Do you have a little one in your life who would love to receive a handmade gift? Whether you have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or friends with kids, you are sure to appreciate these free knitting patterns for children. The best part, of course, is that all of the patterns are free. Yay!
The second and third best parts are that, for obvious reasons, knitting patterns for children take up less time and less yarn too. That means you don’t need to stock up on as much yarn (unless there’s a sale, and then I really can’t blame you!). That also means that you might actually have a good chance at finishing one of these projects. (Unlike the 3 ish other WIPs you have tucked away in the shame basket right now. Unless that’s just me!)
Ok so what kind of free knitting patterns for children are we talking about? Well, as you may very well know, we only curate the cream of the crop around here. These are all modern and trendy designs that have been released semi recently. They have great photos, clear instructions, and best of all there’s no broken links. That’s just the kind of quality you can expect from the most amazing crochet corner of the internet (a.k.a. Love Life Yarn).
We have free knitting patterns for children that will help them look cute and stay cozy no matter the weather (whether or not they’ll actually want to wear what you make is a whole different story, but that’s kids for you). There’s everything from sweaters, to socks, to scarves, and those are just the designs that start with the letter “S”! All that and more await you further down the page.
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and see all of these fantastic knitting patterns for children for yourself!
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25+ Free Knitting Patterns for Children
Lille Diva
The Lille Diva sweater is knit from the top down in the round with a raglan sleeve. You’ll be using primarily stockinette stitch as well as delicate lace stitchwork for the detailing on the neck and cuffs. The pattern employs very little shaping but the wonderful drape of the fabric created by the fine yarn provides plenty of movement for play.
Designer: Carrie Rasmusssen for Filcolana
Yarn: Filcolana Vilja (Lace Weight #0)
Filcolana Tilia (Fingering Weight #1)
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BFF Stripe Sweater
It’s always so much fun to wear matching clothes with your bestie (I would totally do this as an adult if I could get away with it). I imagine that it would be equally as fun for siblings, so don’t get too caught up on the name. Of course, you could also just make the one crew neck raglan sleeve sweater and I’m sure it would be just as cute!
Designer: Sirdar
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Replay DK (DK Weight #3)
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Ballerina Hat
Hold two similar shades of yarn together for a fun marled effect that will create a truly unique hat. Children are sure to love the little swirl that the decreases in this hat create as you work your way up from the brim. Tell them that the swirl has the power to make them twirl like a ballerina and have fun watching them try.
Designer: Diana McKay
Yarn: Mountain Colors Tangofoot (Lace Weight #0)
Mountain Colors Mountain Frost (Light Fingering Weight #0)
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Cozy Handwarmers
Mittens are out and fingerless gloves are in. I think it’s been that way for a while actually. So if your child refuses to wear mittens, then maybe you could try these instead. The pattern is available in 4 different sizes so you could make a pair for each member of the family. You can choose to knit flat or in the round depending on your preference.
Designer: Maker Maker Store
Yarn: Woolly Yarn Co Woolly 8ply (DK Weight #3)
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Leaf Lace Dress
This pretty lace dress in a nice spring green color looks perfect for warmer weather. Of course, it would also work nicely for cooler weather when layered over a long sleeve shirt as shown. The pattern is knit from the bottom up in the round. You’ll notice that the lacey leaf motifs are bordered by garter stitches and the bodice of the dress is knit in stockinette.
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Yarn: Universal Yarn Magnolia (Fingering Weight #1)
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V-Neck Cardigan
A fun yarn with a colorful novelty print is sure to appeal to a child’s imaginative sense of style. I think it’s safe to say that this v-neck cardigan isn’t going out of style any time soon! The pattern is worked flat from the top down using stockinette stitch along with ribbing for the cuffs, hem, and collar.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Dottie (DK Weight #3)
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Jubilee Crown Headband
If your little princess won’t keep her hat on when it’s cold out, then try this crown headband instead. It’s easy to knit in back and forth rows using garter stitch and the pattern is available in 4 sizes so you can ensure a good fit. In addition to everyday wear fit for a queen, it would make an excellent addition to a dress up trunk or a Halloween costume.
Designer: Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
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Kids Scrap Yarn V Neck Sweater
You don’t need to buy any sort of special yarn for this design. Just dig through your scraps basket and see what you can come up with. This is a great way to make a project that’s totally unique to you and perfectly suited to the kiddo that it is intended for. The pattern is worked flat in stockinette.
Designer: Gina Michelle
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (Aran Weight #4)
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Zig Zag
I adore the playful design of this kids knit cardigan pattern. The striking diagonal lines are created through an interesting construction method involving increasing and decreasing. It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it’s something that any kiddo would love to wear. I wish they had the pattern available in my size!
Designer: Sanne Bjerregaard
Yarn: Filcolana Tilia (Lace Weight #0) and
Filcolana Saga (Lace Weight #0)
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Christmas Stocking Cap
Get the kids in the holiday spirit with these Christmas Stocking Caps. Switch up the colors to create a Santa style hat or an elf style hat. They’ll love embracing the festive season and you won’t have to worry about their ears getting cold – it’s a win win! The pattern is knit from the bottom up in the round.
Designer: Fox & Pine Stitches
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Christmas Loop Scarf
Seed stitch provides the tantalizing texture that you can see in this adorable loop scarf. This is definitely the kind of knit project that you will not be able to resist touching. All of the little bumps are just so satisfying to feel! You also get the added textural interest of the fluffy and soft faux fur yarn.
Designer: Little Red Window
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4) and
Bernat Pipsqueak (Super Bulky #6)
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Sledding Scarf
Your little one needs a special scarf to go sledding – one that won’t fall off their neck. This adorable little accessory features a keyhole design for a snug fit. The flared ends of the scarf help ensure that the ends of the scarf won’t slip out and it adds a certain charm too. You’ll be knitting in garter stitch rows for this one.
Designer: Ji Luo
Yarn: madelinetosh Tosh Vintage (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
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Winter Smiles Headband
If your kiddo won’t keep their hat on, maybe they would prefer a warm headband instead. This is an especially good option for preteens and teens that may be worried about embarrassing hat hair! The simple and straightforward pattern is knit in stockinette in the round with a bit of cablework that provides the signature twist.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine (DK Weight #3)
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Elben Child Socks
Don’t assume that enjoying the gift of socks is a phenomenon exclusive to adults. I know more than one kiddo that would love to receive these rainbow beauties! They are knit in stockinette stitch and they feature an interesting cable piece that runs down the front of the ankle and top of the foot.
Designer: Sys Fredens
Yarn: Hobbii Atlas Happy Feet (Light Fingering Weight #0)
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Julius Junior Sweater
Who doesn’t love a good Christmas sweater? This one features a festive arrangement of reindeer and geometric shapes. The 3 color design isn’t too tricky and you have plenty of time to make it before December. You’ll be knitting this design in flat pieces that are worked from the bottom up and then seamed together.
Designer: Sanna Mård Castman
Yarn: World of Yarn Malaga Solids and Hobbii Fluffy Day (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
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Name Personalized Hat
Make a handmade gift extra special by adding the child’s name to it. As an added bonus, it will be much harder for them to lose! This easy design has you add the letters on afterwards using duplicate stitch. You might need to opt for using just initials instead if the child has a really long name.
Designer: Fox & Pine Stitches
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Cherry Blossom
Here’s another one of our free knitting patterns for children for a cute headband. This one is a little fancier so you can stretch your knitting skills and really help your little one show off their sense of style. The design features a satisfying combination of cables and lace knit in the round.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Baby Merino (Sport Weight #2)
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Cheshire Mittens
Your kiddo will be feeling as satisfied as the cat that ate the canary when they put on these warm and cozy striped mitts. The pattern is worked in the round with stockinette stitch. When you are done knitting you will felt the mittens to close up all the tiny holes in the stitches and make the mittens extra warm.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Lima (DK Weight #3)
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Aviator Jacket
Some little boys might not like the idea of a hand knit sweater, but I bet that they would love to receive an aviator jacket like this one! Whether they aspire to be a pilot when they grow up or not, they are sure to appreciate the trendy design. The pattern is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed.
Designer: Cascade Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 220 Superwash® Aran (Aran Weight #4)
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Bandana Cowl
Kids can snuggle up in style with this chic bandana cowl. It’s knit in the round using increases to form the point of the bandana. So easy, right? The best part is that you really don’t need all that much yarn. I bet you have what you need in your stash already so you can get started on it right away!
Designer: Sara Crandall
Yarn: Berroco Quechua (Sport Weight #2)
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Kids Hooded Cardi
Playful self striping yarns are perfect for kids knitwear. This pink and blue colorway is called Saltwater Taffy. How fun is that? The pattern is knit flat in pieces and then seamed. You’ll be using mostly stockinette stitch for this project along with some ribbing for along the cardigan opening and the hood.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Colorfusion DK (DK Weight Yarn #3)
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Cloud Line Cowl
Here’s one of our knitting patterns for children that kids can actually knit for themselves! The pattern is worked with pre-looped, self-striping yarn. You don’t need a knitting needle and you don’t even know how to knit. That’s how easy it is to create this cute and cozy striped cowl using blanket yarn!
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Alize Blanket EZ (Jumbo Weight #0)
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Chunky Pumpkin Roll Beanie
What better time of year could there be to rock this pumpkin beanie? Celebrate harvest time with a pumpkin hat that’s knit from the bottom up in the round. The pattern is knit double stranded with a bright orange and an earthy ginger held together. Two subtly different shades create a unique mottled look.
Designer: Handknit Hugs
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted
Patons North America Classic Wool Worsted
Double Stranded = (Bulky Weight #5)
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Funny Bunny Kids Blanket Hoodie
Blankets and hooded sweatshirts are both classic gifts for kids. Combine them into one and you’re got an irresistibly cozy wearable that they will never want to take off! Who could resist that cute kangaroo pocket and that adorable hood with the bunny ears? The pattern is worked flat in pieces and then seamed.
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Blanket and
Bernat Blanket Twist (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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Dino Sweater
I bet you know more than one kiddo that’s obsessed with dinosaurs! Make them a sweater they’ll love to wear because it features their favorite thing. The front and back of the sweater are identical – including the neckline, so your child can wear their dinosaur on whichever arm they would like.
Designer: Erna De Groot
Yarn: Scheepjes Softfun and Scheepjes River Washed (DK Weight Yarn #3)
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Free Knitting Patterns for Children from Love.Life.Yarn
These knitting patterns for children are just pure fun! Did you have a favorite design from this list? Or do you have other tried and true knitting patterns for children that you would like to recommend? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
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I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
Thanks for the list–I found 2 items that I just had to put on to my to-do list. The Sledding Scarf and the Bandana Scarf. These items will be easy to knit and are very practical for children who are walking to school and also for outdoor play.