(Part 3) Best knitting & crochet supplies according to redditors

Psst and psst - if you need a quantity, better deals than most of what's on Knit Picks site right now...

I agree with the needle set, though I respectfully disagree with the "good" part. There's no sense dropping a lot of money on needles when you don't know what the preference is going to be (wood needles? metal?) and sometime circular needles throw beginners for a loop in a "what is this" kind of way.

What I would do is get her some knitting notions, a set of beginner needles, just some things she'll find useful. Here is a list of what I would get her:

An inexpensive set of needles (this one https://www.amazon.com/LIHAO-Bamboo-Knitting-Needles-10-0mm/dp/B00QGI9ZPG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1540516899&sr=8-5&keywords=knitting+needle+set&dpID=51R6%252BMWijVL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch or maybe this one https://www.amazon.com/Hysagtek-Pointed-Stainless-Knitting-Assorted/dp/B06Y2D7JHW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540516975&sr=8-3&keywords=knitting+needle+set+metal)

Tapestry needles (METAL NOT PLASTIC. Like these https://www.amazon.com/Fairycece-12-Pack-Darning-Needles-Tapestry/dp/B01N9SIMUE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1540517003&sr=8-6&keywords=tapestry+needle&dpID=51pL07DibjL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch or these https://www.amazon.com/Outus-Large-eye-Needles-Knitting-Sewing/dp/B01LXNZO3O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1540517003&sr=8-5&keywords=tapestry+needle)

Stitch markers (I like these ones https://www.amazon.com/Shappy-Knitting-Crochet-Locking-Markers/dp/B01MR4W3W6/ref=sr_1_12?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1540517061&sr=1-12&keywords=stitch+markers)

Tape measurer (just like a basic retractible tape measurer, nothing fancy)

That should give her plenty of "notions" (knitting tools that aren't knitting needles). If you only get her one thing on the list, get a knitting needle set

https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Brand-Yarn-752-200-Fettuccini/dp/B00PJZESXQ

Knitters pride sell different sample sets where you can try out different types of needles.

Boo-urns. This is frustrating. I feel like a lot of you are yarn people, so maybe you can help me. I'm looking for something like this, as in something that has multiple colors/shades in one purchase, but with all of them being earth tones, shades of white, gray, cream, brown, etc. Is there anywhere online (doesn't have to be on Amazon) you could recommend I go to?

eta: found this but I wanna keep looking since that's not 100% what I need.

Depending on how large your amigurumi are, I’d buy the small assorted yarns from Amazon. They’re not badly priced, and they’re so much fun, deciding on the spot what colors to use. There are a lot of options, but here is one that I’ve used!

Boye makes an ergonomic handle that you can interchange your aluminum hooks with. So one handle for all your hooks. I have one and it does take some getting used to with holding it but it really helps with the pain.

Boye Universal Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGKXRD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kkw1Db5TWWRP8

Get ergonomic crochet hooks or make your current hooks ergonomic by using painter tape and pencil gripes or get these Susan Bates Crochet Hook Cushion Grips 3.75"-2/pkg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072RQQ3G8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tvNwCb74EWQVS

I had pencil grips for a while but hot some polymer clay and love those. Not the prettiest but most comfortable since I was able to make the handle to what was best for me.

I bought this hanging thing from amazon and I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/Circular-Solution-Knitting-Numbered-Storage/dp/B01N15QYRP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=circular+knitting+needles+storage&qid=1562641049&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Not OP but this looks similar...
https://www.amazon.com/Teamoy-Organizer-Knitting-Accessories-Included/dp/B01MFI2P91?th=1&psc=1

I use this!

Teamoy Crochet Hook Case, Organizer Zipper Bag with Web Pockets for Various Crochet Needles and Knitting Accessories, Well Made, Small Volume and Easy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFI2P91/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_aVKxdjm1Iqlpa

Yarn lust time!

elann Highland Majesty Sport Yarn | 5 Ball Bag | Color Pack 1

Knit Picks Chroma Fingering 5-Pack (Weather Vane)

Knit Picks Chroma Fingering 5-Pack (Leaf)

Knit Picks Chroma Fingering 5-Pack (Lupine)

Knit Picks Chroma Fingering 5-Pack Get Your Neon

Main set: https://www.amazon.com/ChiaoGoo-Knitting-Needles-Interchangeable-Complete/dp/B01N9GZCN4/

If you are feeling really extra, the tiny sizes come in an additional pack:
https://www.amazon.com/ChiaoGoo-Twist-Interchangeable-Needle-000-1-5/dp/B01ETTCQHM/

Would set like this be good to start with?

So I remembered this too.

I only have a few sets of straights and those are in a tube. The circs are kept in two different containers. I made something like this for storage of most circs as it prevents curling and holds all lengths. What I bought to hold some circs by my chair (frequently used sizes) isn't made any longer, but it is something like this. One pouch holds notions. This way, if I had to suddenly leave to care for a relative, I just had to add some yarn to the bag and didn't forget any important notions. I bought something like this to hold double pointed needles. I've been knitting for years.

For a total beginner have a look at worsted weight/aran weight (name depends on where you are in the world).

It's thick yarn that will knit up very quick and make a thick insulating fabric perfect for a scarf.

For your very first project grab a ball of cheap acrylic, the resulting knits will be machine washable and while they wont last as long as a really good wool you'll get a year or two of use out of them.

When you want to make the switch the working with wool look at names like Drops, they are cheap but not cheap feeling.

For needles something like these is a perfectly suitable beginner set. They are wood which is a bit more grippy and holds the yarn on the needles which is perfect for when you are learning.

For a beginner yarn something like this is perfect to practice on. its not too dark to see the stitches and not too light to blend into itself. its cheap and if things go horribly wrong you wont want to cry at wasting a ton of money.
You might need a 2nd ball of this to finish a scarf.

If you have any questions shoot me a pm. I'll help however I can. we need more men who knit in the world!

Welcome to your new addiction. Save your hands and buy these. They have a softness around the hook so the metal wont rub your hand raw. There are tons of different brands for these hooks but I use this brand. My favorite yarn- "I love this yarn" by hobby lobby, it is extremely soft and relatively cheap (usually $4 a roll). Also buy yourself some bobby pins from your local dollar store. These work great for stitch markers. To keep your rows "even" and straight, it helps if you place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row. Happy hooking!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y38811G/ref=asc_df_B06Y38811G5256930/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B06Y38811G&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198059709086&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11315305741498399617&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029044&hvtargid=pla-348529662693


I really like these hooks you can get the set for about $25 At some walmarts

Knitting needle caps will keep your stitches from falling off! They are also called point protectors sometimes. The ones I linked are the basic kind, but you can also shop around for much cuter ones!

Before putting my knitting in a bag I roll the working yarn back into the ball and then wrap the project around the ball if possible to keep it from coming undone. If that isn't working for you, maybe keeping your knitting in a pouch inside your bag will help?

This isn’t quite the hook with the grip, but Susan Bates sells [grips you can slip on the hooks.] (https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Crochet-Cushion-Grips/dp/B072RQQ3G8)

I got these from amazon. I also got these for when I start diving into knitting.

Have you tried ergonomic handles? I’m in a crochet group on Facebook, a number of the ladies in the group have arthritis and swear by these. I’m not sure if it would help you or not, but it’s worth a shot.

Boye Universal Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGKXRD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F2FEDb54E56WV

Found the mini set! Not sure why it's its own thing though. Would be nice to have a whole complete set

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ETTCQHM/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_cr_x__a_w

I'm crafty by not patient enough to draw lines on my blocking mats. These mats are made by Hephaestus. These are my first mats and I absolutely love them.

I've been crocheting for years, but I recently bought this kit and it has been a life saver!!! I didn't realize I needed it so much! I absolutely love it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019I2EKZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479076105&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=crochet+hook+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51FLanBdElL&ref=plSrch

I lose my hooks a lot too, so I bought these 2 years ago. It's just a cheap no name brand, but they work well and for $9 if I lose one oh well I lose one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019I2EKZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_bRPTBbRW7EMRT

I ordered a version of these off Amazon. There are cheaper versions out there (labeled as children’s play mat) but I wanted the 1” grid and steam proof!

I used several different "mini" skeins, I got this as a gift and I used these.

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Miniature-Value-Yarn-Pack/dp/B017OULYD0/ref=lp_262625011_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1451518252&sr=1-5

I've bought both of these, and they've both been great quality. I needed a lot for a joining project. Lots of stitch markers for cheap!

I really like the case for the Outus markers, because each compartment opens individually. Saves from major spills from the bump of a cat tail.

Shappy 120 Pieces Knitting Crochet Locking Stitch Markers Stitch Needle Clip, 10 Colors

Outus 104 Pieces Locking Stitch Markers Knitting Stitch Counter Multi-Colored Crochet Stitch Needle Clip with Compartment Box

Edit: a period...oy vey

I have some great news for you. These are a thing. C:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ESL5YHQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1453488184&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=blocking+mats&dpPl=1&dpID=51vBjdFYlbL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01540EI80/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1453488184&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=blocking+mats

This is the set I have and love it.

Hephaestus Crafts Blocking Mats for Knitting - Pack of 9 GRAY Blocking Boards with Grids for Needlepoint or Crochet. 150 T-pins https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0767HV4M6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I got them here!

https://www.amazon.com/BoNaYuanDa-Knitting-Needles-Protectors-Stoppers/dp/B01MG32K69/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496368818&sr=8-1&keywords=knitting+needle+point+protectors

I actually don't agree with getting a set first. It's a good idea to learn what sort of needles you like best first. I personally prefer metal circulars and wood dpns, and I don't buy straight needles (I end up with them anyway, however).

I'd consider getting a small sampler set to see what you like.

I’m no artist, myself, so trust me when I say this is an easy one that anyone can pick up. I really like loom knitting (https://www.amazon.com/Readaeer-Round-Knitting-Needle-Pompom/dp/B0182IQHYE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3HNNRJXFGGPCU&keywords=loom+knitting+kit&qid=1554634727&s=gateway&sprefix=loom+knit&sr=8-1). You can make a ton of different stuff (lots of tutorials on YouTube, and books) and all you need is inexpensive yarn. Easy to find at Walmart or Michaels. I like it because it’s so soothing and repetitive.

Seconded! I'm a knitter and taught my kids to knit when they were young. There are a bunch of cute things you can make made out of plain rectangles or squares that are simple to knit plus very simple sewing - a bunny, fingerless gloves, robots, hats, monsters, tons of things.

Knitting looms (example) are another even easier way for kids to knit, my kids made hats with their grandma, both for themselves and for preemies for the hospital charity that she donates to.