The Best Knitting Kits for Beginners

Now's the time to pick up a new skill. Might we suggest knitting? As a hobby, learning how to knit is relaxing, easy to do, and provides an opportunity to use the creative side of your brain. It's popular among those of us who are looking for ways to occupy themselves at home, but it's also a social activity. Once it's safe to start socializing a bit more, knitting circles are offered at breweries and coffee shops across the country, and knitting communities like We Are Knitters host virtual parties and tutorials, which are all great ways to meet new people with similar interests.

For beginners, a knitting kit will often come equipped with everything you need in a given project: a pair of needles, a skein or two of yarn, and the instructions (called a "pattern") you need to get started. Some kits may include other notions like scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needle, or a project tote bag. Projects come in all kinds: As we settle into winter, a pair of mittens or a cozy set of slipper socks will help you stay warm on cold, snowy days. And the practicality of a large blanket project is twofold: it will keep you happily occupied and keep your lap warm. Kits are available to make everything from slouchy beanies to sweaters, courtesy of you, the maker.

Pick one of these artisanal kits and they will teach you how to cast on, cast off, knit, and purl your way to a new handmade accessory.

The "How to Knit" manual included in this kit will teach you how to cast on, cast off, knit, purl, and sew up your knit scarf. Inside you'll find two gorgeous skeins of merino yarn, an instructional booklet, bamboo knitting needles, and a tapestry needle.

Shop Now: Purl Soho "Learn to Knit" Kit, $67, purlsoho.com.

Thrumming is a technique, often attributed to Newfoundland and Labrador, in which pieces of roving or combed top are knit into accessories for the chilliest of climates. Step into a pair of these merino thrummed slippers and it'll feel like walking on soft silken clouds all year.

Shop Now: Echoview Fiber Mill Cloud Slipper Kit, $76, echoviewnc.com.

A sweater is this season's answer for a perfectly pulled-together look. To master the knitting technique, a pullover is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up and sewn together, then the neckband is worked circularly from picked-up stitches. Each kit includes luxe yarn—fine merino, kid mohair, cashmere, and recycled silk—and a complimentary printed pattern.

Shop Now: Julie Hoover "Hahn" Sweater Kit, $283.50, juliehoover.com.

Courtesy of knitwear designer Katrine Hannibal, these merino-wool mittens are made in a simple pattern that is easy to knit—as you only knit with one color at a time. The pattern includes two sizes, both for a small and a large woman's size. 

Shop Now: Önling Advent Mittens Knitting Kit, $22, int.oenling.com.

Keep your noggin warm with this oh-so-soft mohair beanie. If you can knit in the round with a pair of circular needles, it's easy to complete. Pictured here, this "Pretty in Pink" hue is one of 13 in the palette to choose from.

Shop Now: Loopy Mango Slouchy Mohair Beanie Kit, starting at $52, loopymango.com.

Know an expecting mama-to-be? Delicately detailed with ribbed cuffs and stocking stitch pattern, this precious mitten and bootie set makes a charming gift at the baby shower.

Shop Now: Stitch & Story Sophie La Girafe Mini Mittens and Booties Knitting Kit, $33, amazon.com.

Bundle up in the oversized trend: This big weave blanket is stitched together in Peruvian wool yarn that's both all-natural and all-renewable. It's a chunky weight, meaning it's breathable and toasty warm—perfect for folding at the bottom of your bed. Tassels are done by tying yarn ends together at the ends of your rows. 

Shop Now: Wool & the Gang Lil' Take Me Home Blanket Kit, starting from $177, woolandthegang.com.

On a smaller scale? Try finger knitting. Designed by one of our favorite crafters, Anne Weil, this kit yields a practical yet pretty trivet in natural rope. It's also quick: Master the looping movements, and you can make it in under a half an hour.

Shop Now: Flax and Twine Finger Knit Trivet Kit, $28, flaxandtwineshop.com.

Knitting is a practical way to craft your own handmade gifts. Susan B. Anderson, a knitting name synonymous with charming stitched creations, dreamed up this little lamb sitting in a cloud of wooly loops and stitched from Wisconsin woolen spun worsted weight yarn.

Shop Now: Barrett Wool Co. Loopy Sweet Sheep Kit, $28, barrettwoolco.com.

Founded in Spain by pals María José Marín and Alberto Bravo Reyes, We Are Knitters specializes in do-it-your-self kits that can make a crafter out of pretty much anyone. This set has everything you need—from a skein of yarn to needles to a pattern—for a cozy winter scarf.

Shop Now: We Are Knitters Morse Scarf Kit, $76, weareknitters.com.