Free Patterns

Pattern Suggestions for Beginner Knitters

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again - even in the midst of homeschooling, working from home, or picking up toys/clothes/shoes/ for the thousandth millionth time - knitting is a really great way to relax, use your brain, and feel accomplished! (I also have it on good authority that it pairs very well with an obscure documentary and beverage of choice at the end of a long day.)

We have heard from friends and family far and wide who have decided to pick up the needles for the first time, or revisit a languishing project, so I took a moment to go through our patterns to compile a short list of patterns perfect for new knitters or those of you looking for the “next step”!

Building Blocks Collection

By far the most simple pattern collection we have is the Building Blocks collection. Each pattern contains three different versions that increase in level of difficulty.

If you’re brand new to knitting, Scarves are the perfect place to start. Begin by knitting, but once you’ve mastered the garter stitch, you can move on to working ribbing, and then wow yourself with cables! Working in the round opens up a world of possibilities in terms of patterns and what you can knit. The Hats are all worked in the round, and much like the scarves, you begin by just knitting, and then work ribbing and take it to the next level with decreases.

Mittens are small, portable projects that pack a lot of punch technique-wise. The smaller circumference gets you comfortable with double pointed needles, and working the thumb on the stockinette stitch and broken ribbing versions requires increases. The top are all finished with decreases. Colorwork is “next level” in terms of skills, but we absolutely love working it and know you will, too!

Quick and Easy Garter Stitch

Courtney published this free pattern for Springtime Handwarmers back in 2014 and it is a classic, simple, easy to work design. As a bonus, there is a video for working the Sew as you Go bind off in the post!

Originally designed for the Effortless Collection, Silverwood and Summit are two neckwear pieces that are exclusively knit in garter stitch. Silverwood applies increases to create a triangle, while Summit is worked in a rectangle with no shaping. Both utilize multiple strands at once to create a lovely marled and ombre look!

Tips and Tricks

We also have a large collection of photo and video tutorials on our Tips and Tricks page that detail some more intermediate and advanced techniques if you’re looking to take it to the next level!

All you need to do is grab some yarn, needles and your pattern of choice and get knitting!