If you are a beginning or casual knitter, or even one with years of experience, it is always nice to have some easy knitting patterns in your library.  A pattern that is easy to follow and easy to knit does not mean that you will end up with a simple scarf or potholder though.

Easy patterns to knit can result in a beautiful sweater, pair of socks, or a hat.  As long as you have mastered casting on, the knit stitch, and the purl stitch than you are good to go.  Take a learn to knit class at your local yarn store or check out the helpful videos at Knitting Help.

Hopefully we will be able to guide you to those easy knitting patterns that every knitter should have.   There are some wonderful books as well as individual patterns that can help guide you from a skein of yarn to a comfy sweater that will keep you warm all winter long. 

On a side note it may be helpful to mention that what you knit with is just as important as the knitting pattern you are using.  Many experienced knitters have a favorite type of yarn and needle that they like to work with.  If you are not fond of knitting then perhaps you just need to make some changes.  Acrylic yarn, while easily found in most craft stores, is generally not considered a nice yarn to knit with.  You may want to try knitting with a wool or cotton yarn to see if you like that better.  Knitters also tend to have a preference between metal and wood or bamboo needles. 

One of the best books to start with is the Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd.  This book will give you instructions for knitting a multitude of items in a variety of sizes.  This book is a must have for anyone looking for easy knitting patterns.

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“We’ve always been pretty crafty anyway,” she says. “We all knit. The girls knit. This year I’m doing these great big knit…well, actually I shouldn’t even talk about it because I can’t say it!”

Plus she likes the personal touch of handknit gifts.  She is planning on spending the Holidays in Colorado with her family.  She has been a lifelong skier and plans to hit the slopes.  And cast on an easy knitting pattern project perhaps?

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According to a recent article in the Birminham news knitting stores are busy:

“People are nesting,” said Higgins, owner of In the Making, a Vestavia Hills knitting store. “They’re doing things at home. They’re doing handmade things.”

Higgins launched a Tuesday knit-along group to offer knitters of all skill levels a project that would “keep the stitching going on a more economical scale.”

Each participant will knit a four-foot throw made of Eco Wool, an environmentally friendly yarn that is also low-cost. The whole project costs just $30.

The shop has seen such a large turnout that knitters have to bring their own chair in order to have someplace to sit during the gathering.  Other craft stores are also reporting that sales are up as people are making more of their own handcrafted items for the holidays such as cards and decorations.

Are you planning on making more items to give away this year?  What are some of the knitting projects that you are working on?

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It is now December and the holiday gift giving season is almost here.  Are you ready with all of your knitted gifts?  If you are anything like me than your holiday knitting gift list is a very long one.  There is not much time left to get it all done.  That is where some easy knitting patterns could come in handy. 

Generally easy knitting patterns are quick to knit and do not involve any complicated stitch patterns.  I love patterns that I can finish in only a few hours or maybe in a few sessions while I am watching the television or listening to some music. 

Scarves, hats, mittens, and small sweater projects make up the bulk of my holiday presents.  If you live in a warmer area that does not see much cold weather, then consider making a beret or lightweight scarf out of cotton yarn.  Berets are the must have knitted hat this season.  And they are a very simple knitting project.

If you are looking for some easy knitting patterns then I must recommend the Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd.  It is filled with knitted projects that will fit everyone from a toddler to an adult.  You can also use any size yarn with the simple instructions for adjusting with gauge.  It is a great book for helping to knit down your yarn stash and getting your Holiday gift list taken care of.  Or if you do not have much yarn on hand then you will not have to run from store to store to find the right types of yarn that other patterns may call for. 

Good luck and have fun knitting.  Let me know your favorite easy knitting patterns too.  I’m always on the lookout for great one.  I’m not sure you can ever have too many patterns in your library.

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Judy Schooling began knitting three years ago.  She taught herself to knit and soon she turned her attention to those in need.  She picks a different shelter to donate to each year so as to spread the warm hats around.

Schooling doesn’t need recognition for her efforts and is content knowing she is helping someone less fortunate.

“I just want them to know someone cares,” Schooling said. “They don’t have to know my name, I just like to know they appreciate it and that it keeps them warm.”

Schooling was featured in an article in her local newspaper. She will be able to donate 48 hats that she made this year. 

Do you use your knitting skills to help others?  A simple knitting pattern, some yarn, and needles are all that you need.

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Knitter’s cramp can certainly put a pinch into how much knitting you can accomplish.  And with the holidays fast approaching now is not the time to get slowed down.  Most knitters’ have a huge list of projects to complete in time for holiday gift giving.  If you treat your hands correctly, they may be able to help you get more done this year. 

An article on OregonLive.com suggests just the right exercises and stretches to accomplish just that.  Probably the most important one is proper stretching.

“Before, after, during. I found these exercises from Berroco, and they’ve helped during my marathon knitting sessions. I can’t vouch for the glove they’re selling, but you don’t need it to do the exercises.”

She also suggests changing which type of yarn you are using and the type of project.  If you have been spending a large amount of time working on a sweater in worsted weight cotton, it may be a good idea to change to a fingering weight sock project knit with wool yarn. 

“Take a break. Or lots of them. I have this bad habit of doing marathon knitting sessions. Bad idea. Really, really painful idea, too. I’ve found that stretching out my hands every 20 or 30 minutes means I won’t be forced to take weeks- or months-long breaks later on. (Let’s just say that when I’m forced to quit knitting for weeks or months, it creates health problems for the people around me. Who knew that knitting was a form of anger management? My loved ones know it now.)”

All of these ideas should help you get more knitting down and have the chance to knit more of the beautiful yarn in your stash.  You know that you have at least a basket of it somewhere just waiting to get on the needles.  Now pull out an easy knitting pattern and get started.