37 Free And Easy Knitting Patterns For Beginners
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a list of 37 free and easy knitting patterns for beginners to make!
Most of us start knitting for the same reason – we want to be able to create beautiful knitted garments or accessories (either for ourselves or for someone else).
Check out these easy projects that are perfect for a beginner knitter new to knitting.
37 Easy Knitting Patterns For Beginners
Choose a beginner friendly knitting pattern from this list for one of your first projects.
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
This hat pattern is ideal for you if you are a beginner knitter.
It's a fast-knit project; you only need one skein of yarn; it's made with chunky wool and knit flat with straight needles.
This pattern will also introduce you to decreases and shaping.
Plus, there is a step-by-step photo and video tutorial to help you along.
Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern
In this post, you will see an easy corner-to-corner baby blanket knitting pattern.
An excellent project for beginners.
Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a beginner-friendly Irish moss stitch dishcloth knitting pattern.
This is an awesome pattern for anyone new to and learning simple knitting stitches.
Dishcloths are the perfect beginner knitting projects.
The pattern is available to download for free.
Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern (Broken Rib Stitch)
In this post, you will see an easy baby blanket knitting pattern.
The blanket is knit with a great beginner stitch pattern called the broken rib stitch.
An excellent project for beginners.
How To Knit The Linen Stitch (Tutorial + Pattern)
In this post, you will see how to knit the linen stitch with a tutorial and free dishcloth pattern. Slipped stitches create a woven texture and a very firm knitted fabric that does not curl at the edges.
Knit cloths will look chic in your kitchen, and you can gift them to friends and family, too!
The pattern is available to download for free.
12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners
In this post, you will see 12 simple knitting stitches for beginners, which include garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and ribbing.
Nearly all of the stitches in this collection will be used for any beginner patterns as they are all made up of knit and purl stitches.
A great way to practice your knitting skills is to swatch up these easy stitch patterns.
How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles
This hat pattern will show you how to knit a hat with circular knitting needles for beginners.
With this cozy, simple beanie, you won’t be scared to enter the bitterly cold weather in winter.
Knit with Lion Brand wool ease thick and quick yarn in fig; this beanie is so soft and cozy it will protect you in the coldest climate!
Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern (Free + Easy For Beginners)
In this post, you will learn how to knit a corner-to-corner dishcloth with this diagonal knit dishcloth pattern for beginners.
This is a great quick project for a beginner knitter as it teaches you how to knit garter stitch, increase through yarn overs, and decrease.
Plus, it’s a great stash buster to use up those leftover cotton yarns in your yarn stash.
The pattern is available to download for free.
Easy Squishy Knit Throw Blanket Pattern
In this post, you will see an easy squishy knit throw blanket pattern.
The blanket is really huge and squishy, perfect for those cold autumn/winter days.
Knit with a soft alpaca wool blend, this really is a blanket that you will want to make!
Dishcloth Knitting Patterns {To Practice Basic Knitting Stitches}
In this post, you will see three dishcloth knitting patterns that will help you practice basic knitting stitches.
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.
The pattern is available to download for free.
Knitted Cat Hat - Free Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a knitted cat hat – a 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.
How To Knit A Blanket (Free + Easy For Beginners)
In this blog post, you will see how to make a blanket for beginners.
There are step by step photos and a video tutorial to help you along.
This blanket is knit in the Irish moss stitch pattern (a combination of knit and purl stitches)
How To Knit A Twist Headband For Absolute Beginners!
This post will teach you how to knit an interesting textured stitch pattern and a free headband pattern.
The knitted headband has a step-by-step tutorial to follow along and learn this fantastic pattern if you are a new knitter.
DIY Chunky Knit Blanket Tutorial (An Oversized Throw)
In this post, you will see a DIY chunky knit blanket tutorial – an oversized throw.
The benefit of making a knitted blanket is that you can make one over a weekend, using a super bulky yarn and (US 19) 15 mm knitting needles.
Even with zero knitting experience, the photo tutorial step-by-step guide will help you choose your type of yarn and knitting needles and use two beginner stitch patterns.
Easy Infinity Scarf Knitting Pattern (Fisherman's Rib Stitch)
This easy infinity scarf knitting pattern is perfect for last-minute gifts, as it’s quick and easy to make.
The scarf is knit in the round using chunky yarn/bulky yarn and will keep you warm during cold winter days.
Make one for you or as a gift.
How To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket For Beginners
In this blog post, you will see how to make a chunky knit blanket for beginners.
The benefit of making a chunky knit blanket is that you can make one over a weekend using super bulky yarn and (US 50) 25 mm knitting needles.
This blanket would make a perfect gift for a special occasion or to throw over your sofa for a cozy look during the holiday season.
How To Knit Fisherman's Rib Stitch (And Headband Pattern)
This post will teach you how to knit Fisherman’s rib stitch and a free headband pattern.
The knitted headband has a step-by-step tutorial so you can follow along and learn this fantastic reversible pattern if you are a new knitter.
This stitch pattern can be used in a number of projects, like sweaters, cardigans, hats, scarves, and blankets.
Pom Pom Scarf Knitting Pattern
This scarf-knitting pattern is easy for beginners and keeps you warm on the coldest days.
Knit with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in my favorite colors – Fisherman, Mustard, and Slate.
Make simple scarves for every family member.
Easy Knit Scarf Pattern {Beginner-Friendly}
This easy-knit scarf pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
The scarf is knit in garter stitch, knitting every row until it is super long and cozy!
A garter stitch scarf is the perfect project for brand-new knitters.
Fingerless Mittens Pattern
This Fraser’s Ridge fingerless mitten pattern will knit quickly, and the finished mitts will keep your hands warm.
Using knit and purl stitches, you will create an interesting design, knit flat on straight needles, then seamed to make the mitts, leaving a space for your thumb.
The mittens knit up quickly, and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
Outlander Claire Gloves
This Outlander Claire Carolina, fingerless gloves pattern, will allow you to practice knitting a simple rib stitch.
The finished mitts will look great made with any worsted weight yarn in any color.
A fast project to make a lovely gift with.
How To Knit Baby Booties (Step By Step)
In this post, you will see how to knit baby booties with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
This is a basic pattern for beginner-level people, and the techniques you will need to know are casting on, casting off, knitting in garter stitch, decreasing through K2tog, and picking up stitches.
These baby booties are knit flat with straight needles and later seamed to finish.
Baby Blanket Pattern (Patchwork + 4 Stitch Patterns)
This post shows a cotton baby blanket pattern that is easy for any beginner knitter.
If you are learning how to knit, baby knitting patterns are great to start with before you move on to more complicated patterns that include cables and other advanced techniques.
This cotton baby blanket pattern is really easy for any beginner knitter; this pattern uses basic techniques, including knit and purl stitches.
An excellent choice for a gift for a new baby.
How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
In this post, you will see how to knit a baby hat with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
Like the adult version, this baby hat is knit flat on straight needles.
Great for beginners who want to tackle their first project.
Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
Make this easy baby sweater knitting pattern for beginners with step-by-step photographs to guide you.
If you are learning how to knit, baby knitting patterns are great to start with before you move on to more complicated patterns that include cables and other advanced techniques.
Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a bucket hat knitting pattern.
This simple bucket hat pattern is super easy, knit flat, and seamed.
Made with Pima cotton, knit on size 4 mm (US 6) straight needles.
Triangular Shawl Knitting Pattern (Claire's Strength)
Knit an easy triangular shawl with this free knitting pattern.
All you need is a 5 mm (8 US) pair of knitting needles and worsted-weight yarn.
Make one for you or as a gift.
Men's Fingerless Mittens + Hat Pattern
This men’s fingerless mittens + hat pattern will allow you to create a simple matching set of both knits in 1×1 ribbing.
This design is super easy for beginner knitters as both the mitts and hat are knit flat and seamed.
These Fingerless mittens are practical for keeping the hands and wrists warm while allowing your fingers to be accessible for driving or other tasks.
Outlander Cowl Knitting Pattern (Claire Season 1)
This cowl is easy and quick to make, perfect for new makers.
The knitting pattern will allow you to create a large, cozy knitted cowl.
Inspired by the knitted cowl she wore during her travels into the past, this is knit in garter stitch.
The design of this cowl is made in one piece, then seamed so that you can wrap it around your neck twice.
Beret Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
This beret knitting pattern will knit up quickly, and the finished item will definitely keep you looking stylish.
I wanted to share with you an easy flat knit beret that you can make in around 2 hours and is an excellent project for anyone learning how to knit.
This hat is not knit in the round; it is knit flat with straight needles and then seamed.
Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern {Straight Needles}
This is an easy dog sweater pattern that is knit in the grid stitch pattern (knit and purl stitches) with simple increases and decreases.
There are three sizes to make.
Simple Knit Arm Warmers Pattern (Je Suis Prest)
This Je Suis Prest simple knit arm warmers pattern will allow you to practice knitting stockinette stitch, and the finished arm warmers will look great.
Made with any medium-weight yarn in any color and a pair of 5mm (US 8) knitting needles.
Inspired by Claire’s blue knitted arm warmers she wears in Outlander season 2 episode 9, ‘Je Suis Prest’.
Knitted Dog Sweater Pattern (3 Sizes)
This easy dog sweater pattern is knit in 2x2 ribbing and 3x3 ribbing (knit and purl stitches) with simple increases and decreases.
There are three sizes to make.
Puppy Sweater Knitting Pattern (XS Puppy)
This puppy sweater knitting pattern is easy and can be made in around 2-3 hours.
This sweater is perfect for an XS puppy, this sweater will keep them warm on the coldest days.
This sweater is knit flat on straight needles.
Pumpkin Sweater Knitting Pattern (Free + Easy)
In this post, you will see the pumpkin sweater knitting pattern.
This knit sweater is a great project for fall, knit in a lovely cinnamon color, and the simple design means this pattern is very beginner-friendly.
This simple knit pattern is excellent for beginner knitters looking to move on to making their first garment.
Men's Sweater Pattern {Garter Stitch}
In this post, you will see an easy garter stitch sweater knitting pattern.
This knit sweater is a great project for fall; knit in a lovely soft yarn, and the simple design means this pattern is very beginner-friendly.
This simple knit pattern is excellent for beginner knitters looking to move on to making their first garment.
How To Knit An Easy Triangle Scarf
Knit an easy triangle scarf with this easy pattern with a tutorial for beginners.
Pumpkin Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
Knit easy pumpkins for your home with this easy pattern with a tutorial to help you along.
What Is The First Thing A Beginner Should Knit?
The easiest thing to knit would be a dishcloth.
They are the ultimate beginner project as they knit up quickly.
If you are tired of dishcloths, a chunky knit scarf or cowl is another great project that is easy and doesn’t require seaming.
Last but not least are baby items.
They are great for new makers as they are a lot smaller and won’t overwhelm new makers, and they are excellent baby shower gifts.
- You can see dishcloth patterns here – Dishcloths
- You can see baby knits here – Baby Knitting Patterns
- You can see scarf patterns here – Cowls + Scarves
What To Look For In An Easy Knitting Pattern
When searching for an easy knitting pattern, especially if you’re a beginner, there are several key factors to consider to ensure a successful and enjoyable knitting experience.
Here are some things to look for in an easy knitting pattern:
- Simple Stitch Patterns:
- Choose patterns that primarily use basic knit and purl stitches. Complex stitch patterns or intricate lacework can be challenging for beginners.
- Clear Instructions:
- Look for patterns with clear and concise instructions. A well-written pattern includes step-by-step guidance, abbreviations, and explanations, making it easy to follow along.
- Minimal Shaping:
- Opt for patterns with minimal shaping, such as scarves, blankets, or simple accessories. Projects with straightforward shapes require fewer advanced techniques.
- Fewer Pieces:
- Projects with fewer pieces to assemble, such as seamless or top-down constructions, are often easier for beginners. This minimizes the need for intricate seaming.
- Sizing Options:
- Choose a pattern that offers multiple sizing options, allowing you to select the size that best fits your preferences and skill level.
- Gauge Considerations:
- Patterns that don’t heavily rely on precise gauge measurements can be more forgiving for beginners. However, understanding gauge is an essential skill, so choose patterns that introduce it gradually.
- Video Tutorials:
- Patterns that come with video tutorials can be incredibly helpful for visual learners. Video demonstrations of specific techniques or the entire project can enhance your understanding and confidence.
- Yarn Recommendations:
- Select a pattern that suggests an easy-to-work-with yarn in a solid or lightly variegated color. Avoid overly textured or novelty yarns for your first few projects.
- Project Size:
- Start with small to medium-sized projects. A quick and achievable finish can be motivating for beginners, and you can gradually tackle larger projects as your skills grow.
- Community Support:
- Look for patterns associated with online knitting communities or forums. Having a support system or the ability to ask questions can be beneficial, especially when encountering challenges. Join a knitting and crochet community like the Handy Little Me Facebook Group.
Remember that everyone learns at their own pace, so choose a pattern that aligns with your current skill level while providing opportunities for growth.
As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually explore more complex patterns and techniques.
Starting Out As A Beginner…
Everyone was a beginner once; starting a new craft is very exciting but can also be a little overwhelming.
The way that most crafters will tell you how they started knitting is by completing quick and straightforward knitting patterns that allow you to educate yourself with the basic stitches.
Easy knitting projects include hats, scarves, cowls, and knit dishcloths.
Before you select a knitting pattern to complete from start to finish, make sure you’ve mastered how to cast on, and how to cast off.
The Best Yarn And Needles For Beginner Knitters
Great knitting doesn’t always need to be complicated; choose large needles and a bulky yarn or super bulky for your first project so you can see the stitches clearly and, therefore, any mistakes.
You can create beautiful items from simple, beginner-level knitting patterns.
As a general rule, opt for patterns that have one type of stitch consistently throughout, as this will allow you to learn to knit by practicing one technique and get used to the ‘rhythm’ of knitting.
Basic stitches that include knit and purl, or variations of knit and purl, are garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and rib stitch.
Choosing The Right Yarn
You can also look out for patterns that use super bulky yarn.
A thicker yarn will give you more purchase on the string and make it easier for you to control.
You’ll also be able to spot more easily where you could have dropped a stitch, making it easier to fix your work if you go wrong (and don’t worry if you make a mistake – every knitter does!).
The lace yarn looks amazing, but it’s not really beginner-friendly.
- Learn everything about 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)
Choosing The Right Needles
Larger needles will also make learning to knit easier, as they offer you more control.
Smaller needles can prove too intricate when you’re just starting.
I recommend trying to use anything upwards of a 5 mm (US 8) needle when you’re learning to knit.
Plus it’s always better to prefer knitting patterns knit with straight needles rather than circular needles.
See the best knitting needles for beginners here – Best Knitting Needles For Beginners
Knitting Lessons
If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the knitting techniques a newbie needs.
Including how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, the magic loop method, the linen stitch, the seed stitch, and a list of knitting abbreviations, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
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 the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
