Learn the tools and materials you need to knit.

• Knitting needles and yarn (knitting instructions suggest the right weight yarn and needle size to use; see the next slide for more information)
• Crochet hook, for picking up dropped stitches
• Yarn needle, for weaving in ends and joining pieces of knitting
• Notebook, pen, and tape measure, for keeping track of where you are in your pattern

A knitting needle's size is based on its diameter and is indicated with a number (in the United States), or in millimeters (in Europe). Needles are made of different materials, including metal, wood, bamboo, and plastic. The material you choose is a matter of preference, but beginners may like working with wood or bamboo needles, because they are a bit flexible, are comfortable to use, and stitches don't slip off them as easily as they do from metal or plastic needles.

Choose a yarn that is suitable for your project. A warm yarn, such as wool, is a good choice for a scarf. Wool is also ideal for beginners because its elasticity makes it easy to work with and less-than-perfect stitches are not so noticeable. Be sure to use the correct weight, or thickness, which will be indicated in your knitting instructions. Each ball of yarn has a ball band (a label) stating the fiber content, weight, amount (in yards and ounces), care instructions, suggested needle size, gauge, and dye-lot number. To ensure that all your yarn for a project is exactly the same color, buy it all at once and check that the dye-lot numbers match.

Although this is not a necessary tool when knitting, it sure does come in handy. Martha discovered the Knit Kit after seeing in-house art director Anduin Havens use the all-in-one accessory case to work on knitting projects while traveling.

Holding eight essential knitting tools in one compact container, the Knit Kit is a TSA-approved "Swiss Army knife for knitters" that fits easily in purses or knitting bags.