Cozy knits and steaming cups of tea are the perfect fall accessories. Whether you are an experienced crafter or just beginning, knitting your own cold-weather clothes is both possible and fun. Knowing where to start is crucial; but once you have a few basic stitches mastered, you can produce your own scarves, blankets, holiday decorations, and more.
A festive fall of crafting awaits you! Scroll down for our list of knitting and crochet patterns for all abilities.
Learning the Basics of Knitting and Crochet
If you are new to knitting and crocheting, there are plenty of educational resources on the internet.
Crochet projects are done with a single crochet hook and can be quicker than knitting. Knitting, by contrast, uses two needles. While not hard to learn, knitting is generally the more complicated of the two crafts. You’ll want to learn the basic knit stitch as well as casting on. This helpful video explains the knitting basics—even for absolute beginners. The purl stitch, which is another basic knitting technique, can also be learned through video tutorials.
Knitting needles and crochet hooks come in different sizes. This impacts the size of the stitches and how tight (or loose) the weave of your work will be. Bigger needles create a looser knit. Be careful to follow the pattern’s requirements.
Although they use different tools, the same yarn considerations must be made for both knitting and crocheting. Yarn comes in strands of different widths. The thickness of the yarn may seem like a little detail, but it can greatly impact stitch count and the size of your final product. When reading a knitting or crocheting pattern, make sure to note the gauge of the yarn needed.
18 Knitting and Crochet Patterns for All Skill Levels
A Festive Knit Pumpkin
Decorate your mantlepiece with adorable knit pumpkins. Choose some orange yarn or the color of your favorite fall gourd. A free pattern is available on Ravelry.
Comfy Slippers You Crafted Yourself
Slippers are a must for chilly fall days, so make sure you’re prepared with this DIY pair. Designed by Mamachee, the intermediate-level pattern calls for an H hook and bulky yarn to bring out the cable design across the top of the foot.
Crocheted Socks
If slippers aren’t your thing, try crocheting this pair of socks. The beginner-friendly pattern by The Stitchery & Co. uses basic stitches with the option for color changes so you can customize your look.
A Cute Knit Scarf
A scarf is a classic beginner knitting project for good reason. Easy, wearable, and cute, there are so many scarf patterns for all abilities. Beginners can try this free pattern of a chunky-knit from Berroco. Another free color-blocked pattern from O Wool is perfect for minimalists.
A Quick Knit Headband
No matter your experience level, a knit headband is a quick project. Try out this ribbed design from Ravelry for starters. Or if you are feeling ready to try cable knit, this free pattern is a perfect introduction.
Knitted Mock-Neck With a Cropped Fit
Mock-neck shirts and a cropped fit are in. Keep up with the latest trends when you knit this sweater. As a beginner-friendly pattern, it uses the stockinette and rib stitch with some eventual knitting in the round. Once you’re done, you’ll have something to carry you through the fall and winter and even into next spring.
A Cozy Shawl
For walks in the autumn woods, knit an elegant shawl. This cool Outlander-inspired pattern is affordable and approachable. To crochet a shawl, check out this “casual cool” wrap.
The Cutest Hat for Kids
As the holiday season approaches, knit some adorable hats for the kids in your life. This Failynn Fox Cowl might be the cutest pattern on the internet. Beginner crochet enthusiasts can try these easy and colorful pom-pom hats from Yarnspirations.
An Ingenious Shoulder “Cozy”
Sometimes a little extra warmth goes a long way. This clever shoulder cozy pattern is inspired by Icelandic winter knitwear. Another cable-knit pattern gives a more Irish impression.
A Chunky-Knit Blanket
These chunky knit blankets are not only trendy but quick to craft thanks to the size of the yarn and needles. Try knitting the blanket using your arms instead of needles for a project you truly cannot put down. Want more instruction? Laura Birek offers an affordable pattern.
A Useful Coffee Cozy
Accessorize your hot beverages with these cute cozies. Nestle that Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte into this perfectly-sized pumpkin cozy. For fans of Oktoberfest, crochet these adorable colorful cozies with this easy pattern. (Just remember that knit cozies will not fully protect your fingers from heat.)
Stylish Layering Cardigan
If the thought of crocheting a sweater intimidates you, this Mezzo cardigan pattern has a different way of looking at it. “You’ll begin by crocheting two relaxing hexagons,” the designer writes, “which will magically transform into the sleeves, a back and sweater fronts.” Curious about how that works? You’ll just have to crochet it to find out!
Festive Christmas Tree Ornaments
If the grocery store starts playing carols, it is time to think about trimming your tree. Get a head start by crafting these gorgeous tree ornaments for friends and family. A cute bedazzled tree pattern can also add extra pizzazz to your decorations.
Snuggly Boat-Neck Sweaters
Knitting a sweater is a noble goal and may seem intimidating. However, after mastering some basics, this pattern by Madison Marie provides an easy path to your first sweater; the chunky-knit boat neck design is perfect for layering all fall long. For crocheting, this easy pattern for a textured turtleneck is comfy enough to spend all day in.
Darling Deer Scarf
Originally created for kids but adjusted for adults, this design by Nina Führer might appear impossible. But with the help of her eight-page pattern, you’ll be able to craft this charming deer scarf. Prior to tackling this project, you should have some prior knitting experience.
Bubblegum Sweater
If you find it hard to dress cute in colder weather, then you haven’t seen the adorable bubblegum sweater by AlizaKnits. By completing this knitting pattern, you can make your own chunky top with a fun textured finish.
Crochet Indoor Plants
Even if you have trouble with indoor plants, you can still create your own everlasting garden. This crochet pattern by KeeleysCrochet will instruct crafters how to make their own hanging vines from start to finish.
Tulip Sweater Vest
Sweater vests are a fall staple. Instead of picking one up at the store, you can learn how to make your own with this pattern by NastjaCrochets. It features a beautiful tulip print.
Online Classes
Crochet Crash Course: Fiesta Fringe Bag at My Modern Met Academy: Have some crafty fun when you fashion this fringy bag. New to crochet? No problem! You’ll learn how to create the bag from start to finish.
This article has been edited and updated.
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