32 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns For Beginners
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will a collection of free and easy knitting patterns for beginners.
Then you need some beginner projects to help you to practice those new knitting skills and the basic stitches needed to knit – including the knit stitch, how to purl, and shaping.
Why Should I Knit?
Knitting is an amazing way for you to relax, and even though it has been around for hundreds of years, the techniques of the craft keep growing with more and more people picking up the needles.
Once you get into it, knitting can be very relaxing – likened to meditation, simple knitting projects use the same few stitches repeatedly, so you can zone out and chill, whilst creating.
After a hard day at work, what could be better than arriving home and knitting your way into the night – creating something for yourself or for others to enjoy?
Weekly news, free patterns, tutorials, and more.
Start Out With A Quick And Simple Project
As a knitting newbie learning new skills, it’s a good idea to start out with a small project and a simple pattern.
A great choice for a first project is a dishcloth. As they knit up quickly, they have a simple shape and they can make a lovely gift for a housewarming party.
Another perfect project would be a hat you can make with chunky weight yarn and large needles.
Knitting Lessons
Check out the knitting lessons to find more knitting tutorials – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials)
For example, how to cast-off stitches, how to knit the basic stitches like the stockinette stitch, how to knit ribbing, how to make knitting increases and decreases, how to fix knitting mistakes and many more.
- Get a tutorial on how to cast on here – How To Cast On Knitting
- Learn how to knit the stockinette stitch here – How To Knit Stockinette Stitch (For Beginners)
- Check out a tutorial on how to knit the rib stitches here – How To Knit Rib Stitch Patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- The majority of the blog posts include a video tutorial to help you along.
- Perfect for beginner knitters who want to learn a new technique or experienced knitters who need a refresher.
- Perfect for a beginning knitter.
- If you also love crocheting, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}
Easy Knitting Patterns
The patterns in this post are just a small taste of what you can create with your knitting needles, if you want to see a wider range of projects, take a look at my knitting pattern library, with patterns for women, men, babies, kids, pets and the home here – Free Knitting Patterns – Handy Little Me
In this free knitting pattern roundup, you will see some classic knitting techniques used in the projects below.
If you are a beginner, practice your skills by making simple knit hats, baby hats, and baby blankets, or get creative with more advanced patterns that may include knit cables.
Check out more hat knitting patterns here – Hat Patterns – Handy Little Me
Check out an intricate cable pattern here – Outlander Claire’s Cable Knit Wrist Warmers.
32 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns For Beginners
If you are ready to start out your knitting journey check out these knitting patterns.
The patterns below are perfect for brand-new knitters and will walk you through – step by step from beginning to end, so grab a pair of knitting needles and get started!
Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern (Broken Rib Stitch)
Make a simple and easy blanket following this free pattern's instructions.
The ideal baby shower gift to give to an expecting mama.
Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern (Free + Easy For Beginners)
Knit a set of dishcloths with this free knitting pattern.
This is a great quick project for a beginner knitter as it teaches you how to knit garter stitch, how to increase through yarn overs, and how to decrease.
Plus it’s a great stash buster so you can use up those leftover cotton yarns in your yarn stash.
How To Knit The Linen Stitch (Tutorial + Pattern)
Knit a set of dishcloths with this free knitting pattern.
Slipped stitches create a woven texture and a very firm knitted fabric that does not curl at the edges.
This pattern is available for a free pdf download. And there is a video tutorial to help you along.
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
Knit a cozy hat with this free knitting pattern.
The hat is knit flat with straight needles, and seamed.
There are step-by-step photos to help you along.
Garter Stitch Scarf Pattern (Beginner-Friendly)
Make a quick knit scarf with this free pattern.
This simple scarf is made with super bulky yarn.
Perfect for the winter.
Simple Knit Arm Warmers Pattern (Je Suis Prest)
Knit a pair of comfy arm warmers with this free knitting pattern.
Made with wool worsted weight yarn these arm warmers will keep you warm and cozy through fall and winter.
Triangular Shawl Knitting Pattern (Claire's Strength)
Knit an easy shawl with this free knitting pattern.
Ideal to wear over your fall outfits.
Beret Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
Knit an easy beret with this free pattern.
Make this hat for you or for as a gift for a friend.
Easy Squishy Knit Throw Blanket Pattern
Make a super easy blanket throw with this free knitting pattern.
Knit with super chunky yarn this blanket is a must for the winter.
Outlander Cowl Knitting Pattern (Claire Season 1)
Knit a super easy cowl with this free knitting pattern.
There are two versions of the pattern – knit on different size needles.
Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
Make a set of Irish moss stitch dishcloths with this free knitting pattern.
Dishcloths are perfect for practicing a new stitch or technique.
This pattern is available for a free pdf download.
Dishcloth Knitting Patterns (To Practice Basic Knitting Stitches)
Make a set of dishcloths with this free downloadable pdf pattern.
Dishcloths are a great first knitting project, as they are small squares and are easy to make.
These free patterns only use knit and purl stitches, creating different textured designs.
This pattern is available for a free pdf download.
How To Knit Baby Booties (Step By Step)
Make adorable baby booties with this free knitting pattern.
These tiny shoes will make an excellent baby shower gift.
Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern (For Beginners)
Knit baby cardigan with this free knitting pattern.
Baby clothes are a great project idea if you want to try out making a garment but adult sizes intimidate you.
How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
Make an easy baby hat with this free knitting pattern.
The hat is knit flat with straight needles which makes it a must for beginners.
Men's Fingerless Mittens + Hat Pattern
Knit a set of fingerless gloves and a hat with these free knitting patterns.
A great gift for the men in your life.
Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern
Make the ultimate summer hat with this free knitting pattern.
Bucket hats are back and here to stay.
This easy hat will be an ideal summer project.
Knit Crop Top Pattern
Knit a lightweight easy top with this free knitting pattern.
Made with cotton yarn this top will be your summer go-to.
Knitted Top Pattern
Knit a lightweight easy top with this free knitting pattern.
Made with cotton yarn this top will be your summer go-to.
Bunting Pattern (Easy For Beginners)
Make knitted flags for a handmade touch to any baby shower, birthday party, or home decoration.
These bunting flags are super easy to make, using a garter stitch and an easy increase KFB – knit into the front and back of the stitch.
The pattern is available for a free pdf download.
Cotton Comfort Easy Knit Cardigan Pattern
Make a lightweight cardigan with this free knitting pattern.
This cardigan is really soft and comforting, due to the drape and fit.
It’s baggy and cozy, it wraps around you and somehow you feel comforted just wearing it!
This is an easy pattern using mainly knit and purl stitches, it will also introduce you to decreasing and shaping.
Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
If you are a beginner knitter, try out this easy baby sweater knitting pattern.
It uses a simple knit stitch – garter stitch and will introduce you to shaping through easy increases and decreases.
Easy Hat Pattern | The Alexia
There are many women’s hat patterns that you can make including the one below – the Alexia hat.
This is a great beginner hat, as it will introduce you to using seed stitch, plus shaping through easy increases and decreases.
Free Men's Hat Knitting Pattern
This is a great beginner hat, as it will introduce you to using the rib stitch, plus shaping through easy increases and decreases.
There are many men’s hat patterns that you can make including the one below – the Adonis hat.
Kid's Bobble Hat Pattern | The Gracie
Make a beanie for your kids this fall/winter with this easy slouchy hat pattern.
This is a great beginner hat, as it will introduce you to using the rib stitch, plus shaping through easy increases and decreases.
Puppy Sweater Knitting Pattern (XS Puppy)
Make a cute little micro sweater for your XS puppy with this easy puppy sweater pattern.
This is a great beginner pattern, as it will introduce you to using stockinette stitch and shaping through easy increases and decreases.
Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern
Make a knitted tea cozy with this easy free knitting pattern.
This is a great beginner pattern, as it will allow you to practice using the garter stitch and introduce you to shaping through easy increases and decreases.
Bunny Baby Blankie - Knitting Pattern
Make a striped bunny blanket, that is great for cuddles and catching the drool.
Easy to knit and cute too, your baby will love this little guy.
The pattern is available for a free pdf download.
Cupcake Pattern {Great For Stash-busting!}
A knitted cupcake will make a decoration or a pincushion.
Make a few and use them as a cake stand decoration, or to give as small gifts.
They can be embellished in many ways, using beads and French knots as sprinkles.
Knitted Tea Cosy Pattern | Ice Cream Swirl
This knitting pattern is made in two pieces and sewn together at the side seams.
Simple yet effective, this tea cozy requires a bit of shaping but will gain you many compliments.
Plush Bunny Toy Pattern
A little grey plush bunny knitted toy will make a great gift.
You could also make yourself a little desk buddy, to keep you company on those long workdays.
Feeling stressed out? Just give him a squeeze and feel better.
The pattern is available for a free pdf download.
Cupcake Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern
A lovely sweet treat of a tea cozy, this easy knitting pattern will not take you long to make.
The cupcake tea cozy is knit in two pieces and stitched together.
It looks good enough to eat and will keep your teapot warm.
What are you going to make?
Let me know in the comments below
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making any of these patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to our Facebook group and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
