No press releases, no sponsored inclusions. Every course on this list was taken start to finish by a beginner — so the trade-offs we flag are the ones you'll actually hit.

We took them ourselves

Every course was completed start to finish by someone who'd never touched the craft before.

Beginner-first scoring

We scored on pace, clarity, what you actually make, and how well each course handles the bits where beginners get stuck.

Equipment honesty

We checked what kit each course needs and whether the instructor's recommendations are actually the best options.

Updated regularly

We re-check courses every 6 months. Prices change, platforms change, and new courses launch.

The full reviews

Worth the time you've got

01Our top pick

★★★★½4.8

course preview

£22 (one-off)

4h 10m · 15 lessons

Tin Can Knits (self-hosted)

★ 4.9 user rating (6.1k)

Tin Can Knits

Learn to Knit

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.

What we liked

Alexa and Emily are the kind of teachers who make you feel capable. The camera work is exquisite — every stitch is visible. Ending with a finished hat is a proper reward rather than a contrived 'project'.

Worth knowing

The website player isn't as slick as Skillshare or Domestika, and there's no mobile app. Download the PDFs for off-line use. Also worth noting: the course is right-handed; left-handed knitters may prefer the Skillshare alternative.

You’ll make: A garter-stitch scarf and a chunky beanie

Read the full review See the course on Tin Can Knits (self-hosted)

02Best for mindful beginners

★★★★½4.5

course preview

Free trial · £11/mo

3h 20m · 18 lessons

Skillshare

★ 4.7 user rating (4.8k)

Hannah Thiessen

Knitting for Beginners

A slower, more meditative introduction to knitting. Ideal if you're picking up needles for the calm rather than the finished object.

What we liked

Hannah's pacing is beautifully slow — you don't feel rushed through anything. The mirror videos for left-handers are a lovely inclusive touch, and her voice is perfect evening-knitting company.

Worth knowing

Only one project at the end, and it's a cowl — not everyone will want one. Some might also find the tone a little meditative if they want to get stuck in.

You’ll make: A garter-stitch cowl

Read the full review See the course on Skillshare

Side by side

At a glance

	Tin Can Knits	Hannah Thiessen
Price	£22 (one-off)	Free trial · £11/mo
Duration	4h 10m	3h 20m
Projects	A garter-stitch scarf and a chunky beanie	A garter-stitch cowl
Platform	Tin Can Knits (self-hosted)	Skillshare
User rating	★ 4.9 (6.1k)	★ 4.7 (4.8k)
Our rating	★ 4.8	★ 4.5

The starter kit

Got your course? Now grab the kit.

Each course recommendation comes with a specific equipment list — the exact needles, yarn and notions you’ll need to follow along. Starting from ~£18.

See the starter kit

equipment flatlay

Some 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.

Common questions

Do I need a paid course, or can I learn from YouTube?: You can learn from YouTube — our "best free" pick is genuinely great. A paid course saves time and is more structured, but it's not essential.
Which platform is best — Skillshare or Domestika?: Skillshare is subscription-based (great if you'll try multiple courses). Domestika is one-off purchase (better if you just want one course and done).
How do I know which course is right for me?: If you've never held needles, start with our top pick. If you prefer more structure, go with our most-structured pick. If you want free, our YouTube pick will get you started.

Ready when you are

Ready to start knitting?

Pick the course that suits you, grab the kit, and you'll be making something real within a week.

Read our top pick Get the starter kit