Learn knitting — the right course, the right needles, and a finished project you'll actually wear.
We've tested the top beginner knitting courses and picked the three that get you casting on confidently. Plus the exact needles and yarn you'll need to start.
Knitting courses
Best knitting courses for beginners
We reviewed 15+ beginner courses. These are the three worth your time — each suits a different way of learning.
Learn to Knit
Tin Can Knits · Tin Can Knits (self-hosted)
The warmest, clearest beginner knitting course we've tested. Ends with a finished scarf and a simple hat — two projects you'll actually reach for.
Knitting for Beginners
Hannah Thiessen · Skillshare
A slower, more meditative introduction to knitting. Ideal if you're picking up needles for the calm rather than the finished object.
The starter kit
What you need to start knitting
For our top pick, Learn to Knit, you’ll need these 3 things. Total cost: ~£21.
Knit Pro Symfonie 6mm circular needles
Our pickThe course uses circulars for both projects — they're worth the small premium.
Drops Paris aran yarn × 2 balls
2 ballsSoft cotton with clean stitch definition. Forgiving of uneven tension.
Notions kit (markers + tapestry needle)
For counting and finishing. Useful on every project after this.
Total to start: ~£21
Full starter kit guideSome links on this page are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d use ourselves.
Before you start
New to knitting? Start here.
Our complete beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know before you pick up your needles — what to expect, how long it takes, and the mistakes everyone makes (so you can skip them).
- Is knitting hard to learn?
- How long until I can make something real?
- The mistakes every beginner makes
- What to make first
Easy first projects
Things you can actually make within your first week or two.
Garter-stitch washcloth
2–4 hours · Absolute beginner
Chunky scarf
6–10 hours · Beginner
Simple hat
4–6 hours · Beginner
Keep reading
More knitting guides
Is Knitting Hard to Learn?
A fair answer — what makes the first hour awkward, how long until it clicks, and the specific sticking points that trip up beginners.
Read
KnittingHow Long Does It Take to Learn Knitting?
A realistic timeline from your first cast-on to your first finished jumper — plus what affects how fast it sticks.
Read
KnittingBest Knitting Projects for Gifts
Six beginner-friendly knitted gift projects — each achievable in a weekend to a week, with specific pattern and yarn picks for each.
Read
Knitting questions, answered
- Is knitting hard to learn?
- The first 30 minutes feel awkward, but the basic knit stitch clicks within an hour. Most beginners can knit a scarf in their first week or two.
- Should I start with flat or circular needles?
- Circular needles with a long cable work for both flat and round projects. We recommend them for beginners — you only need one pair.
- How much does it cost to start?
- About £15–25 for needles, yarn, and basic notions. Our starter kit page walks you through what matters.
- Do I need a course, or can I learn from YouTube?
- YouTube works if you're disciplined. A structured course tends to be faster because someone sequences the learning for you.
Ready when you are
Ready to start knitting?
Grab the kit, start the course, and you'll have something you're proud of by the weekend.