If you're new to knitting, you're in for a pleasant surprise: knitting is great for your mental health. More and more younger people are learning to knit to get away from the fast pace of technology.

People who knit tap into their creativity and get into a calm and relaxed state, which is ideal for calming the nervous system. Despite these benefits, it can be overwhelming to start knitting when you don't know which knitting patterns to use first.

Don't worry; we have you covered. Keep reading this guide to learn about seven simple knitting patterns that are best for beginners!

1. Colorful Dishcloth

Beginner knitting patterns don't get any easier than dishcloths. Dishcloth patterns are approachable and allow you to use any multicolor or solid yarn colors you already have at home.

Once you get more comfortable working with basic dishcloth patterns, you can move on to more complicated stitch patterns.

Discloths make for excellent housewarming or holiday gifts, and you can find many patterns online.

2. Chunky Scarf

A knit scarf is the perfect classic pattern for a new knitter. This is because a scarf is a fast and straightforward project that leaves room for error. Beginners can knit a scarf within a few hours, and it consists of purl and knit stitches.

These stitches are foundational stitches and the building blocks of knitting. Purl may seem complex, but it's actually very simple. A knit stitch is a basic stitch created by taking a loop of yarn from the front to the back of the fabric.

The purl is the reverse of the knit stitch, made from the back to the front of the fabric.

You can find numerous patterns and sizes for people of all ages. It's also common to include decorative tassels. Scarfs make for great gifts at any time of the year.

3. Coffee Cuffs

It's best to keep things light and fun when you're learning to knit. The best way to do this is to find a fun and easy pattern, like knit coffee cuffs.

After all, it's better to have your coffee wear a sweater instead of those cardboard coffee cuffs. Knit cuffs protect your hands against hot coffee and allow you to show off your unique style. They also make thoughtful gifts for anybody for any occasion.

Coffee cuffs are quick-knit projects that use a small amount of yarn and any color pattern you choose. It also uses an easy loop stitching technique.

4. Large Knit Blanket

When you first learn to knit, making a blanket can seem overwhelming, but it's a great starting point.

You'll need to use jumbo needles and yarn of any color. Large knit blankets mainly use a garter stitch. This basic stitch pattern is created by knitting row by row. Ultimately this pattern makes a stretchy flat fabric, making it perfect for a large blanket.

Once you get used to doing the basic knitting stitches, you can spruce things up by creating a fun fringe or blocks of color.

5. Knit Pillow

Making a knit pillow for your home is an absolute must, and it's an easy project for beginners to tackle.

You'll need large knitting needles and at least three different colors of yarn. You can pair any of your favorite colors, so don't hesitate to get creative.

For knit pillows, you'll usually use a stockinette or stocking stitch. This is a basic stitch that most experienced knitters know well. You might find that some patterns discuss this stitch as if you already know how to do it well.

Don't worry; it's easy to learn quickly. This stitch combines knit and purl techniques and involves creating rows. Stockinette stitch can use any number of stitches for the rows so that you can use it for both odd and even-numbered patterns.

Be sure to learn more about the stockinette stitch to start making your pillows.

6. Baby Booties

Baby booties involve one of the easiest types of knitting and make for some adorable gifts. They're among the most popular handmade patterns, often made for baby shower gifts or charitable donations.

Baby booties are quick and easy to make, and you can choose from many patterns online. Most booties use basic stitching techniques, and you can choose the colors. Once you get more comfortable, you can even knit booties with drawstrings.

Finally, it's possible to find bootie patterns for adults, making these booties the perfect gift for a friend that's always cold.

7. Simple Cardigan

Finally, you should be comfortable enough to venture into cardigan land once you start knitting and creating small items.

You can make short-sleeved cardigans from ribbon yarn. Riboon yarn appears more delicate and lightweight and is a popular option for making sweaters and other knit tops.

You can also make heavier, long-sleeved cardigans using simple patterns. Patterns that stretch usually use zigzag stitches, so it has the give you need. You'll usually find multiple parallel rows of zigzag stitching.

First, decide what kind of cardigan you want to make. Chunky women's cardigans are fun and make for great gifts. Lightweight kid's cardigans are useful any day of the year.

Don't be afraid to create weird and wonderful color combinations if you feel the need to. The best part of making a cardigan is adding your own flare to it.

Do your research to find a variety of knitting patterns to try. Your first attempt may take some time, but it will get easier as you continue to knit more cardigans.

If you're not quite ready to knit a cardigan, you could try knitting a sleeveless knit shirt to get used to making clothes.

Use These Knitting Patterns to Create Beautiful Gifts

These knitting patterns are an excellent way to improve your knitting skills quickly.

Remember, it may take a few attempts to get the hang of the basic stitching techniques. Do more research and watch video tutorials to visualize how to do the stitches.

Be patient with yourself, and before you know it, you'll master multiple patterns at a time.

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