If you’ve learnt a few of the basic knitting stitches and are ready to move onto your first proper project, then welcome to a whole world of knitting fun!
Learning to knit is a rewarding hobby—there’s an infinite number of items that can be made with just a knitting needle and yarn. But with so many patterns out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose what to make first. To help, I’ve compiled a list of easy knitting patterns for beginners that are the perfect mix between fun and practical: You can make everything from timeless accessories to home décor.
If this is your first attempt at a beginners knitting pattern, then you’ll find our learn knitting stitches guide useful. And if you are wondering about essential knitting tools every knitter needs, check out our guide to all the knitting accessories and tools you should keep in your knitting bag.
45 Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
Once you have equipped yourself with the basics, you would surely develop much more confidence in creating sophisticated pieces in the nearest future.
1. Easy Cardigan Beginner Knitting Project by Mama In A Stitch
If you’re looking for a new knitting project, why not try a cardigan? This super comfy, extra-long sweater makes the perfect cardigan knitting pattern for beginners. It’s made of three rectangles and some basic sleeves with a bit of seaming at the end.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
2. Scarf Knitting Pattern For Beginners by Through The Stitch
Many novice knitters begin with a scarf as their first project since the design itself is simple. Choosing to make the scarf with a basic garter stitch makes it quick and easy, but still a project you are sure to be proud of when done.
Get the Pattern by Through The Stitch here
3. Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern by Just Easy Knitting
The next step for most beginning knitters after their first scarf is tackling a blanket—or, at least, trying to. This easy blanket knitting pattern is great for beginners learning how to knit as well as pro knitters who are looking for simple projects to whip up.
Get the Pattern by Just Easy Knitting here
4. Beginner Flat Knit Hat Knitting Pattern by Gina Michele
Many new knitters feel intimidated by circular knitting. Rest assured, you can still knit hats even if you don’t quite feel ready to break in the circular needles or double pointed ones.
A hat can be knitted as flat piece on regular straight, single-pointed needles and then sewn together. Here’s great beginner-friendly example from Gina Michele.
Get the Pattern here
5. Easy Beginner Placemats Knitting Pattern by Let’s Knit
Placemats are great beginner projects. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing project, pick up this pattern that knits up easily in simple stocking stitch, intarsia, and slip stitch. These placemats will bring color and texture to any kitchen, while serving their important roles!
Get the Pattern here
6. Mini Skein Shawl Knitting Pattern by Little Things Blogged
A good beginner knitting shawl should be a canvas for the yarn and creativity you bring to it. This Mini Skein Shawl does just that, combining the basic garter stitch with some fun and interesting yarn.
Knitted in garter stitch from side to side, it grows into an asymmetrical triangle that drapes beautifully when wrapped around your neck and shoulders. You’ll finish your fist one just in time for your weekend plans.
Get the Pattern by Little Things Blogged here
7. Easy Baby Booties Knitting Pattern by Baby Hulian
These Easy Baby Booties are great project for beginners. Even if you don’t have any babies to give these to as gifts, but you think it would be a really fun beginner knitting project, I definitely encourage you to give it a try. It’s a really quick knit and a super cute gift to have on hand.
Also see: Knitting Patterns For Babies
Get the Pattern by Baby Hulian here
8. Super Simple Slippers Knitting Pattern by Kween Bee
Want to make a cozy pair of slippers for yourself, instead? This Super Simple Slippers Knitting Pattern is as simple as it can be! All the stitches are easy to do and if you need to brush up on your knitting or need to learn how to do the stitches, there are links right in the pattern to click and watch the video.
Already know how to knit? Then this should be no problem for you at all.
Get the Pattern by Kween Bee here
9. Seed Stitch Stripe Dishcloth Knitting Pattern by Just Be Crafty
What’s something that’s both useful and easy to knit? Dishcloths! These small hand-knit items work up quickly and give you the opportunity to practice knitting techniques that may be new to you.
The red and white color combination of this cloth is a classic, and it’s worked with simple stockinette stitch and seed stitch.
Get the Pattern here
10. Absolute Beginner Cowl Knitting Pattern by Fiber Flux
Easily add a touch of style to your outfit with this cozy knit cowl that’s so simple to make. This simple lace cowl pattern is a joy to do with straightforward techniques; using one basic stitch and knitted flat, this is an ideal first knitting project.
Get the Pattern here
11. Arosa Headband Knitting Pattern by Wolley Handmade
Headbands are usually quick and easy projects that use a small amount of yarn (making them great for stash busting!). They are perfect portable projects because of their small size and they make great gifts!
This Arosa Headband is a beginner-friendly knit with a classic and modern look. It is worked in the round in Stockinette stitch and sewed at the end.
Get the Pattern by Wolley Handmade here
12. Balaclava Knitting Pattern For Beginners by Tadekka Studio
Balaclavas are super quick and easy to knit, and perfect for cold weather. Now they’re coming back to style, it’s time for you to make your own!
Haute couture and simplicity go hand-and-hand with this elegant balaclava knitting pattern. The basic garter stitch creates a delicate yet durable texture that stretches to fit all head sizes. It’s worked using two strands of merino yarn held together simultaneously, and doubles as both a hat and a collar and a scarf.
Get the Pattern by Tadekka Studio here
13. Classic Garter Stitch Knit Pillow Pattern by B.Hooked Crochet
This Classic Garter Stitch Knit Pillow is a beginner knitting pattern that will have you making pillow for every room of your house before you know it. You only need to know garter stitch to make this pattern, so it will work up fast and easy.
Get the Pattern here
14. Easy Phone Cover Knitting Pattern by Kirstie McLeod
When you know how to do a knit stitch and purl stitch, the possibilities are endless. There are so many beautiful stitch patterns that you can create using just these two stitches.
One of them is the gorgeous textured design on this phone cover. It’s knitted in DK weight yarn on 3.5mm knitting needles, and works up in a flash—the perfect weekend project.
Get the Pattern here
15. Beginner Socks Knitting Pattern by Darling Jadore
First time knitting socks? No worries! This Beginner Socks Knitting Pattern is easy, thorough, and includes video tutorials.
The socks are knitted seamlessly in the round using simple knit stitches, double-pointed needles, and worsted weight yarn. This creates a pair of classic, cozy socks that’ll work up much quicker than you expect.
Get the Pattern by Darling Jadore here
16. Knit Mittens Pattern by Yarnspirations
Knitted mittens are an affordable, simple project for beginners looking to advance their knitting technique. This makes them great for using a small amount of yarn or recycling what you already have. Unlike gloves, you don’t have to contend with individual fingers, which can be difficult to work up.
These mittens come together beautifully using stocking stitch, ribbing, and simple color changes. With just a few skeins of yarn, you can knit a pair of these mittens to last you through autumn, winter, and early spring.
Get the Pattern here
17. Simple Knit Sweater Pattern by Sewrella
This easy sweater knitting pattern is perfect for beginners. It is worked in five pieces with simple seaming. To make this sweater, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and knit two stitches together. It is made with super bulky yarn which allows it to knit up quickly.
Get the Pattern here
18. Basic Bralette Knitting Pattern by Sara Knits Co
This easy cropped bralette pattern is super simple, comfortable, and perfect for lazy summer days. The top is worked both flat and in the round using stockinette stitch and worsted weight yarn, which makes it perfect for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with the basics.
Get the Pattern by Sara Knits Co here
19. Easiest Classic Knit Top Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
This Easiest Classic Knit Top is brilliant in its simplicity. If you can knit and purl, you can do this! Proof that knitting something beautiful and functional is possible for complete beginners.
Get the Pattern here
20. Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern by Sealed By A Kris
If you’re 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 Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern is a great pattern for any beginners as it uses mostly garter stitch throughout. The pattern comes in sizes 0-3 months to 3t.
Get the Pattern by Sealed By A Kris here
21. Perfect T-shirt Knitting Pattern by Originally Lovely
This beginner-friendly knitting pattern is worked in the round from the top, down. Both fun to make and wear, this top is designed to be the perfect, everyday knit t-shirt!
Get the Pattern by Originally Lovely here
22. Modern Mountain Throw Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
Basically, if you can knit and purl, you can make this blanket. The sections of texture do entail a little bit of counting, but it’s very simple. I don’t love counting but this, however, is completely doable!
It’s also kind of perfect because you work the textured section which is a lot of fun because you see each “mountain” form. Then you get brain break while working the stockinette. Perfect!
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
23. Mountain Capelet Knitting Pattern by Purl Soho
This Mountain Capelet is a fabulous, chunky knit that’s great for new knitters who are ready to tackle something new. It’s worked in the round with large yarn so it’s a quick knit. Along with the basics, you’ll also need to know how to join and knit in the round and work a k2tog and SSK.
Get the Pattern here
24. Cup Cozy Knitting Pattern by Natalya 1905
A knit cup cozy is a perfect project for a brand-new knitter. It’s easy to do and will show you all the basic things you need to know to start knitting right away. And a cup cozy makes great gift that you can knit in less than an hour!
Get the Pattern by Natalya 1905 here
25. Bobble Hat Knitting Pattern by Pure By Linda Whaley
This pattern for beginners (or experienced knitters who want a fast satisfying knit) gives you easy to follow instructions for how to make a fun bobble hat for the whole family.
Once you’ve mastered basic knit stitches, you will be able to knit up this easy hat in a few hours. Not bad for an evening of knitting.
Get the Pattern by Pure By Linda Whaley here
26. Freezer Pop Cozy Knitting Pattern by Red Heart
This Freezer Pop Cozy Knitting Pattern is an excellent way to use up scrap, to learn new stitches, and to keep those little fingers from freezing in the process! It’s a perfect beginner project to teach kids to knit!
Get the Pattern here
27. Anything Knit Bag Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
A great summer knit that has multiple uses, this Anything Knit Bag is a fun and easy knitting pattern! This project makes for an easy accessory that is perfect for storing make up or any personal belongings. Using simple knit and purl stitches, you get some amazing textures.
Get the Pattern here
28. Seed Stitch Pillow Knitting Pattern by By Ladyship Designs
The seed stitch includes a repeat of both knit and purl stitches in a combination that creates lovely visual texture. Enjoy a fantastic finish when you begin this pillow in an y color your heart desires.
This pillow cover is knit in one piece and sewn together at the side seams. The button envelope closure allows you to remove the cover to wash it or change the look of your décor as the seasons change.
Get the Pattern by By Ladyship Designs here
29. Easy Towel Knitting Pattern by Darling Jadore
The pattern for these towels is easy enough for novice knitters, but also lots of fun. It will complement whichever decor style you appreciate, and liven up any kitchen. You can use it to dry your hands, dishes, count tops—whatever you see fit!
Get the Pattern by Darling Jadore here
30. Easy Leg Warmers Knitting Pattern by Monica Russel
Boost your cable knitting skills with these retro leg warmers. The chunky yarn makes it nice and easy to see your stitches, so once you get into the swing of things, you’ll find the cable and rib patterns works up really quickly. Use variegated yarn for an added stripe effect without any of the effort!
Get the Pattern here
31. Beginner Poncho Knitting Pattern by Brome Fields
This modern poncho knitting pattern uses bulky yarn for a quick and easy first garment project for a beginner knitter. No shaping required!
Get the Pattern by Brome Fields here
32. Easy Messy Bun Hat Knitting Pattern by Small Branch Designs
The struggle is over, no more oddly shaped hat or needing a bigger hat to fit your hair! Great for people on-the-go, this Easy Messy Bun Hat is delightfully playful, yet cozy and comfy. The best part? You only need to know knit and purl stitches to make one!
Get the Pattern by Small Branch Designs here
33. Simple Bookmark Knitting Pattern by Craft Fix
Here’s a free, quick, and easy bookmark knitting pattern especially for absolute beginners. It’s an ideal first knitting project a wonderful gift for a book-lover.
Get the Pattern here
34. Parker Scarf Knitting Pattern by Cluck Cluck Boots
A beginner-friendly scarf, this Parker Scarf is a chunky, cozy, and reversible knit, perfect for men or women. The 7″ length can be worn in a variety of fun ways, and can easily be increased or decreased.
Get the Pattern by Cluck Cluck Boots here
35. Eve Romper Knitting Pattern by Pippy Eve
This Eve Romper is a baby playsuit that has been carefully designed to be simple in construction, ideal for a beginner, but with delicate design details that make it equally appealing to an experienced knitter. The pattern is worked entirely in garter stitch and really allows your choice of yarn to shine.
Get the Pattern by Pippy Eve here
36. Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern For Beginners by Well Loved Knits
This simple hat pattern will create a knitted bucket hat for both men and women. It is knit in the round with multiple strands of bulky wool held together, and comes in just one universal size. It’s a quick project that’s great for beginners or intermediate knitters looking to experiment with different textures and colors.
Get the Pattern by Well Loved Knits here
37. Easy Knit Heart Garland Pattern by Cassandra May
This totally adorable Easy Knit Garland Garland is perfect for Valentine’s Day and it’s so easy to knit all in one piece with only two little ends to weave in!
Get the Pattern here
38. Hope Shawl Easy Knitting Pattern by Alabaster Purl
A well made pocket shawl is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe to help ease the transition between seasons. It’s quicker to knit than a cardigan and nearly as cozy, too. The best part is that it’s just knit and purl stitches!
Get the Pattern by Alabaster Purl here
39. Basic Bonnet Knitting Pattern by Anna A
Simple design yet so classic and elegant, this Basic Bonnet is knitted back and forth from the forehead towards the back. This is a perfect beginner project that you work using the simple garter stitch.
Get the Pattern by Anna A here
40. Bag Knitting Pattern For Beginners by Yarnspirations
This bag is a great first pattern for prospective bag knitters, as you really only need to know how to knit, purl, and slip a stitch in order to complete it. This beginner knit creation is one to be proud of, since it works with any outfit in whatever color you choose.
Get the Pattern here
41. Gingham Blanket Knitting Pattern by Martha Stewart
While casting on and off can prove tricky, the rest of this cozy project uses a simple knit stitch—perfect for beginner knitters.
Get the Pattern here
42. Easy Cat Toy Knitting Pattern by Gina Michele
Knit something for your furry friend to play with. These small toys are quick and simple to make.
Get the Pattern here
43. Easy Knitting Vest Pattern by Daisy And Peace
This simple, super chunky V-neck vest pattern is great for beginner. It’s a simple pattern using stockinette stitch and 5mm needles to create a thick vest that’s excellent for winter layering. The pattern includes instructions for sizes XS to XXL with heavy yarn in two contrasting colors.
Get the Pattern by Daisy And Peace here
44. Garter Ridged Baskets Knitting Pattern by Hobby Craft
Make this gorgeous Garter Ridged Basket using some bulky yarn. It has a minimal design but it’s super practical and easy to knit up. You can stuff this basket with your small-sized essential goodies, or you can use it as a gifting case.
Get the Pattern here
45. Knit Pumpkin Knitting Pattern by Fit Food Art Shop
Confident beginners wanting to venture outside clothing and accessories should try their hand at knitting these adorable pumpkins. It follows a similar process as knitting a beanie, so those who have knit a hat should feel comfortable making these small decor pieces.
More pumpkin knitting patterns here.
Get the Pattern by Fit Food Art Shop here
Easy Beginners Knitting Patterns Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy for beginners to knit?
Yes! Knitting is a relatively simple craft to master. Even if you’ve never knit before, you can learn the fundamentals in a matter of hours. Once you’ve mastered the fundamental stitches, you can make anything from simple scarves to more complex sweaters and blankets.
What’s the easiest thing to knit?
Scarves, baby blankets, and dishcloths are among the easiest projects for beginning knitters. These patterns are simple to knit and only require one or two stitches worked back and forth.
What’s the easiest yarn to knit with?
A medium worsted weight yarn is recommended for beginners. Light colors are preferable because they make it easier to see where you’ve stitched. Wool is also easier for beginners because it is super stretchy and smooth.
Best knitting needles for beginners?
Experts recommend bamboo or wooden needles for beginners because the stitches do not slide off the needles as easily as they do with other materials. Furthermore, they are comfortable in your hands and will not slip away like plastic or aluminum needles.
PUT YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED KNITTING SKILLS TO THE TEST WITH THESE EASY KNITTING PATTERNS, PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS!
Which of these knitting patterns do you like best? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below or share your makes on our Facebook Page. We’d love to see what you came up with!
Ready for a challenge? Once you have a couple simple knitting projects under your belt, you may feel ready to try bigger projects. If you’re looking for more knitting patterns, don’t miss:
- Pants Knitting Patterns
- Chevron Knitting Patterns
- Pouf Knit Patterns
- Cable Knit Blanket Patterns
- Cable Knitting Patterns
Now you’ve just had plenty of ideas on making all these easy knitting patterns. Choose the best yarn quality—color, texture, and durability, and nothing can beat your DIY knit creations.