An Incredibly Easy Method That Works For All
10 Apr 2021
Beginner Knitting Projects Inspired by Classic Fantasy Tales
There is something deeply comforting about curling up with a classic fantasy tale — a dragon guarding treasure, a wizard poring over ancient scrolls, a forest humming with quiet magic. The good news is that those same motifs translate beautifully into beginner knitting. You do not need to master cables, lace, or colourwork to make something that feels genuinely enchanted. Garter stitch — simply knitting every row — is the bread and butter of new knitters, and it happens to look like dragon scales, woven wizard robes, and the ridges of a forest path. The repetitive motion is meditative, too, which makes it perfect for audiobook sessions or a favourite fantasy film in the background.
Start small. A bookmark, a square for a blanket, or a palm-sized familiar will teach you cast on, knit, cast off, and simple seaming without overwhelming you. Each finished piece builds confidence, and before long you will be adding embroidered stars, tiny wings, and colour changes with ease.
Before you cast on, choose yarn that will not fight you. For bookmarks, a smooth cotton DK is ideal because it is sturdy, shows stitch definition, and does not stretch out of shape. For blankets, a chunky acrylic or wool blend is warm, forgiving, and machine washable — a blessing if you have pets or children. Needle sizes matter: use 4mm for DK, 5mm for aran, and 6mm for chunky. Always check the ball band, but these are reliable starting points.
This is the perfect first project. Using DK cotton and 4mm needles, cast on 12 stitches with the long-tail method. Row 1: knit. Repeat this row until the piece measures 20cm. Cast off. The garter ridges already resemble overlapping scales, but you can enhance the effect by working four rows in ember orange, then four rows in charcoal, repeating these stripes. Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with the yarn in front for a neat edge that will not curl.
To finish, add a tassel at one end to suggest a dragon's tail. Cut six lengths of yarn about 20cm long. Fold them in half, pull the loop through the corner stitch, then thread the loose ends through the loop and tighten. Trim the ends to a point. Your bookmark is ready to guard your place in the next chapter.
Blankets sound ambitious, but a simple square-based design is very achievable. Using chunky yarn and 6mm needles, cast on 30 stitches. Knit every row until the square measures roughly 25cm. Cast off. Make twelve squares in alternating colours — deep purple, starry grey, and forest green. Arrange them three by four and join with mattress stitch using the same yarn. The finished blanket will be about 75cm by 100cm, ideal for draping over your knees during a long reading session.
For a magical forest touch, knit a few small leaves to sew on. Cast on 3 stitches. Knit one row. Then knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch every other row until you have 7 stitches. Knit four rows straight. Next, knit two stitches together at the beginning and end of every other row until 3 stitches remain. Cast off. These little leaves add texture and personality without any complex shaping.
Small toys are brilliant for using up leftover yarn and practising shaping. For a pocket dragon, cast on 3 stitches. Row 1: knit. Row 2: knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch. Repeat this increase row every other row until you have 15 stitches. Knit ten rows straight. Then decrease by knitting two stitches together at the beginning and end of every other row until 5 stitches remain. Cast off. Fold the piece in half, seam the sides, stuff lightly, and seam the top. Add two small garter-stitch triangles for wings and embroider eyes with black yarn.
For an owl, cast on 20 stitches, knit 30 rows, and cast off. Fold in half, seam the sides, then gather the top and bottom edges with a running stitch and pull tight. Embroider large round eyes and a small triangular beak. If the toy is for a child under three, embroider all features rather than using beads or safety eyes.
Finishing touches are where your project becomes truly yours. Block your knitting by gently washing it according to the ball band, then pinning it into shape on a towel and leaving it to dry. This evens out your stitches and makes blankets and bookmarks look more professional. Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle, working in one direction then back the other way to secure them.
As you grow more confident, try the purl stitch to create stocking stitch, or add a simple eyelet row for a cloak-inspired scarf. Read a fantasy novel while you knit, listen to a classic adventure, or join a local craft group — the geeky knitting community is warm and welcoming. You are already making magic, one stitch at a time.
Geekess An honest, everyday look at the things that make life a little better — with advice you can actually use.
April 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood hangouts that you've only ever seen on TV. Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood.
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Soldman Kell
April 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood hangouts that you've only ever seen on TV. Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood.