Easy Knitting Project Ideas

Novice knitters often look for easy knitting projects that are quick and rewarding to make. Beginners will find that there are many benefits to starting with easy and quick to make knitting projects. They are a great way for a novice knitter to learn new skills and practise different knitting techniques without making a large time or financial commitment.

Not Just Scarves

Scarves are one of the most popular projects for beginners. The simple shape and often repetitive pattern makes this an easy project to undertake. However, after making one or two scarves many beginners are looking for a new challenge. Types of easy knitting projects that are ideal for beginners include:

Hats

Hats are a great knitting project for knitters of all experience levels. Very simple knitted hats have no shape and are created from a simple head shaped tube that is gathered at one end are easy for beginners to make. However simple shaping techniques, such as decreases, add a little extra interest and style to a hat.

Bags

Bags are surprisingly easy to make as many patterns involve little or no shaping. Small purses are very quick to make and are a great way to try new or different knitting stitches. Bags that are going to carry a heavy weight benefit from felting as this produces a more compact fabric, providing a quick and easy way to try a number of different techniques.

Wrist warmers

Wrist warmers are similar to fingerless mittens. Simple wrist warmers can be made from a flat piece of knitting without shaping. However more complex patterns are knitted in the round, using a circular or double pointed needles. Wrist warmers are an easy way to practise knitting in the round and are a great project to make before moving onto more complex knitting projects such as socks.

Dishcloths and pot holders

Dishcloths and pot holders are often knitted from a plain cotton yarn. These are easy projects to undertake as they are a simple square shape and require no shaping. The attraction of making a dishcloth, however, is that it is a great opportunity to practise a type of stitch while also making something useful. Dishcloths also make quick handmade gifts and stocking fillers.

Tips for Finding Easy Knitting Patterns

Here are some tips for finding and using easy knitting patterns:

• Use patterns from well known designers and companies - while there are many excellent and detailed knitting patterns available on the Internet, there are also some patterns published that have not been tested or which have errors. When looking for an easy knitting pattern, knitters will find that yarn companies and well known designers have a good selection of patterns that are written for knitters of all experience levels.
• Look for patterns using simple yarns - very fancy yarns look fantastic when knitted up, however they can be difficult to work with. They also disguise the individual stitches making it difficult to see mistakes or where a stitch has been dropped.
• Pick interesting and attractive patterns - just because a pattern is easy doesn't mean to say it needs to be boring. Many knitters give up on easy projects because they do not find them stimulating or are not enthused by the end project.

Easy knitting patterns are a great way for a knitter to gain experience and confidence, while also making a range of interesting and attractive handmade items.