50 Easy Knitting Patterns + Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Interested in learning how to knit? Did you know that with just two basic stitches, you can actually create a range of items that you can wear or gift to a loved one?

Yes, it’s true. Many are intimidated by knitting, thinking that they need to master a whole set of advanced skills in order to create a simple scarf. Though some patterns do call for such experience, there are still many beautiful patterns that require simple knitting and purling.

In this blog, we’ll cover all the basics of knitting, including the materials you need, beginner-friendly stitches and techniques, and how to read patterns. Once you’re confident enough, you can explore our list of 50 easy knitting patterns to find a project to start with.

How to Choose the Right Yarns and Needles for Beginners

Choosing the right yarns and needles is very important for beginners as some materials are easier to use than others. There’s nothing like an unwieldy yarn to discourage a beginner, after all.

Knit Yarns for Beginners

For the yarn, the easiest weight to work with is the worsted-weight yarn. The worsted-weight yarn is a medium type of yarn, right in between light and bulky. 

If you’re going by numbers, it’s usually number 4, as recommended by the Craft Yarn Council. The bulky yarn, number 5, is another recommended yarn weight for beginners. 

Both worsted-weight and bulky yarn weights are easy to handle. With either yarn, you can see the stitches you’re making quite easily. Plus, they’re less prone to tangling compared to light yarns.

Knitting Needles for Beginners

As for the needles, you will want to choose the bigger ones, US Sizes 8-11. The best way to know which needle you need to use is to follow what is indicated as appropriate for your yarn weight. You can also purchase beginner’s knitting kits as these will usually have beginner-recommended needles in various sizes.

Once you’ve got a handle on your yarn and needle, consider venturing out of the beginner zone and start learning how to choose the best yarn for your knitting projects.

Basic Knitting Stitches and Techniques

For starters, the two basic knitting stitches you need to learn are knitting and purling. The two stitches are the opposites of each other, mirror images if you will. The knit is on the right side up, while the purl is on the wrong side. 

If you find yourself confused between the two, seeing that they look the same when you view them on their other side, it’s perfectly fine! That’s because they are indeed the opposites of each other. 

What does this mean? When you make a knit stitch, turn it over to the wrong side and you’ll see a purl. When you make a purl stitch, turn it over to the wrong side and you’ll see a knit.

To distinguish, a knit stitch appears as a V. You form it by pulling your yarn through a loop from back to front.

A purl stitch appears as a small bump. You form it by pulling your yarn through a loop from front to back.

Once you know how to knit and purl, you’ll be able to make a simple stockinette stitch, which requires you to stitch both knits and purls alternately. You’ll also be able to do some rib stitching.

How to Read Knitting Patterns for Beginners

Reading a knitting pattern is crucial for beginners, though it can be quite confusing. To lessen your confusion, here’s a quick guide on what the abbreviations and letters on a pattern mean:

K = knit

P = purl

Sts = stitches

RS = right side

WS = wrong side

CO = Cast on (beginning of each knitting project)

BO = Bind off (finishing of a knitting project, also: cast off)

Inc = Increase (adding one or more stitches)

Dec = Decrease (knitting two stitches together as one to create one stitch)

Rep = Repeat (stitch the same thing again as noted in the pattern)

Sl = Slip (slipping a stitch or stitches from one needle to the other without working it into a new stitch)

YO = Yarn over (taking the yarn over the needle_

Tog = Together (working 2 or more stitches together, forming a decrease).

Work even = Continue what you have been doing, no increases or decreases of stitches.

For a more comprehensive guide, consult this quick tutorial on how to read a knitting pattern.

50 Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners

Excited to knit your first item? Below we have 50 easy knitting patterns that you’ll love in 5 different categories: scarves/cowls, tops/sweaters, hats, blankets, and other accessories. Many of these patterns will include PDF patterns that you can easily download and print. The patterns will include yarn and needle suggestions. Some will also come with photo and video instructions.

Knitting Patterns for Scarves/Cowls

1. Temperature Scarf Infinity Cowl Blanket

If you’re looking for a project you can have fun with all year round, the temperature scarf is for you! This viral knitting pattern calls for a specific color yarn to match the temperature for the day, creating an effortless ‘randomized’ pattern. At the end of the year, you’ll find your knitting tremendously improved, with a keepsake scarf to boot.

2. Aircon Scarf

If you’re looking for a simple scarf that you can quickly whip up and wear, you’ll love this pattern It creates a scarf thin enough for mild springtime chills or for wearing indoors with the blasting AC on. 

3. Eve Infinity Knit Scarf Pattern

This infinity scarf has a stylish chevron pattern that can make any simple outfit stand out. Use a self-striping worsted-weight yarn to achieve an even more colorful effect.

4. Film Strip Scarf

The film strip scarf alternates purls and stitches to mimic the boxes of a film strip. The result is a scarf with unique and subtle textures that will add great interest to any outfit while remaining cozy and snug.

5. Carolina Scarf Set

Want to keep your little one warm for winter? This scarf set includes a trendy-looking scarf plus matching mittens. If you want to match with your kid, you can adjust the sizing of this pattern for adults.

6. Brookside Scarf Knitting Pattern

For a scarf that looks warm and chic, this one’s quite easy to make. Its pattern requires only four row repeats to achieve its subtle texture.

7. Serene Embrace

Like its name, this full wrap is very cozy and snug. Not to mention quite fashionable with its interlocking squares. It looks complicated to make, but you only need to know how to knit, purl, and slip stitch to create it.

8. Colorful Bubble Scarf

Want to knit a quick scarf for the sudden cold front? This cute bubble scarf is quite easy to make. It requires mainly a garter stitch pattern (simply knitting rows side by side), plus bubbles and ribs at the end, which are quite easy to learn.

9. Black Cat Basics: Cowl

This beautiful cowl is very beginner-friendly as it only requires a knit stitch to make. No increases or decreases, and because it’s a cowl, it’s not as long either. However, it’s up to you if you want to make adjustments.

10. Agate Scarf Knit Pattern

The chevron pattern on this beautiful scarf gives it a fancy look. Use self-striping yarn or join different colored yarns to add more style to your design.

Knitting Patterns for Sweaters/Tops

1. Hooded Poncheater

Complete with long sleeves and a hoodie, this knitwear is a great first project to tackle if you’re an advanced beginner. It has basic shapes and requires a stockinette stitch pattern so if you’ve mastered your knits and purls, you will enjoy making this stylish top.

2. Super Chunky Top Down Raglan Sweater

If you’re looking for a really simple and basic sweater that you can knit as a beginner, this project’s perfect for you. It only requires knit stitch knowledge, though you’ll also need to know some techniques like yarn over, increases, and such.

3. Turmeric Latte Oversized Sweater

This pattern creates a very trendy oversized jacket that you’ll want in different colors. You’ll need to stitch this one with circular needles, so if you’re ready for that challenge, you’ll love this pattern. You’ll only need to sew in the sleeves, but other than that, it’s practically seamless.

4. Petal Top

Knitting isn’t just for fall and winter. This cute top is the perfect summertime knitwear with its basic stitches and seamlessness. You’ll be knitting this one in the round from the top down.

5. Cropi Cardi

Crop tops are all the rage these days. If you want to get in on the trend, consider knitting this crop cardigan in the round. You’ll need a lighter yarn for this – ideally a light worsted weight yarn or DK – to achieve its soft and light look.

6. Grow With Me Jacket

Looking to make a personalized sweater for a baby? This cute and dainty design is perfect for growing babies. It’s stitched in the round top down, requiring no seams following the seamless raglan style. Its cuffs are designed to unfurl so that your baby can use it even as she grows.

7. The Aurie Sweater

This stylish sweater top is an oversized crop top. Its instructions come in three sizes so you can customize it for a range of body types.

8. The Ella Top

Another summertime knit project, this cropped sleeveless top with V neckline is easy to stitch in a few hours. It comes in four sizes so you’ll be able to knit one for a variety of body sizes if you wish.

9. The Bailey Sweater

Warm and cozy with dropped shoulders and an oversize look, you’ll enjoy wearing this top any season. You can wear it as is or layer it for more warmth. The instructions have two oversized sizes, so choose one depending on how oversized you want your sweater to be.

10. Taylor Sweater

This timeless sweater requires a simple rib stitch pattern. It’s not quite seamless so you’ll need some sewing to get this done, but the result is a polished sweater you’ll love wearing forever.

Knitting Patterns for Hats

1. Standard Route Beanie

This basic beanie pattern is a unisex pattern that only requires simple rib stitching and decreases. To achieve its lightweight look, use a DK weight yarn. You can wear this either with a folded brim or without.

2. Hat Toque Knitting Pattern

If you want to create a simple fitted beanie for the entire family, consider this pattern which includes instructions for baby, kids, and adult sizes.

3. Christmas Santa Hats Knitting Pattern

Striping is a good exercise that beginners can easily master. Use this pattern as a way to practice striping. This includes instructions for different sizes so you can make a bundle for your entire family.

4. Candy Corn Hat Pompom Toque Halloween

Using a bulky yarn, this quick color-blocking hat will make a fun seasonal gift for people of all ages. Switch up the color combos if you want one for every season.

5. Easy Knit Beanies Duo Knitting Patterns

This pattern includes two different beanie styles. Both are very easy to make, requiring only basic stitches and decreasing techniques to start.

6. Pinstripe Color Block Pompom Toque Hat

This chunky hat pattern is for a fitted beanie with color blocking. It has a really fun and preppy look that will look great for wearers of all ages.

7. Top Knot Baby Beanie Knitting Pattern

Cute and quirky, this baby beanie has an adorable top knot and a dainty brim. If you want to practice the Magic Loop technique, this is a good project to begin with.

8. Never Easier Hat

As its name says, there’s not an easier hat pattern to follow than this one. It’s perfect for beginners who can’t transition out knitting needles just yet but want to create a hat.

9. Lucky Star Beret

This very chic beret has a top in the shape of a star, hence its name. You’ll only need to know how to knit, rib, and decrease. It’s pretty repetitive, so even if you’re just starting out with your circular needles, you’ll find this easy to remember and work with.

10. Color-Block Garter Beanie

If you want to look awesome and totally quirky, this color-block beanie will definitely be up your alley. It has a fun texture requiring only a basic knowledge of rib stitching. 

Knitting Patterns for Blankets

1. Baby Steps Knit Blanket Pattern

This baby blanket pattern has a soft texture made of knits and purls. Totally reversible and easy to make, this pattern is perfect as a first big project for beginners.

2. Checkered Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

The checkered style on this baby blanket pattern is made up of seed and stockinette stitches, so you can easily whip this up even as a total beginner. 

3. Easy Knitted Chevron Blanket Pattern

This textured blanket has a chevron pattern, giving it a subtle stylish look. Despite its fancy-sounding pattern, though, you can easily make this as a beginner as long as you know your knits and purls.

4. Squishy Baby Blanket

This lightweight baby blanket is just as soft and squishy as its name suggests. It’s a two-row repeat pattern so you can whip this up even while watching TV.

5. Angel Knit Baby Blanket Pattern

The swirly pattern on this blanket gives it a very featherweight touch, the perfect blankie even for warm seasons. Stitch this with variegated or self-striping yarn to make it prettier. Its borders are crocheted, but no worries! The designer can help you learn the basic crochet stitch with a video tutorial on their website.

6. Sunset Chunky Blanket

You’ll only need to learn the knit stitch for this warm and cozy blanket. Follow the switching of the yarns to achieve the colorful striped look. Alternatively, you can use a variegated or self-striping yarn.

7. Strawberry Seed Baby Blanket

This adorable striped blanket features eyelets that give its strawberry moniker. The added texture not only adds to the beauty of the design but will also attract babies who enjoy playing with such unfamiliar textures.

8. Knit Block Blanket

The color blocking on this knitted blanket gives it a very Pinterest-trendy vibe. To make this blanket, you’ll be stitching one square at a time before joining them all together to create the stylish tapestry.

9. Easy Knitted Blanket

This pretty blanket is simply a knit-and-purl project. You can easily adjust the size based on your requirements.

10. Waves Blanket

This blanket has a unique wavy pattern and a nice clean edge, giving it a polished look. It’s perfect for throwing over casually on a sofa for a cozy living room vibe.

Assorted knitting patterns

1. Super Simple Easy to Knit Slippers

This comfy knitted slipper pattern is very beginner-friendly. Because of the rib pattern, it’s very stretchy so even if you’re a bit off in your sizing, it will fit adult sizes comfortably.

2. Mittens Knitting Pattern

These mittens are perfect for bundling up in winter. While their patterns look quite complicated, you can easily whip this up even as a beginner as it’s knitted in the flat.

3. Strawberry Seed Baby Booties

Can you knit booties with knitting needles? Yes, indeed. This pattern is knitted in the flat which means it requires minimal seams to join together. However, since it’s quite small, you won’t have trouble whipping this up in a few hours.

4.  Girls Headband Knitting Pattern

This charming headband will look great on your little one. It’s thick so it can also be an ear warmer. This is a good project to make if it’s your first time knitting in the round.

5. Lacy Headband

This boho-style headband has a fun lace pattern that’s also stretchable. You can either use this as a headband like suggested or as a ribbon tie to keep your hair in a ponytail.

6. Farmer’s Headwrap

Want to look effortlessly stylish while keeping your messy bun in place? This headwrap is easy to whip up and customize based on the size of your head. Knit this with variegated yarn to achieve a more colorful look.

7. Knit Headband Turban

The textured turban style of this headband may seem complicated but it’s quite simple to make. It’s so easy you might find yourself creating a bunch in different colors to wear in different seasons.

8. Dog Cowl

Want to keep your furry best friend all cuddly warm for winter? This dog cowl is very simple to create with rib stitching to keep it stretchy and cozy.

9. Blue Dream Dog Sweater

Playing dress-up with your dog? This grandpa-style dog sweater is so fun to create and will look adorable on your pooch.

10. Chunky Hot Water Bottle Cover

Keep snug and toasty with this hot water bottle cover. The pattern makes a wonderfully fit cover for 2L bottles and is knit in the round.

Create Awesome Knitted Items Even as A Beginner

Knitting can be intimidating for people because of how intricate it seems. However, once you get started, you’ll realize that it’s quite easy to get into and quite addictive as well. 

Want to know more about your new favorite hobby? The Artistry has a ton of knitting articles with lots of tips and useful information.

If you’re interested to learn more about different types of yarn for knitting, here’s a great article on choosing the best yarn. 

Once you level up, you will see certain patterns with knitting charts. To get ready for that, learn from this tutorial on how to read knitting charts.

If knitting with machines is something you want to look into, then this article about knitting machines will be perfect for you. You can then practice with these tutorials on making stuffed pumpkins and ear warmers.

As a beginner, you don’t need to get stuck knitting dish rags forever. With these easy knitting patterns and tutorials, you’ll find that knits and purls can go a long way.