Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns for Beginners

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.

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?

The knit and purl pattern includes sizing for 6 sizes including a baby blanket size.

Love knitting for babies? Check out our collection here of free baby blanket knitting patterns, which includes over 35+ free patterns. You can also learn more about baby blanket sizes here.

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.

Caracowl

This neck warmer knitting pattern is both cowl and shoulder wrap. Knit this chunky knit cowl pattern with Malabrigo's Caracol yarn. The free cowl knitting pattern is easy garter stitch in the round, which adds rich stitch texture.

You'll also need large circular knitting needles in sizes U.S. 11 and U.S. 13 for this knit and purl pattern.

Want to see more? Check out this beginner cowl and get inspired with this collection of easy knit cowl patterns here.

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.

This free knitting pattern knits up with worsted weight yarn on size U.S. 8 knitting needles.

Get all the details for this small knitting project and learn how to knit these fingerless gloves now. 

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.

Big Chunky Comfy Hat

Knit with bulky yarn, this hat requires less than 1 ball of Malabrigo Rasta yarn. Knit in the round, this free knit hat pattern calls for basic knits and purls, and knit two together (K2TOG) 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.

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 straight needles in stockinette stitch, you don’t need to worry about circular needles or joining in the round. It’s just a simple pattern where you knit one row, purl one row, etc. What could be easier?

The finishing touch for this easy knit headband pattern is a quick seaming.

Unfortunately, this jumbo yarn from Lion Brand has been discontinued but I’ve included a recommended yarn substitution below.

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, sometimes they are doubled for a layered effect. In some instances, they highlight colorwork, in others they show off their stitch texture, for example.

Take a look at the image 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 no knitting in the round.

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.

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.

2 Ball Poncho

This easy poncho knitting pattern is the perfect beginner knitter pattern. With simple knits and purls to create stockinette stitch, this one piece poncho is then sewn together. 

Using Lion Brand's Shawl in a Ball, this yarn does all the work. You'll need two yarn balls, just as the name says, and size U.S. 7 straight knitting needles. Give this free poncho knitting pattern a try.

Want more knitted poncho patterns? Check out this free collection.

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 breaks up the garter stitch background and adds great stitch texture.

Knitting and purling will never get old with this beginner knit scarf pattern. Get started on your Christmas knitting or Mother’s Day knitting now.

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 stitch texture.

You'll need 3 balls of Red Heart's Hygge Charm yarn in worsted weight, and size U.S. 8 knitting needles. Aside from that, there are no special techniques to learn. It's just simple knitting on straight needles.

So get started on this easy knitting shawl pattern, and knitflix and chill.

---

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!

Love this post? I'd love to hear from you. Take a minute to share a quick comment. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram. See you there!