My first tip, use Youtube! There are tons of free video tutorials that will teach you everything. Here’s one person: Knittingtipsbyjudy My second tip, go to your local second hand store and see if there is a package of used knitting needles. Every time I go in to my local store, there is a variety pack, I have paid $5 for 2 packs, totaling something like 30 pairs of needles of all sizes including circular and sock needles. By far, this is the best way to get a variety of needles for cheap. Of course there’s no problems with going to the craft store and buying new ones either. Brand of wool doesn’t really matter, just buy a color you like at a reasonable price. Don’t go for any special wool with pom poms or a fancy art wool, just get a simple one like a plain old sport yarn. I would probably buy acrylic yarn now because you’re going to be learning, so don’t spend money on a high end fancy yarn until you know what you want to knit for yourself. Then again, if you’re the kind of person who is motivated by quality, maybe it’s worth splurging on wool yarn if you plan on making something like a scarf for yourself. Bonus tip: the second hand store often has packages of yarn as well! I would probably start by knitting something really easy like a coaster or a washcloth. A scarf is also easy.