The Cost of A Knitting Hobby

Is knitting an expensive hobby?

I can tell you that I have spent quite a few dollars on my hobby, but I can also tell you I've not spent nearly as much as my hubby spends on his hobby. And it's also possible to enjoy a knitting hobby without spending much at all. The cost of knitting really depends on the materials and tools you select.

The Necessities

The two things that are absolutely necessary are something to knit and something to knit with. Theoretically, you can do this with a variety of items you might already find around your house. Randy on TikTok first learned to knit with screwdrivers. You could also use pencils or chopsticks. And you can use any yarnlike substance in your house: ribbon, paracord, raffia. I will tell you, though, knitting noodles is NOT easy (they break too easily). Trying it with found items can make your first venture into knitting free.

Needles

If you do want to use actual knitting needles, there are lots of options to choose from, and even this doesn't have to be expensive. Maybe you know someone who already knits, and you might be able to ask to borrow needles to try knitting (having a friend and a relative like this can be helpful in many ways as you explore this new hobby). Some people have had luck finding knitting needles in thrift stores. It's also possible to find great sales on knitting needles.

Yarn

Yarn can also be found in thrift stores. You can reclaim the yarn from an old knitted garment if you want. You might even have a very kind friend or relative who will gift you some yarn. Even if you want to buy yarn, it doesn't have to cost very much at all. Both LoveCrafts and KnitPicks have a huge selection of yarn to choose from. Local craft stores also carry a variety of yarns at various price points if you're like me and just can't wait to get started.

I have also opened my own web shop where I sell wool blend sock yarns imported from Finland. Check out Lankava Lysti ja Lankava Mainio.

The Total

All this being said, you can try out knitting for less than $5. As of this writing, these Pony Aluminium Single Point Needles are $1.08, and these Pony Aluminium Circular Needles are $1.89. There are multiple cotton yarns like this Yarn and Colors one for $1.79. I'm sure you can find similar deals at local craft stores, especially if you use coupons.

That Being Said

While you can get started for as little as $5, it is absolutely possible to spend much more than that on a knitting hobby. The Addi Click Rocket set runs around $200, and the KnitPicks Mosaic Options set is around $70. When talking about yarn, this beautiful Mulberry Silk is $26 for 100 grams, and it's not even dyed. And this Pure Cashmere is $67 for 1.8 oz. And if you think that's expensive, vicuña wool can run up to $600 per kilo just in its unprocessed form.

Just like any other hobby, you can spend a lot of money on knitting. But just like a lot of other hobbies, you don't have to. It is perfectly ok to start out with "the cheap stuff". Don't spend a whole bunch of money if you're just trying it out. See if you like it first. You can always upgrade your tools and materials if the knitting bug gets a hold of you.

A Whole Kit

If you're interested in getting started, I have put together a Learn To Knit Starter Kit that contains all the basics, and a few extras, that you'll need to get started. Three different types of needles so you can see which kind work best for you. Enough yarn to make a couple of projects. And a pattern with links to video tutorials for every step to help you learn. 

Warning

Please be aware, though: buying yarn and buying patterns are two separate hobbies completely independent of actual knitting. You've been warned.