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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!

Previous Post: « Knewbies | Learn to Knit from Scratch!
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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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Craft book author & pattern designer ❤️💛💙
knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Please email for pattern support. 🧶

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style . How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style 
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In knitting, there are a few common knitting styles. Most often you’re going to encounter continental style and English (throwing) style on your knitting journey. I recently had an old video teaching continental style get a lot of views. Based on the comments, it was clear the people wanted to also see a throwing tutorial, so here you go! 🧶
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Please note that there is a LOT of variation in knitting styles, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. Most often, I’ve found it comes down to two things: how you were taught and whether or not you’re really into colorwork knitting (which can involve a mix of styles). 
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Longer-term knitters who’ve made it this far: do you prefer one over the other? And why? 
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#handsoccupied #englishknitting #learntoknit #knitting #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
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I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
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I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
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The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
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I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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What’s on your needles this week? 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
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#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
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