This collection of knit and purl stitch patterns has something for everyone. Whether you’ve just learned to knit or are an experienced knitter, you’ll find your next knitting project here.
The free knitting patterns in these categories can easily be done with basic knitting stitches. See for yourself.
These patterns are not entirely my own. Most have been graciously shared by their designers. If you have questions about a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
Table of Contents
Knit Blankets
Knitted blankets bring us so much comfort. Maybe you just like to use a knit blanket for snuggling at home. Or you might need a new knit blanket for baby. Whatever the reason, whatever the need, knit blankets are good for any occasion.
Here’s one from Fifty Four Ten Studio that’s perfect for whenever.
The Boulevard Blanket
This chunky knit blanket is the perfect (and free) knitting pattern for beginners. With a simple knit three, purl three (K3, P3) stitch pattern, it makes for an effortless knit.
Knit this easy knit and purl pattern in super bulky Lion Brand yarn with your favorite colors.
You’ll need circular knitting needles to hold all your stitches. You’ll also need to know how to cast on, knit and purl, and bind off. That’s it. Easy, right?
Get Lion Brand Hometown Yarn or use Premier Basix Super Bulky yarn for this knitting project.
The knit and purl pattern includes sizing for 6 blanket sizes including a baby blanket size.
Love knitting for babies? Check out our collection here of free baby blanket knitting patterns, which includes over 50+ free patterns.
Knit Cowls
Knitted cowls are the perfect accessory for everyday wear. They can be close fitting like a knitted neck warmer or oversized like the one shown below.
Purl Ridge Scarf
Don’t let the name fool you. This neck warmer knitting pattern by Stephen West is both a cowl and an infinity scarf. The free cowl knitting pattern is easily knit in the round and features purl ridges which adds touchable stitch texture.
You’ll need circular knitting needles in size 8 (5 mm) and 300 yards of worsted weight yarn for this knit and purl pattern. Just check your yarn stash! Since the recommended yarn is discontinued, I’ve included several yarn substitutes below based on what other knitters used to make this free pattern.
Want to see more free knitted cowl patterns? Check out this beginner cowl and get inspired with this collection of easy knit cowl patterns here.
Use Malabrigo Rios or Manos del Uruguay Maxima yarn, or Noro Silk Garden yarn for this knitting project.
Knit Gloves
Knitted gloves are such great beginner knitting projects because they’re small and knit up quick. They’re also, typically, a one skein knitting project, which helps you destash a little.
Here’s an easy fingerless gloves knitting pattern that’s made up of just knits and purls. Take a look.
Easy Fingerless Gloves
What I love about fingerless gloves is that they provide the perfect amount of form and function.
With easy flat knitting on straight needles and knit and purl stitches, you can make your own pair of fingerless mittens.
This free knitting pattern knits up with worsted weight yarn on size U.S. 8 knitting needles. It features a stockinette background and uses variegated yarn for interesting color effects.
Get all the details for this small knitting project and learn how to knit these fingerless gloves now.
Use I Love This Yarn!, Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling, or Red Heart Soft Yarn for this knitting project.
Knit Hats
Knit hats are one of my favorite knitting projects on circular needles. They’re fun to knit and can be quick knitting projects.
They’re are also great for trying new knitting techniques like cables, mosaic knitting, or stranded colorwork.
Typically, they’re knit on circular needles, like this chunky knit hat pattern.
Chunky Monkey Beanie
Here’s a fun knit hat design that features a rib stitch brim and has so much touchable texture!
Knit in the round with bulky yarn in solid colors, this free knit hat pattern calls for basic knits and purls, knit two together (K2TOG) and purl two together (P2TOG) knitting decreases. Easy!
You should also know that not all knit hat patterns are knit in the round. Occasionally, you can find a flat knit hat pattern to knit back and forth on straight needles.
For more inspiration, you can find circular knit hat patterns here.
Use Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn, Lion Brand Hometown yarn, or Drops Snow yarn for this knitting project.
Knit Headbands
Knitted headbands make great beginner knitting projects. They’re perfect for warmer regions, are quick to knit, and can be a fun scrap yarn project.
Just look at this winter headband knit with jumbo yarn. Talk about instant gratification!
Hampstead Headband
Knit flat on size 19 (15 mm) straight knitting needles in stockinette stitch, you don’t need to worry about joining in the round. It’s just a simple pattern where you knit one row, purl one row, etc. The finishing touch for this easy knit headband pattern is a quick seaming.
The knit headband uses jumbo yarn, but you could also try double stranded knitting and make your own marled knit with yarn from your stash.
Unfortunately, this jumbo yarn from Lion Brand has been discontinued but I’ve included a couple of yarn substitutions below.
If you love knitted headbands, you’ll love our free Emerald Headband knitting pattern. Check it out!
Try Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca yarn for this knitting project.
Knit Infinity Scarves
If you’ve never heard the term, an infinity scarf is a happy medium between a knit scarf and a knit cowl. They can be knit flat or knit in the round, but the ends are always joined together.
Sometimes they are worn long as a single loop, or they are doubled for a layered effect. In some instances they can feature colorwork, while in others they can feature stitch textures, for example.
Just look at this infinity scarf shown below.
Quick & Easy Knitted Infinity Scarf
This infinity scarf knitting pattern is so easy to do. You can achieve this rich stitch texture with only knits and purls. The pattern requires bulky yarn and straight knitting needles, so knitting in the round is not required.
It features row repeats of garter stitch, then stockinette stitch. The little bumps from the garter stitch rows give the perfect amount of texture for this chunky infinity scarf.
You could also try knitting this infinity scarf by holding two strands together of worsted weight yarn together. It’s a great way to use up your yarn stash.
Get Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn or try Paintbox Super Chunky yarn for this project.
Knit Ponchos
When it comes to winter knits, ponchos are at the top of the list. Versatile and chic, knitted ponchos are functional for any type of weather.
Just take a look at this cool knitting project from Lion Brand yarns.
Old Bridge Poncho
This easy poncho knitting pattern is the perfect beginner knitter pattern. The simple knits and purls create a richly textured basket weave stitch pattern, almost like a rib stitch. It’s as simple as knitting a rectangle, then seaming the knit edges together.
You’ll need size 13 knitting needles, a tapestry needle, and 3-4 balls of yarn. Check the yarn ball label for yardage amounts.
Shown here in a dark variegated yarn, this poncho pattern would also look stunning in solid colors or heathered yarns, too. The pattern instructions recommend Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn. I’ve included some yarn substitutes below as well.
Want more knitted poncho patterns? Check out this free collection of knitting patterns.
Get Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn, Recycled yarn, Premier Basix Super Bulky yarn, or Paintbox Yarns Super Chunky yarn for this knitting project.
Knit Scarves
Who doesn’t love a hand knit scarf. Hands down, knit scarves are a great knitting project for anyone for any occasion. Knit flat, or back and forth, scarves are a good option if you’re not a fan of knitting in the round.
Here’s one example from Tin Can Knits using only knits and purls.
Wheat
This easy knit scarf pattern is so simple yet so stylish. I love how the knit one purl one ribbing (abbreviation: K1, P1) breaks up the garter stitch background and adds great stitch texture. It even includes edge stitches to keep it from rolling.
You’ll need about 400 yards of worsted or aran weight yarn, and size 8 knitting needles for this reversible scarf. The finished size is about 8″ wide X 60″ long, but you can knit to your desired length. Just remember to buy enough yarn.
This simple combination of knits and purls will never get old with this beginner knit scarf pattern. Get started on your Christmas knitting or Mother’s Day knitting now.
Try Malabrigo Worsted yarn, Berroco Vintage yarn, or Lion Brand Homeland yarn for this knitting project.
Don’t know how to knit a scarf? Learn here with our step-by-step tutorial. Then, explore these easy scarf knitting patterns for more inspiration.
Knit Shawls and Wraps
Whether you’re lounging at home or out on the town, a knitted shawl is a must. So cozy and comforting, they make great knitted gifts, too.
Just look at this easy knit shawl pattern from Yarnspirations.
Safe Haven Shawl
This free shawl knitting pattern uses alternating sections of garter stitch and knit one, purl one rows to create this lovely knit fabric.
You’ll need at least 1200 yards of worsted weight yarn and size 8 circular knitting needles to hold all your stitches. The original yarn is discontinued but I’ve included some yarn substitutions for sparkly yarn below.
The textured knit stitch pattern includes right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) knitting instructions for pattern repeats (reps).
Aside from that, there are no special techniques to learn outside of knitting and purling. It’s just simple knitting on straight needles. So get started on this easy knitting shawl pattern, and knitflix and chill.
Use Mary Maxim Starlette yarn or Caron Simply Soft Party yarn for this knitting project.
As you can see from these examples, there’s really no limit to knit and purl stitch patterns. Explore all the free patterns and knit something fun!
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What is the pattern to knit and purl basic slippers for myself? How many slip knots do I start with, how many times do I knit and how many times do I purl, etc.
Hi Brenda! Every pattern is different according to yarn weight, needle size, foot size, etc. I recommend that you do a search on Ravelry for what you had in mind and you can adjust the filters to different specifications. You can also adjust by how hard/easy you want the pattern to be. That’d be the easiest thing to do. I’ve already started the search for you. Just click this link to see. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for free. Happy knitting!