If you want to know about 8 best knitting kits for, this guide covers everything you need. The best knitting kits for beginners take the guesswork out of getting started. Instead of standing in a craft store wondering which yarn matches which needles, you open a box and everything is there: yarn, needles, instructions, and a project to make. It’s the lowest-friction way to start knitting.
We reviewed verified buyer feedback, included materials quality, instruction clarity, and project suitability to find eight kits that consistently help new knitters succeed.
Our reviews are based on aggregated verified buyer feedback, manufacturer specifications, and published expert opinion. Products are not independently tested by our team.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work in bringing you helpful craft content.
What Makes a Good Beginner Knitting Kit?: 8 Best Knitting Kits For
Not all kits are created equal. Here’s what separates the helpful from the frustrating:
- Clear instructions: Written steps with photos or video access. Text-only instructions with no visuals are a recipe for confusion.
- Quality materials: Needles that are smooth and properly sized. Yarn that’s easy to work with (no novelty textures or dark colors).
- Appropriate project: Something achievable for a true beginner. A scarf or dishcloth, not a cabled sweater.
- Enough yarn: Finishing a project and running out of yarn two rows before the end is deeply demoralizing. Good kits include extra.
- Helpful extras: Stitch markers, tapestry needles, and row counters show the company thought about the full experience.
Quick Comparison
| Kit | Project | Includes Video | Yarn Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Are Knitters Scarf Kit | Scarf | Yes | Wool blend | Best overall kit |
| Knit Picks Learn to Knit | Dishcloth set | Yes (online) | Cotton | Best budget kit |
| Wool and the Gang Beginner | Scarf or hat | Yes | Chunky wool | Fastest to finish |
| Stitch & Story Starter | Scarf | Yes | Merino blend | Best instructions |
| Lion Brand Learn to Knit | Hat or scarf | Online tutorials | Acrylic | Most accessible |
| Purl Soho Simple Set | Varies | Online guides | Premium wool | Best yarn quality |
| Boye I Taught Myself | Multiple swatches | No (book) | Acrylic | Most comprehensive teaching |
| KnitCrate Starter Box | Varies monthly | Yes | Varies | Best as a gift |
Detailed Reviews
1. We Are Knitters Beginner Scarf Kit (Best Overall)
The We Are Knitters beginner scarf kit is beautifully packaged and thoughtfully designed for someone who has never held needles before. It includes chunky yarn (which works up fast and shows stitches clearly), wooden needles, a tapestry needle, and step-by-step video tutorials accessed via QR code.
Buyers consistently praise the video quality and the pace of instruction. The yarn is a wool-acrylic blend that feels premium without being intimidating. The chunky weight means you can complete the scarf in a weekend of focused knitting, which provides that crucial sense of accomplishment early on.
Pros:
- Excellent video tutorials with QR code access
- Beautiful packaging (great for gifts)
- Chunky yarn for fast, visible progress
- Quality wooden needles included
- Complete project achievable in one weekend
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Limited color choices per kit
- Only one project included
2. Knit Picks Learn to Knit Club (Best Budget Kit)
The Knit Picks Learn to Knit Club takes a multi-project approach. Instead of one big project, you learn through a series of small dishcloths, each one introducing a new technique. By the end, you’ve practiced casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ribbing, increasing, decreasing, and binding off.
The kit includes cotton yarn, appropriately sized needles, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle. Online video tutorials supplement the printed instructions. Reviewers appreciate the progressive skill-building approach, though some note they wished it included a “real” project like a scarf after the practice cloths.
Pros: Mastering 8 best knitting kits for takes practice but delivers great results.
- Excellent price for what’s included
- Progressive skill-building through multiple mini-projects
- Cotton dishcloths are useful, not just practice
- Includes stitch markers and tapestry needle
- Free online video support
Cons:
- Cotton yarn is less forgiving than acrylic for beginners
- No “showcase” project, just practice cloths
- Only available online (KnitPicks.com)
3. Wool and the Gang Beginner Knit Kit (Fastest to Finish)
Wool and the Gang has built a brand around making knitting feel modern and stylish. Their beginner kits use super-chunky yarn with large wooden needles, resulting in projects you can finish in just a few hours. The aesthetic is deliberately trendy, with colors and project styles aimed at a younger audience.
Buyers love the instant gratification factor. When you finish something wearable in three hours, it’s incredibly motivating. The yarn quality is excellent, and the packaging is Instagram-worthy. The main trade-off is that super-chunky yarn teaches you slightly different tension habits than standard weight, so your second project might feel like a bit of an adjustment.
Pros:
- Fastest completion time of any beginner kit
- Modern, stylish designs
- High-quality chunky yarn
- Strong video tutorial support
- Gorgeous packaging
Cons:
- Highest price point on this list
- Super-chunky gauge doesn’t transfer directly to standard patterns
- Limited yarn for mistakes and do-overs
4. Stitch & Story Beginner Starter Kit (Best Instructions)
If the quality of teaching matters most to you, Stitch & Story delivers some of the clearest, most patient beginner instructions in the industry. Their kits come with step-by-step video tutorials that move slowly, explain every motion, and anticipate common mistakes before they happen.
The kit includes a merino wool blend yarn that’s soft and pleasant to work with, bamboo needles, and a project pattern. Buyer reviews highlight that the instructions feel like having a patient friend teach you rather than following sterile directions. The UK-based company ships internationally.
Pros:
- Best-in-class instruction quality
- Patient, thorough video tutorials
- Soft merino blend yarn
- Bamboo needles with good grip
- Anticipates and addresses beginner mistakes
Cons:
- International shipping can be slow
- Higher price than domestic options
- Fewer color options than some competitors
5. Lion Brand Learn to Knit Kit (Most Accessible)
Lion Brand is one of the most recognized yarn brands in North America, and their Learn to Knit kit is available at most craft stores. This means you can buy it on impulse, take it home, and start knitting the same day. No waiting for shipping.
The kit includes Lion Brand yarn, plastic needles, and basic printed instructions with references to free online tutorials on the Lion Brand website. As noted by the Craft Yarn Council, having widely available beginner resources is crucial for growing the craft community. The materials are basic but functional, and the price is very reasonable. Understanding 8 best knitting kits for is key to a great craft hobby.
Pros:
- Available in retail stores (no shipping wait)
- Affordable price
- Trusted brand name
- Free online tutorial support
- Good starting point for impulse buyers
Cons:
- Plastic needles aren’t as pleasant as wood or bamboo
- Instructions less detailed than premium kits
- Basic packaging (not ideal as a gift)
6. Purl Soho Simple Set Kits (Best Yarn Quality)
Purl Soho is a New York-based yarn shop known for exquisite materials and elegant patterns. Their Simple Set kits feature their own house-brand yarn, which is a significant step up in quality from mass-market options. The yarn colors are beautifully curated, and the knitting experience is genuinely luxurious.
These kits are more aspirational than strictly beginner-focused. The patterns assume basic knowledge, so they’re best for someone who has practiced the fundamentals and wants their first “real” project to be something they’ll treasure. Buyer reviews consistently mention the yarn quality as the standout feature.
Pros:
- Exceptional yarn quality
- Beautiful, curated color palettes
- Elegant finished projects
- Well-written patterns
- Makes you feel invested in the craft
Cons:
- Premium price (reflects yarn quality)
- Needles sold separately on some kits
- Patterns assume some basic knowledge
7. Boye “I Taught Myself Knitting” Kit (Most Comprehensive Teaching)
The Boye “I Taught Myself Knitting” kit takes a textbook approach. It includes a detailed instruction booklet with step-by-step illustrations for every fundamental technique, plus needles, yarn, and accessories. The booklet covers far more ground than most kits, teaching not just basic stitches but also increasing, decreasing, reading patterns, and finishing techniques.
Buyers who prefer learning from a book rather than video consistently recommend this kit. It’s comprehensive enough to serve as a reference for months after you’ve moved past beginner status. The materials are basic (acrylic yarn, aluminum needles), but the educational content is excellent.
Pros:
- Most thorough instructional content
- Covers techniques well beyond basic
- Serves as ongoing reference material
- Affordable price
- Widely available
Cons:
- No video component
- Basic materials quality
- Book-based learning isn’t for everyone
- Practice projects are swatches, not wearables
8. KnitCrate Starter Box (Best as a Gift)
KnitCrate offers a subscription-style starter box that includes premium yarn, a beginner-friendly pattern, and video instruction access. What makes it special as a gift is the unboxing experience and the discovery element. The recipient doesn’t just get supplies; they get a curated surprise that makes starting feel exciting. When it comes to 8 best knitting kits for, preparation matters most.
Buyers who received KnitCrate as a gift consistently describe the experience as motivating and fun. The yarn quality is above average, and the patterns are designed to be achievable while producing something worth keeping. You can purchase a single box or a multi-month subscription.
Pros:
- Excellent gift presentation
- Curated, premium yarn
- Discovery/surprise element
- Can continue as a subscription
- Video tutorial included
Cons:
- Higher cost than self-assembled kit
- No choice in yarn color or project
- Subscription can add up quickly
Kit vs. Self-Assembled: Which Is Better?
Buying a kit costs more than purchasing supplies individually. A beginner yarn and needle pair might run $10 to $15, while comparable kits range from $20 to $60+. The premium buys you convenience, matched materials, instructions, and the confidence that everything works together. For many beginners, that peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
If you’re on a tight budget, check out our guides to the best beginner needles and best beginner yarn to assemble your own starter set for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are knitting kits worth it for beginners?
Yes, especially if you value convenience and having everything matched and ready to go. Kits eliminate the guesswork of pairing yarn with needles and provide structured instructions. The premium you pay over buying supplies separately is essentially the cost of curation and educational content.
What should a beginner knitting kit include?
At minimum: yarn, appropriately sized needles, and clear instructions (preferably with video access). Better kits also include a tapestry needle, stitch markers, a row counter, and scissors. The best kits include enough yarn to complete the project plus some extra for mistakes.
Can kids use these beginner knitting kits?
Most of the kits listed here are designed for adults and older teens. Children under 10 may benefit from kits specifically designed for kids, which typically use larger needles, chunkier yarn, and simpler projects. The Boye “I Taught Myself” kit and Lion Brand kit are the most kid-friendly options on this list due to their comprehensive basic instructions.
Which knitting kit makes the best gift?
KnitCrate and We Are Knitters both excel as gifts due to their beautiful packaging and curated experience. Wool and the Gang is also a strong gift choice for its trendy aesthetic. The key is matching the kit to the recipient’s style. A crafty minimalist might prefer Purl Soho’s elegance, while someone who loves fast results would enjoy Wool and the Gang’s chunky project.
Do knitting kits come with enough yarn to finish the project?
Reputable kits include enough yarn for the specified project at the recommended gauge. However, most kits don’t include much extra for mistakes and frogging. If you’re a true beginner, consider buying one additional skein in the same color from the same brand. This is especially important for kits using unique or hand-dyed yarn that can’t be easily matched later.