. It's easy to think you need all of it.

The truth is much simpler.

You only need a handful of basic items to start enjoying knitting. As your confidence grows, you can gradually add new tools when you genuinely need them.

Starting small means you spend less, feel less overwhelmed and have more time to enjoy the relaxing process of making.

For your very first project, you'll only need:

• One pair of knitting needles
• One ball of suitable yarn
• A small pair of scissors
• A tapestry (wool) needle for sewing in the ends
• A simple beginner pattern

That's it.

Many beginners are surprised by how little equipment is actually required.

Choosing a straightforward project means you'll spend your time learning new skills rather than trying to understand complicated equipment.

There's no need to buy an expensive set of interchangeable needles when you're just beginning.

A single pair of straight needles or a pair of fixed circular needles in one size will be perfect.

Medium sizes such as 4mm or 5mm are comfortable to hold and work well with many beginner yarns.

If you're unsure where to begin, wooden or bamboo needles are often easier for beginners because the stitches don't slide off as quickly as they do on metal needles.

Beautiful hand-dyed yarns are very tempting, but they aren't necessarily the best yarns to learn with.

When you're practising knitting, you want to be able to see your stitches clearly.

A smooth, medium-weight yarn in a light or medium colour is usually much easier to work with than:

• very fluffy yarn
• very dark yarn
• novelty yarn
• extremely fine yarn
• yarn that changes thickness dramatically
• 
  

An affordable acrylic or acrylic-blend yarn can be ideal for learning.

And if you make a few mistakes while you're practising? It doesn't matter.  That's exactly what practice yarn is for.

Crafting can very quickly become a hobby of buying things for your hobby!

Before adding something to your basket, have a look around your home.

You may already have:

✂️ Small scissors
📏 A tape measure
👜 A bag or basket for your project
📌 Something that can temporarily act as a stitch marker
📝 A notebook for keeping track of rows or pattern notes

You can always upgrade later if knitting becomes something you love.

Beginner kits can be brilliant when they're put together thoughtfully.

They can also contain lots of things you don't really need yet.

Before buying one, look at what's actually included.

A useful beginner kit might contain the yarn, correct needles, yarn needle and clear instructions for one achievable project.

A huge box filled with dozens of accessories may look impressive, but much of it could sit unused.

The question isn't:

"How much am I getting?"

It's:

"Will this help me learn?"

This may be one of the hardest pieces of advice for a new knitter!

Yarn is lovely.

There are endless colours, textures and fibres to choose from, and it's very easy to buy yarn simply because you like it.

But without a project in mind, you might discover later that you haven't bought enough, you've bought the wrong weight or it isn't suitable for the things you actually enjoy knitting.

Instead, try choosing your project first and buying the yarn for that project.

You'll gradually discover which yarns you enjoy using — and your stash will probably appear naturally anyway!

The same applies to patterns and books.

When you're beginning, concentrate on learning a small number of skills rather than collecting hundreds of patterns for things you're not ready to make.

Your first few projects can introduce skills gradually:

🧶 Casting on
🪡 Knit stitch
🪡 Purl stitch
🔄 Changing between knit and purl
📏 Understanding tension
➕ Increasing
➖ Decreasing
🧵 Finishing and sewing up

Each new project can add another skill.

You'll learn far more from actually knitting than from owning twenty books about knitting.

Saving money doesn't mean always choosing the cheapest option.

Sometimes spending a little more on the right thing can make learning much easier.

I'd prioritise:

Clear teaching or instructions — because understanding what you're doing matters far more than owning lots of equipment.

Suitable yarn — not expensive yarn, simply yarn that makes your stitches easy to see.

Comfortable needles — particularly if you discover you're knitting regularly.

Everything else can grow with you.

One of the lovely things about knitting is that your toolkit can develop naturally.

When you start knitting in the round, perhaps that's the moment to buy circular needles.

When you begin colourwork, you might find extra stitch markers useful.

When you start making garments, you may decide a good tape measure and blocking equipment are worth having.

Buy things because you need them, rather than because a list somewhere says every knitter should own them.

If you're standing in a shop wondering what to buy, keep it simple.

For your first project, look for:

       One beginner-friendly project 

       The correct size knitting needles for that project

       Enough smooth, easy-to-see yarn to complete the project

       One bodkin (yarn needle)

       Scissors — use the ones you already own if they're suitable

       Clear instructions or guidance

That's enough.

You don't need the perfect craft room.

You don't need an enormous yarn stash.

And you certainly don't need every knitting accessory ever invented.

You just need enough to make those first few stitches.

Start small, learn what you enjoy, and let your knitting collection grow alongside your confidence. 🧶💛

If you've decided you'd like to learn a yarn craft, the first question is often:

Should I learn knitting or crochet?

The good news is that there isn't a right or wrong answer.

Both crafts are relaxing, creative and incredibly rewarding. They each have their own techniques, strengths and unique look, but both can become lifelong hobbies that grow with you.

At RE Treats, we teach complete beginners in a calm, supportive environment, and one of the questions we're asked most is:

"Which one is easier?"

Let's explore both crafts to help you decide.

Knitting creates fabric using two knitting needles and a series of loops called stitches.

Each row builds on the previous one, creating smooth, stretchy fabric that's perfect for clothing and cosy accessories.

Popular knitting projects include:

• Scarves
• Hats
• Jumpers
• Socks
• Blankets
• Baby clothes

Knitting often has a soft, elegant appearance that many people associate with traditional handmade garments.

Crochet uses just one hook instead of two needles.

Each stitch is completed individually before moving on to the next, making it easier to stop and start without worrying about stitches slipping off the needles.

Crochet is particularly popular for making:

• Granny squares
• Toys (amigurumi)
• Blankets
• Bags
• Home décor
• Flowers
• Decorative accessories

It creates a slightly firmer fabric with wonderful texture and endless design possibilities.

This is probably the most common question!

The honest answer is…

Whichever one feels right to you.

Some people naturally understand knitting very quickly.

Others find crochet much easier because they're only controlling one hook.

Neither craft is "better"—they simply suit different ways of thinking and learning.

The best way to discover your favourite is to try one without putting pressure on yourself to be perfect.

• Like repeating rhythmic movements
• Enjoy creating clothing
• Want stretchy, soft fabrics
• Prefer a calm, steady pace
• Like following rows step by step

Many people describe knitting as wonderfully relaxing once they've mastered the basics.

• Like seeing quick progress
• Enjoy textured designs
• Want to make decorative items
• Prefer working with one hook
• Like projects that are easy to put down and pick up later

Crochet often feels very forgiving for beginners because you're usually only working with one active stitch.

Absolutely not!

Many makers enjoy both crafts.

In fact, learning one often makes learning the other much easier because you'll already understand:

• Yarn weights
• Tension
• Reading patterns
• Choosing tools
• Finishing techniques

Many experienced makers switch between knitting and crochet depending on the project they're making.

It's easy to spend weeks trying to decide which craft is "best."

But the truth is…

The best craft is the one that inspires you to pick up the yarn and begin.

You don't need expensive equipment.

You don't need previous experience.

You don't need to get everything right first time.

Every stitch you make is helping you learn something new.

Whether you begin with knitting or crochet, you're taking the first step towards a wonderfully creative hobby that can bring years of enjoyment.

There isn't a wrong choice between knitting and crochet—only the choice that's right for you today.

Many people eventually learn both, but you only need to start with one.

Choose the craft that excites you most, enjoy learning at your own pace and remember that every finished stitch is a step towards greater confidence.

Your creative journey doesn't have to begin perfectly—it simply has to begin.

There was probably a time when making felt completely natural.

Perhaps you knitted while watching television, spent evenings sewing, or always had a project waiting to be picked up whenever you had a spare hour.

Then life became busy.

Work, family, caring responsibilities, health or simply losing confidence can quietly push creativity into the background. Before you know it, your sewing machine hasn't been switched on for months, your knitting needles are tucked away in a cupboard and you start wondering if you'll ever get back to it.

The wonderful thing is this:

It's never too late to start making again.

One of the biggest barriers to returning to a hobby is believing you should still be as skilled as you once were.

The truth is, every maker has breaks.

Your first few stitches might feel unfamiliar. You may need to look up techniques you once knew by heart.

That's completely normal.

Instead of expecting perfection, give yourself permission to be a beginner again. You'll be surprised how quickly those familiar skills return.

You don't need to make a quilt, knit a jumper or complete a complicated embroidery project on your first day back.

Choose something simple that you can enjoy.

That might be:

• A small knitted coaster
• A simple cushion cover
• A few rows of crochet
• A hand-embroidered bookmark
• Mending something you already own

Small projects help rebuild confidence without feeling overwhelming.

Each completed project reminds you that you can make beautiful things.

You don't need a dedicated craft room.

A favourite chair, a small basket of supplies or a cleared corner of the dining table is enough.

Making becomes much easier when your materials are easy to reach and your workspace feels welcoming.

A cup of tea, some gentle music and twenty peaceful minutes can make all the difference.

Social media can sometimes make it feel as though every project has to be flawless.

Real making isn't like that.

Real projects include uneven stitches, wonky seams and the occasional mistake.

Those aren't failures.

They're signs that you're learning.

Every experienced maker has unpicked stitches, restarted projects and made things that didn't quite go to plan.

That's how confidence grows.

Not every project needs a purpose.

Sometimes it's enough to simply enjoy the process.

The rhythm of knitting.

The quiet focus of embroidery.

The satisfaction of matching fabric.

The gentle hum of a sewing machine.

Making gives us space to slow down, think differently and enjoy creating something with our own hands.

Finished projects are wonderful, but progress deserves celebrating too.

Celebrate:

• Learning a new stitch
• Finishing one section
• Picking up your project after a long break
• Trying something you've never attempted before
• Simply making time for yourself
• 
  

These moments are just as important as the finished piece.

Finding your way back to making isn't about creating perfect projects.

It's about rediscovering something that brings you calm, satisfaction and confidence.

Every project teaches you something new, and every stitch helps build your confidence.

Enjoy the journey, celebrate your progress and remember that the best project is the one that inspires you to keep making.

Choosing yarn can feel overwhelming when you're standing in front of shelves full of colourful balls labelled with names like 4 Ply, DK, Aran and Chunky. If you're new to knitting or crochet, it can seem as though everyone else knows exactly what those terms mean.

The good news is that yarn weights are much simpler than they first appear.

Once you understand the basics, choosing yarn becomes much easier and you'll feel far more confident starting new projects.

Why Does Yarn Weight Matter?

Yarn weight doesn't refer to how heavy a ball of yarn feels.

Instead, it describes how thick the yarn is.

The thickness of the yarn affects:

• 🧶 Which needles or hook you should use
• 📏 The size of your finished project
• ⏱️ How quickly your project grows
• ✨ The texture and drape of the finished item

Using the wrong yarn weight can make a project too small, too large or change how it feels completely.

The Most Common Yarn Weights

Here are the yarn weights you'll come across most often in the UK.

Very fine yarn used for delicate shawls, lace knitting and decorative projects.

Ideal if you enjoy intricate patterns, although it's generally not the easiest place to start as a beginner.

Start with the Right Size

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is choosing needles that are either too small or too large.

Very small needles can make stitches feel tight and difficult to work with, while very large needles can make your knitting loose and difficult to control.

For most beginners, a 4mm pair of needles is an excellent place to start.

These sizes are comfortable to hold, easy to learn with and work well with many popular yarns, we recommend double knit to start with.

Always check the yarn label, as it will usually recommend an appropriate needle size.

Which Material is Best?

Knitting needles are made from several different materials, each with its own feel.

Bamboo or Wooden Needles

These are often the best choice for beginners.

The slightly textured surface helps stop stitches sliding off the needle, giving you a little more control while you're learning.

They also feel warm and comfortable to hold.

Metal Needles

Metal needles are smooth and allow stitches to glide quickly.

Many experienced knitters love them because they make knitting faster, but beginners sometimes find their stitches slip a little too easily.

Plastic Needles

Plastic needles are lightweight and inexpensive.

They're perfectly suitable for learning, although they can feel less durable than wood or metal over time.

Straight or Circular Needles?

Many people think beginners should always start with straight needles.

While they are a great option, they're not the only choice.

Straight Needles

Perfect for learning the basics.

They're ideal for scarves, dishcloths and other flat projects.

Circular Needles

Despite the name, circular needles aren't only for knitting in the round.

Many knitters use them for flat projects too because they comfortably support the weight of the knitting.

If you know you'll continue knitting, investing in a pair of circular needles can be a great long-term choice.

Don't Worry About Expensive Brands

It's easy to think buying the most expensive needles will make learning easier.

In reality, the best knitting needles are the ones that feel comfortable in your hands.

Many excellent beginner needles are available at very reasonable prices.

As your confidence grows, you'll naturally discover which styles and materials you enjoy using most.

Buy Needles for Your Project

Rather than buying lots of different sizes "just in case," choose the needles recommended for the project you're making.

This keeps things simple and means you'll gradually build a useful collection over time.

Remember—There Isn't One Perfect Needle

Ask ten knitters which needles they prefer and you'll probably get ten different answers.

Some love bamboo.

Others wouldn't use anything except metal.

Some knit everything on circular needles.

Others still enjoy traditional straight needles.

That's perfectly normal.

Choosing knitting needles is a little like choosing a favourite pen—it's personal.

Final Thoughts

Your first pair of knitting needles doesn't need to be perfect.

It simply needs to help you get started.

Choose a comfortable size, a material that feels good in your hands and a simple project that excites you.

Before long, you'll discover your own preferences and develop the confidence to try different tools and techniques.

After all, every experienced knitter started with their very first pair of needles.

Top Tip

🧶 If you're completely new to knitting, I'd recommend starting with a pair of 4mm or 5mm bamboo needles and a smooth, light-coloured double knitting (DK) yarn. 

Light-coloured yarn makes it much easier to see your stitches while you're learning, helping you build confidence from the very first row.