Free Printable Guide to Knitting and Crochet Tools

It’s so convenient to look something up on the Internet, but sometimes we don’t have Internet access or the time to look up information. And if you’re a beginner knitter or crocheter, wading through information can make you want to pull out your hair and give up. Don’t fret!

When our friends at Westminster Fibers sent us these free guides to knitting and crochet tools from Coats & Clark, we had our beginner Craftsy members in mind. The tool advisors cover all kinds of information that’s helpful to beginners.

If you’re a beginner, print them out and tuck them into your project bag so that you’ll have them no matter where you’re crafting. Not a beginner who needs to reference this kind of information? Keep it on hand to give to friends who are just learning to knit or crochet. They’ll appreciate the easy access.

Here are a couple of ways you can use the guides for your knitting and crocheting.

How to use the free guide for knitting

1. Gauge for impromptu designing

Maybe you’re making up a quick pattern for a scarf or other accessory with some bulky-weight yarn you have in your stash. What size needles should you use to get the best possible gauge? The guide comes with a handy chart that lists each yarn weight, its gauge, and what needles work best with the yarn.

2. What types of needles to use

I love the chart in the guide that gives suggestions for when you can use circular needles vs. straight needles or double-pointed needles. For example, the chart recommends using double-pointed needles for projects like socks, gloves, seamless hats, and seamless sleeves — all invaluable information for a beginner who might be struggling to choose needles.

3. An overview of tools

When you first start knitting, all the tools out there can be overwhelming. Do I really need this little U-shaped needle? What’s it for? The printable covers all kinds of weird little tools — or at least tools that look weird to overwhelmed beginners — from point protectors to stitch holders.