Checklist · 12 picks · 3 categories
Links to Amazon are affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it never decides a pick. How I make money
Affiliate link.
Learning to knit is cheap if you skip the stuff you don't need yet. Start with one pair of bamboo or wood needles: NBC Select's beginner guide says the grain gives yarn something to grab onto, so stitches don't slide off like they do on slick metal.
Pair them with a smooth, light, solid worsted yarn so you can actually see what you're doing. Add a few locking stitch markers and a blunt yarn needle for weaving in ends, and you're ready for a first scarf or dishcloth. Prefer a guided start? Bustle's favorite kits bundle yarn, needles and video lessons. Picks come from NBC Select, BestReviews and Bustle, and each card shows the drawback too, so you know what you're getting before you add it to your cart.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you'd rather work with one hook than two needles; our crochet starter kit is a better fit.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
Pick a budget to see your plan.
Your plan lives in this link. Copy it or email it to yourself so Safari doesn't forget it.
Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 4 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Takumi Bamboo Single Pointed Knitting Needles | budget | under $15 | your very first scarf or swatch | 1 outlet |
| EXQUISS Knitting Needles Set (18 Pairs) | mid | $15-25 | trying lots of needle sizes without buying them one by one | 1 outlet |
| Red Heart Super Saver Yarn (Solid) | budget | under $15 | practice swatches and first projects | Limited evidence |
| Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted Yarn | mid | under $15 | a softer first project you'll actually want to wear | 1 outlet |
Best knitting needlesbudget pick · Standard
Best for your very first scarf or swatch
NBC Select's best knitting tools for beginners: wood needles are recommended for beginners because the grain gives the yarn a little texture to grab onto.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best knitting tools for beginners.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link. I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
mid pick · Standard
Best for trying lots of needle sizes without buying them one by one
BestReviews' best bang for the buck: a set with a variety of bamboo needles in different sizes.
Heads up. BestReviews says the tubing may break easily, so use it with care
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck knitting needles.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
Best yarnbudget pick · Standard
Best for practice swatches and first projects
A medium-weight (#4 worsted) acrylic yarn. Pick a light, solid color so you can see your stitches.
Heads up. A little stiff
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Standard
Best for a softer first project you'll actually want to wear
NBC Select's best knitting tools for beginners: an affordable yarn that is soft yet durable, so it won't fray or tear while you learn.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best knitting tools for beginners.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Locking Stitch Markers | budget | under $15 | not losing count | Limited evidence |
| Clover Chibi Darning Needle Set | budget | under $15 | finishing projects neatly | Limited evidence |
| Fiskars Thread Snips | budget | under $15 | snipping yarn close to your work | 1 outlet |
| Clover Knitting Counter | budget | under $15 | patterns that say 'repeat for 20 rows' | 1 outlet |
| Teamoy Knitting Tote Bag | budget | $15-25 | knitting on the go | 1 outlet |
| ArtBin Yarn Fabric Tote | mid | $25-50 | keeping a growing yarn stash tidy | 1 outlet |
Top pickbudget pick · Compact
Best for not losing count
Clip-on markers that hold your place at the start of a round or a tricky stitch.
Heads up. Easy to lose
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Compact
Best for finishing projects neatly
Blunt, big-eye needles for weaving in yarn ends and sewing pieces together, in a little tube so you don't lose them.
Heads up. Small, easy to misplace
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Compact
Best for snipping yarn close to your work
NBC Select's best knitting accessories overall: the tiny blades slide easily under tight stitches for precise cuts.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best knitting accessories overall.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Compact
Best for patterns that say 'repeat for 20 rows'
NBC Select's best knitting accessories overall: it keeps track of which row you're on so you never have a miscounting mix-up.
Heads up. It only counts to 99, so long projects need another way to keep track
1 outlet. NBC Select best knitting accessories overall.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Standard
Best for knitting on the go
BestReviews' most versatile pick: it holds everything you could need for knitting and is great for on the go.
Heads up. Bulky for small projects
1 outlet. BestReviews most versatile knitting bag.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Standard
Best for keeping a growing yarn stash tidy
NBC Select's best intermediate knitting accessories: compartments hold up to eight skeins, with grommets to keep the yarn tangle-free.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best intermediate knitting accessories.
$25-50
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
Best starter kitsplurge pick · Gift-box
Best for total beginners who want three projects in one box
Bustle's overall best learn-to-knit kit: wool yarn, wooden needles and a photo booklet, plus video tutorials if you're a visual learner.
Heads up. The yarn only comes in one color, teal blue
1 outlet. Bustle overall best learn-to-knit kit.
$25-50
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Best for a small, quick first project with video help
Bustle's best value knitting kit: the booklet and online video tutorials walk you through making a washcloth.
Heads up. Bustle gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. Bustle best value knitting kit.
$25-50
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Bamboo or wood needles in a medium size that matches worsted yarn. NBC Select's beginner guide recommends wood because the grain grips the yarn, so stitches are less likely to slide off than on slick metal needles.
A smooth, light-colored, solid medium-weight (#4 worsted) yarn. You can see each stitch clearly, and it's easy to rip out and try again.
A kit is easiest if you want step-by-step videos and a set project. Buying needles, yarn, markers and a yarn needle separately costs about the same and lets you pick colors and sizes you like.