How to Start Knitting in 2026
Knitting is having a huge comeback.
In a world that is focused on the hustle & bustle, knitting offers something slower and cozier… which honestly is why I enjoy it so much.
Whether you’re craving a creative hobby, looking to make beautiful handmade things, or wanting a way to unwind, knitting is one of the easiest crafts to start (and one you can stick with!).
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through exactly how to start knitting in 2026, with everything you need to know.
What You Actually Need to Start
I’ve been here before. While I learned how to knit when I was a child, I still didn’t understand what I actually needed when I decided to start knitting again. I knew the basics of it like how to knit, but I had NO idea what needles or yarn I should start with… or what patterns I should begin with!
1. Yarn
For beginners, I’d choose a bulkier yarn.
I know that this isn’t what all beginners want to start with, but there’s a reason why bulkier is better for beginners.
A bulkier yarn means a project will be done faster.
Here’s the thing. It is well known that a reason why people tend to gravitate towards knitting is the slowness of it. Getting a bulkier yarn to finish a project fast isn’t the same as trying to finish a project as quickly as possible.
It’s to SHOW you what you’re capable of.
You’ll have the satisfaction of finishing the project & you’ll get addicted to that feeling. That’s exactly what happened to me.
2. Knitting Needles
With starting a bulkier yarn, you’ll need bulkier needles.
Knitting needles in the size from a 10US to 15US are great selections for beginners.
If you’re interested in learning more about knitting needles, make sure to check out my blog post everything you need to know about knitting needles.
3. Other small things
In addition to yarn & needles, you should also have on hand:
- Scissors
- A tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers
- A row counter OR the notes app on your phone (this is what I use!)
Knitting Skills You Need to Learn First
When you’re first learning how to knit, don’t worry about any crazy work. Just focus on the basics:
- Casting on – Getting the stitches on needles
- Knit – A basic stitch
- Purl – A basic stitch
- Binding off – Getting the stitches off the needles
Once you finish 2 projects, start to bring in more things to learn like knit increases & decreases.
Beginner Knitting Projects for 2026
I’ve collected 4 patterns in total for you to start off.
To start off, begin with really simplistic patterns like:
Free beginner patons rag stripe knitting pattern
This scarf pattern is great to learning the basics of casting on, knitting, & binding off.
This dishcloth pattern is great to learning the basics of everything you learned in the previous pattern, with also learning the purl stitch.
Once you’ve got the basics of knitting down with these 2 projects, work on these projects:
Free beginner patrons rag border hat pattern
This pattern is great as you will be taking everything you learned from the other patterns, plus learning how to decrease your knit stitches (not the same as binding off).
Free beginner bernat take it from the top pullover
And lastly, I know this pattern is not small. However, you just completed (or I hope you did!) 3 other projects & you’re feeling extremely motivated. This sweater pattern is great because you’ll be using everything you’ve learned previously PLUS learning increases!
Once you finish these 4 projects, you will feel confident enough to learn more of the art of knitting.
Now is the time to go out and try new yarn weights & new knitting needles!
Ready to Start Knitting?
If you’ve been thinking about learning to knit, this is your sign to start. Go grab yarn, choose a simple project, and permit yourself to be a beginner!!
Happy crafting 🤍
If you’d like beginner knitting tutorials, cozy project ideas, or slow creative inspiration, feel free to explore more posts here on the blog.
