...but it doesn't have to be. I started knitting when I was a student. I had no job and was living off of student loans. I used all sorts of tips and tricks to keep my costs down, even on larger projects like garments and blankets.
So I figured this would be a great chance to share some of those tips and tricks. If you have limited disposable income, I hope this helps you find ways to keep enjoying your fiber arts hobbies.
#1: Check out knitting books from the library
A library can be an incredible resource for a knitter. This option used to be very location-dependent, but nowadays, there are lots of libraries that will issue non-resident cards. This can give you access to a whole host of eBooks you can read these on your phone. If you’re in a larger city or have a local library that really supports makers, you can also find some good physical books in their collections.
There are a lot of great, less expensive yarns out there that can make absolutely gorgeous knitting projects. I’m a sock knitter, so that’s primarily where I focus on budget yarns. In my experience, some of the best budget yarns for socks are Regia 4-ply, West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply, and Knitpicks Stroll. It’s important to know that inexpensive yarn doesn’t have to be cheap yarn. By that I mean it doesn’t have to be poorly made, scratchy, uncomfortable to work with, or ill-suited to its purpose. Budget-friendly yarns can still be well made.
A lot of us have been burned by bad, free patterns. But sometimes, free patterns can be a great resource. For example, my Socktober Socks are free, but they’ve been tech edited just like my paid patterns. Many designers will do similarly. If you see someone doing work you like, check their website. They may offer a free pattern or two on their blog, or offer a code to download a free pattern of your choice if you sign up for their newsletter.
#4: Buy discontinued yarn
Yarn companies will often discontinue yarn because the colors are from a few seasons ago, they’ve changed the bases they want to offer, or they’re moving in a new aesthetic direction. To clear out the old yarns, they’ll host a massive sale or sell the stock to another company who will resell them. The thing is, there’s nothing wrong with these yarns, strictly speaking. If you like the color, the construction, and the fiber content, who cares if it’s from a few seasons ago?
A lot of knitting patterns might recommend a yarn that's not accessible for you, whether it’s a yarn that’s not available in your country, a yarn that uses a fiber you can’t wear, or a gorgeous hand-dyed yarn that’s just too expensive for your budget. But with yarn substitution, that doesn’t matter. The more you understand how to swap one yarn for another, the more easily you can keep the costs of your project down by using a less expensive yarn.