Many people are under the impression that knitting is generally a hobby for the older generation, but that’s a common misconception. In fact, the number of women knitters in the U.S. ages 25–35 increased nearly 150% between 2002 and 2004. And that was before Etsy turned an entire generation onto the joys of crafting.

If you want to get involved with knitting but don’t know where to begin, here is some helpful advice to get you started.

First, choosing the right type of knitting yarn is very important. For beginners, it’s recommended to use a medium worsted weight yarn. Light colors tend to be better because it’s easier to see where you’ve stitched. Wool tends to be easier for beginners as well because it’s super stretchy and smooth. Fine cotton yarn and natural fiber yarns are better for advanced knitters since they’re not as stretchy and can be difficult to knit with at first. Don’t be afraid to take your time when shopping for knitting yarn. Experts even recommend feeling the yarn in your hands to get a better idea of its elasticity and material.

After you’ve selected a yarn, the next step is to pick a knitting needle. Like yarn, they too come in many different materials. For beginners, experts recommend bamboo or wooden needles because the stitches don’t slide off of the needles as easily as they do with other materials. In addition, they’re also comfortable in your hands and won’t slip away like other materials such as plastic or aluminum needles. It’s also a good idea to buy multiple sets of knitting needles so you can experiment with different materials until you find which type you like best.

The size of your knitting needles will also affect how comfortable your knitting experience will be. This includes width and length. Medium sizes are generally the best for beginners. This means you should look for a width size of six (4mm), seven (4.5mm), or eight (5mm). For length, a 10-inch needle is usually a good starter size because they’ll be small enough to handle easily. As you begin to work on larger projects, longer needles may be needed to hold all the stitches.

Of course, there’s one simple way to ensure you buy only the best knitting yarn for beginners. Ask an experienced knitter! Generally, knitters are happy to talk about this beloved craft, and they should be happy to point you in the right direction.

After you’ve chosen the right knitting yarn and needles, you’re all set to start knitting. If you have any more questions about knitting, visit Brown Sheep online to find the answers you’re looking for.