Choose the Right Needles
As a beginner, we recommend bamboo needles in size 4-5 mm. The bamboo surface provides more friction, so the stitches slide less than on metal needles. This gives you better control when learning your first stitches.
Beginner
Basic Knitting Knowledge
Everything you need to start: needles, yarn, and the first techniques.
Your First Equipment
Choose the Right Yarn
Start with a DK or Worsted yarn (gauge 16-24 stitches per 10 cm) in a light color. Light yarn makes it much easier to see your stitches, and thicker yarn gives faster results and is easier to handle.
Your First Project
We recommend a knitted dishcloth as your first project. You only need to know three things: casting on, knit stitches, and binding off. It's a small and manageable project that gives a quick sense of achievement!
Reading Knitting Patterns
Before you start, you should learn how a pattern is structured. Our beginner guide to reading patterns decodes abbreviations, charts, and secret formulas step-by-step.
Yarn Weight Guide
Yarn comes in different thicknesses, often called "weights". This table helps you understand what the different terms mean and which needles are usually used.
Lace
32-40 sts per 10 cm
1.5-2.25 mm
Typical use:
- Shawls
- Lace knitting
- Lightweight wraps
Fingering
28-32 sts per 10 cm
2.25-3.25 mm
Typical use:
- Socks
- Light sweaters
- Baby garments
- Shawls
Sport
24-26 sts per 10 cm
3.25-3.75 mm
Typical use:
- Light sweaters
- Baby garments
- Accessories
DK
21-24 sts per 10 cm
3.75-4.5 mm
Typical use:
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Hats
- Mittens
Worsted
16-20 sts per 10 cm
4.5-5.5 mm
Typical use:
- Sweaters
- Blankets
- Accessories
- Home decor
Bulky
12-15 sts per 10 cm
5.5-8 mm
Typical use:
- Blankets
- Chunky sweaters
- Scarves
- Quick knits
Super Bulky
7-11 sts per 10 cm
8-12.75 mm
Typical use:
- Blankets
- Cushions
- Chunky cowls
- Speed knitting
Scandinavian Yarn and Gauge
Scandinavian yarn manufacturers like Sandnes Garn, Rauma, and Dale Garn
rarely use terms like "DK" or "Worsted" on the ball band. Instead, they
print the gauge (stitches per 10 cm) and recommended needle size directly
on the label. Use the table above to translate between the systems — which is
especially useful when knitting from international patterns. See our
full overview of popular yarns in Norway and Scandinavia
for more examples and specifications.
How do I find the gauge of my yarn?
Check the ball band around the skein – most manufacturers list the recommended gauge in stitches per 10 cm and a suggested needle size. If you're unsure, knit a 10x10 cm swatch and count the stitches yourself.
Can I substitute a different yarn weight in a pattern?
Yes, but you'll need to recalculate the gauge and often adjust the needle size and yardage needed. Our yarn substitution calculator helps you find the right replacement yarn and figure out how much you need.
What do DK, Worsted, and Fingering actually mean?
These are standard international yarn weight names from British/American tradition. DK ("Double Knitting") is a medium weight, Worsted is slightly heavier, and Fingering is thin yarn often used for socks. See the table above for the full overview.