If you've ever searched for free knitting patterns for Easter, you're not alone: there's just something about the onset of spring that makes me want to knit, knit, knit! Fortunately, in my searches I've found a pile of cute free knitting patterns that make perfect Easter gifts for just about anybody.

1. Knitting Easter Baskets

This article includes fantastic ideas for knitting an Easter basket and everything that could go in it, from (inedible) Easter eggs to fuzzy bunnies. Knitting for Charity has a lot of other great free knitting patterns too, so you're sure to find something suitable for your Easter project, no matter what it is.

2. The Cadbury Chicken

Isn't the Cadbury chicken actually a rabbit? Oh well, these are cute anyway, and they definitely suit the idea of spring. Nestle them on a bunch of Cadbury mini-eggs (or any mini-eggs, really) and you'll have the perfect combination of sweet and cuddly for any child's Easter.

3. Bunny Egg Cozy

These free knitting patterns are going to transform your Easter morning, making a boiled egg and a piece of toast into a breakfast that will set your kids (and maybe some grown ups, too) squealing with delight. These are very cute, rabbit-shaped mini pockets that go over your eggs to keep them warm (like mittens for breakfast).

4. Fantastic Dishcloth Patterns

Designs by Emily provides dozens of free knitting patterns for dishcloths matching every season you can think of. The best for Easter? The little duckling, the Easter egg with stripes, and the "out like a lamb" themed March cloth. These would also knit together to form a very cute blanket for any baby's first (or second, or third) Easter.

5. Baby Easter Egg Hat

Speaking of baby's first Easter, wouldn't you love for your little baby (or better still, someone else's) to look like an Easter egg? If so, you can make your wishes come true with this hat. It's really just your average, everyday baby hat knit with Easter colors and in a pattern to make you think of Easter eggs, so it's cute enough to wear every day all spring long -- starting, of course, on Easter Sunday.

Have fun with these free knitting patterns as you get read for Easter as only a knitter knows how!