The Best Knitting Patterns for Beginners
Are you looking for beginner knitting projects? If so, this list of easy knitting projects are the best you can make!
Below, there are 27 free and easy knitting patterns for beginners. These patterns are perfect for new knitters to get started with since they use simple techniques and stitches.
Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
Each of the free patterns below are perfect for a new knitter who’s searching for an easy pattern to knit.
From the most basic knit pattern to some with 2 or more stitches, they would all be wonderful for someone new to the world of knitting.
Beginner Stitches
The majority of the free patterns below use the knit stitch (aka garter stitch when worked in rows) and the purl stitch, which are easy knitting stitches that most beginners learn at first.
- Knit or Garter Stitch: Using the knit stitch in rows is called the garter stitch.
- Purl Stitch: You knit one row and purl the next, this is called the stockinette stitch.
You may come across some more advanced techniques like increasing, decreasing which are a great skill to know but are best saved for the intermediate / advanced knitters.
Techniques
There are a few different techniques and skills you will need to know as a beginner knitter.
- How to Cast On: Casting on is how you start your project and get your yarn on the needle.
- How to Bind Off: Knowing how to bind off (or cast off) is important for a beginner to know because it secures the stitches and creates a flat edge.
What is the easiest thing for a beginner to knit?
The easiest thing for a beginner to knit is a flat project that doesn’t require shaping or sizing, such as a scarf or washcloth.
What should you look for in a beginner knitting pattern?
When looking for an easy knitting pattern, you will need to keep an eye out for a few things, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pattern for you.
- Clearly Written Instructions: Simple pattern instructions with the skill level clearly labeled.
- Easy Stitches. The knit stitch or the purl stitch are commonly seen in beginner patterns.
- The Yarn Weight: A four weight yarn (also known as worsted weight) is a great beginner yarn weight to work with and is easy to knit up.
- Tip: You can typically find the weight of the yarn on the yarn label.
Supplies & Tools
Before you start knitting, you will want to make sure to have the best yarn and needles for beginners.
Yarn
Most beginners use a worsted weight yarn or higher in yarn weight. Thicker yarns work up faster and are easier to handle when they are on knitting needles. You’ll find that the thicker yarns make it easier to see your stitches and count.
You can take a look at a few of my favorite yarns below that I’d recommend for beginners to start out with.
Vanna’s Choice Yarn: This four weight yarn, Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand, is inexpensive and a good yarn to start with as a beginner.
Vanna’s Choice
This yarn is made by Lion Brand, and is a Weight 4 – Medium yarn.
Fiber: 100% Acrylic
Yardage: 156m / 171 yds
Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
Substitute: Lion Brand Heartland
Brava Worsted: Another one of my favorite four weight yarn is Brava from WeCrochet. It is an easy to work with yarn that looks great, made into any knit project.
Brava Worsted
This yarn is made by Knit Picks, and is a Weight 4 – Medium yarn.
Fiber: 100 % Acrylic
Yardage: 218 yards
Hook: 6.5 mm (K-10.5)
Substitute: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Knitting Needles
My suggestion for beginners are to use knitting needles made of bamboo or wood, since it is more difficult for knitting projects to slip off them.
Take a look at a few sets of knitting needles that I recommend below that are great for beginner knitters to start with.
- Bamboo Knitting Needle Set: A bamboo needle set is inexpensive and a good single point needle set to start with as a beginner.
- Steel Circular Needle: A 5 mm circular needle is a good needle to start with if a wood or bamboo needle isn’t for you, and it doesn’t break the bank. This needle size is perfect for scarves, potholders, and blankets.
The Best Beginner Knitting Patterns
Below, you’ll find the best beginner knitting projects to start with as a new knitter. These beginner-friendly knitting patterns are easy to knit and include scarves, blankets and more!
Simple Striped Knit Blanket
This simple to knit blanket uses the garter stitch or rows of the knit stitch to create a gorgeous color blocked blanket pattern.
Simple Chunky Wool Knit Hat Pattern
Use super bulky yarn and a size 12 mm circular knitting needles to work up this cozy pom hat. A free video tutorial is also available as well.
DIY Knit Planter Cover
You'll only need to know how to knit and purl as well make a few simple increases to make this planter cover.
Three Easy Knitted Dishcloths
Use this free knitting dishcloth pattern to make 3 different designs. The best part is that this is a free PDF pattern!
Knit Pouch for Glasses
To make this knit eyeglass case, you will have to know how to knit and purl! That's it! There is also a free purse pouch pattern included with this design.
Easiest Toddler Slippers Knitting Pattern
This easy knit slipper pattern for a toddler uses only the garter stitch and is worked flat. Get all the details for this free pattern below.
Easy Knit Pom Pom Kids Scarf
You will use simple stitches and learn how to do one stitch increase with this easy knit pom scarf design.
DIY Finger Knit Rope Trivet
This trivet or coaster is finger knit and easy to make! Follow along with her photo tutorial with each step to complete this knit trivet.
Learn to Purl Washcloth
Use this very easy knitting pattern for beginners to create a dishcloth / washcloth design.
Easy Knit Coffee Cozies
To make these coffee sleeves, you will just need to know how to knit and purl! You can make them all one color or color block them like the designer.
Red Heart Really Easy Wristers
For beginner knit wrist warmers, try these simple ones made with easy stitches and is a free PDF download.
Sela Striped Knit Pillow
You can use this free PDF pattern to create a beautiful pillow with your yarn, or you can opt to get the knit kit that includes the yarn.
Simple Garter Stitch Scarf
This basic scarf pattern, worked in garter stitch, is the perfect pattern for beginners.
Easiest Large Pumpkin Knitting Pattern
Make these easy knit pumpkins using just knit and purl stitches! There are instructions for both circular and straight needles.
The Katy Cowl
This chunky knit cowl pattern is perfect for beginners because it uses the garter stitch.
How to Knit a Bunny from a Square
Learn how to knit a bunny made with just a flat square with this free pattern! This is a perfect pattern for new knitters to make!
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
Learn how to knit a hat with this simple pattern from Handy Little Me. Detailed and perferct for new knitters.
Tasseled Garter Stitch Color Block Scarf Pattern
Make a quick and cozy knit gift with this simple garter stitch scarf. This scarf design can be color blocked and finished with fringe if desired.
Shoulder Season Pattern
This gorgeous knit cowl pattern is a free PDF pattern that is a basic knit pattern for beginners.
Chunky Knit Pillow
Work up this chunky pillow while holding three strands of yarn together to make a cozy and soft knit throw pillow.
Double Seed Stitch Baby Blanket
This stitch Baby Blanket pattern uses a combination of knit and purl stitches to create a simple border.
The Great Start Super Scarf
This easy to knit scarf is oversized and uses a simple stitch. Get the free PDF pattern to get started today on this beginner pattern.
Easy Knit Waschloth Pattern
This dishcloth / washcloth is made with the seed stitch, which is just alternating purl and knit stitches.
The Easiest Knit Scarf Pattern
Learn how to crochet this simple scarf that uses a beginner-friendly stitch.
Neptune Baby Throw Pattern
The Neptune Baby Throw pattern is easy to make and is made with lightweight yarn.
"The Huggle" Hooded Cowl
This hooded cowl is a great beginner pattern for learning how to knit in the round. It's also simple to create, which makes it a great choice for anyone who is new to knitting.
Diagonal Comfort Knit Blanket
The Diagonal Comfort Blanket Pattern is an easy knit blanket pattern made with medium weight yarn that works up quickly.
I hope you enjoyed this collection of easy beginner knit patterns and found a new project to make. At the time of this post, all the knit patterns listed were free knit designs. If you find one that has changed, please let me know.
More Knit Patterns
Take a look below at some of my favorite knit patterns and collections.
- 13 Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
- 27 Easy Knit Baby Blanket Patterns You’ll Love
- How to Make a Slip Knot in Knitting
- How to Knit a Garter Stitch for Beginners
- Free Knit Slouchy Hat Patterns
If you enjoyed these patterns, please share one of the images below on Pinterest, so you can always return to these patterns.
