Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns for New Knitters

The first knitting stitch that most people learn is Garter Stitch because it’s the easiest. Just learn the knit stitch and repeat it. This sounds like it might be boring but there’s actually a lot you can make just with this one stitch pattern. Here are some fun and easy Garter Stitch knitting patterns for new knitters to try.

The Lily Sugar’n Cream knit dishcloth is a perfect beginner knitting project. It’s worked with their classic cotton yarn and big needles so it works up fast. The free pattern is available at Yarnspirations.

Nostalgic Fingerless Mitts (Ravelry link) by Stephanie Bonner are worsted weight mitts work flat and sideways, with a provisional cast on for the thumb. This isn’t a beginner technique but you could just knit a rectangle to your desired width and sew it together, leaving a hole for the thumb. This is a free pattern.

The Ellis Garter Sweater from Stitch & Story is a simple chunky sweater worked flat in pieces. It’s a great first sweater project and because of the bulky yarn it won’t take that long to knit, either.

Or if you’re in summer mode, try the Soho top Garter Stitch tank top pattern from Caidree on Etsy. The pattern is available in English and French and comes in 10 sizes up to a chest measurement of 53.5 inches.

Knit a Garter Stitch shawl for an 18-inch doll and you’ll have a cute little project where you can also learn your basic increases. This is a free pattern from ABC Knitting Patterns.

If you want a person-sized Garter Stitch shawl, check out the Simple Garter Stitch Shawl by Diane Stavola on Ravelry. This one uses worsted weight yarn, and you can use a multicolored yarn or make it a stash busting project if you have stash that needs using.

Gina Michele has cute Garter Stitch sweaters for babies. You can find her cardigan and pullover options as free patterns on her blog.

Give your Garter Stitch a little twist with this simple headband from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days. So cute and a great gift idea that doesn’t look like a beginner made it!Looking for more knitted socks designs and patterns to keep you warm this winter? Check out these knitted sock patterns Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Annies.

If your family is the sort to do a turkey trot for Thanksgiving, or even just to take family pictures, you’ll want to get started knitting up some Turkey Sack Hats with this pattern from Underground Crafter.

The pattern uses super bulky yarn and is rated easy. It’s knit flat but there are a few skills in here around the shaping of the eyes, which includes changing colors, working bobbles and doing a wicked purl 3 together decrease. Twice.

But that’s all in one row, and the rest of it is pretty simple. The beak is worked separately and sewn on, and the side of the hat is stitched up to make it into a hat.

What’s great about this one is that it comes in 10 sizes, ranging from newborn to adult large, so you really can make one for everyone in the family. And because it uses super bulky yarn you can knit a bunch pretty quickly if that’s a thing you’d like to do.

It’s also fun because you could use this base pattern to make different animals or for different holidays. Make it all in orange and stitch on a jack o’lantern face for Halloween, or make a white one that’s a snowman, for example.

In any style this would also be a fun gag gift for that person in your life who has everything or doesn’t want gifts, or if you do a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange at work or elsewhere.

And make sure whether you’re making it a turkey or some other character that you include the pom poms at the top! They’re just so cure and a great way to add a bit more color to the project, and they’re easy to make. (See also: ways to make a pompom with yarn.)

You can grab the free pattern at the Underground Crafter website.

[Photo: Underground Crafter]

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