From needles and yarn to pattern resources, here’s the essential kit to get you hooked on this affordable hobby (some of it is even free)

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Unless you haven’t been paying attention, you’ll know that knitting is having a serious moment. Thanks to knitfluencers such as Katie Jones, Stephen West, Ella Emhoff and, of course, Tom Daley, the meditative hobby is riding a new wave of popularity. A big part of its appeal is making clothes and accessories – from waistcoats to hats, kids’ mittens and scarves – and knitting can also help improve focus, cognitive health and wellbeing.

Luckily, it doesn’t require a lot of kit to get started, and the essentials can be acquired for about a tenner. Here’s all the stuff you need – and the bits not worth wasting your money on.