Take a second and think back to when you first started knitting. Were you intimidated by difficult techniques? Was it hard to find patterns at your skill level? Did you want a list of beginner knitting patterns? Preferably free beginner knitting patterns?
I remember being frustrated by all the terms and techniques. I wanted to knit items I would actually use or give away, but I didn’t think I could create those unless I knew all the stitches and advanced knitting techniques.
If you’re a beginner knitter and need some easy patterns to start out with, this list is for you. You also might be an experienced knitter that just wants an easier pattern for some mindless knitting.
The following 25 patterns don’t involve much more than knit and purl stitches. Some require you to knit in the round or do simple increases and decreases. They all leave you with a beautiful knitting creation and best of all, these patterns are all available for free! (Some are from Ravelry, so you’ll need a free account there to access them.)
For each pattern, I included some of the skills you’ll need and where to find the pattern. If you like this list and find it helpful, I’d love to create more. What patterns would you like to see? Top cable knitting patterns? Knitting patterns for the adventurous knitter? Beginner crochet patterns? Leave a comment and let me know!
25 Free Beginner Knitting Patterns
Cowl & Scarf Knitting Patterns
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, knitting in the round on circular needles
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Purl Bee
Techniques: Knit and purl
By: Purl Bee
Where: Madelinetosh
Techniques: Knit, purl, slip stitch
By: Madeline Tosh
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit
By: Elisa McLaughlin
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
5. Spiral Cowl Pattern
Where: Knitty Gritty Thoughts
Techniques: Knit, purl, yo
Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Where: Purl Bee
Techniques: Knit, purl, joining a second color, knitting in the round
By: Whit’s Knits
Where: TLC How Stuff Works
Techniques: Knit and purl
How to get it: Free from
TLC
Where: Painting Lilies
Techniques: Knit and purl
By: Specific instructions by me, though I can’t really take credit for creating this simple pattern
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit and purl
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Purl Bee
Techniques: Knit and join new colors
By: Whit’s knits
Where: Ravelry / Lion Brand
Techniques: Garter stitch
By: Lion Brand Yarn
How to get it: Visit Ravelry and click on the link to Lion’s website. Free registration required to access pattern.
Where: JCasa
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease
Baby / Kid Knitting Patterns
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease, knitting in the round
14. I-Love-Stockinette Baby Bib
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Random Stitches
Techniques: knit, purl, increase, knit with two colors
Hat & Glove Knitting Patterns
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, knitting in the round, increase and decrease
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
18. Rikke Hat
Techniques: Garter stitch, knitting in the round, increase and decrease
By: Jessa
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit, purl, yarn over, increase, decrease, knitting in the round
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Ravelry:
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease, knit in the round
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Misc. Knitting Patterns
22. Three Dishcloths
Where: Ravelry
Techniques: Knit and purl
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: Ravelry:
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease
How to get it: Free PDF download from Ravelry
Where: DaniDo Crafty
Techniques: Knit, purl, increase, decrease, button hole
How to get it: Free PDF download from DaniDo
Where: Tricksy Knitter
Techniques: knit, purl, increase, decrease
By: Megan Goodacre
I’m sure I missed quite a few…great patterns, so share a link to your favorite pattern for beginners in the comments.
Happy knitting!
I just want to thank you for putting this together!! I began (or restarted after 30 years) to knit in Jan 2012, I bought a book on learn to knit as I knew nothing about it really.. Main point here is my younger son suggested that I look on the internet, this is what a beginner needs, someone to have a variety that will increase their skills. Thanks to blogs like yours and others I am learning lace, have made a bear using eyelash yarn and most important I’m not afraid to try the more complicated patterns, because there is help if one knows who and where to ask. Thank you again, Love your blog!!
Thanks, Marianne! I’m so glad you’ve found this to be a helpful resource. The online world is great for new patterns and learning new skills!
How great to have these all in one place – thanks Linds! Oh, and #12 looks familiar…
What a great idea to put all of these in one place! They all look fantastic.
So great. Thanks for posting this. Now I just have to find time to get started on a new project…wishful thinking…
Thanks Amanda! I always have so many things on my “make this someday” list.
Thanks for sharing!!! I can’t wait to try all of these!
[...] my goodness! I love this! For the whole list of pattern links: 25 Free Beginner Knitting Patterns | Painting Lilies. Share this:TwitterDiggFacebookRedditLinkedInPrintStumbleUponPinterestTumblrEmailLike this:LikeBe [...]
I know I already commented on this post, but I wanted to let you know that I just got this post as a recommendation in my weekly email from StumbleUpon!
Thanks for letting me know, Charlotte! I’ve been seeing tons of traffic to this post from StumbleUpon, so that must be why!
Found this from Stumble Upon and pinned it to my knit board on pinterest!!! I have been knitting for years and these are still great patterns. Thank you.
a great list! i know i definitely could have used this when i was learning how to knit, and i will be making a few of these items now, even though i am more advanced now.
i’d LOVE to see a similar list of crochet patterns, as i am just now teaching myself how to crochet.
ps. i was also lead here by breadcrumbs from StumbleUpon!
Great idea for a similar post of beginner crochet patterns. I’m a more advanced knitter than crocheter and like you taught myself to crochet. Even though I can do much more now, sometimes it’s the simple patterns that are the most beautiful!
How about 25 free easy crochet patterns
I love this list! How about one for the adventurous knitter or crocheted?
What a great list! (found via google). Thanks for putting it together
Great list!
Such a wonderful list! Thank you for posting this. Do you happen to know where we can find the mug cozy from DaniDo now? Looks like the site no longer exists??
Love your compilation! I’m a long-time crocheter who is new to knitting and I’m so glad to have found this list so early in my knitting career. Thank you!!
this is a lovely list! I’ve been meaning to put one together myself because people ask me to teach them on ocassion. Thank you!
I am a brand new knitter. I was thrilled to find your site with these great, easy ideas. I am ready to move on to step two in knitting – reading a pattern. Finding your ideas has encouraged me to continue learning and challenging myself. I hope you and others continue to add beginner ideas with a variety of new skills. Thanks!!!
Patricia, I’m so glad you feel inspired to improve! It always seems intimidating at first, but once you learn something new, you’ll wonder why you thought it was so hard.
Thanks for reading!
Your blog post, _25 Free Beginner Knitting Patterns | Painting Lilies_ was worthy
of writing a comment on! Just simply wished to state you truly did a very good work.
I appreciate it ,Valencia
This post, _25 Free Beginner Knitting Patterns
| Painting Lilies_ was very good. I_m impressing out a replica to demonstrate to my personal
buddies. I appreciate it-Celia
This particular post, _25 Free Beginner Knitting Patterns | Painting
Lilies_ ended up being superb. I_m generating out a backup to show my pals.
I appreciate it,Danny
I have been knitting forever (since I was eight years old) and I love these patterns! Thanks so much – these are going to be fun!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for these patterns! I’m a beginner knitter, and I’m struggling to find cute patterns that are easy enough for me to complete. This list is amazing!
[...] Simple Projects: 1. Reading Knitting Patterns 2. 25 Beginner Projects [...]
[...] Here’s a link for some cute pattern ideas! [...]
|