Knitting and Crocheting Cost

How Much Does Knitting and Crocheting Cost?

Basic Supplies: $10-$30

Turning a single strand of yarn into something that's both attractive and functional by using just a single hook (crocheting) or long sticks (knitting) are ancient crafts that many hobbyists find relaxing and satisfying. Finished products can range from a simple potholder to an haute couture evening dress, and just about everything in between.

Typical costs:

An initial investment of $10 -$30 covers basic supplies for a first project -- knitting needles or a crochet hook, yarn, scissors, a tape measure, stitch markers (optional) and a large-eyed blunt needle to weave in loose ends. Using high-priced yarn can increase the cost, but many yarn stores sell pre-packaged beginner kits in this price range.
Knitting and crocheting are not usually done to save money, but for the satisfaction of creating something unique while enjoying working with the colors and textures of the chosen yarn. Crocheting requires about one-third more yarn than knitting, and the cost of yarn is usually the largest expense for any project. Inexpensive acrylic yarn starts around $2 -$4 a package; higher-quality acrylics and wool can run $5 -$18 each; and some imported or rare yarns can be $20 -$40 or more per package. A simple scarf can be knitted or crocheted with about $5 -$10 worth of yarn using inexpensive acrylics; $10 -$40 for higher quality yarns; and as much as $80 -$100 or more for one scarf from pure cashmere. Enough yarn for a sweater can cost $30 -$50 or as much as $200 -$300 or more.
The Craft Yarn Council of America gives free tips for getting started and the online magazine Knitty offers helpful articles and free patterns. Many yarn or knitting shops offer classes or drop-in help sessions; some are free, others may cost $10 -$60 or more, depending on the level of individual attention. Classes and workshops are frequently offered by adult-education programs, libraries, senior centers and recreation facilities.
An extremely wide variety of how-to and pattern books are available for $7 -$50 or in video/DVD formats for $20 -$100; many are in local libraries. Elizabeth Zimmermann was considered by many to be the grandmother of the modern yarn arts for her books such as Knitting Without Tears ($16.95) and The Opinionated Knitter.
A weekend at a knitting/crocheting camp, retreat or conference starts around $90 -$200 and goes up to $500 -$800 or more. Knitter's Review posts a calendar of upcoming yarn-related events.

What should be included:

In knitting, loops of yarn are pulled through each other; the loops are called stitches. The Yarn Council of America provides basic written knitting instructions, with illustrations and free learn-to-knit videos are online at KnittingHelp.com and KnittingAtKnoon.com.
Crocheting is looping and wrapping thread or yarn around a hook. Every pattern starts with a slip knot followed by a series of loops which are called chains. The Yarn Council of America presents basic written crocheting instructions, with illustrations and Nexstitch.com offers free crocheting videos.

Discounts:

AZ.com gives detailed directions for recycling yarn from good quality thrift store sweaters. Thrift stores often sell new or like-new knitting needles and other supplies at extremely low prices.

Shopping for knitting and crocheting:

Choosing the right yarn is important for any knitting or crocheting project. The Yarn Council of America answers frequently asked questions about buying yarn, and at WiseNeedle.com, knitters post their own reviews of hundreds of specific brands and types.
Basic supplies are available at most big-box stores, but also in specialty shops which stock a wider range of high-quality yarns, hooks, needles and other supplies. The all-volunteer WoolWorks.org maintains lists of yarn shops, mail order suppliers and manufacturers ; links to knitting guilds; and links to more than 1,100 knitting- or crocheting-related websites.
Knitting can be highly sociable, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Find a nearby group through The Knitting Guild Association or Crochet Guild of America, or start your own small group.