Our best free knitting patterns are a nice mix of socks, sweaters, hats, cowls, and blankets, and there are toys and more accessories too! These free patterns feature brioche, texture, lace, and cables and include beginner-friendly patterns as well as more challenging handknits. We regularly release new free knitting patterns, so the most popular free pattern on Knit Picks is constantly changing.
Strata Cowl
by Megan Gonzalez, knit in Swish DK
History can be traced through layer upon layer of geological strata, and these layered stripes of sedimentary rock have formed over eons. Luckily the colorful stripes of this beginner’s brioche pattern won’t take nearly as long! The simple shape of this knit cowl provides the perfect base for learning how to knit brioche in the round with two colors at a time.
Little Mishka
by Emily Kintigh, knit in Fable Fur
Cast on your new favorite free toy pattern! This adorable teddy bear is perfect for snuggling, and the Fable Fur yarn makes a super soft, fuzzy fabric that’s forgiving of any mistakes. It knits up quickly and makes a great gift.
Semplice Fingerless Mitts
by Stacey Winklepleck, knit in Upcycle Alpaca Blend Sport or Galileo
“Semplice” is Italian for “simple” and these fingerless mitts couldn’t be easier. Whether you work in a chilly office or just need a little extra warmth on the hands in the spring, these mitts can be knit up in a matter of hours! Twisted ribbing on the cuffs looks decorative and helps hold the mitts snug to the wrist without cutting off circulation. Sportweight yarn keeps the mitts warm without the extra bulk. Great for quick last minute gifts!
ABC Baby Blanket
by Jenny Williams, knit in Heatherly or Comfy Worsted
Swathed in this blanket knit with a heavenly soft cotton yarn, your little one is sure to find sweet dreams. Garter stitch borders surround 9 classic baby blocks including A, B, C, a duck, a sailboat, a heart, a star and two 4-square blocks. Easy enough for a beginner to knit, this free blanket pattern is sure to become a treasured favorite.
Willow Pullover
by Therese Chynoweth, knit in Galileo
The Willow Pullover is a simple yet elegant sweater knitting pattern, with an easy all-over lace stitch pattern and super deep v-neck. Knit with the perfect blend of wool and viscose, this piece will stay comfortable as the seasons change.
Blocks and Ribs Throw
by Faith Schmidt, knit in Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky
Blocks and Ribs Throw is a fun, easy, beginner-friendly blanket knitting pattern. Garter stitch, ribbing, and stockinette stitch combine to make a delightfully textured throw. Perfect for TV or social knitting, it can easily be resized to fit your needs.
Roly-Poly Bunny
by Kimberly Kalnoki, knit in Brava Tweed
This charming Roly-Poly Bunny is a great project for beyond-beginner knitters who are new to making toys. The bunny can also be a lovely gift for any occasion, as the design can easily be customized for a specific holiday or recipient depending on the colors of yarns or ribbon used.
Classic Lines Cardigan
by Alison Backus, knit in Alpaca Cloud Lace
A simple, free, cardigan knitting pattern is ideal to have in a pattern collection! This cardigan is knit in lace yarn held double; the subtle stripes come from adding a third strand every sixth row—the loose fabric allows this triple-stranding without changing the gauge. This creates a lightweight garment that’s perfect for chilly evenings or overly-enthusiastic office air conditioning.
Go Your Own Way Socks
by Stacey Winklepleck, knit in Stroll
Toe Up? Top Down? Undecided? No matter your sock knitting preference, this pattern is for you. Great for beginners, this free basic sock pattern has multiple sizes for everyone on your list and instructions for both knitting from the toe up as well as from the cuff down included. Grab a pretty skein of sock yarn and, as Fleetwood Mac says, you can go your own way.
Cabled Sunburst Washcloth
by Kendra Nitta, knit in Dishie
This lovely cabled washcloth brings a burst of sunshine into your kitchen or bath. The zig-zagging cables are easier than they look (hint: some aren’t even cables!) making this a great skill-builder for knitters new to cabling. The picot edging extends the sunburst effect. This washcloth makes for a lovely gift, too!
Melodeon Hat
by Tetiana Otruta, knit in Muse Hand Painted Aran
This simple, textured hat uses just knit and purl stitches to create a fun pleated-looking stitch pattern, almost like accordion folds. Perfect for giving the shape some slouch structure!
