Knitting needles are an investment and should be chosen carefully. Some knitters like to use long needles regardless of how many stitches they are working while others prefer to use shorter needles. For afghans, my personal favorite is the circular needle. It accommodates a large number of stitches and I like the fact that I can push the work off the needle edge when I am not working on it - stitches rarely fall off my needle this way. As well, I like to be able to spread my work out and check my pattern for any mistakes and it is much easier to view when using these needles. It makes it easier to measure the length of afghans too.
There are many sizes and types of needles - single pointed, double pointed, circular, and cable needles. Single pointed needles are usually sold in sets of two. They are great for making smaller items such as scarves. Double pointed needles are usually sold in sets of four. They are used for knitting socks, hats, and sleeves. Circular needles are great for knitting sweaters or afghans. Crochet hooks, in addition to crocheting items can be used to pick up dropped stitches as well as tucking in the ends of the yarn when the work is finished, by threading the yarn ends through the knitted stitches. Knitting needles are made of different materials such as steel, plastic or bamboo. The darning needle is useful when tucking in those loose ends if you prefer instead of the crochet hook.
When you are ready to get started, you will need a tape measure which will help you keep track of the length of a work. You should always use the same tape measure when making a garment. Scissors obviously are necessary for cutting the yarn, large darning needle or tapestry needle which can be used for sewing seams or for finishing off ends, knitting needles because how can you possibly knit without these. A flat 6" ruler, clear plastic if possible, is easier than a soft tape measure when measuring short distances on the knitting. An aluminum counter is helpful in determining gauge, a crochet hook comes in handy for picking up dropped stitches as well as finishing off those loose ends, safety pins that can be useful to help mark rows as well as hold stitches, and of course, yarn and a pattern.
There are many other items that a person will use once they have decided that knitting is a hobby that they intend to pursue for many years to come but aren't necessary if you are just trying things out. Stitch holders, which come in various lengths and are similar to safety pins, knitting counters are small devices that are slipped over the point of the needle and are very convenient for keeping track of rows, especially for larger items like sweaters and afghans. The counter has a dial that will record a count from 1 to 99. Ring markers are just small or medium size plastic rings and come in handy when working complicated patterns as well as showing where increases and decreases will be made. A knitting bag or case will be useful for holding your supplies and your work together and keep things tidy. This bag need not be some expensive item any medium size cloth bag will suffice.
A notebook can be used to help keep track of rows, for instance when you knit socks or mittens, it is easier to remember how many rows to the thumb or heel if you have it written down. Also, even though you may knit the same pattern a number of times, you will probably make changes to the size and months down the road, it would be convenient to have those recorded. As well, as you knit, you will develop your own style and make notes to yourself for future use.
JoAnn Freeman operates http://www.my-knitting-site.com a blog that is all about knitting. She will be talking about knitting and taking some of the mystery out of knitting terms and patterns. Her newsletter will include information of where to find free patterns.
http://www.my-knitting-site.com
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