BEGINNER'S TOOL KIT

PINS

Plastic-head pins for checking are useful tension and blocking out items. Pins with coloured heads are best because they do not get lost in your work.

ROW COUNTER

A row counter is helpful for keeping track of rows worked, particularly where increases, decreases or other kinds of patterning occur.

KNITTING IN ELASTIC Elastic yarn prevents sagging in cuffs, collars and waists. You can work it in with knitting yarn on knitted or crocheted garments. STITCH GAUGE

A stitch gauge is a flat piece of metal or plastic with a ruler marked on one side and/or a window cut out in the centre. It allows you to mark and measure easily and accurately.

KNITTING NEEDLES

Knitting needles are made from plastic, aluminium or wood and come in varying lengths and widths. Straight needles come in pairs and doublepointed needles come in sets of four.

TAPE MEASURE

A basic tape measure is essential for checking your garment measurements.

KNITTING BAG

A knitting bag is essential for those who like to knit ‘on the go’. Not only is it a practical way to keep all your knitting paraphenalia together, it also helps keep the yarn clean and tangle-free.

CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES

Circular needles have two working ends joined by a thin nylon wire. They are more balanced than straight needles and allow the weight of your work to rest in your lap.

KNITTER’S NEEDLES

Knitter’s needles need to have a large eye and a blunt point so they do not split stitches when sewing up your knitting.

STITCH HOLDER

A stitch holder is used to secure stitches not in use. You can also use safety pins for holding a small number of stitches.