Knitting has existed for centuries and is one of the most popular crafts in the world, with millions of knitters spanning the globe. Whether you’re a new knitter or have been practicing your craft for years, you could learn many different things about knitting by returning to the basics.

The following list contains some of the best easy knitting patterns that anyone can try at home. These patterns range from scarves to beanies, blankets to headbands, and baby blankets to boot cuffs. There’s something here for everyone!

Here are our top 7 easy knitting patterns for beginners:

1. Simple Garter Stitch Scarf
2. Basic Beanie
3. Easy Baby Blanket
4. Basic Knit Cowl
5. Cozy Boot Cuffs
6. Simple Shawl
7. Cable Knit Headband

Methodology for Selecting Easy Knitting Patterns

I considered several things when coming up with these easy knitting patterns for beginners. Let’s take a look.

• Skill Level: These patterns were made for beginners.
• Materials: Patterns requiring only yarn and basic knitting tools are ideal for beginners learning how to knit.
• Stitches: Patterns using only (or primarily) knit and purl stitches are perfect for learning the basics and perfecting your skill before moving on to more advanced projects.
• Project Size: Small projects work up quickly, making them a great choice for newbies.

Read HOW TO KNIT FOR BEGINNERS.

1. Simple Garter Stitch Scarf

Many people choose to make a scarf as their first knitting project. A garter stitch scarf is easy to make and provides valuable experience with basic stitches.

Materials:

• Straight knitting needles size US 8 or 9 (5 mm or 5.5 mm)
• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200-250 yards)

Instructions:

• Make a slip knot and cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit every stitch of the first row.
• Repeat the previous step until your scarf is the desired length, approximately 60-70 inches.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Weave in any loose ends.

2. Basic Beanie

Knitting a basic beanie is a fun and rewarding project you can complete in just a few hours. You can create a cozy and stylish accessory perfect for chilly weather with a few simple knitting techniques and materials.

Materials:

• Yarn of your choice (worsted weight is best for beginners)
• Circular knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast on 80 stitches (or desired number) using the long-tail cast-on method. You may need to cast on more stitches if you use lighter yarn and fewer if you use bulky yarn. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches.
• Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round and join to work in the round.
• Knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).
• Switch to stockinette stitch, and knit every round until the hat measures around 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) from the cast-on edge.
• Begin decreasing by knitting 8 stitches and then knitting 2 stitches together. Repeat this pattern across the round.
• Knit every round for the next round.
• Knit 7 stitches and then knit 2 stitches together. Repeat this pattern across the round.
• Knit every round for the next round.
• Continue decreasing in this manner, knitting one less stitch between the decreases each round until only a few stitches remain.
• Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, and thread it through the remaining stitches using a yarn needle.
• Pull tight and weave in any loose ends.

Congratulations, you have now knitted a basic beanie! Feel free to experiment with different yarns, stitches and patterns to create a beanie that’s uniquely your own. You can also add pom-poms or tassels for a special touch.

3. Easy Baby Blanket

A knitted baby blanket is a thoughtful and practical gift for a newborn or young child. Its soft and cozy texture provides warmth and comfort during nap time or playtime. Check out these simple instructions for an easy baby blanket even beginner knitters can tackle.

Materials:

• Baby weight yarn of your choice
• Knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast on 120 stitches (or enough to reach the desired blanket width) using the long-tail cast-on method.
• Knit every row (garter stitch) until the blanket measures around 36-40 inches (90-100 cm) in length.
• Bind off all stitches and weave in the ends.
• If you’d like, add a decorative border or embellishments for a special touch. Remember to use baby-safe designs and materials.

4. Basic Knit Cowl

Cowls are a great way to learn how to knit in the round and an exceptional way to use leftover yarn. Here are the instructions for knitting a simple cowl that’s perfect for beginners.

Materials:

• Bulky weight yarn (approximately 140-160 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 10.5 (6.5 mm)
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast 80 stitches onto the circular knitting needles using the long-tail cast-on method.
• Join the round, being careful not to twist the stitches, and place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
• Knit every stitch in the round until the cowl measures your desired length (generally around 10-12 inches or 25-30 cm).
• Cast off all stitches and weave in the loose ends using your yarn needle.

5. Cozy Boot Cuffs

Knit boot cuffs are another great project for beginners. They’re easy to make, and the pattern is a good way to practice knitting in the round and working with double-pointed needles. These boot cuffs look great on any pair of boots, so you can use them as gifts or keep them for yourself.

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 100 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cast 36 stitches onto the circular knitting needles. If you have a large calf circumference, you may need to cast on more stitches. Cast on as many as you need to go around your leg.
• Join the round, being careful to avoid twisting the stitches.
• Knit every stitch in the round until the cuff measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm).
• Cast off all stitches.
• Fold the boot cuff in half with the wrong sides facing each other, and use the yarn needle to seam the two edges together.
• Weave in your loose ends.

6. Simple Shawl

A simple shawl is a great project for beginners. It’s basically just a big rectangle with some stitches added to the edges, so you won’t need any complicated stitch patterns or cables to worry about. The size of your shawl will depend on how many rows you knit, but it can be as small or large as you like.

Materials:

• Fingering weight yarn (approximately 400-500 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 4 (3.5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

Knitting a simple shawl is a great project for beginner and experienced knitters. With just a few basic techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional accessory that’s perfect for chilly evenings or adding some style to your outfit.

• Cast 300 stitches onto the circular knitting needles.
• Knit one row.
• On the next row, knit 1 stitch, yarn over, then knit the rest of the row.
• Repeat the previous step until you reach your desired shawl size (approximately 60 inches (152 cm) wide and 30 inches (76 cm) long.
• Cast off all stitches.
• Weave in loose ends.

7. Cable Knit Headband

Knitting a cable knit headband is a fun and practical project that can add a stylish touch to your winter wardrobe.

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 60-70 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm)
• Cable needle
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cast 16 stitches onto your needles.
• Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, and repeat this pattern until the end of the row.
• Continue this pattern for every row until the headband measures approximately 18 inches (46 cm) long.
• Begin the cable pattern by knitting 2 stitches, holding the next 2 stitches on the cable needle in front of your work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Repeat this pattern until the end of the row.
• Continue this cable pattern for every 6th row until the headband measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
• Return to the original pattern of knitting 2 stitches, purling 2 stitches for every row until the headband measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
• Cast off.
• Weave in your ends.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How long have you been a knitter? Which of these projects are you most interested in trying? Share your thoughts in the comments below.