Kitty

Whether you're picking up knitting for the very first time, an early beginner or shopping for someone who is, these are the tried-and-tested essentials I recommend for getting started. I've chosen beginner-friendly tools and materials that are easy to use, good quality, and not too expensive. Inside this list you'll find knitting needles, yarn, handy accessories, and a few optional extras that make learning to knit even more enjoyable. Every item has been selected to help build confidence and avoid common beginner frustrations. I still use most of these things after 30 years of knitting! If you're new to the craft, welcome to the addiction! Happy knitting!

I adore colourwork so I put together a list to show my favourite patterns, from quick and easy, to slow and mindful. Not sure where to start, I recommend going with a aran/worsted weight hat and grow from there :) I started with a pair on mitts on teeeeeeny needles & I don't recommend doing the same, lol!

I love a good shawl as they are so versatile. You can wear them as scarves, head & neck warmers, wrap around skirts, lap blankets wtc. I am obsessed with Stephen West's patterns so he features heavily on this list, as go garter stitch shawls as I find them so calming to knit (and theres very little counting involved!)

In need of a knitting tutorial but not sure who is a good teacher? These YouTubers are my go-to's whenever I need a hand with a stitch pattern or new technique. Hopefully they'll help you out too.

As a yarn addict I have an extensive and highly currated collection of yarns (yeah, I know, it's just a ridiculously large stash!) I prefer wool yarns or wool blend yarns, especially non-superwash, as they are perfect for colourwork and much better for the environment. Non-mulesing yarn is the way to go people!

New (or new-ish) to knitting & don't fancy a boring scarf pattern then I got you! These are some of my absolute favourite patterns that I still knit today, 25 years after I started knitting. Great to help you slowly expand your skills without overwhelming you with lots of new things in one pattern. Each pattern has something to challenge you a little bit. Great for gifts to, if you really like someone ;)

A few items that are great for UK beginners knitters, inexpensive options that are budget friendly but great quality. We all have to start somewhere and these are the tools that will help your knitting journey run smoothly. I've been knitting for over 30 years and I still have all these essentials in my kit.

These are yarn dyers in the UK who have a great ethos and are run soley by one person.