Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners

Here’s a collection of free easy knitting patterns for beginners that goes beyond knitting granny squares.

As you may know, one of the first basic knitting stitches you’ll learn is the knit stitch. When you work row after row of this stitch, you’ll have garter stitches. You can learn what garter stitch knitting is here.

This collection of easy knitting patterns keeps the focus on this textured knit stitch. You’ll see how you can use garter stitch to create an endless variety of beautiful knitting patterns. Ready for some knitting inspiration? Let’s go!

The following patterns are not my own but are from generous designers who have graciously shared their work. If you have questions about a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.

Straightforward Cowl

This easy cowl knitting pattern is just the thing if you’re looking for a quick gift to knit in soft yarn. As a one skein knitting project, you’ll only need about 150 yards of any worsted weight yarn. 

This pattern starts off as if you’re knitting a rectangle scarf and uses size 8 knitting needles. You can use straight needles, circular or interchangeable knitting needles. 

It uses a stretchy cast on plus a backwards loop cast on, and features a slip stitch selvedge edge. Finally, you’ll finish with an elastic bind off before seaming your knitting together.

With touchable knit texture, this cowl would be a dream to knit with luxury yarn. I’ve also included yarn recommendations for natural wool heather yarn, hand dyed variegated yarn, and a wool blend yarn with mohair and silk.

Simple Slouchy Hat

If you’ve been wanting to make a garter stitch hat, here’s a free knit hat pattern for straight needles. That’s right! You don’t need to knit a hat in the round. You can knit flat, or back and forth, on single point knitting needles.

This slouchy hat pattern features a slip stitch knit selvedge, or you can opt to just knit garter stitch throughout. The pattern recommends using (6) super bulky yarn in baby alpaca. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable yarn, acrylic yarn can be used, too.

Or, if you have some worsted weight yarn you’ve been wanting to use, why not try double stranded knitting? It’s a super easy knitting technique that helps you use up your yarn stash.

You’ll need size 11 knitting needles for this flat knit hat, and your choice of super bulky yarn. I’ve included some yarn substitutions below for easy options. Whatever you choose, this will be a fast knit using thick yarn or yarn held double.

Campfire Blanket Scarf

Is it an easy knit blanket pattern? Is it an easy scarf pattern for knitting? Call it what you like, but this oversized blanket scarf is undoubtedly an easy knitting pattern for a super cozy knit.

Every row is garter stitch in (4) medium worsted yarn held double. You’ll need to carry yarn up the side, and change yarn colors for the knit stripe sections. For the plaid fabric effect, you’ll need to weave in yarn strands as instructed in the pattern. 

To make this oversized wool scarf pattern, you’ll need size 13 knitting needles, or circular needles to accommodate all your stitches. You'll also need stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn.

The recommended yarn is Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool, which is 100% undyed virgin wool, but I’ve also included a couple of yarn subs below.

Very Simple Garter Stitch Shawl

Ready to try knitting a garter stitch triangle shawl for your next knitting accessory? This easy knit shawl pattern is a great project to challenge your knitting skills.

This free knit shawl pattern offers you some flexible options. For one, you can make it in size 7 or size 8 knitting needles. You’ll use a worsted weight yarn in your favorite yarn colors, but you could also experiment with a magic yarn ball, purchase self striping yarn or ombre yarn. Since this easy knit shawl pattern is cast on from the bottom-up, it’s size adjustable to the amount of yarn you have. 

There’s also an i cord edge that’s optional, but looks great in a contrasting yarn color if you choose to do it. You can use up some of your scrap yarn for this.

You’ll need to know how to read a knitting pattern, make yarn over increases (yo) , and knit 1 through the back loop (K1tbl). Learn more about knitting abbreviations here.

This easy knitting pattern will also have you slip a marker in knitting (SM), and so you’ll need locking stitch markers for staying on track.

Want more shawl knitting patterns? Check out our free collection here.

Garter Squish

If you’re looking to purge yarn from your yarn stash, this is a fun yarn project. This garter stitch blanket from Stephen West Knits is the ultimate textured knitting pattern. It’s also the easiest of easy two color knitting patterns. 

You’ll need size 15 knitting needles and an assortment of worsted weight yarn colors for this yarn art project. The pattern uses two strands of yarn held double to create a fun marled yarn. 

The design recommends using a neutral color throughout, like a silver yarn or a white yarn color, paired with other yarn colors. Try mixing your favorite solid colors, neon yarns, rainbow yarn, or other multicolored yarns.

Any yarn fiber will do, too. Acrylic yarn, wool yarn, superwash wool yarn, or yarn fiber blends are all great options. I’ve included some recommendations below for this free and easy knit blanket pattern. 

Dippity Doo Dah Dishcloth

Here’s a granny square knit washcloth pattern that features a pop of color in a contrasting color yarn. 

Made in 100 cotton yarn, it’s the perfect baby yarn that’s soft and gentle, and easy to launder. Really, this natural yarn makes the best baby washcloths, but adults can use them, too. You could also use it as a knitted dishcloth pattern for your kitchen or as a small knit gift for housewarming. 

All you need are size 7 knitting needles and worsted weight cotton yarn to make this small knit project. You can use mini skeins, full yarn skeins, or a yarn cone. I’ve included some yarn mini skein sets in my recommendations below. These yarn kits are available in coordinated hues or in an assortment of colors.

Color Block Scarf

This fun color block scarf features a wide stripe fabric in all knit stitches. The best part about this long scarf is how customizable it is.  

Want a skinny scarf? Cast on fewer stitches. Want a wide scarf? Cast on more stitches than the pattern indicates. Want skinnier color stripes? All you have to do is alternate the color changes more frequently. 

Knit with Stitch Please, an extra fine merino wool yarn, and size 10 knitting needles, this line has 70 colors of yarn to choose from. You can mix it up with your favorite color combinations. Just think of how lovely this would look in fall color yarn!

To knit this scarf for men (or women), just choose their favorite yarn colors. Just be sure to purchase enough yarn if you make custom changes. 

If you love knitting scarves, check out our collection of free scarf knitting patterns.

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I hope you enjoyed these easy knitting patterns for beginners. If you liked what you found here, please share a comment with us below. I look forward to hearing from you! #Knitfarious

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Ready to take the next step? Learn how to purl with our easy photo tutorial. Then check out these knit purl stitch patterns for more knitting inspiration!

Related Posts:

• How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners: Step by Step
• Knitting 101: How to Knit the Knit Stitch
• Easy Scarf Knitting Patterns: Beginner Knitting Projects
• Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns for Beginners
• Free Cowl Knitting Patterns for Beginners