Good knitting tools and accessories make knitting easier. Bad ones make you wonder why you started. After nearly 18 years designing knitting and crochet patterns professionally, I’ve worked my way through rather a lot of both.
What you’ll find here are the needles, hooks, yarns, and notions I actually reach for. Not a wish list, not sponsored picks, just the things that have earned a permanent place in my project bag and on my studio shelves.
If something on this list saves you one frogged row, one scratchy yarn mistake, or one afternoon wrestling with needles that snag, it will have been worth your time.
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My Favorite Knitting & Crochet Tools
After nearly 18 years in the yarn industry, including my time as a UK distributor for premium brands. I’ve developed some strong opinions about tools and supplies. I’m often asked what needles, yarns, and notions I recommend, so I’m sharing my favorites here.
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Needles & Hooks
I’m really particular when it comes to choosing my knitting needles and crochet hooks, and honestly, it’s because the right tools make such a difference. I like to work with quality stainless steel needles and hooks. There’s something about that smooth surface that just lets my stitches glide effortlessly without any annoying snagging.
Now, I’m a huge advocate for interchangeable knitting needles. Not only does this help me achieve all the needle and cord length configurations I need without having to buy countless single needles, but here’s the real beauty of interchangeable circular needles. You can work in the round AND flat. Yes, you can work back and forth on circular needles! I think a lot of people don’t realize that. And when you’re knitting large pieces, using circular needles means the weight of your project sits on your lap rather than straining your lower arms and wrists. Trust me, your body will thank you.
My absolute favourite brand is Hiya Hiya. I’ve tried plenty of others over the years, but I find their cables and joins to be far superior to anything else on the market, and they last for years. It’s genuinely worth the investment.
That said, I’ve also included a set of bamboo interchangeable needles for those who prefer wooden needles. I actually recommend bamboo to new knitters too. They’re less slick than steel, which can really help you manage your tension better while you’re still building your skills.
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Yarn Recommendations
The yarn you choose can make or break a project. Here are some of my go-to brands for different project types:
Baby Garments
Choosing the right yarn for baby projects is something I take seriously, and for good reason. Babies have such delicate skin, almost as delicate as mine! The last thing you want after spending hours on a cardigan is for it to be too scratchy or irritating to wear.
I always look for soft, washable fibres that can handle the inevitable spills and frequent laundering! Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo are brilliant for their breathability, whilst acrylic blends offer easy care and durability. Pay attention to the yarn weight too, lighter weights like DK or 4ply are perfect for layering, whilst chunkier yarns work up quickly if you’re short on time. Whatever you choose, give it a squeeze test in the shop (or read reviews carefully if you’re buying online). If it doesn’t feel soft and gentle against your own skin, it won’t be right for a baby. I’ve included my favourite baby yarns below, the ones I reach for time and again in my own designs.
Cotton and acrylic blends suchs as Scheepjes, Stone Washed or Yarnsmiths, Pebble Haze DK are a great choice when it comes to baby garments. The yarn is buttery soft, made from natural fibres (great for helping baby regulate their temperature). Machine washable and comes in a wide range of gorgeous colours! I will let you into a little secret or two, I am hard pushed to tell these two yarns apart (and there is usually a significant price difference). Both yarns are a brilliant choice for colour work projects too, the marled nature of the yarn hides a multitude of sins.
I have used Scheepjes, Stone Washed in a number of my designs for this reason including some of my all time favourties:
Unicorn & Rainbows KIDS Sweater Pattern, Intarsia Unicorn Jumper – Knitting Pattern
And the super cute, Snowball Bunny Pants, Baby Romper Dungarees – Knitting Pattern
Scheepes, Stone Washed
Blend 78% Cotton / 22% Acrylic (130m per 50g ball) available in 52 colours
Yarnsmiths, Pebble Haze DK
Blend 67% Cotton / 33% Acrylic (145m per 50g ball) available in 35 colours
Yarnsmiths, Pebble Haze Prints DK
Blend 78% Cotton / 22% Acrylic (435m per 150g ball) available in 30 colours
Best all round yarn
My all time favourite yarn has to be King Cole, Merino Blend DK, and I could sing its praises all day. The stitch definition is superb, cables pop beautifully, moss stitch looks crisp and clear, and any colourwork (whether stranded or intarsia) takes on a really professional, elevated finish. That’s partly down to the natural fibres giving you a little bit of grip and that subtle halo you get with wool, but it’s also because the yarn itself just looks quality. There’s no artificial sheen, it has that lovely, slightly rustic sheepy look that makes everything you knit feel handmade in the best possible way.
The shades are gorgeous too, with natural, muted tones that work for absolutely everything. Now, I’ll be honest: when you first squeeze the ball, it feels a touch rough, and you might think “is this really soft enough for a baby?” But the moment you block your finished piece, it transforms into something beautifully soft that I’m more than happy to use for baby garments. It’s one of those yarns that just gets better and better with wear and washing.
King Cole, Merino Blend DK
I have used Merino Blend DK in so many of my designs including my best selling design the Dinosaur Explorer Hooded Cardigan knitting pattern (there is a crochet version too)
King Cole, Merino Blend DK
Blend 100% Pure New Superwash Wool, 104m per 50g ball (available in 62 colours)
Soft, versatile, and easy-care, Merino Blend DK is a high-quality yarn made from 100% Pure New Superwash Wool, bringing warmth and practicality to each creation.
Perfect for a variety of projects, from cosy sweaters to stylish accessories, this double knitting yarn offers excellent stitch definition and a wide range of vibrant and neutral colours.
Made from 100% Pure New Superwash Wool, Merino Blend DK is machine washable, so creations can be loved and used without worry.
This yarn is EN71-3 Certified.
The Notions That Make Life Easier
Don’t underestimate the power of good notions. These are the tools that live permanently in my project bag:
Locking stitch markers are an absolute must for both knitting and crochet projects. They’re honestly the most versatile type of marker you can own. You can insert them into your project and move them around easily, which is so helpful when you’re working through complex patterns.
I use them for all sorts of things. They’re brilliant for holding pieces together when you’re sewing up projects, and I love using different colours to indicate different instructions. For example, one colour might mark where I need to increase, another shows where buttons go, and maybe a third reminds me where to add eyes on an amigurumi project. It keeps everything organized without having to constantly refer back to my pattern.
Now, Clover makes superior quality markers. Their design means absolutely no snagging on your yarn, which is crucial. That said, I also have a big box of various coloured markers from other brands. They’re not quite as flexible as the Clover ones, but they’re still perfect for my projects and great for when you need lots of different colours to keep track of multiple pattern elements.
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Measuring Tools
A good gauge ruler is essential, and I love the ones that have needle and hook sizes marked on them. I actually keep two on hand. The square one is perfect for getting accurate row and stitch gauge measurements, which matters more than people think when you want your finished piece to actually fit properly.
My other favourite is this cute sheep gauge ruler that has a built-in yarn cutter. It’s brilliant for travel because you’re not fumbling around looking for scissors, and honestly, it just makes me smile every time I use it.
You’ll also need a quality tape measure for measuring larger pieces and taking body measurements to ensure a proper fit. There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing a garment only to realise it doesn’t fit because your measurements were off at the start.
And here’s my fun recommendation: treat yourself to one of those wearable tape measures. They’re practical because your tape measure is always right there when you need it, but they’re also just delightful to wear. It’s one of those little things that makes crafting feel even more special
Everything Else
You’ll need a selection of notions for your projects, but here’s the thing, you’ll also want something cute and practical to store them in. I’ve added a couple of my favourite project bags, and both have dedicated sections for keeping your needles and notions safe and organized. There’s nothing worse than your tools rattling around loose and getting lost at the bottom of your bag.
In my project bag, along with all the measuring and marking tools, you’ll also find a digital row counter. It’s so easy to use, and you just pop it on your finger whilst you work. No more losing track of where you are in your pattern!
I also keep a selection of small crochet hooks on a keyring, which is an absolute lifesaver when picking up those pesky dropped stitches. Even if you’re primarily a knitter, trust me, you need these.
Now, the last couple of products might surprise you, but hear me out. Dry hands and chipped nails will snag your project, and there’s nothing more heartbreaking than damaging something you’ve spent hours creating. So it’s best to keep those fabulous fingers pristine with a good hand cream and nail care. Your yarn will thank you!
Books Worth Your Time
Whether you’re learning to knit or crochet, or you’re a seasoned crafter, these books are absolute must haves for your collection. I still find myself reaching for them whenever I need to learn something new or refresh my skills (jog my memory!). It happens to all of us, right???
Patty Lyons is an excellent teacher with a real talent for explaining not only the how, but the why we do things a certain way. That deeper understanding makes such a difference when you’re trying to improve your technique or troubleshoot a problem.
And Jane Crowfoot? She’s the queen of crochet teachers, absolutely no question. When I was learning to knit, I was fortunate enough to take a finishing techniques class with Jane, and it was genuinely transformative. Her Finishing Techniques book has been out of print for many years now, which is such a shame, but I had to include it in my list anyway. Trust me when I say it is well worth hunting down a second-hand copy. It’s one of those books you’ll treasure and refer back to for years.
Browse My Amazon Bookshelf
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Before you go, here are a few things you should probably know about me:
Yes, I once designed knitted judges for Harry Hill’s TV show “So You Think You Can Knit.” He sent me sketches, and I turned them into three-dimensional knitted characters. It remains one of the most wonderfully bizarre projects of my career, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
My yarn stash is legendary. I stopped counting skeins years ago. If there’s ever a yarn shortage, you know where to find me.
I design with tea and cake. There’s something about a proper cup of tea and a slice of something sweet that makes the creative process flow. It’s not procrastination if it’s part of the ritual, right?
My studio assistant is a miniature schnauzer called Bertie who specializes in napping on yarn, stealing tape measures, and providing moral support during the ‘stare at wall and think’ phase of design.
Have questions? Would you like to collaborate with me? Please feel free to reach out at jane (at) janeburns.co.uk
TIf something here has caught your eye, the patterns that use these yarns and tools are just over in the shop. There’s almost certainly one with someone’s name on it.
And if you’d like to know more about the designer behind these recommendations, head over to my about page. Bertie features prominently.
Want to send me some goodies to review? Drop me a line.