17 Easy Knitting Projects Using Only Two Straight Needles

In this post I show you my favourite easy knitting patterns that don’t require double pointed or circular knitting needles. These projects are perfect to help beginning knitters (adults or kids) gain confidence while creating something beautiful and useful.

It’s funny to be sharing knitting patterns on my blog, because my mother is a much more experienced (and far more patient) knitter than I am. I only learned to knit when I was pregnant with my first baby, taught by my partner and a little book I borrowed from the library.

Since then, I’ve knit on and off through the years. Every now and then I challenge myself with something more complicated, but I still love simple patterns, especially the kind you can make with just two straight needles.

They’re relaxing, easy to pick up in the evening, and often simple enough to do with kids around (or even for kids to do themselves).

So, I decided to gather all the projects you can knit flat – no circulars, no fancy techniques – in one big compilation post of free knitting patterns. It’s part reminder for myself and part inspiration for you too.

Some of these ideas have links to more detailed posts (including the occasional video tutorial). Let me know if you have any question. Hope you enjoy!

1. A Simple Scarf

The classic beginner project. A scarf is perfect for practicing knitting while watching a movie or chatting with friends. It’s also great for using up bits of yarn if you like a colourful scarf.
How to make it:

Cast on 20 – 40 stitches, depending on your yarn and how wide you want it.
Knit every row for a garter stitch texture (flat), or alternate knit and purl rows for stockinette (might curl at the edges).
Continue until your scarf is as long as you like, then bind off and weave in the ends.
Variations: Try colour blocking, stripes or a ribbed pattern (K2, P2) for texture.
Tip: Use chunky yarn and large needles for a fast, squishy scarf that knits up in a weekend.

2. Chunky Ribbed Hat (Knit Flat & Seamed)

You can make a winter hat without circular needles. This version is knit flat and sewn up the back and top.
How to make it:

Measure your head and cast on enough stitches to match that width (usually 60–80 stitches for worsted or chunky yarn).
Work in a K2, P2 rib stitch for about 6–8 inches.
For the crown, decrease gradually over a few rows, then cut the yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches.
Seam the back using mattress stitch.
Tip: Ribbing helps the hat stretch and fit well, even if your tension varies a bit.

For more detailed instructions, check out the following free patterns:

knitted stripey hat and two knitting needles

3. Headband or Ear Warmer

Quick, cute and useful. Perfect for using up leftover yarn.
How to make it:

Cast on 12 – 20 stitches, depending on how wide you want your headband.
Knit every row for garter stitch, or alternate knit/purl rows for ribbing.
Continue until the strip fits snugly around your head.
Bind off, sew the short ends together, and weave in ends.
Variations:
- Twist the band before sewing for a “turban” look.
- Add a button or decorative stitch pattern in the center.
  Tip: Soft, stretchy yarn works best for comfort and fit.

4. Flat Fingerless Mitts

These look nice but are essentially just rectangles. A great project for kids who have just started knitting.
How to make it:

Cast on 30 – 40 stitches and work in your preferred stitch pattern until you have a rectangle long enough to wrap around your hand.
Fold the piece in half lengthwise and sew up the side, leaving a small gap for your thumb.
Tip: These make lovely handmade gifts, especially when paired with a matching scarf or hat.

Find more detailed instructions over here: How to Knit Easy Fingerless Gloves on Two Straight Needles

5. Easy Slippers

Warm and surprisingly simple. This can be a comforting project for an evening in front of the fire.

Tools & materials:

2 straight needles (US 8 / 5 mm)
1 ball of super bulky yarn (or hold 2 strands of worsted weight yarn together)
Yarn needle for seaming
Scissors

Pattern:

Cast on 30 stitches.
Knit every row (garter stitch) until your piece measures about 8 inches (20 cm) for a smaller foot or 9 inches (23 cm) for a larger foot.
Shape the toe:
- Knit 2 together across the row (15 stitches).
- Cut a long tail of working yarn, thread it through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close the toe.
Sew the slipper:
- Fold the piece in half and seam along the top of the foot and the back of the heel.
- Leave a small opening for your foot to slip in.
Finishing touches:
- Weave in ends.

Optional: Brush a bit of puffy fabric paint on the soles to make them non-slip.

6. Dishcloths

A dishcloth is another great beginner project. Small, quick and useful. It’s also a great way to try new stitch patterns without pressure.
How to make it:

Cast on around 30 stitches in cotton yarn.
Knit every row (for garter stitch) or experiment with seed stitch, basketweave, or simple lace.
Bind off when you’ve made a square.
Tip: Use sturdy cotton yarn so it holds up in the wash. These also make lovely eco-friendly gifts when paired with a handmade soap.

7. Mug Cozy

A mug cozy keeps your drink warm and your hands cool, and it’s a fun way to use leftover yarn.

How to make it:

Cast on about 12 – 18 stitches and knit until it fits snugly around your mug.
Bind off and add a button loop on one end and a button on the other.
Variation: Try adding cables or ribbing for extra stretch.

Optional:

Embroider a small leaf or snowflake in a contrasting yarn for a seasonal design.
Add a cinnamon stick or a tea bag and wrap it up as a great gift for autumn or winter.

8. Coasters

These are the tiniest, most satisfying projects you can knit, and they take almost no time.
How to make it:

Cast on about 20 stitches in cotton yarn.
Knit until you have a square.
Optional: crochet or whipstitch around the edge for a finished look.
You can make a full set in an evening (for example using autumn or winter shades), and they look beautiful tied with twine for gifting.

9. Table Runner

A simple way to bring handmade texture to your table. You can knit a long rectangle using any stitch you love: garter or moss look lovely (stockinette stitch might curl too much to lie flat).
How to make it:

Cast on enough stitches for your desired width (around 40–60).
Knit in your chosen pattern until it’s the right length for your table.
Tip: Cotton, linen or bamboo yarns drape nicely and are easy to wash. You can also stripe leftover yarns for a rustic, homespun look.

10. Pillow Cover

Transform your living room or bedroom with a simple knit pillow cover.
How to make it:

Knit two rectangles the same size as your pillow insert.
Sew three sides together, slip in the insert, and seam the last edge (or add buttons for a removable cover).
You can play with textures (eg chunky cables) or use a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn to add embroidered motives to your pillow cover.

female hand holding knitting needles and yarn on her lap cat sitting in the back

11. Shawl or Wrap

The perfect slow project for relaxing evenings. Shawls and wraps are usually worked flat, so you can knit them with straight needles even if they grow large.
How to make it:

Cast on a generous number of stitches for a rectangular wrap or start small and increase each row for a triangle.
Choose a soft yarn that drapes beautifully, like merino or alpaca.
Tip: Keep it simple with garter stitch and color changes, or add a lace edge once you feel more confident.

12. Simple Vest or Top

If you’ve never knit a garment before, this is the perfect first step.

How to make a very simple version:

Knit two panels (front and back) to your desired size and shape.
Sew the shoulders and sides, leaving armholes and a neck opening.
You can use a simple rib or moss stitch for interest. The fit is relaxed and forgiving, so it’s a gentle way to learn garment construction without stress.

How to make a slightly more advanced version:

Needles: 5 mm (US 8) straight needles (or size needed to get gauge)
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 400–500 g for a medium size)
Gauge: 18 sts = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
Size: Instructions given for S (M, L, XL).
Type of yarn: Cotton or soft wool blend

Back:

Cast on 80 (88, 96, 104) sts.
Work in rib (k1, p1) for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Switch to stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) and continue until the piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17) inches from the cast-on edge.
Armhole shaping:
- Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Then decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row 3 times (use k2tog on the right edge, ssk on the left).
- Continue in stockinette until armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5) inches.
Bind off all stitches.

Front:

Work as for back until the armhole shaping is complete.
Shape neckline:
- Work across 32 (36, 40, 44) sts, attach another ball of yarn, bind off center 16 (16, 16, 16) sts, and work to end of row.
- Working both sides at once, decrease 1 st at each neck edge every RS row 4 times, then every 4th row 3 times.
- Continue without further decreases until front measures the same as the back.
Bind off all stitches.

Finishing:

Shoulders: Sew shoulder seams together.
Sides: Seam sides, leaving about 6.5–7” open for armholes.
Neck and armhole edges:
Pick up and knit stitches around the neckline and work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib for a neat finish. Do the same for each armhole if you like a polished edge.
Weave in all ends and block gently to shape.

Optional:

Add tiny embroidered flowers or leaves along the hem or neckline for an autumn touch.
Use ribbon ties instead of shoulder seams for a breezy summer look.
For winter, try a super bulky yarn and slightly larger needle size (8 mm) for a cozy vest you can layer over shirts.

child peeling vegetables — my youngest son used to wear his knitted vest a lot in the winter, it’s too small now..sniff

13. Cowl (Knit Flat, Then Seamed)

A cowl gives you all the coziness of a scarf without the dangling ends.
How to make it:

Cast on 30 – 40 stitches and knit until the piece fits comfortably around your neck.
Bind off and sew the short ends together.
Try garter stitch for a rustic texture or seed stitch for something more sophisticated. For a twist cowl, sew the ends together with one half-turn before joining.

14. Leg Warmers

They’re just simple tubes you can knit flat and seam, no double-pointed needles needed.
How to make it:

Cast on 40 – 60 stitches depending on your leg size.
Work in ribbing for stretch, or garter stitch for a slouchy fit.
Knit until they’re the length you want, then seam up the side.
They look especially cute layered over leggings or boots. Bonus: they knit up fast and are a great way to use up extra yarn from other projects.

15. Bookmarks

If you’re a beginner knitter, this is an excellent choice for your first project. It’s small, quick, and lets you focus on mastering your basic knitting stitches without worrying about shaping or seaming.
How to make it:

Cast on 8 – 12 stitches in a smooth worsted weight yarn (try self-striping yarn for an interesting pattern).
Knit every row in garter stitch.
If you’d like your bookmark to end in a neat triangle, start decreasing:
- Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit.
- Repeat these two rows until only 4 stitches remain.
- Next row: k2tog twice.
Cut your working yarn, leaving a short tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches with a crochet hook or needle, pull tight, and weave in the ends.You’ll get a clean, pointed tip that looks especially nice when finished with a small tassel or bead.
Tips: These make sweet gifts or can be paired with a handmade knit dishcloth set for a special occasion.

16. Baby Blanket

A soft, squishy baby blanket is one of the easiest flat knitting projects and one of the most satisfying to finish.

How to make it:

Cast on around 100 stitches (more or fewer depending on the size you want).
Work in garter stitch for the whole blanket, or try stockinette with a few garter rows at each edge to keep it from curling.
Keep knitting until it’s square or the length feels right.
Bind off loosely and weave in the ends.

It’s simple and makes a beautiful handmade gift for a new baby or just a comfortable lap blanket for yourself.

17. Reusable Gift Bag

A reusable gift bag is such a sweet, eco-friendly project, and a fun way to use up leftover yarn.

How to make it:

Cast on 30 – 40 stitches.
Knit in garter, stockinette or seed stitch until it’s twice as long as you want the finished bag.
Fold it in half, seam the sides and weave in the ends.
Thread a ribbon or knitted cord through the top for a drawstring.

You can make a few in different sizes for wrapping small gifts, treats or treasures. They look extra special tied with a sprig of greenery or a handmade tag.

I hope you found something inspiring in this post today, even if you are a complete beginner. Every stitch you knit is a step forward, and before long, you’ll be moving from your first knitting project to your own knit hat patterns, easy baby sweater knitting pattern or even more complex patterns.