21 Free Knitting Patterns For Children (Easy Knits)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see 21 free knitting patterns for children (easy knits).
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, these free patterns are perfect for creating handmade pieces that kids will love.
From cozy sweaters to hats and adorable scarves, there’s something for every skill level and style.
So grab your knitting needles and get ready to bring warmth and joy to the little ones in your life!
Free Knitting Patterns For Children
Check out the collection of free knitting patterns below to find your next project.
Kids Beanie Hat Pattern (Adorable & Easy DIY)
This adorable kids’ beanie hat pattern is the perfect pattern for all levels of knitters.
The simple beanie hat is a basic hat your little one will love wearing almost as much as you’ll love seeing him or her in it.
Kids Cowl Free Knitting Pattern
Make a kid's cowl with this free knitting pattern.
The cozy cowl is really great for any beginners out there, as it uses basic knit (garter stitch) throughout.
You can use any super bulky weight yarn and large knitting needles (needle size 10mm/US 15).
Grab the printable free PDF at the end of the post.
Kid's Bobble Hat Pattern | The Gracie
Make a warm ribbed hat for your little one with this kid’s bobble hat pattern.
This chunky kids’ hat is so warm and cozy that I just had to get a pattern out there for you folks to make.
It is so comfy it will definitely keep your kid warm during fall and winter.
Striped Kid's Cowl Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a striped kids’ cowl knitting pattern.
Making a kid’s cowl with stripes is an easy project for advanced beginners.
The knitted cowl pattern for a toddler or young child is easy to follow and knit on circular needles.
Grab the printable free PDF at the end of the post.
Free Easter Bunny Knitting Pattern (Floppy Ears + Cuddly!)
In this blog post, you will see a free Easter bunny knitting pattern.
A great size for a little one to take with them wherever they go, this big-eared floppy bunny will make a super cool best friend.
The cuddly toy would also make a great gift for a baby shower or birthday celebration.
Kids Hat And Matching Scarf Knitting Pattern
Keep your kids snuggly and warm with this kid’s hat and matching scarf knitting pattern.
The earflap beanie hat and knit scarf pattern is advanced beginner level, using basic knit and purl stitches; there is also a bit of shaping involved.
Grab the printable free PDF at the end of the post.
Easter Chick Slippers Pattern (+ Loop Stitch Tutorial)
These Easter chick slippers are a great project to make and give as a gift.
I raided my yarn stash and found two balls of yellow yarn that had probably been there for this project since last Easter.
A perfect Easter gift for your niece or nephew.
Christmas Tree Hat Knitting Pattern
This Christmas tree hat knitting pattern is the perfect accessory for the holidays!
There are eight sizes to make, from baby to adult, with bulky/chunky/12-ply yarn and size 8 mm (US 11) circular needles.
Make one for the whole family.
Knitted Elf Hat Pattern (Free Striped Christmas Hat)
In this blog post, you will see a knitted elf hat pattern (free striped Christmas hat).
This striped beanie would make a great holiday accessory for visiting friends or family photographs!
Knit on 6 mm knitting needles (US 10) circular needles.
This classic beanie is a really easy knit, knitting every round to create a stocking stitch.
This holiday hat pattern will introduce you to shaping and decreasing and using basic knit and purl stitches.
Knitted Cat Hat - Free Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a knitted cat hat – free knitting pattern.
The benefit of making a knitted cat hat is that you can make one in a few hours using bulky yarn and (US 11) 8 mm knitting needles.
Even with zero knitting experience, the free pattern and making-up photo tutorial will help you to make your cat hat to enjoy wearing in October.
Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern (Unisex Mariner's Hat)
This ribbed beanie knitting pattern is a great pattern for anyone who wants to make a hat that never goes out of style!
Wear it with the brim turned up for a fitted look or not for more slouch.
How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)
This blog post will show you how to knit a hat with straight needles, knitting flat, back and forth.
This is a great project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
The pattern is available in a variety of sizes.
Witch Hat Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a witch hat knitting pattern.
This easy project uses only one skein of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn.
Make one for the whole family.
Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern (Free + Easy)
This post will show you a candy corn hat knitting pattern perfect for making for fall (and Halloween!).
This is an excellent project for anyone new to knitting as it is knit back and forth on straight needles, then seamed.
Lovely Camellia by DROPS Design
This is a charming knitted jumper for children, crafted in DROPS Nepal and DROPS Kid-Silk yarns.
This cozy and soft sweater is worked in garter stitch, giving it a textured, warm feel, while ribbed edges provide a snug fit.
Available in sizes for children aged 3 to 14 years, this jumper is perfect for keeping little ones comfortable and stylish during cooler months.
Candy Bar Jumper by DROPS Design
This is a playful and colorful knitted jumper for children, featuring bold stripes that make it a fun addition to any child's wardrobe.
This cozy sweater is worked in the round from the top down, with a round yoke and raglan sleeves for a seamless and comfortable fit.
Made using DROPS Air, Nepal, or Paris yarn, it's available in sizes ranging from 1 to 10 years, offering warmth and style for little ones during cooler weather.
Bernat Bright Student Kids Knit Cardigan by Yarnspirations
This is a vibrant and cheerful cardigan designed for children.
This easy-to-knit project features bold stripes and a button-up front, making it both stylish and practical for everyday wear.
The cardigan is perfect for adding a pop of color to a child's wardrobe and is suitable for knitters looking to create a fun, playful garment for school or play.
Grab the free PDF on Yarnspirations.
Bernat Purrfect Knit Pullover by Yarnspirations
This is an adorable and cozy sweater for children, featuring a charming cat face motif on the front.
This playful pullover is designed with comfort in mind, using soft yarn and a simple construction that's perfect for everyday wear.
The cute design and snug fit make it a fun and practical addition to any child's wardrobe, ideal for keeping warm in cooler weather.
Grab the free PDF on Yarnspirations.
Frida by Emilie Luis
This headband is a simple and cozy accessory designed specifically for kids, offering a snug fit to keep little ears warm.
This easy-to-knit headband is perfect for beginners and features a straightforward design that makes it both practical and stylish for everyday wear. It's a quick project that adds a touch of handmade charm to a child's wardrobe, ideal for cooler weather.
A great pattern if you love quick knits.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Weekend Shorty Socks by Summer Lee
This is a pair of cozy, ankle-length socks that are perfect for all makers.
These socks feature a simple design, making them ideal for knitters who want a fast and satisfying project.
Perfect for lounging around the house or pairing with casual footwear, these shorty socks are a versatile and comfortable addition to any wardrobe.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry.
Drawstring Backpack (Knit) by Lion Brand Yarns
This knit backpack features a simple yet sturdy design with a drawstring closure, making it both functional and easy to carry.
It's an ideal project for knitters looking to create a versatile, handmade bag that’s great for on-the-go activities, whether for school, the gym, or casual outings.
Grab the free PDF on Lion Brand Yarns.
What To Knit For Kids?
Knitting for kids offers a range of fun and practical options, allowing you to create cozy, personalized items that they’ll love.
Popular projects include soft, colorful sweaters and cardigans that can keep them warm during cooler months, as well as playful hats and mittens featuring fun patterns or animal designs.
You can also knit cute and cuddly toys, like stuffed animals or dolls, which make for cherished, handmade gifts.
For something quick and useful, consider knitting blankets or baby booties, perfect for newborns and toddlers.
When choosing projects, opt for soft, machine-washable yarns that are gentle on sensitive skin and easy to care for, ensuring the items are both comfortable and durable for active kids.
What is the easiest thing to knit for kids?
The easiest thing to knit for kids is a simple hat.
Knitted hats are quick projects that require minimal shaping and can be made using basic stitches, making them perfect for beginners.
You can knit a basic beanie using just knit and purl stitches or try a ribbed pattern for a snug fit.
Hats can be customized with fun colors, stripes, or even a pom-pom on top, adding a playful touch.
They are practical, too, as they keep little ones warm and cozy during colder months.
Plus, with a variety of yarns available, you can choose soft, machine-washable fibers that are gentle on a child’s skin, making the project both easy to knit and enjoyable for the recipient.
What Is The Best Yarn For Kids Knitted Items?
Yarn fibers
The best yarn for kids’ knitted items is one that is soft, durable, and easy to care for.
Superwash wool and acrylic blends are popular choices because they combine softness with machine-washability, making them practical for items that will see a lot of wear and require frequent washing.
Superwash wool is particularly nice because it retains the warmth and breathability of natural wool while being easy to clean.
Cotton yarn is another good option, especially for warmer climates or for making lightweight garments, as it’s soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
When selecting yarn, it’s important to choose one that is gentle on sensitive skin, so opt for yarns labeled as baby or child-friendly, which are specifically designed to be soft and non-irritating.
Additionally, consider choosing yarns in bright, fun colors that kids will love.
Ensuring the yarn is durable and can withstand playtime, washing, and general wear is key to making sure your knitted items last and stay looking great.
Yarn weight
Yarn weights from DK (double knitting) and up include a range of thicknesses suitable for various knitting projects.
DK weight yarn, a medium-light option, is ideal for lightweight garments like sweaters and hats, providing a good balance of warmth without bulk.
Moving up, worsted weight yarn/aran weight yarn is thicker and widely used for versatile projects like blankets, scarves, more structured sweaters, and accessories.
Bulky weight yarn offers even more thickness, making it ideal for cozy, quick-knit projects like oversized scarves and blankets.
For the warmest and most substantial pieces, super bulky and jumbo weights provide extreme thickness, perfect for heavy blankets, chunky outerwear, and statement items that knit up quickly with bold textures.
These yarn weights cater to different needs, from detailed, lightweight garments to quick, cozy, and warm knits.
- Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
- Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
- Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Knitting Lessons
If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.
Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.
If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns
You can also find us on social media, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.
More Free Patterns You May Be Interested In…
For more inspiration, check out the posts below; the list includes baby patterns, baby blankets, and sweater patterns.
- 20 Temperature Blanket Patterns (The Ultimate Guide)
- How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles (Step-By-Step)
- 31 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns (Easy Knit Blankets)
- Knitted Dog Sweater Pattern (3 Sizes)
- 37+ Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash (Small Projects)
- Free Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern (Straight Needles)
- Super Easy Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern (Knit)
- Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
- How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
- Pumpkin Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
- 8 Cable Stitch Knitting Patterns
- Free Knitted Heart Pattern (Easy + Quick Project)
- 20+ Fall Oversized Knits (Sweater Knitting Patterns)
- Double Moss Stitch (Free Knitting Pattern For Beginners)
- Garter Stitch Scarf Pattern – Simple For Beginners
- How To Knit Stockinette Stitch (For Beginners)
- 50+ Best Knitting Books (Beginners + Advanced)
- 29 Free Loom Knitting Patterns For All Knitters
- Knitted Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
