Take it Easy with the Sandstone Scarf Knitting Pattern

A new year is a great time to learn new skills, and if you’re just now taking up knitting (welcome!) or are reminding yourself how to knit because it’s been a while (welcome back) or even if you’re trying to teach someone else to knit, starting with something really basic is a great thing to do.

The garter stitch scarf is a classic first knitting project because it’s relatively quick and easy and it doesn’t have to come out a particular size. It’s also not the end of the world if your tension isn’t perfect, or if your edges are a little wonky.

If you’re looking for a beginner project with just a little bit more flair, try the Sandstone Scarf from Mirella Moments.

It uses super bulky yarn (which is my preference for beginners because it’s easy to handle) in three colors, which means you’ll learn how to change colors straightaway. It also has fringe, which is an easy way to make a simple project a little more fun.

And even if you are a knitter with a few projects under your belt, this is a nice meditative project for working while watching TV or when you need something that isn’t going to require a lot of thought. This would be a great charity knitting project or a way to get a jump on your gift knitting for next year (it’s really never too early!).

You can grab the free pattern from Mirella Moments.

Looking for more easy knitting patterns for beginners? Check out this post I compiled last year of easy garter stitch knitting projects to take you beyond scarves. Here are some more fun garter stitch projects, because apparently I write a post about garter stitch knitting patterns every year. Probably because even as a not-beginner, I still love knitting garter stitch from time to time. How do you feel about garter stitch? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo: Mirella Moments]

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When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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