Free Knitting Patterns for Children

From LoveToKnow Crafts

Children as young as five can learn to knit using free knitting patterns for children.

Free knitting patterns for children make it easier than ever to teach kids to knit.

The Benefits of Learning to Knit

If your child has expressed an interest in your latest knitting project, consider teaching him/her the basics of this fun craft. Knitting offers several benefits for children:

  • Knitting gives children self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It’s an excellent self-esteem booster.
  • Learning to knit is an educational activity that helps improve special recognition, math skills, design skills, and physical dexterity.
  • Knitting is a calming activity that helps reduce stress. Working on a knitting project is a great way to unwind after a long day.
  • If you’re worried about your child watching too much television, knitting is a constructive alternative activity.
  • When you work on charity knitting projects with your child, you’ll teach him/her about the importance of helping others.
  • Learning to knit is a skill that your child will have for life. Someday, you may even find that your child is teaching his/her own children how to knit.

Teaching Your Child to Knit

If you’re teaching your child to knit using free knitting patterns for children, remember the following tips:

  • Wool is generally the easiest yarn for a child to work with.
  • Size 10 needles are large enough for kids to handle with ease. Look for knitting needles made from plastic or bamboo to prevent accidental injuries.
  • To keep your child from becoming frustrated, plan on helping him/her cast on, cast off, and pick up dropped stitches.
  • For a very young child, consider teaching finger knitting before moving on to more complicated tasks.
  • If you’re on a tight budget, give your child inexpensive yarn purchased from the discount bin of the nearest yarn shop. Needles can often be found at garage sales and thrift shops.

To learn more about teaching your child to knit, visit the following helpful resources:

Finding Free Knitting Patterns for Children

Finding free knitting patterns for children can be tricky since many projects aren’t specifically labeled as being for kids. However, you can teach a child to knit using quick knitted projects designed for a novice adult student if you provide close supervision and adapt the sizing of any clothing items.

The following free knitting patterns for children would make excellent first projects for a young knitting student:

You may also want to ask for a copy of one of these books from your local library:

Teaching Teens to Knit

If you’re planning to teach a teen to knit, it’s best to treat him/her as an adult student and not an overgrown child. Don’t “dumb down” your instructions and consider current fashion trends as you’re planning your lessons.

Scarves are great projects for teaching teens to knit because they are fashionable and offer the opportunity for personalization. Using just knit and purl stitches, teens can create a number of different patterns. For example:

  • Twin rib: multiples of six stitches, row 1, knit three, purl three; row 2, knit one, purl one.
  • Moss stitch: work on even number of stitches, row 1 and 2, knit one, purl one across; row 3 and 4, purl one, knit one across.
  • Basic rib: even number of stitches, row 1, knit one, purl one; row 2, purl one, knit one.
  • Double rib: multiples of four, row 1, knit two, purl two; row 2, purl two, knit two.
  • Rice stitch: even number of stitches, row 1, knit one, purl one; row 2, knit across.
  • Seed stitch: work on even number of stitches, row 1, knit one, purl one; row 2, purl one, knit one.
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Comments

Hi, my name is karla and i am 10 years old. I started knitting when i was 7 and i have done lots of projects.I have also taught some other girls in my grade how to knit.I know a reallllly great book that is from the library.It's called how to knit by fiona watt.It uses aran and double knit wool because it's english but i just use 6 ply insead of double knit and 8 ply instead of aran.It's a book for beginners.i LOVE this website and i just want to thank you because it's really helpful˜

-- Contributed by: Karla

Naomi,

In addition to the links we've listed above, your local library is a great resource for learning more about knitting. Most libraries have a variety of children's craft books or can request a specific title if you ask.

If you live near a yarn shop, you may also want to ask if there are classes available. Even if the classes are not advertised as being for children, they will probably let you attend if you explain that you are in need of some extra assistance.

Dana Hinders

LoveToKnow Crafts Editor


-- Contributed by: Danahinders

hello my name is naomi grix i am 13 years of age and i recently read your artical on crafts.lovetoknow.com. I have just started knitting about two monts ago and i was wondering if you would send me any information i can get about knitting. I realy want to get better and learn more stiches but know one i know can teach me. i greatly appreciate any help you can give me . thanks again!

-Naomi Ruth Grix

-- Contributed by: Naomi Grix

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