Free Knitting Patterns for Beginners

What to knit first

A flat, rectangular project is the kindest place to start: a scarf, a dishcloth or a simple cowl lets you practise casting on, knit and purl stitches and casting off without worrying about shaping. Once those feel comfortable, a hat introduces decreases and a first jumper brings it all together.

Kit to get started

• DK or chunky yarn in a pale, smooth colour so you can see your stitches.
• A pair of straight needles in the size the pattern lists, plus scissors and a blunt darning needle.
• Knit a tension square first; it takes ten minutes and saves a lot of unpicking.

Are these easy knitting patterns free to download?

Yes, each one is a free PDF you can print or follow on screen.

Can I knit them on straight needles?

Most of these beginner patterns are worked flat, so straight needles are all you need.