When you’re a brand new knitter, you might think that you can only make scarfs and anything with straight sides, but there are so many projects out there that are great for beginners and will help you to expand your skills without totally overwhelming you.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite free beginner knitting patterns that are not only perfect for that next project, but also cute and stylish—something you’d actually want to wear, gift or use in your own home.
The Best Free Beginner Knitting Patterns for Stylish Knitters
Giving Hat from Purl Soho
I love a good hat pattern and this one checks all the boxes—easy to knit, quick to knit and perfect for wearing or gifting. Purl Soho has a huge selection of free patterns for both beginners and advanced knitters. One thing I also love about this brand is their colors. They’re bold and colorful and come in some unique hues you won’t find everywhere.
After I got back into knitting, a simple hat was the first project I tried and my kids and I still wear them today! This hat uses only 1 or 2 balls of their Till yarn (the colors!!!) making it a quick and reasonably affordable project.
Easy Peasy Bandana Scarf from Susanne Müller
I’ve decided this is now on my to-knit list! It’s made with wool that’s held together with mohair for extra softness and coziness and is the perfect extra layer under a coat to keep your neck warm. Just think of how much you’d use this one. Another great gift for a friend of family member too!
Straight Needle Knit Slippers from Make & Do Crew
Slippers have actually been on my list for a while and this pair from Make & Do Crew looks like the perfect fit. They’re a quick project and these look so cozy and fun for wearing around the house. They use a nice chunky yarn and are knit flat making it a perfect project for beginner knitters. The leather sole is optional, but I think it’s a fun touch!
Vessel Cowl from Purl Soho
I told you I love Purl Soho’s patterns! This one is a great simple project, but will also teach you some new skills. It’s a simple rib stitch and you’ll split the front and back at the end to create a nicely draping cowl scarf that should knit up quickly and get lots of use. They use their cashmere yarn which would be incredibly luxurious, but you can use another similar yarn with the same weight.
Knitted Fish Pattern from Classical Songbird
How cute are these little fish from Classical Songbird? This maybe more of an advanced beginner knitting pattern, but wow, it was too fun to not include. This is great for using up that remnant yarn you’ve got and could be used with any weight of yarn, your fish just might turn out bigger or smaller depending on what you use. If you have kids or younger family members, these would be so fun as a gift or little trinket! String them up on cute ribbon to make a fun garland!
Tweedy Scarf from Lion Brand
This is a simple 2 stitch rib pattern. This tweedy yarn would be great for a guy too.
Rockwell Blanket from Lion Brand
If you’re feeling like an adventurious beginner knitter, try out this gorgeous and unique blanket. I love the colorblock design. It involves some different techniques—if you look closely you’ll see the knitting changes direction, but this would be such a great project that looks amazing in your home as well.
Smith Scarf Pattern from Wool & The Gang
Honestly, this might be the easiest and best scarf pattern to start with. It’s a simple knit every stitch pattern that’s great for nailing down the basics. A classic scarf that’s reversible and has a nice, squishy, bumpy texture that’s extra cozy.
Pantry Pot Holders from Purl Soho
Remember those woven potholders we made as kids? Consider these a major upgrade. Fun patterns, cool colors and a bright fun table to host your next party. This might be better for advanced beginners, but when you’re ready to move onto the next level and up your skills, this would be such a fun project that knits up quickly and is so fun to show off!
Te Amo Scarf from Wool & the Gang
A fun scarf with the cutest pom pom details. This one is knitted up with mohair in a big open stitch making it airy and light, yet still cozy. The pattern even includes all the details on creating those super fun pom poms at the end that make this scarf extra special.
Beginner Baby Bonnet
My kids are past the baby stage, but if I had been knitting then, I would have been whipping up these in several colors. They look adorable and are perfect for keeping their sweet little heads toasty warm in the cooler months.
Cloudberry Bandana Scarf from Purl Soho
How gorgeous is this scarf? Increases give it a triangular shape with a beautiful edge. It’s knitted in double seed stitch which gives it that bumpy appearance that’s extra cozy. Knit it up in the suggested cashmere yarn (so soft!), or find a similar weight yarn you love. This one will get worn a ton and would make such a special gift for loved ones.
Striped Dishcloth from Whileberry
I know our dishcloths have seen better days and having some beautiful ones hanging around wouldn’t be the worst idea. This dishcloth project from Whileberry would be a great pattern to start with as a beginner as it will knit up quickly. You can make it striped or solid colored, plus there are instructions for adding a hanging loop as well. Make them for yourself or as a hostess or housewarming gift.
Mondrian Pullover
When you’re ready to try out a garment, this Mondrian sweater is a great for advanced beginners. Use the fun colorblock pattern or stick with one color to make it even easier. There’s something so satisfying than wearing a sweater you’ve made all by yourself!
I hope this inspires you to take your new knitting skills and try out something that will teach you more skills and make you an even better knitter! If you mess up, no worries, learning and getting better comes with mistakes, but it’s part of the fun.
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