I have chosen the following pattern samples because they are the easiest patterns for a beginner knitter. Knitting may be done by hand or by machine.
Two courses of red yarn illustrating two basic fabric types. There are so many different fibers and needles that are used to make those different varieties of cloth pieces such as table cloths, handkerchiefs and etc. Once you learn these two stitches you will find everything else is just a variation of the knit and purl stitches.
Knitted garments are often more form-fitting than woven garments, since their elasticity allows them to follow the body's curvature closely; by contrast, curvature is introduced into most woven garments only with sewn darts, flares, gussets and gores, the seams of which lower the elasticity of the woven fabric still further. I read somewhere that if it's mild enough but effective enough for my hair it must be good enough for my knitting. To achieve the garter stitch, either knit or purl every row.
Even if you're a pretty proficient knitter, this isn't the time to learn a new technique or work with a skinny fingering-weight yarn that will take forever to knit up. It doesn't all happen at once.