Easy Knitting Projects for a Beginner
73If you're new to knitting, you'll want projects that are quick and easy so you can produce a finished item fast. After all, the satisfaction of creating something will inspire you to try further projects. Especially selected as best for the beginner, the projects listed below are knitted on straight needles (as opposed to the more difficult circular or double-pointed).
Small Child's Mittens
Mittens are much more kid-friendly than gloves for kids to put on by themselves. This free pattern by Knitting at Knoon Designs is especially designed for ages up to 5, so you'll find these small enough to complete fast.
Men's, Women's or Child's Hat
A knitted hat is always welcome for winter! Even the larger men's version of the hat is suitable for a beginner to accomplish in this free hat pattern in four sizes by Kathy North from Designs by KN.
Christmas Tree Decoration
A lovely memento of the beginning of your knitting journey, a Christmas tree decoration is a small, easy project which can inspire you year after year. Try this beautiful knitted Christmas bell pattern.
Pincusion
A knitted pincushion is such an easy project. Use it to keep your small knitting supplies in one place, such as yarn sewing needles, small scissors and stitch holders. Or make it as a gift for a friend who sews. Either way, this free pincushion pattern from Delphi Forums can be made in your combination of one to three different colors.
Projects to Avoid
Unless you're very patient, it's best to avoid attempting a scarf or baby blanket as a first project. Although thought of as easy, thse patterns actually take a surprisingly long time. The beginner knitter may give up before the project is finished! I'm not suggesting you never make a scarf or blanket; instead consider knitting these as a subsequent project. If you're really set on a scarf, a skinny scarf would be best.
Large Baby Booties
Parents get a lot more mileage from booties designed for an older active baby than a swaddled newborn. Large knitted booties are a real sanity-saver for parents of a not-yet-walking baby, in order to keep baby's feet warm when out and about. Booties are easier than shoes to put on and harder for baby to kick off! Knit this free Joy's Booties pattern from Bev's Country Cottage for baby's first winter (or second winter if born in winter).
Help! I don't know which project to make!
If you wish to make one of the clothing or accessory projects above but don't have a particular recipient in mind, consider donating your finished piece to an appropriate local charity (for example, a pregnancy help center for the baby booties). You'll get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that your handcraft helped someone in need – but take a photo of it first so that you'll be able to 'see' it time and again!
Conclusion
Knitting lets you create what you want in the colors you want. Completing a handcrafted project is an immense confidence booster that will leave you hungry for more, no matter what skill level. The five free knitting patterns here have been selected as best for a beginner. Pick out your yarn and enjoy!
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Hi SweetMarie83, I'm so impressed that you have knitted scarves (which require a lot of patience)! Other knitters, take note: it just goes to show scarves CAN work as early projects after all! I have lost track of the number of times I've started a scarf and then given up on it, so it's always good to hear of others such as yourself who can do these successfully.
I think it's superb that you're donating your handknitted scarves to local charities. Thanks for stopping by & commenting - your insights were really helpful & will hopefully inspire others too.
SweetMarie83 Level 1 Commenter 14 months ago
This is great! I'm not exactly a beginner, as I've been knitting since before I hit my teens, but I've never really learned to follow a pattern. The only things I knit are scarves - I just learned my first pattern, before I was just doing straight knitting - and I donate them to local charities for families in need. My 99-year-old Grama does mittens for the same charity and I have an article here on HubPages about donating items for charity. I'm going to check out the patterns you've posted - thank you!