Knit the Perfect Gift for Mom with these Free Knitting Patterns

Ready for Mother's Day? You can knit the perfect gift for Mom with these free knitting patterns.

There’s no better way to show your love and appreciation for Mom than with a hand knitted gift from the heart. And with Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, it’s time to start knitting!

To help you get started, we’ve gathered some of our favorite free knitting patterns for cowls, shawls, jewelry, and more. One is sure to be the perfect gift your Mom will love. Take a look.

The pattern designs in this collection are not my own. They've been generously shared by their creative designers. If you have questions about a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.

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Emerald Song Headband

Everyone knows that hand knit gifts make the best Mother’s Day gifts. Here’s a knitted headband pattern that looks difficult but really is a great beginner knitting project.

This knitted earwarmer knits up with DK weight yarn and size 6 circular knitting needles. You’ll need to know how to knit, how to purl, slip stitches, and knit in the round. That’s it. No complicated increases or decreases. No difficult knitting techniques.

So don’t hesitate to knit this if you’re looking for a quick Mother’s Day gift idea. Get started on the Emerald Song Headband now!

Garter Stitch Cowl

This easy garter stitch cowl is the perfect example of simplicity meets luxury. Although it is a plain and simple knitting pattern, the result is far from boring.

Made by knitting with two-strands and knit in the round, this chic cowl is a quick knit. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day knitting gift.

22.5 Degrees

Here’s another easy knitted gift idea.

This easy knit triangle shawl pattern is mostly garter stitch, which is great for beginners. You’ll also need to know how to knit front and back (KFB) and yarn overs (YO).

Made with about 570 yards (521 m) of variegated sock weight yarn, the color possibilities are endless! If you use a yarn substitute, be sure to purchase enough yardage for your knitting project.

Pioneer Gloves

At the end of 2020, I decided I wanted to learn how to organize my knitting projects to increase my productivity. These hand knit fingerless gloves were at the top of the list, and here they are in all their finished glory. 

These wool fingerless gloves knit up with superwash fingering weight yarn, and feature a rib knit texture and seamless construction.

To knit your own fingerless gloves from this knitting pattern, you'll need to know how to knit in the round with circular needles and how to join knitting in the round.

You’ll also need to know how to increase in knitting, how to pick up stitches to finish the thumb, and how to read a knitting chart. Believe me, it sounds harder than it is. The knitting pattern is very intuitive. 

My fingerless gloves used about 35g of yarn for both gloves so they’d easily make a great stash buster project. You could also use your favorite fingering weight yarn and make matching pairs of these women’s fingerless gloves for you and Mom. They’re such a useful gift for Mom, too, if she’s the practical type. 

Check out my finished project details, yarn used, and additional pics.

Easy Lace Stole

This free lace knitting pattern produces a lovely stole that is both delicate and beautiful. So if you’re looking for something light and airy, this would be perfect for your early summer knitting.

This 4 row lace knitting pattern has both charted and written instructions. The designer also includes knitting help for this pattern here.

8-Hour Shawl

Even if you’re not the fastest knitter, you can still finish this lovely shawl in a couple of days.

The Red Heart 8-Hour Shawl is an easy 4-row knitting pattern. The knit purl pattern is made with aran weight yarn (or worsted weight yarn).

The features a rectangular construction, flat knitting, and easy lace knitting for beginners. The only other knitting techniques you’ll need to know are how to yarn over (YO) and how to pass slipped stitch over (PSSO).

So if you’re looking for an easy and fast knitting project, you should move this simple knitting pattern to the top of your list.

Blocks and Ribs Throw

When it comes to easy knitting projects for gifts, it doesn’t get any easier than knit and purl stitch patterns. Like this big knit throw blanket.

Knit in garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and ribbing, the combination makes a wonderfully textured throw. You'll knit this throw with large needles and super bulky yarn.

It’s perfect for gift-giving and for beginners learning to knit. This knitted throw pattern can also be resized and makes a good gift for new moms.

Workday Scarf

This easy lace scarf knitting pattern for beginners features a lace edging that adds a nice feminine touch. And with a simple garter stitch pattern, yarn overs, and bind offs, any beginner could easily tackle this project.

You’ll need about 450 yards (411 meters) of fingering weight yarn and size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles to knit this garter stitch scarf. We think it’d make a wonderful gift for Mom.

Lacy Waves Poncho

Love knitted lace as much as we do? If you know how to read a knitting pattern, then this women’s knit poncho will be a cinch for you. The pattern isn’t a difficult one and once you find your rhythm, it’ll be perfect to Knitflix and chill.

Knit as a seamless one-piece in the round, this knitted poncho uses worsted weight superwash yarn (aran) and size U.S. 11 (8 mm) needles.

The pattern includes three different sizes and includes only written instructions. Don't forget to knit a swatch in the round to check your gauge.

Thumbless-Fingerless

Looking for a knit project for leftover yarn? These wool fingerless gloves are the perfect yarn stash buster project. 

This thumbless glove pattern doubles up yarn for double stranded knitting. Some knitters have even knit with 3 strands of yarn. It’s a great way to take thin yarns and make thicker yarns by combining yarn weights together. Check out this pattern’s finished projects here.

To make these thumbless gloves - fingerless gloves, you’ll need 4 mm knitting needles or DPNs, and stitch markers. You’ll need to know how to cast on and knit in the round, and how to bind off in pattern. You’ll also use m1L and m1R increases for knitting the thumb gusset.

The pattern includes easy written instructions, now in 2 sizes.

Urban Tribe Cowl

If you’re looking for a vibrant and unique cowl for Mom, look no further than this knit infinity scarf. This reversible cowl knit pattern is knit in the round using the stranded knitting technique.

To hand knit this infinity scarf you’ll need to know how to join in the round, knit and purl. You’ll also need to know the backward loop cast on for knitting.

The final touch will be grafting your knitting, which will give you this lovely reversible effect.

Vanilla Latte Socks

If you’re looking for a practical gift for Mom, this free sock knitting pattern will make the best socks. I’m sure if you dig around in your yarn stash you’ll find some sock yarn that’ll be perfect for these easy socks.

These socks are knit top down in the round in self striping yarn. You’ll need about 400 yards in fingering weight yarn.

You can choose your favorite cuff ribbing and choose between three heel flap variations. This easy sock knitting pattern includes written instructions.

Quick Knit Sleep Mask

Looking for a quick knit gift for Mom? This easy knitted face mask uses size U.S. 10 needles and chunky yarn so you’ll be done in a flash. Great for Moms who love a quick nap or some much-needed ME time!

Melilla Cowl

Every Mom loves a little color. That’s why this fun rainbow cowl would make such a unique handmade gift. Made with simple knit and purl stitches, this is an easy knitting pattern for beginners. If you’re a more advanced knitter, this would make for a quick knitting project.

This cowl uses size 8 U.S. (5.0 mm) knitting needles and is knit flat with aran weight yarn in Cascade’s Melilla (discontinued). It requires two colors of this color changing yarn and about 440 yards (400 m) total.

It’s so easy to knit, too. Besides knits and purls, you’ll only need to know how to knit front and back (KFB) and knit two together (K2tog).

Easy Knitted Bangle

If Mom loves bracelets, then this knitted bangle bracelet pattern is just the thing you need.

Knit in stockinette stitch and with no worries about knitting gauge or yarn, these are the perfect knitted gift!

Plus, they're great stash busters. Dive into your DK yarn stash and use up all your scrap yarn! Don't forget to try knitting with variegated yarn for pretty effects.

Seascape Stole

This gorgeous lace stole will certainly make your Mom feel so elegant and beautiful. Knit with Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze, a blend of mohair and silk, this featherweight wrap is all luxury.

Want more dazzle? Embellish it with beads. Want a longer stole? Add extra repeats of Chart B. Want a larger stole? Change your knitting needle size. If using the recommended yarn, you can increase your needle size up to a US 8 (5 mm).

This lace knitting pattern has both written and charted instructions.

For Mom Socks

If you need a pattern to soothe your sock knitting fever, this one will do it. Plus, it’s a great knitted gift idea that’ll warm Mom’s heart and soles.

This fingering weight yarn pattern requires a provisional cast on with waste yarn and size 1 knitting needles. You’ll use only knits and purls with simple knitting decreases. 

These hand knit socks feature double layer sock cuffs and contrasting sock heel and sock toe colors. Perfect for using up those mini skeins of yarn. Special knitting techniques for these knit socks include an afterthought heel (or forethought heel) and kitchener stitch. 

This free knitting pattern includes written instructions for three sock sizes. 

Campside

If you’re looking for handmade gift ideas for her, consider making this lovely eyelet shawl knitting pattern.

Designed for Pompom Magazine, it’s knit with DK weight yarn in a blend of merino and silk. It is a simple knit shawl, easy enough for any beginner.

You’ll need to know how to increase (M1L, M1R, YO), decrease (K2tog, SSK), and knit through back loop (tbl).

The free knitting pattern includes both written and charted knitting instructions and is available in English and French translations.

Want more shawl patterns? Check out our new collection of free patterns!

Seed Stitch Bracelet

Looking for a unique gift for Mom? Here’s a seed stitch knit bracelet that’s easy knits and purls. Plus, with only a single row pattern to remember, you can catch up on reality tv and knitting.

Not only will it make a quick knit gift, but it’s also a stash buster. Perfect for diving into your yarn stash and using up that worsted weight acrylic yarn you’ve been hanging on to. 

The pattern includes written knitting instructions for this small knitting project.

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We hope you enjoyed these handmade Mother’s Day gift ideas for her. Remember, the best knit gifts are the ones that are handmade and come from the heart.

And while you're thinking about Mom, don't forget about baby. Check out these amazing knitted baby blanket patterns and learn about the different baby blanket sizes.

Planning to make a gift from one of these fabulous patterns? We’d love to see what you’re making! Share a pic and/or a comment!

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