Easy-to-follow knitting projects for beginners
Just learnt to knit? Put your new skill into practice with these super easy makes
Looking for knitting projects for beginners? We've got all the inspiration you could possibly need!
When you've just learnt to knit, you want to use those newfound skills to make things. But even if you can't find a knitting pattern for beginners that you can make sense of, you can still create all kinds of things for you and your home. It's the perfect way to build on the knitting techniques you've already learned.
Our collection of inspirational knitting projects for beginners — they're too simple to be called knitting patterns — will ease your frustration. They're such a brilliant way to test out the new skills you've learned, and develop them to move onto more formal knitting patterns, complete with full instructions and abbreviations.
They're all based on one or more knitted squares or rectangles, and the same process: measure, cast on in garter stitch, knit, cast off, join the ends – but simple enough for knitting novices to master. You'll be so impressed with everything you manage to create!
From a blanket to a jumper and a simple scarf, you'll be amazed at what you can make with our collection of knitting projects for beginners. These projects are the perfect way to use your new knitting skills to create beautiful pieces for your wardrobe and home. They also make lovely gifts for special friends.
And once you've mastered these, why not take a look at our round-up of the best knitting kits for beginners? They're a great next step on your exciting knitting journey.
Have you taken up knitting and made something beautiful? Share it with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
How to knit a headband
This stylish accessory is a perfect beginners knitting project and can be knitted in an afternoon.
You can make this knitted headband from a single ball of yarn using stocking stitch and a slipped stitch edge (to prevent curling). Mattress stitch is then used to conceal the seam on the wrong side of the project to give a flawless and professional looking finish.
How to knit a blanket
With a bit of dedication, you can make a blanket or throw from knitted squares or rectangles. Decide on the size of your square (it's easiest if they're all the same size; it's not patchwork!) and choose your colours: random or repeating patterns both look great.
Cast on and knit a square (or rectangle). Repeat until you have enough to make the size of blanket or throw that you want. Sew the pieces together using toning or contrasting yarn, as you prefer.
How to knit a jumper
Yes, you really can knit a jumper without a tricky pattern. Chunky wool and big needles work best. You'll knit four rectangles: front, back and two sleeves.
For the front and back, measure the width of your shoulders across your body, and your desired length, from your collarbones down your body.Knit two rectangles to these measurements. For the sleeves: measure around your arm at its widest point and add 5cm. Decide how long you want your sleeves. Knit two rectangles to these measurements.
Stitch the sleeve edges together. Stitch the front and back together across the shoulders (leaving a gap to get your head through), and up the sides, leaving space to sew on the ends of the sleeves. If you like, you can knit a strip to attach around the neckline for a cowl neck effect.
Once you get more confident try our colour block knitted jumper pattern.
How to knit a small bag
Who doesn't love a practical knitting project? This simple knitted bag is great practise for beginners who want to work on keeping their stitches even and neat, plus it's the perfect size to carry around your day to day essentials.
As long as you know how to knit and purl, you'll be all good to go with this project.
How to knit a cushion cover
Cosy up on the sofa with a warm woolly cushion cover. Take the existing cover off and measure it. Knit two squares or rectangles to these measurements. Stitch together around three sides. Insert a zip in the remaining side. Alternatively, stitch on loops of plaited wool on one side of the opening, as buttonholes, and buttons on the other side. Or you can sew on pieces of Velcro.
Once you're more experienced try this knitted cushion pattern based on a beach hut!
How to knit a scarf
This scarf knitting pattern is so easy to make – and a seriously stylish addition to your winter wardrobe!
Worked in super chunky yarn, it knits up really quickly. It's a great first project to practise changing yarn colours, too.
How to knit wrist warmers
Three-quarter-length sleeves can lead to chilly wrists. Bridge the gap with a pair of wrist warmers. To knit for fit, hold your hand flat with thumb sticking out. Measure around your hand at the base of your fingers, excluding the thumb. Try our free wrist warmer knitting pattern.
Cast on to reach this measurement. Knit until your warmers are around 14cm, or the length you want. Cast off and sew the sides together, leaving a space for your thumb to stick out. Sew on a decorative button if you want.
How to knit a bobble hat
Stay warm in style this winter with a chunky bobble hat. We have the perfect video tutorial and pattern to make your own bobble hat complete with a cute pompom for the top.
The pattern uses circular knitting needles – this is a great first project to try if you haven't used circular needles before.
How to knit a cowl
A cowl is just a short scarf with its ends joined together. You can knit a single-loop cowl, which goes around your neck once, or a double or triple-loop cowl, where you twist it around your neck more than once.
Decide how deep you want your cowl (or use the distance between your collarbone and just beneath your nose). Cast on stitches to that measurement. Now knit until you can tell that the cowl will pass over your head once its ends are joined. Cast off and sew the ends together for a single-loop cowl, or keep knitting until your work is long enough to twist around your neck two or three times, then cast off and sew the ends together.
How to knit a dishcloth
Hand-knitted dishcloths are super-trendy in the US. And it's easy to see why: they're quick to knit, and you'll use them every day. You can buy special dishcloth yarn made of cotton that can withstand high washing temperatures, or try using string. Just knit a square of the size you want. A word of warning: knitting with string is a bit hard on the fingers!
How to knit a mug cosy
If you can knit rib (alternating ribs of purl and garter stitches), your cosy will have a slight stretch to allow it to grip the mug, (or cup or cafetière), but plain garter stitch is fine.
Measure around your mug and cast on as many stitches as you need to reach that measurement. Knit rows until your work is around 6cm long. Cast off. Sew the ends of your rectangle together, leaving a gap in the middle for the handle. Pull the cosy on over the mug — and put the kettle on for a well-earned cuppa!
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