How to hold knitting needles

Published on December 3, 2020 by Sophie

If you’ve ever wondered how to hold knitting needles properly – you’re in the right place! When you’re learning how to knit, you might think a new knitting project starts with a slip knot? Think again! Discovering how to hold knitting needles in a strong and comfy position is the real starting point for any beginner knitter.

Best knitting needles for beginners

Whether you’re knitting with single point (or straight) needles, circular needles or double pointed needles, the basic principles of holding your knitting needles is usually the same.

We recommend traditional single point needles for beginners made from bamboo or wood for a nice grip. But you’ll find your own preferences as you become a more confident and experienced knitter. Nail your starting position, and you’ll have a skill that can be used for a whole host of knitting styles.

Knitting needles for beginners

Pony Bamboo Single Point Needles 33cm

KnitPro Symfonie Single Point Needles 35cm (Set of 8)

AddiNature Bamboo Single Pointed Needles 25cm

There are lots of different ways to hold your knitting needles – it varies according to where in the world you’ve been taught and, of course, what feels comfy for you. There are no right or wrongs here, just go with the flow and do what feels right.

Step-by-step guide on how to hold knitting needles & yarn

Pick up a needle in each hand, in a gentle and relaxed fashion. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to get started – just do what feels right for you!

Place each needle in your four fingers, holding the top with your thumbs.

You're ready to start knitting! You’ll only know once you get going what feels comfy. The closer you are to the end, the easier it is to pick up the yarn. To start tie a slip knot.

FREE knitting patterns for beginners

Tasseled Tartan Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran

"Daylight Beanie" - Free Beanie Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

Children's Comforter - Free Knitting Pattern For Home in Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky

Discover Easy Beginner Knitting Patterns

Once you’ve mastered how to hold your knitting needles properly, you need to learn the basic knitting stitches. We recommend mastering how to make a slip knot before learning how to cast on and how to knit your first row.

Learn to Knit

Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!

category:tutorial

Crochet a colourful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

LoveCrafts Acquired and Joins Missouri Star Quilt Family

category:tutorial Crochet a colourful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

LoveCrafts Acquired and Joins Missouri Star Quilt Family

category:roundup Embrace the chill with these winter warmers

Beat the winter chill with Eric's top winter-warmer patterns. Will you choose to knit a...

category:guide Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom

Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colours of love, passion and...

category:roundup Crochet designers of the month - January

An introduction to some amazing crochet designers and their patterns

category:roundup Design a Paintbox Yarns colour pack and win!

If you’re lacking pinks, blues, purples, and rainbow hues in your stash then you’re in ...

Sustainable yarns + ideas

Whether you're planning your next yarn haul or starting a new WIP, every eco-conscious ...

category:guide Discover the best yarn for summer clothes: the ultimate guide

Explore the top five best yarns for a variety of summer projects - from cute lightweigh...

category:roundup Don’t walk, run! Debbie Bliss introduces new yarn, Super Chunky Merino + a free scarf pattern just for you!

Don't walk, run! Discover the latest yarn to be added to Debbie Bliss' range of sumptou...

category:roundup Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!

The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...

category:tutorial Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!

Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...

category:roundup 11 devilishly delicious Halloween cupcakes!

Searching for Halloween cupcake decorating inspiration? We’ve got a roundup of 11 total...

category:gift-guide The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind

Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...

category:roundup 22 totally tasty bake sale recipes

Get inspired for an upcoming bake sale with our roundup of totally tasty bake sale idea...

category:roundup 10 happy anniversary card ideas

Has it really been a year? Time flies when you're in love! Show your devotion to your p...

category:tutorial How to make stickers with Cricut

Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...

category:tutorial How to create a zesty citrus embroidery

Learn how to create a zesty citrus embroidery packed with lemons, limes and grapefruits...

category:roundup Sew your way through spring and summer with our stunning new Spring Garden fabrics

Introducing the new LoveCrafts Spring Garden fabric collection, featuring birds, bees, ...

category:tutorial The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe

Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...

category:guide The ultimate beginners guide to découpage

Master the art of découpage with our découpage guide for beginners! Learn what is décou...

category:roundup 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations

Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...

category:roundup 7 utterly amazing cake pop decorating ideas!

Looking for cake pop decorating ideas? We've got all the inspiration you need! From eas...

category:roundup 11 of the best ever baby shower and gender reveal cake ideas!

If you’re planning a party for a mum-to-be, we’ve got all the baby shower cake ideas yo...

category:tutorial How to make an egg-cellent Easter card

Make a whole stack of cards for your loved ones this Easter! This Easter card tutorial ...

4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day

These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...

collection Introducing 6 NEW shades of Paintbox Yarns Cotton 4 Ply + patterns you'll love!

There’s something extra special about starting a new project with a fresh ball of yarn ...

category:tutorial Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial

Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...

category:guide Easter crafts and project ideas

Hop into Easter with the perfect project! Discover loads of Easter craft ideas for the ...

category:roundup The birthday cake trends to look out for in 2022!

Find out what’s going on in the baking world in 2022 with our top birthday cake trends ...

category:guide Join our Patch for Pride project!

Join LoveCrafts and WEBS to create something truly spectacular! In the run-up to Pride ...

category:guide Hurray for Pancake Day! Recipes, inspiration and all the tools to create the perfect stack

Hurrary for Pancake Day! Discover pancake recipes, inspiration and all the baking tools...

category:guide How to read crochet charts

Read our guide to crochet symbols, and you'll know how to read a crochet chart in no ti...

category:roundup The 11 biggest fashion trends for 2022 (and how to knit & crochet them)

Sweater vests, loud crochet granny squares, mohair, cropped knits... we reveal the bigg...

category:guide LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness

We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...

collection Your next project is here! Discover Paintbox Yarns collection of coastal patterns + NEW Cotton Mix DK

For cool patterns that have you dreaming of warmer days by the coast, taking in the sum...

category:roundup Top 7 chunky yarns to knit and crochet

When the weather turns chilly, we want chunky and super chunky yarn for fast finish kni...

craft:crochet 15 amazing makers to celebrate this International Women's Day

Join us at LoveCrafts as we celebrate some truly amazing women who are shaping the worl...

category:roundup The 8 biggest trends we're excited for in 2023

From big birthdays, to Viva Magenta and Art Deco, discover the biggest trends taking th...

category:tutorial How to crochet a flat circle

If you're a newbie to crochet, a good place to start is learning how to crochet a circl...

category:roundup 14 totally awesome projects to make with t-shirt yarn

Got some T-shirt yarn in your stash? We’ve rounded up the best of the best projects wit...

category:roundup 7 ways us makers promise to be kinder to the planet in 2022

Planet, we promise to make some changes. Here are 7 things us makers can do for a more ...

category:gift-guide 10 fun projects for under £5

Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...

category:tutorial How to make an awesome pop-up birthday photo card

Want to learn how to make a pop up birthday card? You're in the right place! Our pop up...

category:tutorial How to sew a simple wall organiser

Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...

category:roundup 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas

Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...

category:tutorial Stitch the sweetest citrus embroidery for Christmas!

Get set for Christmas with this free festive embroidery pattern by Hope and Hart. Featu...

category:roundup 12 incredible bullet journal ideas to inspire you!

Discover a whole host of bullet journal ideas to fuel your inspiration! There’s somethi...

category:tutorial How to make Cricut cake toppers

Make the cherry on top of your next bake using Cricut and our how to make cake toppers ...

category:tutorial How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes

Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...

category:tutorial Brighten your day with this FREE sunflower embroidery tutorial!

This sunflower embroidery tutorial is the ultimate dose of sunshine! Designed in bright...

View All Posts