I want to learn how to knit but I have no idea where to start. Do I need to buy expensive needles or can I get basic ones anywhere? I also don't know what type of yarn is best for a beginner.
Bamboo or metal needles in 4-6 mm are standard to start with and you can find them at any store without spending much. What a lot of people don't mention is that tension (how tight you knit) is the most frustrating thing at the beginning - most people pull too tight without realizing it, which tires out your hands and messes up your stitches, so from day one try to relax and let the yarn flow without strangling it. For yarn, go for something thick and in light colors (so you can see your stitches clearly): a medium acrylic yarn is cheap and perfect for practicing without feeling like you're ruining something expensive.
You don't need to spend a fortune on needles, honestly; basic bamboo or metal ones from any craft store work perfectly when you're starting out. What matters is picking a medium thickness (like size 4 or 5) because they're easier to handle, and then grabbing thick, soft yarn like acrylic or wool blends that won't snag constantly.
There's tons of YouTube tutorials that teach you garter stitch and purl stitch, which is literally all you need to get going, so you don't have to pay for classes or anything. My advice is to start with something small, like a scarf or a kitchen cloth, something pressure-free; that way you learn the rhythm without stressing if you drop a stitch.
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