For brand-new knitters, finding an easy beginner knitting pattern can feel like an overwhelming task. You’ll find so many projects and patterns from just one simple internet search that it’s common to feel defeated before you’ve even started. That’s why I’ve done the work for you. I’ve searched and found 10 patterns that are perfect for brand new knitters.
Here are the 10 beginner knitting patterns I recommend:
- Coasters
- Cup cozies
- Garter Stitch Scarf & Handwarmers
- Dishcloths
- Mitford Hood
- Beginner Scarf
- Hampstead Headband
- Wheat Scarf
- Tasseled Color-Block Scarf
- Olive Poncho
Each of these projects are great for brand-new knitters. The first seven are very basic and will cover all the techniques a new knitter needs to know. The last three help you stretch your new skills just a little bit by introducing a few new things like rib patterning and adding a second yarn color to your project.
While that’s just a quick list above, keep reading for a more detailed look at each of these beginner knitting patterns and why I recommend them for absolute beginner knitters.
If you prefer to watch a quick video about all these patterns, you’ll find that below.
Coasters
Coasters are a great little project that doesn’t even need a pattern. I love to use them to practice new stitch patterns (some of my earliest coasters were to practice knitting things like Garter and Seed stitch patterns).
Get your yarn and needles and cast on enough stitches to measure about 4 inches. Most yarn labels will have this information on the label (look for the stitches in 1 or 4 inches). Cast on the number of stitches needed and work in your desired stitch pattern until you have a small square then bind off.
Whenever you have a new stitch pattern to try out, this is a great option – and a few of your finished coasters wrapped in a ribbon would make a lovely gift.
Cup Cozies
Cup cozies are another great project for brand-new knitters (that would also make a great gift that’s really quick to knit). The pattern I follow is simply knitting every row to create a stretchy Garter stitch fabric.
At one end I use a few yarn overs to create some buttonholes and attach buttons to the other end. The stretchy fabric means that it will fit around a wide variety of coffee mugs and travel mugs.
At the link below you’ll find all the information for creating your own cup cozy – the pattern (free!) and a full video tutorial that demonstrates every step in the knitting process. If you’re brand new to knitting, this project will cover all the basic steps that you need to learn.
Get the pattern and full tutorial here: How to Knit a Cup Cozy
Scarf & Handwarmers
This simple Garter Stitch Scarf and Sideways Handwarmer set from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is another great option for brand new knitters. It’s just knitting every row (so that’s all you need to know besides casting on and binding off). The hand warmers are also knit flat and then are seamed to create the finished mitts.
This pattern also includes photo tutorials that demonstrate the anatomy of Garter stitch as well as mattress-stitch seaming.
Get the pattern here: Garter Stitch Scarf & Sideways Handwarmers
Dishcloths
Dishcloths are another great project that provides a useful object when you’re finished (and, like coasters, they’re also a great way to practice new stitch patterns). At the link below you’ll find a series of three dishcloths (patterns and full video tutorials) that cover all the basic skills new knitters need.
Included in this three pattern set:
- Garter Stitch dishcloth – the pattern and video tutorial demonstrate casting on (using the Knit Cast-on), the knit stitch, how to count your rows in Garter stitch, and how to bind off.
- Purl Ridge dishcloth – this pattern and video tutorial introduce the companion to the knit stitch – the purl stitch. Learn how to work in Stockinette stitch, identify and count your rows and stitches, and bind off purlwise.
- Heirloom dishcloth – this classic pattern (and the accompanying video tutorial) is knit from tip to tip and demonstrates how to work yarn overs and a basic decrease (the knit two together – k2tog), and weave in ends
Get the patterns and full video tutorials here: Incredibly Easy Dishcloth Patterns for Beginner Knitters
Mitford Hood
This pretty accessory is worked using a Super Bulky yarn so it’s a very quick knitting project. Like many other of the projects I recommend, it’s worked in Garter stitch (just knitting every row). Once the flat piece is bound off, you’ll fold and seam the edges to create the hood shape.
Get the pattern here: Mitford Hood from Lion Brand Yarns
Beginner Scarf
To give new knitters a few choices in the video tutorials here at Tonia Knits, I designed a scarf that is very similar to the dishcloth video tutorial series. It teaches all the same basic skills but produces a completely different project. So, if knitting dishcloths doesn’t sound like much fun, knit this beginner scarf instead. And, like the dishcloths, it includes a full video tutorial that demonstrates all the necessary steps and skills that are needed to complete the project – from casting on to weaving in the ends on your final project.
Get the pattern and full video tutorial: Easy Scarf Knitting Pattern for Beginners
Hampstead Headband
This adorable headband is a great, quick knit. It uses jumbo yarn and it’s only eight rows of knitting so it should only take an hour or less, even for new knitters.
Along with casting on, knitting, binding off, and basic seaming, you’ll need to know how to work the purl stitch to complete this pattern. The headband is worked in Stockinette stitch (which uses alternating rows of knitting and purling to produce the fabric).
Get the pattern here: Hampstead Headband from Lion Brand Yarns
After you’ve tackled one or two of the projects listed above, give one of these projects a try. They are slightly more advanced, using stitch patterns and adding a second color to your project.
Wheat Scarf
The Wheat Scarf from Tin Can Knits is a great way to add a bit of interest to your plain Garter stitch scarf by introducing a small section of rib (in the case of this pattern, a K1P1 rib). Learning to work various rib patterns is another skill that new knitters will need to develop because it’s such a widely used edging pattern that’s used in countless projects.
Get the pattern here: Wheat Scarf from Tin Can Knits
Color-Block Scarf
The Tasseled Color-Block Scarf from Flax & Twine is another simple scarf pattern that’s worked in Garter stitch. But this one introduces another basic skill – adding a second color to your project. You’ll also learn how to make tassels with this project. Knit in a bulky yarn this project also knits up fairly quickly.
Get the pattern here: Color-Block Scarf from Flax & Twine
Olive Poncho
When you’re ready for a slightly larger project, a poncho is a great choice. The Olive Poncho from Berroco introduces another basic rib pattern – this time it’s K4P4. But, like the other recommended beginner knitting projects, this one is knit flat and, when you’re finished, seam one edge to create the final poncho shape.
Get the pattern here: Olive Poncho from Berroco
These ten beginner knitting patterns are the perfect introduction to knitting for absolute beginner knitters. If you want video tutorials to walk you through each step, be sure to take a look at the cup cozy, dishcloth, or beginner scarf patterns (all of them feature full video tutorials that demonstrate everything brand-new knitters need to know).
If you’d rather watch & listen, click on the video below to learn more about my first pattern recommendations for new knitters.
More Tips for New Knitters
Here are a few more questions that new knitters often ask (and and the answers!):
What is the easiest thing to knit for a beginner?
If you are a brand-new knitter, it can be a bit confusing looking for a knitting pattern that isn’t overwhelming. But there are a few things you can look for in a basic, easy beginner knitting pattern.
Look for small projects worked on big needles with bulky yarn. Big yarn and needles make it easy to see what you’re doing as you practice your new skills. And small projects means you’ll be making fun accessories and gifts in a short amount of time.
Finishing a new knitting project always gives a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction – something that can be important when you’re starting a new hobby and still trying to figure out how it works.
What should a beginning knitter buy?
Besides knitting needles and yarn, there are lots of things you CAN buy but you don’t need every tool you see. The absolute basics you should have in your knitting bag: a handful of stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and some scissors. (Here’s a list of my favorite knitting notions.)
What is the best knitting needle size for beginners?
I recommend US 9 or 10 for new knitters. To accompany those needles, look for projects that use bulky yarn. It’s easier to see what you’re doing when you have large needles and yarn.
More Project Ideas for New Knitters
- 12 Beginner Shawl Knitting Patterns
- Incredibly Easy Dishcloth Patterns for Beginner Knitters
- Easy Scarf Knitting Pattern for Beginners