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!

Simple, Free Knitting Patterns for Beginning DPNers

Be Loving Hat: This is a simple beanie that can be knit for anyone from an infant to an adult.

Ellie’s Perfect Booties: I can’t think of a better reason to try using DPNs than these absolutely adorable baby booties.

Just Try It…: “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: Here’s a pattern for a quick-knitting pair of fingerless gloves that can be tucked into a pocket or purse and carried everywhere, just in case!

Recluse: These garter-stitch slippers will keep chilly toes toasty.

Kindle Cover Cozy (2 Ways): 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.

Sucky Thumb Mitts: Fingerless mitts for babies, because why should adults have all the fun? These keep tiny hands warm while leaving the fingers and thumbs free for mouthing.

Ice Pop Sleeve: 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!