The 16 best knitting kit brands
Cranston, Rowan and Leisure Arts lead our ranking of 16 knitting kit brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Knitting Kit brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Cranston
The Cranston name began in cotton printing in Rhode Island. The brand sells printed cotton panels and yardage for patchwork, quilting and home decor sewing. It also offers knitting kits, sewing patterns and craft materials.
Website: cranstononline.com |Brands like Cranston
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Rowan
Rowan was born above a grocery store in a village near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. Founders Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin wanted to make yarn that was both excellent in quality and suited for the hand-knitting design trends of the period, so they started with weaving materials and knitting kits. The magnificent plants lining the banks of the Holme River in Yorkshire, a region rich in British textile heritage and customs, inspired the Rowan name. Rowan believes in environmental sustainability, minimizing their effect, and providing good animal care. They promote diversity and have a strict anti-discrimination policy.
Website: knitrowan.com |Brands like Rowan
Popularity 9.8/10
-
3
Leisure Arts
Leisure Arts is for everyone with a knack for crafting. Creativity can be unleashed in several ways. You can find all the items you need for crafting at Leisure Arts. They are dedicated to their craft and bring various products on their plate. Leisure Arts have sections devoted to sewing, journaling, paper crafts, etc. Several kits are also available for beginners who want to try their hand at different things. The world of crafting is vast and beautiful. Leisure Arts makes sure to cater to the need of every crafter.
Website: leisurearts.com |Brands like Leisure Arts
Popularity 7.4/10
-
4
Caron
CARON has the distinction of being our sole perfumer. Nothing is off-limits because sometimes the most beautiful scents are created with the most insane notions. CARON has never been predictable as it wanted to be profoundly singular. CARON continues to arrange excellent materials with freedom and panache, organizing their meeting and conflict to unveil and share their exuberant richness with the world. Ariane de ROTHSCHILD and Jean JACQUES has maintained a continuing creative connection, inspired by a shared vision of generous and uncompromising luxury that combines an eco-conscious approach with the expression of French Haute Parfumerie.
Website: parfumscaron.com |Brands like Caron
Popularity 5.8/10
-
5
Lion Brand
Lion Brand Yarn is the country's oldest craft yarn firm, with more than 80 active yarn families. Find your next project by visiting the Lion Brand website for over 8000 free knitting and crochet patterns or purchasing a pattern book at any countrywide dealer. Explore their extensive collection of prints, kits, yarns, and other supplies available in-store or online at LionBrand.com. Find your favorite thread or explore their free designs to try something new.
Website: lionbrand.com |Brands like Lion Brand
Popularity 4.6/10
-
6
Simplicity
Home sewers looking for clothing and accessory patterns will find Simplicity's pattern collection a practical starting point. The brand offers sewing patterns, including lines associated with McCall's, and patterns for women's scarves. Its focus is on instructions for projects that can be made at home.
Website: simplicity.com |Brands like Simplicity
Popularity 3.5/10
-
7
SINGER
SINGER makes sewing machines for home use, including mechanical and computerized models for beginners, quilters and garment sewers. Sergers, embroidery machines, industrial machines, needles and replacement parts round out its offering.
Website: singerequipment.com |Brands like SINGER
Popularity 3.0/10
-
8
Chronicle Books
Chronicle Books publishes illustrated titles across several categories, including cat books, coloring books, psychology books, and books on relationships. The San Francisco publisher is especially recognized for its gift-style editions, which feature strong visual design and are also bought as presents. Its list is broad, so readers can find books on many subjects in one place.
Website: games.chroniclebooks.com |Brands like Chronicle Books
Popularity 3.0/10
-
9
King Cole
Knit your thought into whatever you like with King cole, a website working to provide customers with sufficient stock and a complete palette of colored wool and yarn. The varieties vary from pure acrylic, wool, thread, and more. There are...
Website: kingcole.com |Brands like King Cole
Popularity 3.0/10
-
10
Alpaca
Alpaca builds knitwear and wraps from alpaca fiber, including sweaters, cardigans and scarves for women. The collections blend southern and western design influences into unisex shawls and everyday pieces. Each item is made to be durable and warm, suited to...
Website: alpacacollections.com |Brands like Alpaca
Popularity 1.9/10
-
11
Dritz
Dritz sells sewing notions that sewing and craft shoppers use widely, including needles, tape and iron-on patches. Pins, fasteners, elastics and sewing kits round out the selection. The brand is owned by the German firm William Prym GmbH & Co....
Website: dritz.com |Brands like Dritz
Popularity 1.9/10
-
12
PONY
PONY is a brand that embodies the American Dream and Americana. PONY has been a part of sneaker culture in the United States for 40 years. The brand symbolizes a way of life characterized by optimism, uniqueness, freedom of expression,...
Website: pony.com |Brands like PONY
Popularity 1.3/10
-
13
Herrschners
Herrschner's is the largest retailer of notions, quilting materials, and sewing machines. They have everything you need to construct lovely crafts for yourself or your loved ones, from fabrics to threads. Their product line includes practically everything relating to arts...
Website: herrschners.com |Brands like Herrschners
Popularity 1.3/10
-
14
Annie's Attic
Annie's Attic publishes crafting patterns and kits for crochet, needlepoint, quilting and baby knitting. Yarn, fabric, beading kits and cross stitch designs are sold alongside them, so projects can be planned and stocked from one source. Its catalog gives hobbyists...
Website: anniescatalog.com |Brands like Annie's Attic
Popularity 1.3/10
-
15
Deborah Norville
The most acclaimed and highly popular syndicated newsmagazine in the nation, Inside Edition, is hosted by Deborah Norville. The week Norville joined the program, ratings increased by 15% and have remained high ever since. The program has continuously ranked among...
Website: deborahnorville.com |Brands like Deborah Norville
Popularity 1.3/10
-
16
SpinRite
SpinRite markets craft yarns and sewing thread across North America, including its Bernat range. Its products are sold at Walmart, Amazon, Jo-Ann Stores and Michaels. Shoppers can find the brand in both large retail chains and online. Its range spans...
Website: spinriteyarns.com |Brands like SpinRite
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston | cranstononline.com | /CranstonHerald | – | @RhodyBeat | – |
| Rowan | knitrowan.com | /Rowan-Yarns | rowanyarns | @rowanyarns | rowanyarns |
| Leisure Arts | leisurearts.com | /LeisureArtsInc | leisureartsinc | @leisureartsinc | Leisure Arts Inc |
| Caron | parfumscaron.com | /Caron-125923127482528 | caronparisofficiel | – | – |
| Lion Brand | lionbrand.com | /LionBrandYarns | lionbrandyarn | @lionbrandyarn | LionBrandYarn |
| Simplicity | simplicity.com | /simplicitypatterns | simplicity_creative_group | – | SimplicityVideo |
| SINGER | singerequipment.com | – | – | – | – |
| Chronicle Books | games.chroniclebooks.com | /chroniclebooks | chroniclebooks | @chroniclebooks | – |
| King Cole | kingcole.com | /King-Cole-Ltd | kingcoleltd | @kingcoleltd | King Cole Yarns & Patterns |
| Alpaca | alpacacollections.com | /alpacacollections | alpacacollections | – | AlpacaCollections |
Knitting Kits Buying Guide
Knitting can be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby, creating handmade items and personalized gifts to share with loved ones. However, when it comes to buying knitting kits, there are many different types of kits available, each with its own level of difficulty and materials. This guide will provide you with valuable information on what to look for when buying a knitting kit, including the type of kit, the knitting needles and yarn required, as well as the level of experience needed to complete the project.
Types of Knitting Kits
When it comes to choosing a knitting kit, there are many different types of kits to choose from. Some knitting kits emphasize the final finished product, while others are intended to teach specific knitting stitches or techniques. Here are some of the most common types of knitting kits:
Beginner Knitting Kits
The beginner knitting kit is great for someone who is new to knitting or hasn't picked up a knitting project in a while. These kits typically come with easy-to-follow patterns, beginner-friendly yarn, and needles suitable for starting their first project. They typically include a basic blanket pattern or a simple scarf, even a hat or mittens can be included in the kit. These kits are meant to build or refresh the foundation skills needed to start a wider range of knitting projects.
Advanced Knitting Kits
Advanced knitting kits are perfect for experienced knitters who want a more challenging project. These kits include more intricate patterns and require a higher level of skill. Such kits may include complex patterns, fine gauge needles, and advanced yarn material, like mohair or anything luxurious. The knitter can have an opportunity to create more complicated projects like pieces of clothing or more intricate accessories.
Pattern-Specific Kits
These kits come with the required materials like needles and yarn for a specific knitting pattern. This will give you the freedom to shop for a specific pattern yet be confident you have the right needle and yarns to create the knitting project. The project may range from something simple, like a fun chunky scarf, to more complex pieces like intricate sweaters, shawls, hats, and mittens.
Teaching-Learning Knitting Kits
These kits are created to help you learn a specific knitting skill, this kit includes materials and step-by-step instructions on how to knit a particular stitch or technique. These kits can help to improve your knitting skills and build your confidence for more advanced projects. Examples include Fair Isle, cable or lace knitting kits.
Materials in Knitting Kits
Once you decide what type of knitting kit you want, it would be best to consider the materials that come with the kit. The two most common items included are needles and yarn, though other items, like buttons, beads or zippers, may be included in some kits.
Knitting Needles
Knitting needles are available in various materials, including wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic. When buying a kit, it is essential to choose the right type of needles for the yarn included in the kit, as the size and material of the needles can affect the final output. The project’s complexity also determines the type of needle to use, for instance, certain stitch types may work better with wood, while some intricate patterns may require metal needles.
Yarn
Yarn is the most important material when it comes to knitting. Yarn is sold in a massive array of materials, from acrylic, wool, cashmere to even vegan yarn made of plant fibers. The type of material you pick will determine the final texture, feel, and look of your knitting project. Different colors and patterns can also impact the final look of your project. Beginners typically start with acrylic or wool yarn as they are easier to work with and more affordable than other materials.
Level of Difficulty for a Knitting Kit
Once you have settled on the type of knitting kit and materials you want to work with, you must consider the level of difficulty of the pattern. Some projects may require a better grasp of knitting basics, while others involve intricate stitches that require a lot of practice.
Beginner Knitting Kits
When starting on a knitting project for the first time or returning to the hobby after a long break, it is always wise to choose a beginner knitting kit. These typically have straightforward instructions, use easy to knit stitches, and require no previous knowledge of knitting. They offer a fantastic platform to develop a firm foundation of basic knitting skills, including how to cast-on stitches, knit, purl, and casting off stitches.
Intermediate Knitting Kits
Intermediate knitting kits require a higher level of skill, as they involve the use of more complex stitches than beginner kits. There will be more in-depth instructions, and knitters may need to learn new techniques, such as working with multiple strands of yarn, shaping and seaming techniques, and proper gauge measurement. These kits are great for knitters who already have a good grasp on the basics and real experience in knitting a variety of projects.
Advanced Knitting Kits
Advanced knitting kits require a lot of patience and expertise, as they typically involve intricate lace, cable, and Fair Isle patterns. They can range from small projects like hats or mittens to more complex projects like dresses, sweaters, and baby blankets. These kits are ideal for expert knitters who challenge themselves with new projects and techniques regularly.
Where to Buy Knitting Kits
There are different places where you can purchase knitting kits, including local knitting stores, online knitting stores, and craft stores.
Local Knitting Stores
When you buy from local knitting stores, you will support local businesses in your area. These shops are ideal for both experienced and new knitters as the staff can provide advice and recommendations on the best kits that work for you, regardless of the budget or the project's complexity. It is also possible to take classes such as knitting workshops or project-based classes, that use the knitting kits sold in the store, and progress in their knitting skills while forming connections with other knitters.
Online Knitting Stores
Online knitting stores are great for knitters who have a specific kit in mind but who aren't able to visit a shop. With customized filters available at many online stores, you will be able to sort through options according to your preference, such as brand, price, materials, and kit type. It is often recommended to check the reviews of the kit, to gain insights from other customers who have bought and tried the kit.
Craft Stores
Craft stores like Michaels, JoAnn fabric, and A.C. Moore, sell various craft supplies, including knitting kits. These stores often have in-store sales as well as printable coupons that can be used to reduce the price. The downside to these stores is that they have limited or outdated knitting patterns, making finding high-quality products more challenging.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when choosing and buying knitting kits. To begin, you should decide what type of knitting kit you are looking for, whether beginner kits, advanced knitting kits, pattern-specific kits or teaching-learning knitting kits. Materials included in a kit such as needles and yarn are equally essential. Be sure to choose the right type and size of needle for the included yarn, to achieve the best results. It’s important to consider the complexity of the project when buying kits, that is, beginner, intermediate or advanced. Lastly, it doesn't matter if you buy the kit from a local knitting store, an online store, or a craft store, but be sure it's a place that gives you quality products and a good return policy. Happy knitting!
