Knitting is a great passtime to take up, especially during the winter months where you can keep you brain and hands busy while relaxing in the comfort and warmth of your home.
However, if you're not a seasoned pro and knitting is something you want to get started with, it can be hard to know where to begin. There seems to be so many different things to take into account, from the needle size to the yarn type, the technique to the stitches - it can often seem quite overwhelming before you've even decided what to knit.
Getting started as a beginner with a knitting kit is an easy way to start, with everything you need included in the pack as well as simple-to-follow instructions and an image of your finished product to hand. Below we've listed some great kit options which you can use to make a huge variety of things for yourself or loved ones.
The Best Knitting Kits For Beginners
1 of 10Knit your Own Teddies Knit Kit
Perfect to give as a gift to a buddy beginner knitter, or make this cute mummy and baby bear yourself.Includes: Bamboo knitting needles, yarn, rainbow yarn, yarn needle, fibrefill stuffing, safety eyes, and instructions.Finished sizes approximately 35cm and 19cm.
£20.00
2 of 10Easy Scarf Knit Kit
Knit a stylish scarf with a choice of vibrant contrasting colours to choose from.Includes: All the wool you need, pattern and needles. The yarn is a luxury lambswool that is beautifully soft and comes from a spinner sited in the Yorkshire Pennines with a rich family history dating back to 1766. Finished Scarf measures 130cm x 20cm (approximately)
3 of 10Miffy Hat Knit Kit
Make this adorable Miffy hat for a baby aged anywhere between 0-12 months with a choice of white, grey and teal wool.Includes: 2 x 50g 100% merino wool, contrast yarn for the embroidery, 5mm bamboo knitting needles, sewing needle, how to knit basic guide, Miffy Hat pattern and Miffy woven label.
4 of 10Shining Star Mitten Knit Kit
Perfect for those new to knitting and with 19 colours to choose from, these mittens will keep you cosy in the winter without your fingers feeling trapped.Includes: 1 ball of Feeling Good Yarn, Shining Star Mittens pattern, 1 pair of knitting needles 6.5mm (optional), sewing needle and a Made-by-Me label.
5 of 10Masley Cushion Cover Knit Kit
This block colour cushion cover is perfect for adding a bit of fun and brightness to any home.Includes: 3 x 100g S&S The Chunky Wool, pair of 12mm bamboo knitting needles, Masley Cushion Cover pattern, sewing needle and basic knitting instructions.Size of cover measures 40cm x 40cm
6 of 10Super Chunky Merino Blanket Knit Kit
Personalise and make your own beautiful blanket to suit you and your bedding.Includes: 100% natural cotton bag stuffed to the brim with; Super Chunky Yarn in your choice of colour/s – choose your amount of yarn according to blanket size, How To Knit instructions, knitting pattern, (optional) Tapestry needle and (optional) 15mm circular knitting needles.Make a blanket from 1m square right up to 2.5m square, or any variations inbetween.
7 of 10Knit your Own Dragon Knit Kit
Knit yourself or a loved one this fun and friendly dragon with spikes and wings. If you have a little knitting experience, this kit should help you improve.Includes: 3.25mm bamboo knitting needles, 100% acrylic yarn wool, needle, polyester toy stuffing, safety eyes and instructions.Once complete your dragon will measure approximately 23cm tall.
8 of 10Himba Snood Knit Kit
A beginner level Himba Snood kit, perfect to keep you warm in the winter months.Includes: 1 skein of wool (200g), 15mm wooden knitting needles, the pattern, a small knitter's sewing needle and the embroidered label.
9 of 10Elysia Baby Blanket Knit Kit
This gorgeous snuggly blanket is simple to make, and a perfect gift to keep little ones cosy. Classic and surprisingly quick to make.Includes: clear knitting pattern for beginners, premium knitting yarn, knitting needles, tapestry needle, 20-page help booklet, Knit Kit Company cotton project bag
10 of 10Robin Knit Kit
Add some festive cheer to your home by knitting adorable Albert the Robin. A great project for a beginner with no need to knit in the round.Includes: acrylic yarn, cotton and paper pattern.
5 top knitting tips for beginners
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We would recommend using wooden needles as this will have a better grip on your wool. It should stop the yarn sliding off so easily when going for your next stitch compared to metal or plastic needles.
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As a beginner, start with a thicker yarn so it's easier to see the stitches. Not only that but your finished knit will come along a lot quicker too.
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Don't worry too much about the way you hold your needles, there isn't a right or wrong way. The two most common ways are to hold the needles from over the top or to hold them from underneath like a pencil.
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Keep it simple at first until you've built up your confidence. You don't want to lose your motivation by going in straight away with a tricky pattern, so stick to your kit or practise the basic stitches first.
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If you need any more guidance, look for videos online. There's some great beginner tutorials and Merion from LoveCrafts has a great step-by-step guide on how to knit, including making a slip knot, casting on, the knit stitch and casting off:
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