Pick a Pattern
You can find lots of FREE knitting patterns online!
Pinterest is a fun place to look for ideas, as is Ravelry - a social networking site for knitters.
Make sure to refine your search to include only knitting patterns (as opposed to crochet).
If you're a beginner, look for patterns that include only knit (k) and purl (p) stitches.
For more simple projects, like scarves, you can also create your own pattern.
Just pick a stitch pattern that you like:
Garter Stitch
Knit every row.
Stockinette Stitch
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Single Rib (knit 1, purl 1)
For an even number of stitches:
Row 1: *k1, p1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat this row.
Double Rib (knit 2, purl 2)
For a multiple of 4 stitches:
Row 1: *k2, p2;
repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat this row.
Seed Stitch
For an even number of stitches:
Row 1: *p1, k1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat this row.
Moss Stitch
For an even number of stitches:
Row 1: *k1, p1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 2: Repeat Row 1
Row 3: *p1, k1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 4: Repeat Row 3
Waffle Stitch
For a multiple of 3 +1 stitches:
Row 1: p1, *k2, p1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 2: k1, *p2, k1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 3: Repeat Row 1
Row 4: Knit
Checkerboard Stitch
For a multiple of 8 +4 stitches:
Row 1 & 3: k4, *p4, k4;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 2 & 4: p4, *k4, p4;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 5 & 7: p4, *k4, p4;
repeat from * to end of round.
Row 6 & 8: k4, *p4, k4;
repeat from * to end of round.
Broken Rib Stitch
For an odd number of stitches:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: p1, *k1, p1;
repeat from * to end of round.
Rice Stitch
(Reverse side of Broken Rib Stitch)
Work same as Broken Rib Stitch.