41 Beginner Knitting Projects: Scarves, Blankets, Hats, Socks, and More
Updated on July 29, 2023
Beginner knitting projects are patterns written clearly enough that they allow someone new to the craft to create a knitted object successfully. Knitting patterns suitable for beginners have clear instructions with photographs or videos illustrating the steps. The guidance provided in the pattern sets out each step of the construction process in detail so that it becomes a matter of following each step carefully to produce the end product.
Beginner knitting projects usually require knitting needles. However, there are several other types of knitting methods suitable for beginners, including arm knitting, loom knitting, and hand knitting. These methods are considered simpler than standard knitting as they do not use needles, but rely on greater manual dexterity to produce the finished object. It is possible to grade patterns for their suitability for beginners according to three main criteria.
- Clarity of instruction: Beginner patterns have written explicit instructions describing every step in detail. Depending on the nature of the pattern, there may also be drawings or charts to help clarify stitch placement and garment construction.
- Quality of photographs: A good beginner pattern has clear photographs illustrating every step of construction
- Complexity of stitches and techniques: The basics of knitting include the knit and purl stitches, casting on, and binding off. Some easy beginner patterns will be designed to introduce a knitter to a new technique, such as knitting in the round (rather than be an introduction to a new craft).
Starting to knit is a potentially confusing process as there are many different types of yarn, needles, and patterns available. A new knitter must decide on a project suitable for their skill level, which is a challenge with such a large number available for free. They must then choose what composition of yarn they wish to use and what type of needle is best. Yarn is fairly expensive, so it’s best to have a good understanding of what is needed to complete a project before beginning to knit. YouTube is a great source of knitting tutorials, and along with the patterns in this article and the online knitting community of Ravelry, anyone can teach themselves to knit.
There are three main benefits of selecting beginner knitting projects, even if you’re not a beginner. First, easy patterns make for ideal palette cleansers between more complex projects, allowing you to rest your fingers while still scratching the itch to knit. Complex knitting patterns take concentration because of the challenging techniques and involved pattern repeats. Many knitters prefer to knit something simpler once they finish a complex project; it allows them to continue to knit on autopilot and rest while they regroup for another, more challenging pattern. Additionally, knitting easy patterns helps to reinforce your mastery over basic stitches, such as garter stitch or moss stitch. While these stitch patterns are simple, practicing them allows a knitter to truly master the basics. Finally, easy knit patterns allow you to quickly bang out a thoughtful handmade gift, even when short on time and material.
Moreover, knitting is a great source of satisfaction and joy. Some knitters find the art of knitting to be a meditative practice, allowing them to manage stress and anxiety. When things feel out of control, picking up needles and yarn allows one to work through a problem. While one’s fingers are crafting a simple, mindless project, the brain works through the issue, and a solution soon follows. The act of crafting material using nothing but sticks and string and producing a beautiful garment at the end of that effort brings one a great deal of satisfaction. Gifting a homemade knit is a highly meaningful, lasting gesture that offers thoughtful contrast in the age of fast consumerism. Moreover, knitting provides an alternative to endless scrolling on social media or losing time in front of the television (although the more accomplished knitters do both!).
We’ve chosen free patterns suitable for a very first knitting project below. You’ll find selected free, easy patterns and projects that will help you build your skills so that, eventually, you’ll progress to more complex knitting techniques.
Free knitting patterns for beginners
There are many free knitting patterns aimed at beginners, but some are more appropriately labeled than others. Many patterns don’t indicate the level of challenge, and what one person finds easy may be considered more difficult by someone else. The free knitting projects featured below have three points in common: they have unambiguous instructions, easy-to-follow pictures and use the simplest building blocks of knitting (casting on, knit and purl stitches, and binding off). Some of these projects also include simple shaping techniques and form an ideal way for a beginner to practice the basics of knitting before attempting more ambitious patterns.
1. Dottie Baby Blanket
The Dottie Baby Blanket by Marianna is a simple, modern baby blanket that makes an ideal gift for a new arrival. Knitting up quickly, the blanket pattern is ideal for beginners as it uses only knit and purl stitches in a short pattern sequence. Find the free Dottie Baby Blanket pattern on Marianna’s Lazy Days blog.
2. Friday Shrug
The Friday Shrug is an ideal stash-busting project, using nine colors of yarn (with yarn held double throughout); it’s a great way to use up leftover yarn from other projects. The pattern is suitable for beginners as it consists of a 1 x 1 rib with no shaping. The simple pattern also makes this an ideal way to try knitting in the round for the first time. Find the free Friday Shrug pattern on Ravelry.
3. V Formation Chunky Hat
The V Formation Chunky Hat is a lovely little knitting project that is ideal as an introduction to cabling. Knit in the round and bulky yarn, this pattern uses a simple cable repeat suitable for beginners (the repeat is easy to memorize). Find the free V Formation Chunky Hat pattern on Ravelry.
4. Waffle Stitch Washcloth
The Waffle Stitch Washcloth by Sarah Jane Seamstress is a quick project, ideal for a useful, small gift. Cotton is recommended for washcloths, making them practical, easy to wash, and absorbent. This project is ideal for beginners because it uses a simple combination of knit and purl stitches. Find the free Waffle Stitch Washcloth pattern on Ravelry.
5. Flax Pullover
The Flax Pullover by Tincan Knits is part of a series of 12 patterns designed specifically for beginners. This project is ideal as a first sweater knit, introducing the crafter to knitting in the round, simple shaping and the construction of a large garment. Find the free Flax Pullover pattern on Tincan Knits.
6. Fog Chaser Cape
The fog chaser cape by Gina Michele makes a lovely alternative to cowls and scarves and is a great first project for those wishing to try circular knitting. Made with chunky yarn, the fog chaser cape is a quick knit using a simple combination of knit and purl stitches. Find the free pattern on the Gina Michele
7. World’s Simplest Mittens
The World’s Simplest Mittens by TinCan Knits is a great first mittens project; with simple shaping and clear instructions for different yarn thicknesses and size of final garment, enabling you to knit mittens for the whole family. Find the free World’s Simplest Mittens pattern on TinCan Knits.
8. Rainbow Baby Blanket
The Rainbow Baby Blanket from My Poppet Makes would make a great first colorwork project. The baby blanket is knitted entirely in garter stitch, making it straightforward and perfect for those new to knitting. Find the free Rainbow Baby Blanket pattern on the My Poppet Makes.
9. Bulky Ribbed Cowl
The Bulky Ribbed Cowl by Mama in a Stitch is made with a simple ribbed pattern, giving it lots of stretch and making it a good project for a beginner. The cowl is finished with buttons, and the pattern provides instructions for how to embellish the finished item. Find the free Bulky Ribbed Cowl pattern on the Mama In A Stitch blog.
10. Baby Cocoon and Cap
The Baby Cocoon and Cap by Yarnspirations is an adorable baby cocoon and cap set perfect for a newborn. Knit in an easy-to-memorize rib pattern, this project makes up quickly and is the perfect gift for a baby shower. Find the free Baby Cocoon and Cap pattern on Yarnspirations.
11. Bandana Cowl Scarf
The Bandana Cowl Scarf by Ashley Lillis offers an unusual alternative to a scarf. The detailed tutorial comes with a video demonstrating the techniques used to make this piece. Knit in garter stitch, it’s the perfect first project for a beginner. Find the free Bandana Cowl Scarf pattern and video tutorial on Ashley Lillis.
12. Piece of Cake Blanket
The Piece Of Cake Blanket by Purl Soho is an ideal way to familiarise yourself with colorwork. The pattern combines simple knit stitches and blocks of color to produce a wonderful, cozy blanket. Find the free Piece Of Cake Blanket pattern on Purl Soho.
Easy knitting projects for absolute beginners
Easy knitting projects for absolute beginners are patterns that are perfect for a beginner’s very first project. All the knitting projects chosen below have three factors in common. First is clear unambiguous instructions that offer enough detail to support someone new to the craft. Second, primarily use basic stitches, usually simple combinations of knit and purl stitches (although some are knit in garter stitch, which comprises knit stitch for every row). The simplicity of these projects makes them easy to pick up and requires no complicated or involved way of tracking what point in the pattern instructions you’ve reached. Finally, the easy knitting projects below require little to no shaping. While shaping techniques are not complicated, for a beginner, it’s best to build confidence and skill using the most basic knitting stitches before moving on to more involved techniques.
13. Garter Stitch Scarf
The Garter Stitch Scarf by Ysolda Teague is a basic scarf knit in garter stitch. The project involves casting on and using knit stitch until the required length is achieved. It allows the beginner to practice these important building blocks of knitting before moving on to more complex stitches. Find the free Garter Stitch Scarf pattern on Ravelry.
14. Super Bulky Basic Beanie
The Super Bulky Basic Beanie by Julia Dunn makes an ideal first hat project with its simple pattern and limited shaping. The beanie knits up quickly on circular needles using super bulky yarn. Find the free Super Bulky Basic Beanie pattern on Ravelry.
15. Basic Pillow Cover
The Basic Pillow Cover by Purls and Pixels is a simple, elegant pillow cover that is adaptable by the more confident crafter. This beginner-level project uses the most basic knitting techniques, including casting on, knit stitch, knitting in the round, and binding off. Find the free Basic Pillow Cover pattern on Purls and Pixels.
16. Easy Baby Sweater
The Easy Baby Sweater by Handy Little Me is a fantastic first sweater project for beginners. Small enough to knit up quickly using basic garter stitch, along with limited shaping, this makes a lovely gift for a child. Find the Easy Baby Sweater pattern for free on Handy Little Me.
17. Coffee Cozies
The Coffee Cozies pattern by Pattymac Makes makes an ideal first knitting pattern. The pattern knits up quickly, uses simple stitches with no shaping, and is adaptable for those feeling adventorous. Find the free Coffee Cozies pattern on Pattymac Makes.
Easy scarf patterns for beginners
Easy scarf patterns are an ideal way to try new stitch combinations and knitting techniques. Scarves are great projects for beginners because they are long, rectangular shapes with no shaping and require very little in the way of equipment. For most scarves, you’ll need your yarn of choice, knitting needles of the appropriate size, and scissors. We’ve chosen our favorite patterns fitting these criteria and listed them below.
18. Birch Trees Scarf
The Birch Trees Scarf by Julia Marsh is a simple lacy scarf with five panels of pattern repeats. The birch scarf is an ideal first lace pattern as it uses a simple combination of knit and purl stitches to produce a delicate branching motif. While we would not recommend this pattern for an absolute beginner, it is suitable for anyone confident in the basic knit and purl stitch. Find the free Birch Trees Scarf pattern on Ravelry.
19. Wheat Scarf
The Wheat Scarf by TinCan Knits is part of their learn-to-knit series aimed at complete knitting newbies. The scarf uses worsted weight yarn and 5 mm needles to produce a beautiful, elegant, textured scarf. Find the free Wheat Scarf pattern on the TinCan Knits.
20. Lawrence Scarf
The Lawrence Scarf by Jane Richmond Designs produces a stunning textured material that looks complex but actually consists of a simple garter stitch with bias shaping. The beginner-friendly pattern comes with instructions for using two different yarn weights. Find the free Lawrence Scarf pattern on the Jane Richmond Designs.
21. Ned Scarf
The Ned Scarf by Mouton Rouge is ideal for beginners, using a simple combination of knit and purl stitches to produce a visually interesting, textured garment. The pattern knits up quickly using 5 mm needles and sports-weight yarn. Find the free Ned Scarf pattern on Ravelry.
22. Easy Scarf
The Easy Scarf by Diane L Augustin uses garter stitch, self-striping yarn, and simple increases to produce a beautiful, warm garment. Ideal for a beginner because of the simplicity of the pattern, this scarf knits up quickly. Find the free Easy Scarf pattern on Ravelry.
Easy sock patterns for beginners
Easy sock patterns are ideal projects for beginners. Socks are much less complicated than they look, consisting of a long tube with some simple shaping and ribbing. They offer good practice for beginners and experts alike and are always useful as a warm, fluffy treat for your feet.
23. Rye Light Socks
TinCan Knits’s Rye Light Sock Pattern produces an interesting variation on a plain sock. Designed for a beginner, the pattern comes with full instructions for making six sizes for the whole family. Find the free Rye Light Sock pattern on the TinCan Knits.
24. Step-by-Step Sock Tutorial
The Step-by-Step Sock Tutorial by Nimble Needles is exactly as described, the ideal first sock project for a beginner. The tutorial sets out detailed instructions on how socks are constructed, talks through the different needle types and construction methods, and gives guidance on how to knit a pair of socks for any shoe size. Find the free tutorial on Nimble Needles.
25. Wise Hilda’s Basic Ribbed Sock
Wise Hilda’s Basic Ribbed Sock by Kate Atherley is a modern, clean ribbed sock pattern. Kate is the managing technical editor of Knitty.com, one of the world’s most beloved and popular online knitting magazines. The pattern is written for various sizes and has clear instructions and guidance. Find the free Wise Hilda’s Basic Ribbed Sock pattern on Kate Atherley’s blog.
26. Yoga Leg Warmers
The Yoga Leg Warmers by Hobbii, the Copenhagen-based yarn retailer, is a simple pattern with basic ribbing and no shaping, ideal for those just starting to knit. The free pattern instructs to make leg warmers for a mix of sizes. Find the free Yoga Leg Warmer pattern on Hobbii.co.uk.
Easy sweater patterns for beginners
We’ve gathered the best easy sweater patterns for beginners below. Using the criteria we set out previously (clear instructions and simple stitch patterns), we’ve picked patterns we feel suit beginners wanting to create garments. However, these patterns contain shaping stitches, which are necessary to make a garment that fits. While shaping is not difficult, it does take more concentration. These patterns should be considered a good first step when learning to shape knitting and should form a springboard to exploring more complex knitting as confidence grows.
27. Shawl Collar Cardigan
The Shawl Collar Cardigan by Yarnspirations is the perfect little knit for a toddler. This beginner project uses chunky yarn and simple stitches to produce a beautiful shawl collar cardigan. Find the free Shawl Collar Cardigan pattern on Yarnspirations.
28. Step by Step Sweater
The Step-by-Step Sweater by Florence Miller is a simple raglan sweater using basic, beginner-friendly construction techniques. Knit in garter stitch, the sweater has a relaxed fit and two neckline options. Find the free Step-by-Step Sweater pattern on Ravelry.
29. Simple Knit Sweater
The Simple Knit Sweater by Sewrella is a great beginner-level pattern for someone who has never knitted a garment. The pattern has video guidance and uses knit and purl stitches with minimal shaping. Find the free Simple Knit Sweater pattern on Sewrella.
Loom knitting patterns for beginners.
Loom knitting patterns for beginners are not as widely available as patterns made with knitting needles as it is not as popular a craft as standard knitting. Loom knitting is the craft of producing fabric using a loom and hook tool. A knitting loom is a frame made from metal, wood, or plastic, which has evenly spaced pegs on which yarn is looped using the tool. The frame comes in various shapes and sizes, with the size of the object produced depending on a combination of the size of the loom used and the weight of the yarn.
Loom knitting is considered easier than knitting with needles and allows for the creation of various garments, including scarves, sweaters, hats, socks, and even blankets. For this reason, loom knitting is a good way for a beginner to start knitting. Loom knitting is a great way to introduce children to knitting as the knitted material forms quickly.
Loom knitting is used for more complex knitted creations, including cabling, and is, therefore, a good way to experiment with new techniques and concepts. We have chosen our favorite loom knitting patterns for beginners based on the criteria we set out previously.
30. Loom Knit Tweedy Hat and Scarf
The Loom Knit Tweedy Hat and Scarf from Lion Brand is a matching set made for crisp winter days. The beginner pattern uses a simple garter stitch to produce a modern take on the scarf and hat combination. Find the free hat and scarf pattern on Lion Brand.
31. Chunky Basketweave Cowl
The Chunky Basketweave Cowl by Good Knit Kisses is knit as a flat panel and then seamed at the end. This cowl pattern knits up quickly into a warm wrap for winter and uses a simple series of stitches on the loom, which is suitable for a beginner. Find the free Chunky Basketweave Cowl pattern on Good Knit Kisses.
32. Easy Double Knit Shawl
The Easy Double-Knit Shawl by KB Looms is knit on a double-knit loom to produce a double-thickness material. The cozy shawl has an interesting visual texture and is a great quick project for a beginner. Find the free Easy Double Knit Shawl pattern on KB Looms.
33. Falling for Fall Socks
The Falling-For-Fall Socks pattern by KB Looms produces a cozy pair of socks with an interesting visual pattern. The socks, created on a small round sock loom, are suitable for a beginner and make a great gift for a special occasion. Find the free Falling-For-Fall Socks pattern from KB Looms.
34. Loom Knit Sweater
The Loom Knit Sweater pattern by Good Knit Kisses is an oversized sweater made on a loom. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize and produces a clean, modern sweater, perfect for relaxing. Find the free Loom Knit Sweater pattern on Good Knit Kisses.
Easy finger knitting patterns
Easy finger knitting patterns are not easy to come by as finger knitting is one of the less practiced types of knitting. Finger knitting is knitted fabric or cord produced using your fingers rather than a needle or tool. The craft of finger knitting is much quicker than traditional knitting, and because no tools are needed, it is considered easier to pick up than conventional knitting. We’ve selected patterns we feel are suitable for beginners to try using the criteria we have set out previously.
35. Hand Knit Pillow
The Hand-Knit Pillow by She’s Crafty and She Knows It produces a textured pillow that will brighten any room. Made in a chunky yarn, this quick pattern is beginner friendly. Find the free Hand Knit Pillow pattern on She’s Crafty, and She Knows It.
36. Trivet
The Trivet from Flax and Twine uses a cord knit on your fingers to produce a useful household item. Knit these up in various colors to match your decor or get your children involved, as these make perfect craft projects for smaller hands. Find the free Trivet pattern on Flax and Twine.
37. Beaded Finger Necklace
The Beaded Finger Necklace by Hello Wonderful is a great project for kids. These finger knit necklaces make up quickly and easily using a simple finger knit cord. Find the free Beaded Finger Necklace pattern on Hello Wonderful.
38. Finger Knit Beanie Hat
The Finger-Knit Beanie hat is a slightly more challenging project, still suitable for beginners but involving a little more shaping. The beautiful lace pattern gives a light, airy feel to this hat and, although quick to make, gives the impression of being more complex than it actually is. Find the free Finger-Knit Beanie pattern on Red Ted Art.
39. Lily Sugar’n Cream Arm Knit Market Bag
The Lily Sugar’n Cream Arm knit market bag by Yarnspirations is a perfect bag to take grocery shopping. The beginner pattern uses three strands of yarn held together to make a mesh container, which is ideal for your purchases. Find the free Lilly Sugar’n Cream Arm Knit Market Bag pattern on Yarnspirations.
Easy arm knitting patterns
Easy arm knitting patterns are fun, quick makes that produce a variety of useful and beautiful garments and items. Arm knitting, like finger knitting, is a quicker and easier method of knitting than that which uses conventional needles. Below, we provide arm knitting patterns that are approachable for beginners, but enjoyable and enriching for any skill level.
40. Arm Knit Blanket
The Arm Knit Blanket by Flax and Twine is a beautiful, textured blanket perfect for snuggling under on cold winter days. The beginner pattern is made with chunky yarn. Find the Arm Knit Blanket pattern on Flax and Twine.
41. Misty Goddess Arm Knit Wrap
The Misty Goddess Arm Knit Wrap from All Free Knitting is a warm alternative to a scarf that knits up without needles. The beginner-level pattern uses simple stitches to produce a lace-like pattern. Find the free Misty Goddess Arm Knit Wrap pattern on All Free Knitting.
What is the first project a beginner should knit?
The first project a beginner should knit is something with a simple stitch pattern and little or no shaping. A scarf is ideal because it’s a long oblong shape that is easily adapted and knits quickly. Beginners’ projects should have detailed instructions with clear pictures. The patterns selected in this article all fit these criteria, and some include video demonstrations to help those new to the craft.
What determines the difficulty of a knitting pattern?
There are four primary criteria that determine the difficulty of a knitting pattern as illustrated below.
- Type of knitting: while this article addresses the easiest knitting patterns, more challenging techniques will increase the pattern’s difficulty. In this article, we have not touched on advanced lace work, advanced intarsia, fair isle knitting, steeking, or other advanced colorwork techniques. In particular, intarsia and fair isle knitting take a great degree of skill and concentration as they involve following a chart and knitting while using multiple colors of yarn. Lace work is also complex, time-consuming, and requires a high degree of manual dexterity because lace yarn is very fine and, therefore, challenging to work with.
- Shaping: simple shaping is easy for most beginning knitters; however, once you knit more garments and start to design your own items, shaping becomes complex.
- Stitch pattern: most of the patterns in this article use garter stitch (knit every row) or stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next, repeat) however, there are hundreds of knitting stitches that produce wonderful patterns and texture. The more complex the combination of knit and purl, the more complex the pattern tends to be.
- Level of detail in instructions: some patterns are written with the beginner in mind, giving explicit instruction on how to carry out each part of the project. Patterns for more advanced knitters will assume your level of knowledge is such that detailed explanations are not needed.
What knitting stitch is the easiest?
The easiest knitting stitch is the garter stitch. A garter stitch is achieved by knitting every single row in an item. The second easiest knitting stitch is stockinette, where you knit one row and then purl the next.
What do you need to start knitting?
To start knitting, you need a yarn of choice, knitting needles, and scissors (plus your pattern). Depending on what you have knit and how the item will be constructed, you may need tapestry needles to finish your knitted object.
What are the best needles for beginning knitters?
The best needles for a beginning knitter is subjective and depends on the knitters’ preference however, most knitters start with straight needles as these are commonly available. The material of the needles changes the knitting experience, bamboo or wood is easier on the hands, warmer, and more flexible. For people with mobility issues, wood is recommended for this reason. Knitting with metal needles causes finger strain or achy hands as there is very little give in the material. Using metal needles for complex patterns or long stretches of time is not recommended because of the lack of flexibility and the strain this places on the knitter’s hands.
Types of knitting needles
Knitting needles come in a variety of formats and materials, but the three below are the most common options.
- Standard knitting needles: come in various sizes (measured in millimeters), and the size you use depends on the thickness of the yarn you are knitting with. For instance, fingering or sock-weight yarn (more commonly 4-ply in the UK) uses 3 – 4 mm needles. However, using this weight to make socks, you would use a smaller needle to produce a denser, longer-wearing fabric. The pattern you choose will usually recommend a yarn and needle size.
- Double-ended knitting needles: these types of needles are used to knit in the round and while they are used to make sleeves for sweaters, they are more commonly used to knit socks. Double-ended needles are suitable for any long tube-shaped object, but which needle type you choose is your preference.
- Circular knitting needles: circular needles come in various lengths, from very short (30 cm) to up to 100 cm. A circular needle has two short ends (made from metal, plastic, or wood) on a flexible cable. The length you use depends on what you are knitting—many knitters like to use short circular needles to knit socks, and longer circular needles are used to knit sweaters and cardigans in the round.
Knitting with your fingers or your arms is possible but the more standard form of knitting uses knitting needles.
What is the best yarn for beginning knitters?
The best yarn for a beginning knitter knits up quickly and easily. Medium worsted weight yarn is good for beginners because it fits this criterion. As a beginner, you’ll also need to take into account the color of the yarn you use (lighter colors work best as it’s easier to see your stitch work and pick up on any mistakes) and fiber composition (wool or cotton are good for beginners as both give good stitch definition and are easy on the hands).
Types of knitting yarn fibers
Yarn, like knitting needles, comes in various thicknesses and fibers that are useful for different knitting projects. Each type of fiber has pros and cons but the most common types of knitting fiber are natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixed fibers.
- Natural fibers: natural fibers are further divided into animal and plant fibers. Animal fibers include wool, silk, alpaca, llama, and mohair. Plant fibers include cotton, rayon, hemp, and bamboo.
- Synthetic fibers: synthetic fibers are usually derived from petroleum and include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
- Mixed fibers: mixed fibers are a mix of both synthetic and natural fibers. Common mixes include wool and nylon or cotton and polyester.
Is it hard to learn knitting?
No, it is not hard to learn knitting. The basics of knitting are easy to pick up and most people master the simple stitches of knit and purl in a few hours. Once you progress past the basics into more complex patterns, you will need good focus and concentration as well as well-developed motor skills to achieve results.
How long does it take to master knitting?
How long it takes to master knitting depends on how you define mastering a craft. For this article, we’ll define mastering knitting as achieving a knit and purl stitch competently. Learning the basic knit and purl stitches takes a matter of hours. An individual will need approximately 40 to 80 hours of practice to achieve further competency ie the ability to produce a finished object that fits. For advanced knitting techniques such as lacework or intarsia, more than 80 hours of practice may be required to master these knitting methods but the actual time taken depends on the individual.