I want to learn how to knit. What's the best starter kit with everything I need?

Starting your knitting journey with an all-inclusive kit is a fantastic idea because it eliminates the guesswork of matching yarn weight to the correct needle size.

Depending on your budget and what you actually want to make as your first project, here are the top-rated, completely all-inclusive starter kits on the market:

• Best for: Budget-friendly, low-stress learning.

• What you get: Smooth bamboo needles, multiple balls of quality practice yarn, a yarn needle, and meticulously photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions.

• Why it’s great: It heavily relies on stellar online video tutorials that walk you through your very first stitches, making it virtually foolproof for absolute beginners.

• Best for: Stylish, high-end wearables and thick, cozy yarn.

• What you get: Thick, 100% Peruvian wool, a pair of wooden knitting needles (which you can opt out of if you already own some), the pattern, a sewing needle, and a cute packaging bag.

• Why it’s great: They use chunky wool, which works up fast —meaning you won't get bored waiting to see results. They range from simple scarves and beanies up to beginner cardigans (though note that their larger kits carry a steeper price tag).

• Best for: Fashion-forward first garment projects.

• What you get: Sustainably sourced yarn, custom patterns tailored to teach specific basic techniques (like the garter stitch), sewing-in labels, and optional needles.

• Why it’s great: Their kits are famously chic, and they prove you don't have to spend years knitting before you can wear something you made yourself.[1][2][3][4][5]

If you want a visual breakdown of what a premium, tactile knitting kit looks like and how it feels to work with the materials, watch this review:

54s The Best Beginner Knitting Kits from The Knitting Channel 3.9K views  · 10 years ago YouTube · The Knitting Channel

What to check before you buy:

• Yarn texture: Avoid fuzzy, novelty, or dark black/navy yarns for your first project. Smooth, light-colored, bulky-weight yarn is the easiest to see your stitches in.
• Needle material: Bamboo or wood needles have a little bit of "grip," which helps prevent your stitches from accidentally sliding off the ends compared to slick metal needles.

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

• What do you want to make first (a simple scarf, a beanie, or a larger project like a sweater/cardigan)?
• What is your ideal budget for a starter hobby?

If you’re starting from zero, I’d prioritize a kit that gives you easy-to-see yarn, beginner-friendly needles, a simple first project, and video/illustrated instructions. Current beginner guides consistently emphasize those features.

My pick

• Knitting Kit for Beginners - $29.00 (ImagiKnit)

ImagiKnit’s Learn-to-Knit Kit — $29 is a particularly nice starting point: it’s explicitly designed for absolute beginners and includes the tools, yarn, and instructions for a scarf, fingerless gloves, and a bunny.

Other good options

• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit - $39.99 (We Are Knitters)

• Red Heart Learn Knitting Kit with Circular Needles - $34.99 (Walmart - Blick Art Materials)

• Boye I Taught Myself to Knit Kit - $24.19 (BLICK Art Materials)

• DMC Mindful Making Serene Scarf Kit - $24.99 (BLICK Art Materials)

• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler — $39.99. Good if you want to learn several basic stitches rather than immediately making a single simple scarf. It teaches six essential stitches.

• Red Heart Learn to Knit — $34.99. More of a comprehensive teaching kit, with instructions for both left- and right-handed knitting and 15 beginner projects.

• Boye I Taught Myself to Knit — $24.19. A relatively inexpensive option with 23 pieces and instructions for 18 projects.

• DMC Serene Scarf — $24.99. Probably the simplest route if you want to learn by making one uncomplicated scarf using a single stitch.

One tip: don't buy a giant 20-needle assortment just because it says "complete." For your first project, you really only need a suitable pair of needles, smooth yarn, and something simple to make. A smooth, light-colored medium-weight yarn is especially easy to see and manipulate while you're learning.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $25, $50, or $100) and whether you'd rather make a scarf, hat, or something cute like a stuffed animal, I can narrow it down to one kit.

If you’re starting from zero, I’d prioritize a kit that has easy-to-see yarn, beginner-friendly needles, a simple first project, and actual instructions/video help. You don’t need a giant 50-piece tool set yet.

My top pick

• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit - $34.99 (We Are Knitters)

We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit — about $35

This is the one I’d choose for a beginner who wants to actually learn knitting, rather than just receive a box of miscellaneous supplies. It teaches six basic stitches and gives you a concrete first project (a snood/cowl). It currently has a 4.7/5 rating in the product results.

If you want the most “everything in one box” option

• CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners - $36.99 (CraftLab Arts & Crafts Kits)

At about $37, this includes yarn, needles, tools and instructions for several projects, including a scarf, fingerless gloves and a bunny. That's nice if you want enough material to keep practicing after your first project.

Best budget option

• ImagiKnit Learn to Knit Kit for Beginners - $29.00 (ImagiKnit)

At about $29, it includes the supplies and instructions for a scarf, fingerless gloves and a bunny. Good choice if you don't want to spend much initially.

One thing I would not worry about yet

You don't need an enormous interchangeable-needle set. For learning, one pair of roughly US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) needles and smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn is an excellent starting point.

My recommendation: get the We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit if you want the nicest learning experience; get the ImagiKnit kit if keeping the cost down matters more.

If you want, I can also give you a “learn knitting in 7 days” plan that takes you from holding the needles for the first time to making your first finished project.

Starting your knitting journey with a kit is a fantastic idea because it removes the guesswork of matching the right yarn weight to the right needle size.

Top-rated starter kits designed to set you up for success include:

Add to list Highlighted as a top pick by The New York Times Wirecutter Best Fiber Craft Kits , this kit comes with exceptionally soft 100% merino wool yarn (crucial because scratchy yarn makes learning miserable), high-quality wooden needles, a finishing yarn needle, and clear instructions with three simple scarf patterns. You can view details directly on the Purl Soho Learn to Knit Kit Page.[1]

Wool And The Gang Beginner Kits

If you want to jump straight into making a wearable garment or accessory rather than a practice swatch, Wool and the Gang offers modern, stylish kits (like easy beanies or the [Wool and the Gang Super Duper Sweater Kit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.woolandthegang.com/en/products/super-duper-sweater-kit?country_iso=US&variant=V341867144&srsltid=AfmBOooiAYDcZjpGJa2c8Hbe1YyAliFEOTqNgu2aMMcEYeVFabRQACqMehI) ) that use chunky yarn, which works up fast and makes individual stitches very easy to see.[1]

Add to list Another budget-friendly favorite that offers straightforward, no-fuss materials to get you comfortable with the basic knit and purl stitches without a heavy financial commitment.

To help narrow down the absolute best fit, tell me:

• Do you want to start with a small practice project (like a washcloth or scarf) or jump into a wearable item (like a hat or sweater)?
• Do you prefer a budget-friendly option or a luxury/premium material experience?

If you’re starting from zero, I’d choose a kit that includes easy-to-see yarn, beginner-friendly needles, a simple first project, and video or photo instructions. Many “complete” kits include lots of extras you won’t use right away, so the best starter kit is usually the one that helps you actually finish something.

Here are my top picks:

• MaconGoods Grandma’s Knitting Kit - $61.99 (My Home Finds)
• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit - $34.99 (We Are Knitters)
• CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners - $36.99 (CraftLab Arts & Crafts Kits)
• Red Heart Learn Knitting Kit with Circular Needles - $34.99 (Walmart - Blick Art Materials)

Best overall: MaconGoods Grandma’s Knitting Kit

• Best choice if you want the easiest “open the box and learn” experience.
• Look for: - beginner yarn
• bamboo needles (a little grippy, which can help prevent stitches sliding off)
• written instructions
• video tutorials
• Good for learning the basics before moving on to scarves, hats, and other projects.

Best if you want nicer materials: We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit

• A good pick if you want your first project to feel more like a “real” knitting project.
• Teaches several basic stitches and uses higher-quality yarn than many budget kits.

Best budget-friendly learning kit: CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners

• Good if you want multiple small projects.
• Typically includes yarn, needles, a yarn needle, patterns, and beginner guidance.

Best if you like structured lessons: Red Heart Learn Knitting Kit with Circular Needles

• Useful if you want a broader introduction with multiple projects and more traditional instruction materials.

What I’d avoid as a first purchase

• Giant 50-piece needle sets — lots of clutter before you know what you like.
• Very fuzzy or dark yarn — it hides stitches and makes learning harder.
• Tiny needles with thin yarn — progress feels slow. Beginners usually do better with smooth medium/bulky yarn and larger needles.

If you don’t want a kit and would rather build your own, the ideal first setup is:

• US size 8–10 (5–6 mm) needles
• smooth light-colored worsted (#4) or bulky (#5) yarn
• tapestry/yarn needle
• small scissors
• a simple scarf, dishcloth, or practice square pattern

My pick for most first-time knitters: MaconGoods for the easiest start; We Are Knitters if you want a more premium first project.

I can also suggest a starter kit under $25, a premium kit, or a kit for learning to knit sweaters/hats eventually.

The [CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.amazon.com/CraftLab-Knitting-Beginners-Adults-Supplies/dp/B096N2Q2YV) (priced around $24–$27 ) is the best overall starter choice because it includes matching yarn, needles, and clear video tutorials to get you through your very first project.[1]

Top Beginner Knitting Kits Compared

What a Good Starter Kit Needs

• Yarn: Choose smooth, light-colored yarn of a medium (worsted or chunky) weight. Avoid fuzzy or dark yarn, which makes it hard to see your individual stitches.
• Needles: Size 8 (5mm to 5.5mm) needles are ideal. Wood or bamboo needles are better than slick metal ones for beginners because they grip the yarn and prevent stitches from slipping off accidentally.
• Notions: A tapestry needle (yarn needle) for weaving in loose ends, and a pair of small scissors.
• Instructions: Clear video access is critical, as written diagrams alone can be tough to decipher when starting out.[1]

Would you prefer a kit focused on making a specific item (like a scarf or beanie), or are you looking for a general tool set with multiple needle sizes?

If you're starting from zero, I'd prioritize a kit that has beginner-friendly yarn, needles that aren't too small, clear instructions/video, and one simple first project. Smooth, light-colored worsted or chunky yarn is much easier to see and handle than thin, dark, or fuzzy yarn.

My top picks

• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit - $39.99 (We Are Knitters)

• ImagiKnit Learn to Knit Kit - $29.00 (ImagiKnit)

• Red Heart Learn Knitting Kit - $34.99 (Walmart - Blick Art Materials)

• CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners - $36.99 (CraftLab Arts & Crafts Kits)

• 🥇 Best overall: We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit — $39.99. It teaches six basic stitches and includes the materials for a first snood. I'd pick this if you want a polished, enjoyable introduction rather than a giant box of miscellaneous supplies.

• 💰 Best value: ImagiKnit Learn to Knit Kit — $29.00. It includes yarn, needles, instructions, and enough material for a scarf, fingerless gloves, and a bunny. Great if you want several small projects to practice on.

• 📚 Best for learning fundamentals: Red Heart Learn Knitting Kit — $34.99. It comes with an instruction book covering left- and right-handed basics plus 15 beginner/easy projects, so it's more of a mini curriculum than a single-project kit.

• 🧶 Best if you want lots of supplies: CraftLab's kit has four yarn balls, needles, a yarn needle, and instructions, with projects including a scarf, fingerless gloves, and bunny.

One thing I'd avoid: those enormous "50/100-piece knitting kits" that look like incredible bargains. For your first few weeks, you really only need needles, appropriate yarn, a yarn/tapestry needle, and instructions; extra gadgets can actually make the experience more confusing.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $25, $50, or $75) and whether you'd rather make a scarf, hat, or something cute/small, I can narrow it down to the one kit I'd buy.

To see a professional knitter break down and rate popular learn-to-knit kits, watch this helpful video review:

25:40 Pro Knitter Rates 3 Learn-to-Knit Kits for Beginners 2.2K views  · 2 years ago YouTube · Knicoleknits

When starting out, buying a dedicated "Learn to Knit" kit is a fantastic way to bypass the overwhelming choice of picking matching needles and yarn. The best starter kits come with high-quality, non-splitty yarn (crucial so you can see your stitches!), appropriately sized needles, a tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends, and clear instructions or video tutorials.[1][2]

Top-rated starter kits on the market include:

1. Purl Soho Learn to Knit Kit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — Widely praised by publications like The New York Times Wirecutter as a top pick for adults. It features gorgeous, ultra-soft 100% merino wool (yucky, scratchy yarn makes learning miserable) and comprehensive instructions with patterns for three different scarves. It’s a bit pricier, but a joy to work with.[1]
2. CraftLab Knitting Kit for Beginners Go to product viewer dialog for this item. — A great budget-friendly, all-in-one alternative. It includes quality yarn, wooden needles, a yarn needle, and helpful step-by-step video tutorials that make learning foundational stitches straightforward.[1]
3. Lion Brand Knit Kits — Lion Brand offers various project-specific kits that package the exact recommended yarn, pattern, and needles together for a reasonable price, often featuring beginner-friendly workhorse yarns like Wool-Ease.

Pro-tip from seasoned knitters: If you want to spend even less or test the waters first, you can skip a formal kit and just buy a single pair of US 9 or 10 ($5–$10) wooden or bamboo needles and one or two balls of a smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn. Bamboo/wood is great because it has grip and keeps slippery yarn from sliding off your needles

Tell me:

• Are you looking for a luxury/giftable kit or a budget-friendly option?
• Do you have a specific first project in mind (like a scarf or a hat)?

I can help you pick the exact route that fits your style.

Starting to knit is an exciting craft, and getting an all-in-one kit is the best way to avoid the confusion of matching yarn weights to the right needle sizes.

Top Starter Kits Recommended for Beginners

Add to list Frequently rated a top pick by reviewers like The New York Times Wirecutter . It features exceptionally soft, 100% merino wool yarn (which makes a massive difference compared to cheap, scratchy starter yarns), US 13 wooden needles, a finishing needle, and foolproof instructions that walk you through three different simple scarf patterns.[1][2]

Add to list Famous for chunky, modern wool projects. Their beginner kits come with thick wooden needles, a good amount of squishy wool, the pattern, a sewing needle, and access to helpful video tutorials. They use thick yarn and large needles, which means your project grows fast and you can easily see your stitches.[1]

Add to list A budget-friendly, highly accessible alternative on the market. It comes with yarn, wooden needles, and detailed step-by-step video tutorials, which are ideal if you prefer visual learning over reading printed instructions.[1]

Watch this video for an overview of what makes a great beginner knitting kit and how it helps you get started:

56s WE ARE KNITTERS KIT REVIEW | POUPA HOOPOE MINI ...11K views  · 7 years ago YouTube · iKNITS

What a True Beginner Kit Should Include

Before you buy, double-check that your chosen kit contains:

If you tell me what type of item you'd love to make first (like a basic scarf, a beanie, or a dishcloth) and your budget , I can point you toward the exact kit style that fits you best!

If you’re starting from zero, I’d avoid the giant “100-piece” knitting bundles. The best starter kit is one that gives you good, easy-to-see yarn, beginner-friendly needles, a simple first project, and clear instructions/video help.

🧶 My top pick: We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit

• We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit - $39.99 (We Are Knitters)

Why I like it for a true beginner:

• Includes the yarn, needles, pattern and finishing needle.
• Specifically teaches six basic stitches, rather than throwing you straight into a complicated project.
• The first project is a snood/cowl, so you're learning while making something genuinely usable.
• Current listed price is about $39.99.

If you want something even simpler and cheaper, this is another excellent option:

• DMC Mindful Making Serene Scarf Beginner Knitting Kit - $24.99 (BLICK Art Materials)

It uses soft acrylic yarn, US 10.5 needles, and one simple stitch to make a scarf—great if your priority is getting your hands comfortable with knitting before learning lots of techniques.

What I'd learn first

Don't worry about learning everything at once. Your first progression should be:

1. How to hold the needles and yarn
2. Cast on
3. Knit stitch
4. Bind off
5. Weave in the ends
6. Then learn the purl stitch
7. After that, try a simple hat, cowl, or more interesting stitch pattern.

A scarf or cowl is particularly good for a first project because there's little shaping to worry about.

My recommendation: get the We Are Knitters Stitch Sampler Kit if you want to actually learn knitting, rather than just complete one very simple craft project.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $25, $50, or $75) and whether you prefer soft wool, cotton, or vegan/acrylic yarn, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 kits for you.