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What are Some Good Knitting Projects for Beginners?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Knitting is a timeless craft as it never seems to ebb in popularity. Part of the reason knitting is so popular is that even beginners can knit beautiful and practical items. Hats, baby blankets and scarves often make ideal knitting projects for beginners.

A scarf is perfect as one of the very first knitting projects. It can be made by using only one stitch. Also, the width of a scarf is fairly narrow, so the rows can be done rather quickly and this can can motivate a beginner to finish the project. A scarf made with chunky-weight yarn on very large needles is one of the quickest beginning projects.

Knitting needles and yarn.
Knitting needles and yarn.

There are many easy patterns available for hats that make great knitting projects for beginners. Knitting a hat can be good for teaching the basics of knitting and how to follow a simple pattern. A beginner should stick to one color of yarn and a hat pattern that uses just a purl stitch or knit and purl stitches without complex increasing or wrapping stitches.

Simple knitting projects should have a consistent stitch pattern that provides more leeway for mistakes.
Simple knitting projects should have a consistent stitch pattern that provides more leeway for mistakes.

Baby blankets are also good starter knitting projects for people who would eventually like to make larger blankets. Again, a beginning knitter is best using patterns that are made for people new to the craft so that no complicated wrapping and increasing techniques are used. Once the simple stitches and techniques are mastered on a few knitting projects, the knitter can more confidently move on to a little more advanced knitting projects. Variegated, or multi-colored, yarn is a good choice for baby blankets as it adds some interest without any complex stitches or color patterns.

With a little practice, knit scarves can be relatively easy to make for beginners.
With a little practice, knit scarves can be relatively easy to make for beginners.

All three of these knitting projects for beginners are easy to carry around and can be worked on almost anywhere. The scarves and hats can be made in children's or adult's sizes. Even a beginner can make a scarf and hat set or baby blankets that are suitable to give as gifts.

Discussion Comments

anon19859

I disagree. I hated knitting a scarf - i always gave up every time. So when i wanted to start knitting properly, i started with a simple beanie in garter stitch. I liked this project because it taught me a lot and there was a definite end to it.

AuthorSheriC

I agree, Eastwest! Scarves are great for beginners and need no sizing. Plus, they keep the frustration level down if just one stitch is used. The rows are short and the scarf keeps "growing" so the new knitter can really get a great sense of accomplishment. Yes, the new knitter should probably make a few scarves before attempting anything else.

I love knitting scarves because they're fun and need no pattern and can be made with a variety of yarns and colors for interesting looks!

eastwest

Scarves are absolutely the best beginner's project ever! Beginners shouldn't try to make sweaters or anything requiring sizing until they have the basics of knitting down pretty well.

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    • Knitting needles and yarn.
      By: picsfive
      Knitting needles and yarn.
    • Simple knitting projects should have a consistent stitch pattern that provides more leeway for mistakes.
      By: joephotostudio
      Simple knitting projects should have a consistent stitch pattern that provides more leeway for mistakes.
    • With a little practice, knit scarves can be relatively easy to make for beginners.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      With a little practice, knit scarves can be relatively easy to make for beginners.
    • Hats make ideal knitting projects for beginners.
      By: uwimages
      Hats make ideal knitting projects for beginners.