25 Beginner Knitting Projects

Knitting can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but there are so many simple patterns out there that will get you started on your knitting journey without getting frustrated. Keep reading to check out 25 of our favorite functional, beautiful knitting patterns.

1. Basic Garter Stitch Scarf

This basic garter stitch scarf is the perfect pattern for beginners… it only uses one type of stitch throughout, and it will also give you practice making fringe. Head on over to All About Ami to check out lots of photos and to read the written tutorial. There’s also a helpful video!

2. Cuddly Knit Cap

This fluffy pink hat is the perfect color to warm up a cold winter’s day, and the fluffy yarn adds some extra coziness to the design. Make your way over to Frau Moin’s blog to check out the full tutorial and pattern for this super easy cuddly knit pink cap.

3. Bow Headbands

Headbands are handy in the winter for those days when you want to keep your ears warm but avoid the dreaded “hat head” that comes along with a tight cap. Head on over to the Green Bird blog to find out how to make this seed stitch headband for yourself.

4. Tassel Pillow Cover

Use up all those leftover yarn scraps you have lying around to make one of these pretty scrap busting pillow covers. The tassels on the corners are the perfect finishing touch to this pretty piece. Check out the full tutorial and pattern over at Gina Michele’s blog.

5. Foldover Beanie Hat

If you know the basics of knitting, then this might be a great hat project to bring your skills to the next level. There’s nothing super complicated about it, so don’t be intimidated! Head on over to Things We Do to find out how to make your own foldover beanie.

6. Easiest Toddler Slippers

These adorable knit slippers are perfect for toddlers, to keep their toes warm on even the chilliest winter night. They are incredibly simple to make, so they are perfect for novice knitters. Head over to Gina Michele’s blog to check out the full pattern.

7. Kate Spade Inspired Hat

If you’re a big Kate Spade fan, then you’re sure to love this fun black and white striped slouchy hat. It is easy enough for beginners, but detailed enough to ensure that people are shocked when you tell them you made it! Check out the free pattern here.

8. Chunky Knitted Pillowcase

Spice up your sofa or bed with one of these fun chunky knit throw pillows. Simply grab a pillow insert and some super bulky yarn to get started. Make your way over to What’s Next? By Yukiko to find out all the details of this bold pillow cover.

9. Fog Chaser Cape

If you’re on the hunt for a good alternative to cowls and scarves, then this might be the perfect pattern for you. This beautiful fog chaser cape is made with circular needles and chunky yarn so it won’t take long to complete. Here’s the easy tutorial.

10. Bear Beanie Pattern

If the little ones are in need of new hats, you might consider whipping up a few of these adorable bear beanies. They are done with a rib knit stitch, so they will stay put on the kids’ heads. Check out the full tutorial and pattern over at Small + Friendly.

11. Mega Bulky Cowl

Despite the fact that this cowl looks like there’s a lot to it, it’s actually a super easy project that is perfect for beginners. The key is to buy the right kind of multi-color yarn! Head on over to Blitsy to check out the full tutorial and pattern for this pretty cowl.

12. Headphones Hat

Looking for the perfect baby shower gift to make? Well look no further. This precious hat is made to look like the baby is wearing a big set of headphones. Talk about a crowd pleaser… people will love it! Check out the pattern over at Gina Michele’s blog.

13. Summer Knit Clutch

Believe it or not, you can even make a stylish clutch out of yarn! This particular one is made with a light t-shirt yarn, and then it is folded over and the sides are stitched up. Head on over to the Eat Me Blog to check out the full tutorial and free pattern.

14. Bulky Ribbed Cowl

Here’s another beautiful cowl pattern, this time made with a ribbed pattern which will give it lots of stretch. It is finished with a few buttons, which can be added in two different arrangements for various looks. Check out all the details over at Mama In A Stitch.

15. One Square Stuffed Bunny

Besides being totally adorable, this little bunny is deceptively simple to make. All you need to knit is a square, and then the bunny is shaped by stitching the corners and across the middle. Head over here to check out the photos and full tutorial.

16. Colorful Afghan Blanket

Here’s another super easy project that is perfect for beginners… the key is buy a unique combination of yarn colors, because the stitch is the same throughout. So make your way over to Smitha Katti to find out how to recreate this fun afghan yourself.

17. Beaded Wrist Warmers

If you can knit a square, then you can make these fun wrist warmers. They are embellished with pretty seed beads to create a colorful patterned element. Make your way over to the Creative Pink Butterfly blog to find out how to make these yourself.

18. Easy Floor Pouf

This is another project that is surprisingly easy. This pouf is actually just a large rectangle which is sewn together on the top and bottom, and filled with bean bag filler. Head on over to The Surznick Common Room to find out all the fun details.

19. Easy Knitted Neck Tie

This neck tie project is done with the seed stitch, which the author of the pattern chose because it holds its shape well and is reversible. It is even tied like a regular neck tie! Make your way over to Scissors and Sage to find out how to make your own tie.

20. Checkered Washcloth Pattern

These pretty washcloths are made using a checkerboard style design, which is really quite simple to do. It’s just a matter of switching from knit to purl every few stitches to create the square shapes. Check out the pattern over at The Chilly Dog blog.

21. Knit Bunting Banner

If you have lots of different half-used skeins of yarn lying around, then this might be the perfect DIY for you. This project uses only the knit stitch, but is a great way to practice your decreasing stitch skills. Head on over to Hobby Craft to check out the tutorial.

22. Easy Knit Boot Cuffs

Add some style to your winter wardrobe by making a set of these lovely boot cuffs to wear at the top of your tall boots. They’re easy enough for beginners to do, too! Make your way over to Kozy & Co. to find out all the details of the warm-looking cuffs.

23. Pom Pom Scarf

Add a set of colorful pom poms to the bottom of a basic scarf to give them a whole new look. This one is incredibly simple to make, and it won’t take long to finish either. Head on over to Gemma Evans to check out the tutorial and pattern.

24. Dog Bow Tie

What is cuter than an adorable little dog? One with a bow tie on, of course! This simple bow tie project is very easy and quick to make, and it is another one that is great for finishing up partially-used skeins of yarn. Check out the tutorial over at Mama In A Stitch.

25. Color Blocked Hat

Here’s one more hat to top off the roundup, this time in a two-tone color blocked style with a large pom pom on top. Be sure to choose two contrasting colors that pair nicely together. Head over to the Little Things Blogged to check out the full tutorial.