8 Easy Patterns for Learning to Knit with Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)

These easy patterns will help any beginning circular knitter start knitting in the round with confidence!

Sometimes, when you’re learning a new knitting skill, all you really need is one easy pattern. Have you found that yourself?

Over nearly 15 years of knitting, I have repeatedly found this to be true. Yes, tutorials are super helpful (and if you want one for circular knitting with DPNs, check out this post!)

Tips and tricks from someone who’s been there and made lots of mistakes (like me! *cough*) are helpful too. And if you’d like to take a look at those, this post may help you to launch.

But what I’ve always found to be the most helpful is to find a fun, easy pattern, and just dive right in. So if you’re like me, you’re ready to get on with it. Check out the 8 free patterns below! The collection is divided into two parts: clothing and cozies.

Simple, Knitting Patterns for Clothing Using DPNs

Be Loving Hat

• What you’ll need to make it: 75 to 200 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 6 and 8 DPNs

• Why you’ll want to: This is a simple beanie that can be knit for anyone from an infant to an adult.

Ellie’s Perfect Booties

• What you’ll need to make them: 50 to 55 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 DPNs

• Why you’ll want to: What better reason to try using DPNs than an absolutely adorable set of baby booties?

Just Try It…

• What you’ll need to make it: For original pattern, 200 to 400 yards worsted weight yarn and US Size 8 DPNs. However, the pattern offers a number of alternatives for the yarn weight, so you have lots options depending on what you have.

• Why you’ll want to: “It” is a very simple, snug-fitting ribbed cowl. Bonus points for the clever name (after the response the designer gave to her man after he sputtered when she handed it to him).

Mmmalabrigo Glovies

• What you’ll need to make them: 75 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 8 and 7 DPNs; stitch markers; stitch holder, scrap yarn, or spare DPN

• Why you’ll want to: Because this pattern for a small pair of fingerless mitts can be knitted in a flash. And then, they can be tucked into a pocket or purse and carried everywhere, just in case!

Recluse

• What you’ll need to make them: 250 yards worsted weight (split into two balls, as you’ll hold the yarn double); US Size 8 DPNs; stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: Holding worsted-weight yarn double means these garter-stitch slippers knit up much faster than your average worsted-weight patterns. And the thicker fabric means toasty toes!

Sucky Thumb Mitts

What you’ll need to make them: Small amounts of DK weight yarn (particularly for babies), slightly more heavy worsted weight yarn if knitting for older kiddos; US Size 3 DPNs (for babies) or a size suitable for your yarn, if knitting for older kiddos with heavy worsted weight

Why you’ll want to: These fingerless mitts keep tiny hands warm while leaving the fingers and thumbs free for mouthing.

Simple Cozies to Make with DPNs

Kindle Cover Cozy (2 Ways)

• What you’ll need to make it: Less than 120 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (divided in two colors, if you want stripes); US Size 8 DPNs

• Why you’ll want to: If you have an e-reader or a tablet, this pattern is a terrific way to keep it safe, especially while traveling. Comes in two different variations (double stripe or lots of stripes) and is a great way to also practice either Kitchener stitch or 3-needle bind-off.

Ice Pop Sleeve

• What you’ll need to make it: 25 to 50 yards worsted weight cotton yarn; US Size 6 DPNs

• Why you’ll want to: This is one of the most ingenious knitting patterns I’ve seen. Sometimes young children aren’t too keen to hold ice pops because their fingers get cold. These sleeves provide a cushion between the ice pop and tender young fingers. Isn’t that clever? (And it’s a great, easy practice for DPNs to boot!)

I hope that these patterns will help all of you knitters new to the world of circular knitting feel ready to take it on!