In essence, all you really need to start knitting is “sticks and string”; the knitting needles and yarn of your choice.
Needles and yarn.
Information is available here to help you decide on your initial needles and yarn.
Pencil and Paper
It sounds basic, but these are vital bits of equipment for the knitter. Whether you’re using it to record how many rows you’ve worked, or making notes about the pattern you’re using (for example, making a note of how many rows of rib you do, so that the front and back match), these simple things make the knitters life much easier.
Row Counters
There are a variety of types of row counters available. One is a device on which you “click” a button each time you finish a row, which then displays how many you’ve worked. Often these are available on long cords which can be worn around the neck for convenience. Others are a solid flat item with slide markers to show your position.
A popular type is the “barrel” which sits on the end of your needle. Again, at the end of each row, simply move the counter round one place. It is also possible to thread a piece of spare yarn onto these counters, knot the thread and hang it over the needle if working on circular or double pointed needles. The row counter then doubles up as a stitch marker.
Measuring Devices
A tape measure, as used by dressmakers, is an essential tool enabling you to ensure that your work is the right size. Make sure that you don’t stretch the work when measuring. Tempting though it can be, it means that the finished piece will be too small and all of that hard work may have been for nothing.
Sewing Needles
For most knitted garments tapestry needles (which have rounded rather than pointed ends) are the best option, as they have large enough eyes to thread your knitting yarn through, but are unlikely to split the yarn on your knitted stitches as you sew up your pieces.
Sewing Aids
When you have the knitted pieces finished and the garment is ready to be assembled, it is handy to have something to hold the piece together. Ordinary dressmaking pins can be used, but tend to get “lost” in the knitted fabric. Glass headed pins are better as they are easier to find. It is also possible to buy butterfly clips, which thread through the stitches and hold the work together for sewing.
Point protectors.
Small (usually plastic) caps which sit over the ends of your needles serve two purposes; firstly, as the name suggests, they protect the points of your needles, preventing damage in your workbag. Secondly, they stop stitches from falling off the ends of the needles. Many people thread their needles through their working ball of yarn but this is not recommended, as it is easy to split the yarn by doing this.
Further equipment suggestions are made here, but the above is the basic knitters toolkit, full of items to make the knitters life just a little easier.
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