Easy Beginner's Ruffled Scarf Pattern

This is a generic pattern that is very versatile. Any size yarn and any size needles! The finished scarf will be wavy and ruffly and the length will depend on the yarn and needles used.
36" circular needles are best suited to this as there will be a lot of stitches on the needles.

For this scarf, I am using size 11 36" circular knitting needles and Red Heart Worsted Weight acrylic yarn in the Monet colorway.

To begin, cast on 40-60 stitches. The lighter the yarn or the smaller the needle the more stitches you will need to begin with. For ww yarn, 50 stitches would work well for sock yarn, 60 stitches will be needed.
Stitches in parenthesis reflect the number of stitches started with.

Row 1-3 knit across (50, 60)
Row 4 - knit into the front and back of each stitch (100, 120) (You will doubling the amount of stitches every 4 rows)
Row 5-7 - knit across (100, 120)
Row 8 - repeat row 4 (200, 240)
Rows 9-11 - knit across (200,240)
Row 12- repeat row 4 (400, 480)
Rows 13-15 - knit across (400,480)
Row 16 - repeat row 4 (800, 960)
Rows 17-19 - knit across (800, 960)
Bind off.
Weave in ends.

I'm still working on one and will post finished photos of it as soon as I can!

Using a "Safety Line" in knitting projects

Using a safety line in knitting projects can save time and a lot of headache. This is simply a long piece of yarn (same weight or smaller) that is run through the stitches of the piece.

It can become quite frustrating when you've spent a lot of time working on a project, then accidentally drop a stitch or make a mistake. With this "safety line" in place, you will only need to frog (rip it - ribbit) to the line and place those stitches back on the needle and continue! No more undoing the whole thing and starting over.

To place a safety line in your project, thread a yarn needle with a long piece of contrasting yarn, then run the threaded needle through the stitches that are on the knitting needle. Do not remove them from the knitting needle.

Then proceed to knit or purl your next row, being careful not to catch the safety line in the work.

How to Find Free Easy Knit Patterns

Image via WikipediaKnitting can be a fun and relaxing way spend some "Me" time, while producing something that can be given to loved ones, keep for yourself, or even sell for a profit here and there. There is nothing more rewarding than creating something with your own hands.

It can become quite expensive to begin knitting, so finding free or nearly free patterns is a help.

www.Ravelry.com is a fabulous forum. Create an account and you will have access to new friends who are knitaholics, free patterns and paid, all skill levels are welcome and you can even find local knitting groups.

Knitting Pattern Central - a plethora of patterns ranging in skill levels from beginners to advanced)

Free Easy Knit Dishcloth Pattern

Image by GroggyFroggy via FlickrThis is an easy and very popular knit dishcloth pattern. You can make two with one ball of yarn.
Supplies Needed:
1 Ball 100% cotton yarn (Sugar & Cream, Peaches & Cream) color of choice
Size 10 1/2 knitting needles.

Cast on 4 stitches.
Row 1 - Knit across.
Row 2 and all rows until you have 33 or 39 stitches on the needle) - Knit 2, yo, knit across.
Next row will begin decreasing.
Knit 1, knit 2tog, yo, knit 2tog, knit across - you will have 32 or 38 stitches
Repeat previous row until 4 stitches remain on needle.
Knit across.
Bind off.
Weave in ends.

Knitting Mittens For Beginners

Image by Wesley Fryer via FlickrAre you a beginning knitter that is ready for something a tad more difficult or challenging, but still easy enough for the novice to complete? How about making some mittens to go with that beautiful scarf you finished?!

Here are a couple of free mitten patterns that are suitable for  novice beginners. Do not let the idea of the thumbs scare you. Just take your time, read the directions and in no time at all you will have a pair of mittens to show off!

Patterns using two knitting needles:
Lion Brand Two-Needle Mittens
Child’s Mitten
Two-Needle Mitts

The following patterns use 4 or 5 double pointed needles to work “in the round”, making rounds instead of rows. These would be suitable for novices ready for a challenge. To adapt these patterns to two needles, simply work flat, adding one stitch at each end and working the thumb gusset in the center.
Tweedy Mittens -  (beginners only use one color)
Warm Winter Mitts