Thinking of picking up knitting but wondering if it’s going to drain your bank account? You’re not alone. “Is knitting a cheap hobby?” is one of the most-Googled questions about the craft—and we totally get it.
Here’s the good news: knitting can absolutely be a budget-friendly hobby. Like most things in life, it can get spendy if you let it—but it definitely doesn’t have to be. Let’s break it down, one stitch at a time.
What Does Knitting Actually Cost?
When you’re just starting out, the basics are simple:
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Yarn – Prices can range from $5 to $30+ per skein, depending on the fibre, thickness, and brand. But don’t stress—our chunky acrylic yarn is soft, squishy, and super affordable (without feeling cheap).
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Needles – A solid set of circular needles costs around $10–$20 and can be reused for heaps of projects.
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Extras – Things like darning needles and stitch markers are one-off, low-cost tools that last forever.
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Patterns – You can find free patterns online, or go for a knit kit (like ours!) where everything’s already bundled up, ready to go.
So, all up? You can easily get started for under $100—and that’s for a big, wearable piece like a scarf, cardi or blanket.
Is Knitting Cheaper Than Buying Clothes?
If you’re looking at fast fashion prices, knitting your own pieces might not always be cheaper up front—but you’re not just paying for the item. You’re paying for the experience: the mindful moments, the hands-on creativity, the satisfaction of making something yourself.
Plus, handmade knits last longer, feel better, and don’t fall apart in the wash (we see you, $19 jumpers).
Can Knitting Be an Affordable Long-Term Hobby?
Absolutely. Once you’ve got your basic tools, you’ll only need to top up your yarn stash for future projects. Many knitters build up their collection over time, and you can find good deals by:
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Shopping end-of-season sales
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Swapping with other knitters
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Choosing budget-friendly yarns that still feel lush
And unlike hobbies that need memberships, pricey gear, or ongoing fees (looking at you, reformer pilates), knitting’s a one-off investment with lifelong returns.
Want to Keep It Simple? Try a Knit Kit
If the idea of hunting down patterns, matching yarn weights, and figuring out needle sizes gives you the ick—go for a knit kit.
Our Having A Yarn kits are beginner-friendly, all-inclusive, and designed to help you create something beautiful withoutblowing the budget.
You’ll get:
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Yarn
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Circular needles
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Darning needle
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A printed pattern
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Full video tutorial that walks you through the entire project
No guesswork. No stress. Just good vibes and even better knits.
So… Is Knitting a Cheap Hobby?
Short answer? It can be.
Long answer? It’s as affordable as you want it to be.
Knitting is one of those rare hobbies that’s good for your hands, your head, and your heart. And if you play your yarn right, it won’t hurt your wallet either.
Ready to get started? Explore our beginner knit kits—they come with everything you need to make your first project a total win. 🧶