basics items try used stores yard sales for these items

yarn or fiber

straight needles...small, meduim and large sizes 5,7,9

circular needles sets

patterns ( free to print of internet)

double pointed sock needles

keep old sweaters to unravel to make new things

what fibers to use what are you knitting for and what is your climate

cotton...harder to work with...

for colder weather climates use wool

poly and acyrlic not good don't breath..good price good for kids clothing..fall and spring

measuring tape

Here's an expanded list for Knitting I did this morning - I'll be adding it to the blog. I'm working on a more detailed description of tools etc, but this is just a basic listing of "essential" and "nice to have" I'm probably forgetting some things, so please just add them to the tread if you notice them and I'll put them up the site as well.

This list can also be found at Back to the Dark Ages
http://backtothedarkages.wordpress.com/gereral-resources-pages/knitting-resources/basic-knitting-prep-list/

Simple List of Knitting Items
Essentials:

Knitting Needles – flat, round and sock double-pointed

Yarns of various fibers and sizes
wool, cotton, silk and polyester
lace weight, fine, sports weight, worsted, bulky, extra bulky (American)

Measuring tape – for measuring people and your knitting gage

Pattern books – and free on-line patterns downloaded & stored in a binder

Darning needles – blunted needles to repair damage to knitting items like worn socks

Storage bag, boxes or baskets – something to put your knitting and tools in (especially fibers) to protect them from temperature changes and moths.

Nice to have (collect as you find them)

Stitch markers – little rounds of plastic or metal that help mark you keep track of you knitting

Needle Work Scissors – small scissors to cut thread properly, make finishing a lot easier

Stitch Counters – many variations of these exist, most are small and make keeping track much easier, also makes it easier to avoid mistakes while casting on in a busy or stressful situation.

Darning Eggs/sticks – you can use a old fashioned style light bulb in a pinch, but a real and properly smoothed darning egg makes repairing socks and sweaters a lot easier .

Crochet hooks – used for picking up stitches, to join some knitting pieces, draw-strings and to crochet borders. You can also use these on their own to create nice fabrics and garments.

Cable Needles – special short, often bent needles that make doing cable stitches easier; you can just use an extra double pointed needle, but cable needles are really nice to have.

Stitch Holders – for holding stitches that are taken off the needle, that will be picked up later. Personally, I like string better for this one but many people prefer metal stitch holders.

Needle Gauge checker – small metal or wood plate with a whole for each needle size you can stick your needle in to make sure of the size. VERY useful if making needles by hand, or if you are using two different commercial sets, because sometimes the listed “size” really is not correct.

Ball Winder –a bit expensive but often found used, makes it easier to make yarn into manageable double-pulled balls. MUST HAVE – if your using a non-electric knitting machine.

Knitting Bag- I almost put this under essentials, because for most knitters it is. Almost anything can serve as a knitting bag, but either making or buying one with inside pockets and good handles can make knitting on the go much easier. Make a smaller one for socks and other small projects that fits in your purse.

Sewing machine – why? Because some round sweaters are easier to knit as a tube, then zig-zag down the side to cut sleeve holes in between. A Sewing machine can also be used to assemble some knitting items and to make the linings needed to give some knitted items a good fit (skirts, jackets and pillows).

Elastic both thin and wide – will help keep your knee socks on your knees without garters and help reshape many a sweater neckline that is knit too large or stretches out. Buy whenever you see it on sale.

Mesh bags or Old Nylons – very handy for washing wool items in a delicate wool cycle in the machine. Can also be used for washing wool for spinning in a front loader.

Knitting Frames – The simplest is a children’s yarn spool, made from a wooden spool with nails in it. You can often get larger plastic ones used at garage sales or on-sale children’s toys. Very easy way for children or those with stiff fingers to create rugs, tube socks and hats. Can be home made, especially the smaller wooden spool version. Tiny ones can be made of hollow bones with points and used to make cords draw strings.

Knitting Machines – non-electric knitting machines are really a form of weaving (called knitting looms in Europe) but even simple ones can make a sweater in a day. Not as much fun when your knitting for a hobby, but very useful in a real 2nd stage prepping situation. These often come up used, on sale and even for free from people who find them while cleaning the attic. Some will only do either very fine yarns or bulky ones – be sure to know which type you have (or are given).