How to Pick Yarn: Yarn Weights
Yarn comes in seven different thicknesses, generally. You can see the symbols used to designate yarn thickness in this image to the left. Generally speaking, thinner yarn will create a thinner fabric and thicker yarn will make a thicker fabric.
How to Pick Yarn: Fiber Content
There's a debate in the fiber community about what materials to use when someone starts knitting. I always tell new knitters to start with natural fibers. That’s because acrylics can be rough on the hands, lack breathability, and have no flexibility. Instead, I'd recommend a yarn that is mostly (~80%) wool.
For the most part, knitting needles nowadays come in three materials: wood, metal, and plastic. I recommend beginners start with wood, since wood needles are the least slick of the three materials.
How to Pick Knitting Needles
How can you tell which size needle is recommended for the yarn you use? It’ll say right on the label! For the larger brands in many of the big craft stores, it’ll usually be right near the symbol that indicates what size the yarn is. For other brands, you may have to look around on the label a bit. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Knitting Needles Sizes