So I’m currently taking knitting lessons and with a birthday coming up, I’d like to get the basics I’ll need for some beginner projects. I have one pair of size 8 circular needles (and am being trained on circular). What should be on my wishlist of knitting essentials for my birthday? Thanks!
First and foremost, a set of interchangeable needles. Knitpicks.com has a decent set at a good price. Personally, I prefer the Addis, but they are much more expensive.
Yarn? Depends what you want to make. You may need another size or two of needles, larger or smaller than the 8s and I’d recommend getting circs for those too; you can knit flat on them, not just in the round. But as for tools, you don’t really need anything special, maybe stitch markers or stitch holders would be useful.
Addi turbos are my favorite circulars … knit pick needles are my second choice but I doubt if I will ever use interchangeable ones. A retractable measuring tape, stitch markers (small and large for different size needles), turbo needle gauge, a small pair of scissors, Clover needles to sew up seams (they have large eyes), a little bag to carry your small items (mine is see through so I can spot what I need quickly), differnt sizes of crochet hooks to pick up dropped stitches, and of course a nifty knitting bag. Gift certificates too!
Wow! Seems like those sets are a little pricey. The wood is well over $100 but the acrylic are around $50 for the same amount of stuff. Is there really that much of a difference?? One of my classmates had a Knit Kit that seemed to have a lot of the basics all in one little gadget so I’m thinking that might be a good idea?? I do like the idea of the interchangeable kits… seems like the most flexible option. Which is the best one for a beginner? Thanks so much everyone!
BTW… thanks to my dog, I’m (only sort of) leaning away from the bamboo needles. Apparently they’re delicious and chewy 
I have the KnitPicks Options, the Nickel plated ones. They’re awesome. Although, I’m not 100% sure that I would recommend them for a beginner. They’re slippery and I could see a beginner losing stitches pretty easily off of these. But an interchangeable set is by far the best thing that I have invested in for my knitting. It alleviates the need to keep going back and buying more needles from the store. Plus, you will very rarely have that moment where you go, “Oh crap, I need a different size for this.” And then have to put a project on hold until you are able to go and get the size you need. But some other things:
Stitch Markers
Tape Measure
Tapestry Needle
Knitting Bag
Yarn Bowl - I love this thing
Ball Winder
Swift
Gift Certificate to a store that has yarn - I never let people buy me yarn, I’m too picky.
Just some ideas of the htings that I like.
You can get the Knit picks starter set which comes in sizes 5 6 and 7 (or maybe 6, 7, and 8) and a couple cords for only $20. (see ad at top of KH forum main page). Each tip is a different material so you can try out which you like better, then get more tips later on.
The Knitpicks Options sets are less than $100… the nickel plated (my favorite) are about $69. When you consider the cost of all those needles separately you can see that you’re actually saving a bundle. However, I also suggest you get the TRY IT! set first. Then you can see what needle material you like best.
http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Interchangeable_Circular_Knitting_Needle_Tips_Cables__L300312.html
Stitch markers
yarn needles
small scissors (with a cover preferably)
knitting bag
OK, here’s what I came up with. I do have a few crochet needles already and I’m sure I can find a bag but I’m thinking this might work based on all your feedback. Thanks again everyone!
http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/TRY_IT_Needle_Set__D90589.html
http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Cable_Knitting_Needles__DKPCableNeedle.html
http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Options_Interchangeable_Circular_Knitting_Needle_Cables__DKPCables.html (32" and 40" cables)
http://www.knitpicks.com/cfaccessories/accessory_display.cfm?ID=80668
http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Locking_Stitch_Markers__D80592.html
http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Yarn_Needles__DWrightsYarnNeedles.html (one of each?)
For yarn needles, you can get a pack of them with 4 or 5 needles I think for like 2 or 3 dollars at Wal-Mart, if money is an object at all. 
Thats actually a really good list of things to work with.
Looks like a great birthday wishlist to get you started! :present:
That’s a great start!
I prefer this type of marker, but those closing type come in handy, too.
http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Brass_Ring_Stitch_Markers__D80594.html
Thanks for the list… I just joined KnitPicks and bot the Try it needle set for myself. :woohoo:
TEMA
I don’t think a beginning knitter needs expensive knitting needles, and nobody here asked if the OP’s family was budget-conscious, since they’re buying the gifts. I think you can start with cheaper needles while you decide if you’re serious about knitting, and whether you want to make a big investment in tools, and whether you can afford to do that.
A few of us did suggest she get the TRY IT set which is good for anyone considering an interchangeable set. It was only a suggestion which is what she asked for. 
Thanks for this question. It was great to hear the suggestions from everyone.