My Top 8 Beginner Friendly Knitting Patterns (and 1 decidedly not)
Frog by Claire Garland, knit by me. Pattern details can be found on my Ravelry page.
Frogs. They’re everywhere on Instagram. Drinking tea while wistfully gazing out the window on a rain soaked afternoon. Sitting by the river pondering days gone by. An afternoon spent baking cookies for a welcome visitor. They’re living this perfect quaint life that we’re all a little envious of. Amphibious influencers. They embody a cottage-core life free of the demands of everyday. Everyone loves them. Everyone wants to knit them. Including my sisters-in-law. Neither of whom knits.
The desire to have this frog in their lives sparked the readiness to learn to knit. After years of me asking if they wanted lessons, this adorable little frog is what finally made them shout, YES!!! I WANT TO KNIT!!! This, however, is probably, no definitely, the worst pattern to start your knitting journey. If you are thinking about this as your first knitting project, I want you to put your needles down immediately. NOW! This is not the pattern for you. You are not ready for what this little frog is going to demand of you. You need to learn the basics first.
I have assembled a list of 8 patterns that are beginner friendly and a great place to start your knitting journey.
When selecting patterns I had a list of criteria. They had to be small accessories. They had to teach basic techniques that could be used in larger projects later on. And most importantly, they had to be confidence builders. If you pick something that is too complicated (hello frogs….) chances are fairly high that you’ll get discouraged and put your needles down indefinitely. By picking something small and repetitive you’ll remain interested and motivated by your progress. Your stitch tension will improve. You’ll want to continue and get to that finished object.
If you’re a beginner you’re probably asking where do I even find patterns? The most comprehensive place to find patterns is Ravelry.com. An email and password is all you need to open a world of knitting opportunity. Another resource is Etsy, but what I like about Ravelry is that every pattern you buy through the site is contained in your online library. Everything is in one place. You can catalog your work on the site as well, noting important details such as needle size, gauge, size knit, and yarn type.
Let’s get to my top 8 pattern selections. (Ravelry or shop links included)
The Snow Day Hat by Purl Soho https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/12/17/snow-day-hat/ Purl Soho has a ton of great basic free patterns. What I like about this one is that you’re using 2 yarns held together to create a super bulky weight yarn. This hat will fly off your needles. Skills: cast on, knit 1 purl 1 rib in the round, decrease stitches.
Simple but Effective cowl by Tin Can Knits https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-yet-effective Tin Can Knits is another great resource for simple basic free patterns. They even have a phone app that has all of their beginner patterns. Skills: cast on, bind off, knit in the round, alternate between knit and purl rows.
Mug Hug by Rebecca Gunderson https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mug-hug-3 Another free pattern and a great way to experiment with color. It’s small enough that you could easily knit a couple in one day. Would make a great holiday or teacher present. Skills: cast on, bind off, knit 2 purl 2 rib, knit in the round, changing colors.
Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sophie-scarf-2 A mini scarf knit on DK weight yarn. Perfect for experimenting with different fibers, multiple colors, or combining a fingering weight yarn with mohair for a soft halo. Has simple shaping that creates points on either end. Skills: cast on, bind off, increases, decreases, knit stitch.
Blomidon Hat by Amy Christoffers https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blomidon-hat If you’re looking for some mindless knitting that develops your ribbing muscles, this is it. The pattern is easily adaptable if you’d like a little more length for a slouchy look. Skills: cast on, bind off, knit 2 purl 2 ribbing in the round, decrease stitches.
Take Flight fingerless mitts by Andrea Mowry https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/take-flight-6 Great basic mitt pattern that looks way more complicated than it actually is. Knit in DK weight yarn, they’ll keep your hands cozy when the cool weather settles in. Skills: cast on, bind off, knit in the round, purl texture.
Color Tipped Scarf by Purl Soho https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/08/lauras-loop-color-tipped-scarf/ Another free pattern from Purl Soho. Similar to the Sophie Scarf, it has pointed ends and tons of garter stitch (knitting every row). This scarf has less shaping and larger dimensions. Skills: cast on, bind off, knit stitch, increases, decreases, optional color changes.
Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boneyard-shawl I’d call this an adventurous beginner project. Basic knits and purls create the fabric, increase stitches give the shawl its triangular shape. If you’ve done some swatches and you’re comfortable with your knits and purls, definitely give this one a try. Stephen has wonderful YouTube videos that demonstrate all of the necessary techniques. Skills: cast on, bind off, garter tab, knit, purl, increase stitches.
Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit, knit by me. Pattern details can be found on my Ravelry page.
Blomidon Hat by Amy Christoffers, knit by me. Pattern details can be found on my Ravelry page.
So how do these projects sound? Approachable? Mildly challenging? Examine them all - look through the finished object photos, the yarns used, the notes. Select one that makes you say, YES!! I CAN DO THIS!! Because you can! Remember, patterns are just recipes. You follow along step by step and wind up with a beautiful creation that’s all yours. If you’re looking for more inspiration check out my Beginner Patterns Pinterest board.
As for the frogs? I have convinced my sisters-in-law to put their frog yarn into time out for now and we’re going to knit number 5 on my list, the Blomidon Hat. They are using some lovely Malabrigo Rios. I’ll be knitting with Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull in the most joyful shade of bright blue.
Alpakka Ull by Sandnes Garn for my new Blomidon Hat. I mean… look at this blue!!
In my next post I’ll share some of my favorite yarns for the new knitter and necessary tools to get started. Let me know in the comments below what patterns I’ve missed.
