Hats and beanies are some of the easiest and most popular knitting projects! They’re incredibly satisfying to make, and you can create your own cozy headgear to keep you warm. We’ve combed the web for some of the best free knit hat patterns that will spoil you for choice. So, grab your yarn and follow us as we introduce you to 47 must-try knit hat designs.
Knit hat projects are often recommended to beginner knitters because of their simplicity and use of basic stitches, like the knit and purl. Due to their small project size, these hats are relatively fast to complete. A bonus is that you can personalize and customize your knitted hats according to your liking!
With the abundance of free knit hat patterns at your fingertips, why settle for store-bought hats? The best part of DIYs is the joy of modifying your crafts and making them for your friends and loved ones. So, join in on this fun and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of life by knitting a personalized accessory.
Interesting Fact
Did you know that knitting is a therapeutic hobby? It is believed to help clear the mind and reduce anxiety or stress levels. Knitting is both visually and emotionally stimulating, and it has meditative qualities due to the repetitive hand movements involved.
Suppose you’re a complete beginner and would like some guidance, head on over to the FAQ section to answer your burning questions. As for the advanced knitters, dive straight into the list of free hat knitting patterns below! Trust us, once you start, you’ll be hooked for life! (Pun intended).
FAQs About Knit Hat Patterns
1. What supplies do I need to knit a hat?
To knit a hat, you’ll need a few essential supplies. But before we get into it, remember to refer back to the requirements for your chosen pattern. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the specifics for complete accuracy. Here is what you’ll need:
– A knitting pattern
– Yarn (Acrylic, wool, or cotton) in your choice of color
– Knitting needles (circular needles and double-pointed needles)
– Tapestry needle or yarn needle
– Stitch markers
– Scissors
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches (optional)
2. What yarn should I use to knit a hat?
Choosing the right yarn to knit hats typically depends on several factors: the selected pattern, the desired texture, needle size, and personal preference. All these factors work together to ensure a smooth process for completing your knitted hats.
As a general guide, DK and worsted-weight yarns are ideal for most knit hat projects. However, if you plan on knitting a quick and thicker warm hat, choose a pattern that uses a bulkier yarn weight, like wool-blend chunky yarn. On the other hand, opt for a pattern that uses fingering or sport-weight yarn for colorwork beanies or baby knit hat projects.
If you decide to use different yarn-weights (yarn thickness) than those specified in the pattern, it is essential to ensure that the knitting needle sizes you use match the chosen yarn. Keep in mind that altering the yarn weight and the needle size will also affect the stitch size of your knitting gauge, which may cause the hat to finish at the wrong size. Therefore, it is important to consider all the variables that determine the correct hat size before purchasing the knitting supplies. Read more about Yarn Weight and Its Importance for a more detailed explanation.
3. Can I resize the hats to fit different head sizes?
Most hat knitting patterns come with written instructions or charts for different sizes to accommodate different head circumferences. However, if they are not available, you can still adjust the size without altering the pattern. Remember what we said about knitting gauge and yarn weight in FAQ 2? Yes, by using different yarn weights and needle sizes to change the stitch sizes, you can knit hats of various sizes from a single pattern. For more detailed information, refer to the Resizing A Knit Hat article.
4. Can I customize the knit hat patterns to suit my taste?
As mentioned previously, one of the joys of knitting is having the complete creative freedom to customize and personalize your designs to suit your style. For example, you can add embellishments like sequins, jewels, or rhinestones to the fabric by sewing it in.
Apart from that, you can make subtle changes like swapping to different yarn colors and using different yarn weights for an elevated look. The choice is yours to make, and go wild with it!
5. How should I care for my knit hats to keep them in good condition?
Washing and caring for your knit hats can be pretty simple if you follow these steps. To ensure your knit hats remain cozy and beautiful for years, taking proper care of them is essential. Don’t worry, you won’t need fancy tools, only attention to cleaning and some effort. Here is what you’re going to do:
– Handwash your completed knit hats in cold water. Using only mild or gentle detergent, soak and submerge the hat in soapy water.
– After cleaning it, remove the excess water from the hat without wringing or twisting. The best method for this is to squeeze the water out gently. You can also wrap your hat in a dry towel to soak up all the remaining moisture.
– Lay your hat flat on a surface and air dry in a shaded area, directed away from sunlight to prevent color fading. Try not to stretch the hat as you lay it flat to avoid shrinkage.
– If needed, you can steam it with a steamer or iron on low heat to remove wrinkles and ensure smoothness to the fabric.
What’s Next?
- Begin your knit hat projects now! Don’t forget to show us your masterpiece by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram @madefromyarn.
- Save this post to your Pinterest board for future reference.
- Share your knitting journey with our community to learn more tips and tricks from other pro knitters!
- Have you enjoyed making knit hats? Don’t stop there. Check out our knitting endeavors here, such as these Cardigan Knitting Patterns.
- Try other Yarn Crafts if you have more yarn to spare, such as crocheting to make Crochet Stars, Bandanas, Ear Warmers, and more.
47 Best Free Knit Hat Patterns
Now that we’ve covered the basics on how to knit a hat, grab all your supplies and colorful balls of yarn to knit your way to comfort and warmth. We’ve also included designs for women and children alike. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun!
Fair Isle Beanie Knitting Pattern
Check out Craft Passion’s fantastic work on this knit beanie design! Perfect to wear during those cold winter nights to keep yourself warm and cozy. Made with the Fair Isle traditional knitting technique, this pattern uses multiple colors, and the color work method is called stranded knitting. The finished circumference is 22”.
Easy Beanie In 2 Styles
Here’s another simple yet unique knit beanie pattern that you should try! It’s a beginner-friendly pattern, and the project includes designs for both men and women. All you need is to follow the detailed step-by-step instructions of these knit hat patterns to start knitting. The unstretched measurement is 19” x 11” for women and 21” x 10.65” for men. Both sizes fit perfectly for adults' head circumference of 21" to 25".
Classic Ribbed Hat
You can wear it cuffed or slouchy. Either way, this fantastic and easy beanie design only requires one skein and two skeins for a larger size. If you prefer a darker color palette, go for fall colors, and if you like warmer tones, try using bright-colored yarn. It includes sizes for all, from babies to adults.
Barley Knit Beanie
This cozy barley sock beanie will keep your head warm and hair out of the snow! You can make this knit design with either fingering or sport-weight yarn to make it airy and breathable. It comes in various sizes, from newborns to adults, ranging from S, M, to L.
Super Bulky Knit Hats
Learn how to knit super bulky hats with this pattern right here! It comes with very detailed instructions for all ten sizes! Isn’t that cool? It’s perfect to wear during those chilly winter days or for brisk outdoor adventures. Either way, it’s a must-have on your knit list! Sizes range from newborns to adults.
Basic Beanie Knit Pattern
Are you planning on attending the annual Pride Parade in June? Show up in style with this basic beanie design, which will have everyone gawking at your fantastic craftsmanship. It’s so easy to make, and it comes in multiple sizes! Including prem baby to XL adult.
March Hat
You’ll only need 220 yards of yarn for this March Hat design. Isn’t it so cute? It’s constructed using the knit and purl method, and this pattern is suitable for avid beginners. All you need to do now is download the PDF on Ravelry, and you’re all set. The finished size is 20” x 10.5”.
April Hat Pattern
This adorable beret-style hat is perfect for a fun day out with your friends! This hat looks like a flower bud waiting to bloom from the top because it’s constructed with a bobble pattern. It offers a sophisticated yet playful look, and it’ll make you stand out from the crowd. The finished sizing is 16.75” x 28.23” x 8”.
June Hat Knit Beanie
Try this super cute and straightforward knit beanie design for the holiday season! Doesn’t it remind you of mimes? Whether you’re looking to knit this for yourself or as a gift to your loved ones, this hat design promises a cozy sense of accomplishment with every row. The finished circumference is 16” x 8.25”.
July Hat Knitted Beanie
Wrap yourself in the cozy embrace of this July hat pattern! Using only worsted-weight yarn, this charming design exudes warmth and style with every stitch. On top of that, it’s a relaxing project to make with a hot cup of cocoa over the fireplace. The finished sizing is 18.5” x 8.75”.
August Hat Pattern
Inspired by the Latvian colorwork, this design is super easy to make, and all you need to do now is to download the PDF for the step-by-step instructions to knit this lovely design. It also uses the knit and purl method, and the completed size is 21.25” x 8.5”.
Merry Ear Flap Hat
Here’s a pattern that your kids will adore! Completed with adorable tassels, chunky l-cords, pom poms, and cozy garter ear flaps, it makes for such comfortable wear because of its stretchiness. You can wear it when hitting the slopes or strolling through the snowy streets. It comes in various sizes, ranging from babies to adults.
Sedgwick Hat Pattern
Here’s another beret pattern that might interest you. This intricate design fits advanced knitters, made using the seed stitch, stockinette, and reverse stockinette chevron pattern. Whether you are planning a vacation in France or visiting your local coffee shop, this design will not disappoint. The finished size is 20.25” x 9.5”.
Easy Peasy Knit Hat
Want to make a heartfelt gift for a family member? This knitted hat is the perfect starting point for beginners! Its simple yet unique design makes it the ideal accessory for a snowball fight during the chilly seasons. You’ll only need two skeins of worsted-weight yarn, and the sizing is approximately 19” in circumference.
Beginner Knit Winter Beanie
Are you looking for fashionable winter essentials? This pattern offers three knitted accessories for your snowy retreat—a hat, scarf, and mittens. Just follow the step-by-step instructions in the downloadable PDF to knit the whole package and adjust the sizing to fit you perfectly.
I’m A Hoot! Knit Hat Pattern
Want a hoot-worthy accessory for a baby? This knitted owl hat will ignite smiles and keep your baby warm wherever you go! While this is an intermediate project, you only need a little patience. The finished hat will fit baby head sizes from 6 to 12 or 18 to 24 months old.
Lil’ Pollar Bear Hat Knit Pattern
Isn’t this polar bear knitted hat just so adorable? It’s the perfect beginner-level project whether you plan on knitting this for your little ones or yourself! Completed with fuzzy ears and a tiny snout, this cute hat will bring joy and laughter around the holiday season. The hat is ideal for babies around 6-24 months.
Bear Knit Hats With Ears Pattern
These knitted bunny and bear hat patterns will keep your little ones in style! It’s beginner-friendly, and all the details you’ll need to construct this design are in the PDF. It fits baby sizes from 3-18 months.
Color Chip Knit Pattern
Here’s a knitting project that will challenge you. This classy intarsia hat offers changing colors throughout the project using the iconic Caron x Pantone yarn. Its muted autumn shades are unique yet tasteful, ideal for any winter vacation! This hat is made in one size that fits the average adult female head.
Vinya Hat
Knit a comfy hat adorned with cute hearts for Valentine’s Day! This pattern is worked in rounds from the bottom up and made with sport-weight yarn. Here’s a fun suggestion: since the sizes are available for toddlers to adults, why not knit a matching pair with your little ones? Adult sizes come in S, M, and L.
Milda Knit Hat
Can’t get enough of cute hearts in a knitted hat? Here’s another one for size! This Milda hat uses circular and double-pointed needles and worsted yarn weight for a more breathable and airy finish. It comes in 4 different sizes, all available in the PDF, and it fits the head circumference of 16 (18, 20, 22)” / 41 (46, 51, 56) cm.
Pink Rose Beanie
Check out this magenta-pink rose beanie pattern! It’s a must-have addition to your Winter apparel and an intermediate-level project. It incorporates Aran weight yarn for the tight stitches to make this lovely pattern snug on your head. The size for an adult head circumference is 22”-25”.
Simple Chunky Knit Hat
Look fashionable at any Winter-themed event with this minimalist-inspired chunky knit hat! Its plush texture and playful pompom add such a cute little detail to a simple pattern. The design was made with super chunky yarn and beginner skill techniques like the knit and purl stitches. This pattern comes in five sizes, including:
- Baby (15”- 16”)
- Toddler (17”- 18”)
- Children (19”- 20”)
- Teen (21”- 22”)
- Adult (23” - 24”)
Baby Silky Stripey Sunhat
Say hello to this beautifully made and adorable silky stripey sunhat made for babies! It uses the fingering weight yarn and is catered to intermediate knitters, but advanced beginners are welcome to try it.
Bini Christmas Trees Hat
Wrap yourself in the festive spirit with this Nordic-inspired knit hat adorned with cute little Christmas trees. It's easy to make since it's ideal for beginners and uses worsted-weight yarn for a tight fit. The finished size is as follows:
- S (19.5” - 20.5”)
- M (21” - 22”)
- L (22” - 23”)
Easy Knit Baby Hat
Here’s a soft, airy knit beanie pattern for your adorable little ones. Knitted with love, this hat will keep your tinniest tots cozied up and warm during those breezy afternoon strolls by the park. It’s a beginner-friendly pattern and comes in sizes:
- Preemie S, M, L
- Newborns (3-12 months)
- Toddlers
Healing Vibes Hat
Feel the therapeutic and relaxing vibes from knitting this turquoise beanie. All you need to complete this pattern are tapestry needles, stitch markers, circular and double-pointed needles, and yarn in your desired color. It’s an intermediate-level project, and the finished size fits an adult medium with a head circumference of 20” x 8”.
Easy Fern Knit Hat
Learn how to knit this gorgeous two-toned beanie that is worked in the round. If the video tutorial is not handy enough, there’s a written pattern with instructions in the description to help you achieve accurate sizing. It only comes in adult sizes, but you can easily customize it to fit your head.
Knit Kitty Cat Hat
Meow! Here’s a cute little kitty cat beanie for all the cat lovers! Aren’t her ears so cute? It’s not just an accessory but also a statement piece that will turn heads everywhere you go! The best part is that it comes in various sizes as follows:
- 1-3 years (18.5” x 6.3”)
- 4-10 years (19.5” x 7”)
- 12-16 years (20.8” x 7.5”)
- Adults (21.6” x 8.2”)
That 70s Hat
Transport yourself back to the funky vibes of the 70s with this groovy knit hat design! It’s retro-inspired and a complete beginner pattern. You only need some worsted weight yarn and basic stitching techniques like knit, pull, and slip stitch. The finished size is 22” in head circumference, 18” in brim circumference, and 12” in length.
Peggotty Knit Hat
This beautifully made Peggotty pattern looks like a spider’s web from the top view. It’s a delight to make and promises warmth and style, 2-in-1. It’s a fast project for beginners, as it only uses simple stitches and two-color bulky yarns. The finished size fits a head circumference of 16-18 (19-21, 22-24)”.
Enea Knit Hat
Check out another simple and adorable knit hat design you must try! This pattern is a joy to make, as it works with Aran weight yarn and is constructed from the bottom up in rounds. It also comes in a variety of sizes.
Scrappy Bucket Hat
Give this lovely knitted bucket hat a shot! It's excellent and practical for the summer to protect your skin from UV rays while keeping your hair in check. This pattern comes in four sizes, ranging from S (toddler), M (child), L (adult), and XL (larger adult).
Teddy Bucket Hat
This design is a real showstopper that will make heads turn your way! Doesn’t it look so elegant? Not only will you be kept warm all winter, but it’s a fashionable piece that’s a staple in your closet. All you need is one skein for each color, some basic stitches like the knit stitch, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful teddy bucket hat. The finished size in circumference is 12 (16, 20, 24)” and 4.5 (5.5, 6.5, 7.25)” for the crown height.
Fall Beanie Harvest
Reminiscent of a stroll through a pumpkin patch during the golden hours, this fall harvest beanie is gorgeous and fashionable. While it's made with a simple design and a pompom on top, this hat utilizes the complimentary colors of earthy yellow and eggplant purple. The finished knitted hat is around 22” in circumference and 10” in length.
Colorwork Fox Hat Knitting Pattern
This lovely fox hat is made with a technique called colorwork (or stranded) knitting, and it is the perfect starting point for knitters who are new to it! This hat is the ideal gift for your little ones, and the finished sizing will fit kids ages 3 to 7.
Strawberry Hat Pattern
Try knitting this lovely strawberry beanie design that’s as sweet as the fruit. The written instructions will guide you to achieve this bold statement piece that is both striking and adorable. Whether you are crafting it for little ones or yourself, this knitted hat will fit newborn babies from 0 to 12 years and adults.
Houndstooth Beanie Knitting Pattern
Step into Winter with style and elegance with this stunning houndstooth beanie knitting design! It’s super stylish and works in the round with circular knitting needles. You would also need a double-pointed needle to decrease the stitching needed to shape the top. The finished size fits an adult’s head circumference of 22”.
Brioche Slouchy Hat
Travel back in time with this slouchy beanie pattern! Remember when they were a hit on Tumblr in 2014? Now, it’s time for a new comeback with this knitted pattern. It’s warm, squishy, and airy, too! Worked in the round, this pattern is fit for advanced beginners and comes in sizes S, M, and L.
The Greta Beanie
Want a project to test your skills? This Greta beanie is made with three skeins of super bulky yarn, using the knit and purl technique. Whether strolling through snowy streets or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa indoors, this knitted hat is perfect for keeping warm on every occasion. While this project may seem challenging to beginners, the steps are easy to follow, and the result is guaranteed to be satisfying!
Knit Heart Hat Pattern
Check out this minimalistic winter beanie pattern with a sweetheart motif in the center! The best part of this pattern is that it doesn't require changing the yarn color to create the design. Instead, the hat is knitted first and then decorated with the motif using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn colors. This method offers flexibility and allows you to customize your projects. The tutorial will guide you step-by-step through the process of adding the design to your beanie.
Knit Cable Hat
This gorgeously made cable knit hat design looks luxurious and chic! It’s super textured and soft, making it a timeless piece to wear on any occasion, though preferably in colder climates since it’s thick. They also provide written instructions and a video tutorial to help you achieve this look. The finished size is 16” x 8.5”.
Winter Serenity
Want a knit project to unwind on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Learn how to knit a set containing a knitted hat and wrist warmers to keep you warm and cozy all winter. It comes in sizes S, M, L, and XL and fits a head circumference of 54/56 - 58/60 cm.
Falmouth Super Bulky Hat
Stay warm and cozy by the fireplace with this Falmouth Super Bulky hat pattern! It’s a delight to make, and it promises warmth and style in equal measure. Though it only offers one size, advanced beginners can easily customize it to fit your size.
Beach Jazz
You can make this adorable striped beach hat design for your next picnic by the shore using both circular and double-pointed needles. Not only does it function as a shield from the summer heat, but it helps to keep your hair in place, too! This pattern has sizes available from S, M, to L.
Sidewalk Artist
Stylish with a touch of Parisian charm, this knitted beret is a pattern you’ll want to add to your closet. With its intricate stitch pattern, this snug accessory adds a touch of elegance and taste to any outfit. It comes in sizes S to XL and fits the head size of 54/65 - 58/60 cm.
Queen of Hearts
Look at this gorgeous and feminine set design that teaches you how to knit a hat and mittens with hearts. All you need are your circular and double-pointed needles to complete the hat, and it comes in sizes XS-L. As for the mittens, they’re available in one size.
Darnell
Saturday 28th of September 2024
You have an amazing talent. I can usually make any project from a well written pattern, But creating the patterns is such an amazing gift. I would ❤ to try all your patterns. BUT there is only so many hours in a day. Thank you for posting all of these.