If you have no knitting experience, I like to begin by knitting a cotton face cloth. They don't require a pattern and it helps to get the basic movements of stitches down.

Here’s what you’ll need to buy:

Needles:

• US7 circular needles (32”) — ChiaoGoo is the best brand.
• Any steel needles with a steel cable is a big bonus (easy to knit with), but not required.
• Straight needles are also fine, but 32” circular needles very versatile for future projects and can do the same thing straight needles can.
  

Yarn:

• 1 ball/skein of cotton — ideally choose a lighter color. They’re easier to work with when you’re starting out.
• Either DK or worsted weight yarn will work with US7 needles. Ask whoever is working at the yarn store to show you their DK or worsted options—they’ll know! DK will be thinner, making a slightly airier cloth, whereas worsted will be a bit chunkier. Just a matter of preference! 

Option 1: I sell beginner kits for $25. They include two skeins of cotton yarn, knitting needles, tapestry needles, stitch markers, and rubber stitch stoppers. This is a great way to begin with a very small investment.

Option 2: Let’s get you going with a pattern! Once you buy a pattern, look it over and pay attention to needle size and type (circular, double-pointed, etc.), as well as yarn weight/length (given in grams/meters or yards). These will be in the beginning of the pattern you’re using. You may also need stitch markers, tapestry needles, a cable needle, stitch holders, or a row counter. I’m happy to advise if you need help picking a pattern that matches your skill level.

Some of my favorites:

• Stitches Seattle (Capitol Hill; cost-effective and high-quality accessories)
• Hazel Knits (Georgetown, insane color selection and high-quality accessories)
• So Much Yarn (Pike Place; large selection of general materials)
• Acorn Street Shop (Ravenna; amazing material selection with wide price range, variety of accessories)
• Nifty Knitter (Issaquah; fantastic high-end selection, great accessories)

I recommend US8 needles and worsted weight merino yarn in a light color. Both are the perfect size that make the material easy to maneuver, the light color helps with visibility, and merino is very soft yet holds firm.

Recommended brands: ChiaoGoo needles have a really nice weight and texture that make sliding stitches on and off super easy. Malabrigo Rios is a great worsted weight yarn that has fair pricing and a wide range of colors. You’ll find it at most yarn stores.