You don’t need more patterns. You need better ones.

In the beginning, it feels straightforward. You just want to make something—maybe a sweater. Something you’ll be proud to wear and tell everyone you knit it. 😉

So you open Etsy. Or YouTube. Or Google.

And suddenly, you’re scrolling through hundreds of options labeled “beginner-friendly.” Some look approachable. Others sound encouraging. But even the ones marked “easy” leave you second-guessing.

I still remember trying to follow free Drops patterns—wondering why something so basic felt so overwhelming. Yes, there were videos, but I still had to work too hard to make sense of it all.

Here’s what I’ve come to realize: finding a good pattern isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how clearly it guides you— whether it’s truly written for beginners, not just labeled for them.

We don’t need more patterns. We need better ones.

That’s what this Esenote is about. A few tips, a few favorite places to search, and a simple way to find your next project that feels doable, not daunting.

 

🏁 So, where do you start?

Instead of getting lost in endless search results, it helps to know where to look—and what to look for. Some platforms make the process easier, especially once you know how to use their filters, reviews, and hidden gems.

• ​Ravelry​ – I usually start by setting the difficulty filter to level 1 or 2, then sort the results by “most projects.” From there, I spend some time reading through project notes from other knitters. That’s where you’ll find the real story—what worked well, what needed adjusting, and whether beginners felt confident following the pattern.

If you want a deeper guide, check out my Esenote ​"How I get the most from Ravelry."​

• ​Etsy​ – Typing in “beginner-friendly knitting pattern” will bring up so many beautiful, modern designs. I love Etsy for the photography, but even more for the reviews. Read a few, and you’ll quickly get a feel for whether the pattern is clear and achievable. 
• ​Instagram​ – Searching hashtags like #knittingforbeginners is a great way to see what others are working on. You can also follow designers who create patterns for adventurous beginners—there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in their posts and stories.
• YouTube – Channels like ​Kutovakika​​,​ ​Ashley Lillis​​,​ and ​B.Hooked Knitting​ are wonderful for visual learners. Their tutorials are easy to follow and include PDF patterns with size options, so you can knit along confidently.

After exploring where to look, let me also share a few designers who consistently create beautiful, supportive patterns for beginners.

 

​🧶​ Two Etsy designers I always recommend.

⭐️ DarlingJadore​ – Sierra was the first designer who showed me how much a pattern could support a knitter. She inspired me to go beyond the basic instructions and include helpful tips in my own patterns. Her style is modern and minimal, but never cold. I especially love the ​Weekend Sweater​—a simple design that feels incredibly polished.

⭐️  Caidree​ – If you’re looking to build your skills and gradually learn how to knit just about everything, Caidree’s Etsy store is a wonderful place to start. Her designs cover all the essentials—sweaters, cardigans, tops, and more.

One of my favorites is the ​Dartmoor Sweater​—a timeless piece with an elegant one-stitch seam down the back.

And the perfect first sweater ever is ​Gallant Sweater​ (chunky yarn).

Both designers include short video tutorials for any techniques that might be new to you, which makes their patterns feel even more supportive—especially if you're just starting to explore new shapes or stitches.

 

💡A mindset insight.

Don’t rely on the label. “Easy,” “effortless,” “perfect for beginners”—those words are often just that: words. What really matters is how the pattern feels when you’re following it—and whether it gives you the support you need.

 

How to know if a pattern is truly beginner-friendly before buying it:

✔ Promises helpful photos or video links inside the pattern;

 ✔ Top-down construction, so you can try it on as you go;

✔ Mostly knit stitches and minimal seams;

✔ Needle sizes that won’t slow you down— at least 4 mm (US 6) or larger, with a gauge no tighter than 20–22 stitches per 10 cm. Smaller needles mean smaller stitches, which can feel slower and more tiring to beginners. Larger needles show progress faster and make mistakes easier to see and fix;

 ✔ Notes from real knitters on Ravelry or Etsy—those reviews can tell you more than any description.

 

📍And here’s something to keep in mind.

Even if a pattern says “perfect first sweater,” that doesn’t mean it has to be your first project. Most knitters start smaller—with a hat, a scarf, maybe a light summer top. Let those first few pieces build trust in your hands. That confidence is what makes everything else possible.

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Let this be your reminder: you don’t need to knit complicated things to become a “real knitter.” You need consistency, joy, and just one pattern that makes you feel proud. I’m here to help you discover that.

I know how hard it is to scroll through patterns not knowing which ones are truly beginner-friendly. That’s why I’ve started ​a Pinterest board​ — filled with tops and tees (summer is coming 🌞), all chosen for their simple construction. Each one looks genuinely doable and satisfying for adventurous beginners.

I’ll keep updating the board—so if you’re looking for inspiration while you wait for my Summer Soul Top tutorial, feel free to explore.

❤️ I hope this Esenote was useful and inspiring.

Warm regards,

Julia Piro

Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator

P.S. Follow me on ​Instagram​ or ​Facebook​ for behind-the-scenes updates!