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Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Knewbies | Supply List & Basic Cast On

February 4, 2015 3 Comments

What do you buy when you're learning to knit from scratch? Check out this list of beginner supplies!

The first Knewbies post is finally here! For those of you have never visited the blog before, welcome! And for anyone who is brand new to knitting, I’m hoping you’re as excited to learn to knit as I am about writing these tutorials. :) I’ve taught friends to knit over a glass of wine, kids and teens to knit at the library, and more. While I can’t be there in person with some booze having tons of fun teaching you to knit, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying your favorite beverage while you get on learning this new hobby.

What do you buy when you’re learning to knit from scratch?

When you’re brand new to knitting, all of the supplies can be overwhelming to choose among. And if you’re looking to learn this craft on a budget, you might be intimidated by how quickly things can add up. Here’s a run-down of what you really need on your first day of knitting!

The absolute necessities

To start, you need some yarn to practice with, a pair of needles and a cheapo pair of scissors. In the videos, I’ll be using the following:

  • Paton’s Classic Wool Bulky, which you can get at most big box craft stores.
  • Size 11 U.S. knitting needles (if you’re knitting along from another country 8mm is the equivalent size of a pair of U.S. 11 needles). For simplicity’s sake, I’d go with straight knitting needles, like the ones shown.
  • Literally any pair of scissors. I’ve been known to use nail clippers or a key in place of scissors if I get desperate while working on a knitting project.

What do you buy when you're learning to knit from scratch? Check out this list of beginner supplies!

I included the graphics to look for on the yarn label in case you want to use something other than the Paton’s yarn, but don’t be scared off! You can just look for a yarn with that “5 bulky” picture on it and you’ll be A-OK. :)

Optional, but useful, other supplies

  • A tapestry needle and/or crochet hook for weaving in ends. You need a needle with an eye big enough for yarn to go through.
  • Ruler or stitch gauge to measure your needle size and stitches per inch.

What do you buy when you're learning to knit from scratch? Check out this list of beginner supplies!

How to do a beginner knitting cast on

How to do a beginner knitting cast on at HandsOccupied.com

Once you’ve got at least some yarn and needles, you are probably going to want to do more than look at them right? Instead of stressing over what exactly all of the symbols and the word gauge might mean, just start watching this video and practicing your cast on. Next week I’ll go over how to start working knit stitches so you can get started on your first-ever project!

Filed Under: Knitting & Crochet Tagged With: basic cast on, beginner knitting, beginner knitting cast on, beginner knitting supplies, how to knit, knewbies, knit, knitting 101, knitting cast on, learn how to knit, supplies

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. Havok

    February 4, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    I am going to have to make a trip to the craft store!! Brilliant to start with the bulkier yarn, too – not only does it work up faster, but it’s easier to see!! :D

    Reply
    • Heidi

      February 5, 2015 at 10:58 pm

      Yay! So excited to have you :D

      Reply
  2. Heather

    February 20, 2015 at 7:42 am

    This was so easy to follow. I can’t wait to learn more!

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎 Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎
Another morning of filming! One of the knitting vi Another morning of filming! One of the knitting videos I’d like to release soon is a big overview of how to swatch and why - if you have any questions or favorite tips, let me know. 
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To be honest, I want to be able to link to this video as a resource when I get angry gauge questions, so please don’t hesitate to share your best tips. Together, we can tame the knitting Karens. 😆
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#stopswatchandblockit #handsoccupied #knitting #knittersofinstagram
A big issue I've had in the last year is putting t A big issue I've had in the last year is putting together new design work but not doing any independent releases of them. Chalk it up to anxiety, burn out, or whatever but here we are. 
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Last week I turned 35, so in honor of that here’s 3 things: 
❤️ a picture of me at my most stylish 
💛 a little glimpse at some of the design things I've recently been working on
💙a promise that I will be releasing some of the pictured designs this year. Getting back in the swing of things after taking it easy is hard 😆 - wish me luck!
Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhoo Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhood while I shot a new crochet tutorial today. With any luck, editing will go smoothly & I’ll be posting new videos to YouTube regularly soon! Got any requests for tutorial topics? 
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#handsoccupied #crochet #studiodog #crochettutorial
This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t you think? ❤️💛💙
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Pattern: modified #soldotnacrop sweater / yarn: various from my stash
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