Getting Started
For beginner knitters, the world of knitting can seem very daunting. This blog post is designed to help when choosing your first project. We’ve listed some one skein projects below that would be a good starting place – as well as some beginner knitwear garments.
We think one skein projects are a great place to start because they don’t require a huge investment and they’re an encouraging place to start – there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a project completed!
The Simple Thing
Melina Brell
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
Difficulty: Beginner
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Yarn Weight: DK
Meterage: 219 – 273 yd (200 – 250 m) *One Skein
We recommend: DK Twist
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Notes:
This free pattern includes a YouTube tutorial to help beginners knit step-by-step. Only one skein of DK Twist is required.
Wheat
TinCanKnits
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
Difficulty: Beginner
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Yarn Weight: Aran/Worsted
Meterage: 400 yards (366 m)
We recommend: Highland DK, Woolly Worsted
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Notes:
The Wheat Scarf is part of The Simple Collection – a learn to knit series with free patterns and tutorials.
Sophie Scarf
PetiteKnit
Find the Pattern on Ravelry
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner
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Yarn Weight: DK
Meterage: 101 – 140 yards (92 – 128 m) *One Skein
We recommend: LITLG DK Twist, Fine Sock or Sport
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Notes:
The Sophie Scarf is one of the most popular patterns Ravelry & there’s a plethora of YouTube videos and tutorials to help a beginner cast on. You’ll find step-by-step videos as well as plenty of past projects to browse through to give you new ideas about different bases you can use, like adding mohair or using different weights yarns. As an beginner knitter we recommend keeping it simple with our DK Twist.
Easy Scarf
Diane L. Augustin
Find the pattern on Ravelry
Difficulty: Beginner
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Yarn Weight: DK
Meterage: 275 yards (251 m) *One Skein
We recommend: DK Twist
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Notes:
This scarf is incredibly easy to knit and would be a good project for knitters at any skill level, especially beginners. It’s all garter stitch, which means you knit every row. The asymmetrical shaping is a result of an increase at the beginning of the row and a decrease at the end of the row. There is an additional increase at the end of the next row in the pattern.
Be Simple Variations
Carolyn Glauz-Todrank
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
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Yarn Weight: Fingering
Meterage: 400 – 450 yards (366 – 411 m)*One Skein
We recommend: LITLG Fine Sock
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Notes:
It is an asymmetrical, triangular shawl that is simple to knit and simple to wear. Knit in simple garter stitch with yarn-overs every eight rows, the finished shawl is an airier version of Be Simple. Either a plain or picot bind-off completes the project.
The shawl can be knit in a variety of yarn weights with the appropriate needle size to create your desired drape. I have knit the shawl in several different fingering weight yarns. DK or worsted weight would work as well with the appropriate larger size needles. Circular needles work best to accommodate the ever increasing number of stitches. In most cases, the shawls required 400-450 yards of yarn.
Simple Shawl
Jane Hunter
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
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Yarn Weight: Fingering
Meterage: 400 m *One Skein
We recommend: LITLG Fine Sock
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Notes:
This shawl features garter stitch, eyelets, and picots, making it more suitable for beginners ready to take on their next project and learn new techniques, rather than as a first-time knit.
Beginner Garments
See My Vest
Emily Bolduan
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
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Yarn Weight: Bulky
We recommend: Aran
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Notes:
Because this pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn, you can substitute Aran wt. but will need to go up a needle size to get gauge. Be sure to check your gauge and swatch before knitting the garment.
This vest is designed to be super easy, and super quick to knit, making it a great project for beginner garment knitters. With it’s relaxed and comfortable fit you will find yourself reaching for this vest often, and it’s simplicity makes it a fantastic wardrobe staple.
Step by Step Sweater
Florence Miller
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
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Yarn Weight: Aran
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Notes:
The Step By Step Sweater is a simple raglan sweater with no complicated techniques, perfect as your first garment knitting project. It has a relaxed fit and two options for the neckline.
This sweater also has an associated video demonstrating all the tricky steps in the knitting process.
Flax
TinCanKnits
Find the pattern on Ravelry (free!)
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Yarn Weight: Worsted, DK or Sock
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Notes:
This pattern is size inclusive and is designed for beginners. There are also different versions available of the Flax pullover designed specifically for different yarn weights (Sock/Sport, DK, Worsted). The Flax pullover part of The Simple Collection – a learn to knit series with free patterns and tutorials.