Are you new to the knitting world? Want to know the must-have’s to get started? Which tools you’ll need to attempt your first project? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered!

The beauty of yarn crafting is that it doesn’t take much to make something special. Sure, there are oodles of tools and accessories that knitters use for various techniques or to make the craft easier, more fun or more personalized, but if you’re testing the waters or just beginning your knitting journey, you won’t need to invest much.

Here is our list of the seven items needed for your toolbox that will make sure your first project isn’t your last!

• Yarn: Pretty pointless to try and knit anything without yarn! Jokes aside, having a yarn that works with your pattern will make life a lot easier and more enjoyable. If possible, stick with the yarn type recommended by the designer even if you don’t use the exact yarn from the pattern. You could also check out our articles on fibers and yarn weights to learn more!

• Needles: Again, this may seem like a no-brainer, but unless you are doing an arm knitting project, you’ll want to have a pair of needles that suits the project you’ve chosen. The pattern will suggest a size, and if the number of options feels overwhelming, our article on needles may be helpful!

• Scissors: An often under-appreciated tool, a good pair of scissors should be part of your toolbox. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or specialized, but sharp blades and a fine point will be useful as you finish projects and snip yarn ends! Chances are you already have some that will work just fine!

• Tapestry Needle: After you’ve finished your masterpiece, you’ll want to hide those loose yarn tails. Larger than a sewing needle, yarn or darning needles are thicker, blunt needles with eyes big enough to thread yarn through. This will help weave in the ends, burying them within the knit fabric so they’ll stay put. While not absolute necessities, the last three items are strongly suggested!

• Ruler or Measuring Tape: Whether you are attempting to determine your knitting gauge or figuring out how large your piece is, you’ll need to have some sort of measuring device. A soft tape can be more versatile down the road, but a solid, stable ruler is more reliable. If you’ve already got one or the other in the house, grab that! If not, we recommend an inexpensive 12 inch ruler to get you started. Clear plastic would be a bonus since you could see your stitches through it!

• Writing Utensil: If you’re using a hard copy of a pattern, keep a writing utensil handy. Some folks prefer to follow a pattern on an electronic device, but for paper copies you’ll want to make notes such as where you left off, any modifications you’ve made or even what yarn you’re using. We recommend a pencil with an eraser to make changes, but whatever you have or love using will work just as well!

• Notepad: Tying in to the suggestion above, keeping a notepad nearby while you’re working allows you to jot down information about the project. Sticky notes make good, movable progress keepers on paper patterns, too! Just leave the edge right above or below the line in the pattern you’re currently working.

There you have it! With a minimal investment and a few items you probably already have, you can be ready to tackle your first knitting project!

We would love to hear what pattern or project you started with in the comments below. Any tips or suggestions for a beginner’s toolbox would be great as well!