Grab your needles and check out our collection of free bucket hat knitting patterns. We’ve got you covered for all seasons, with everything from breezy sun hats to cozy winter hats. Whether you’re a newbie or a knitting whiz, there’s something here for all skill levels.
Free Bucket Hat Knitting Patterns
In our book, the perfect knitting project is something we’ll enjoy making, but also something we’ll wear time and time again.
That’s why we’re so excited to talk about bucket hats today. If you’re the kind of person who loves creating handmade pieces that you can actually wear, these fun and functional bucket hat patterns will be right up your alley.
With so many styles of bucket hats out there, there’s truly something for every season. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a chilly fall outing, or a walk in the winter, these bucket hat patterns have got you covered.
Is knitting a bucket hat a good project for beginners?
Bucket hats can be an excellent option for beginner knitters. While some patterns are more complicated than others, there are plenty of beginner-friendly options on this list.
Some of the best bucket hat patterns for beginners include the Sopka Bucket Hat with Brim (#1), Bucket Hat (#2), Bucket Hat (#7), and Beach Jazz (#13).
Tip: If you’re just starting out on your knitting journey, you may want to look for a pattern that’s knitted flat and then seamed rather than worked in the round.
15 Bucket Hat Knitting Patterns
Check out these free bucket hat patterns for your next project. Happy knitting!
Sopka - Bucket Hat with Brim
This dreamy, knit summer hat with a brim is worked back and forth using garter stitches. The possible color combinations are endless with this tri-tone design. The brim is ideal for keeping the sun out of your eyes whether you’re spending the day on the beach or simply going for a walk.
Designer: Sys Fredens
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8
Bucket Hat
This easy hat is knit in the round. It’s worked from the bottom up on circular needles. The pattern includes instructions for making either a S/M or a L/XL sized hat.
Designer: Tammy Bishoff
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8
Checkered Knitted Bucket Hat
This checkered hat is knitted from the top down. This project would be adorable for giving to a baby or toddler, but instructions are also included for an adult size. This fun pattern is best for intermediate knitters.
Designer: Ribblr
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8
The Gigi Hat
This classic, knitted sun hat pattern is worked in the round using stockinette stitches. Made with superwash yarn, this piece will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe that you can throw in the wash and wear over and over again! Instructions are given for a standard adult size, but you can adjust the size up or down by using larger or smaller needles.
Designer: Margotchien
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Aran
Scrappy Bucket Hat
Use up whatever scrap yarn you have on hand to make this structured yet comfy bucket hat! This colorful pattern is available in four different sizes. It’s made with two strands held together and is perfect for advanced beginners.
Designer: Jess Coppom
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Sophie Bucket Hat
Stay cozy as can be with this furry bucket hat! This ultra-warm pattern is exactly what you want to reach for in the winter months. Though this is a fairly easy pattern, keep in mind that working with furry yarn can be more difficult, since the stitches are harder to see.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Go For Faux
Bucket Hat Knitting Pattern
This super easy bucket hat is knitted flat and then seamed. It’s a perfect hat pattern for beginners! It can be worn with the brim turned up or down.
Designer: Handy Little Me
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: We Are Knitters The Cotton
Chunky Knitted Bucket Hat
Try this quick project if you’re looking for something vibrant and super unique! This hat features lots of texture and color and is just what you need to make a statement with your own crocheted hat. This one would also be a great stash buster!
Designer: Grace Xie
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Tuff Puff
Knit Bucket Hat
This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up using the linen stitch. It’s worked with two strands of yarn held together for a quick and thick pattern that even features a pocket!
Designer: Friday Knits
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
Just Peachy Hat
This colorful hat pattern comes with its own, matching crocheted butterfly brooch! It’s worked back and forth and then sewn in the mid back. You’ll need a small safety pin to fasten your brooch, or you can sew it on.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: DROPS Paris
Teddy Bucket Hat
This ultra-cozy color-blocked hat is made with deliciously soft sherpa yarn. This project will keep you super warm AND looking great at the same time! You’ll need to know the knit stitch, k2tog decrease, and how to work in the round on circular and double-pointed needles in order to make this pattern.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn weight: Jumbo
Suggested yarn: Go For Fleece Sherpa Yarn
Marla Hat
This gorgeous bucket hat features a cable-lace pattern with an i-cord edging that both looks beautiful and increases the hat’s stability. This pattern is best for intermediate knitters.
Designer: Dorothea Neumann
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
Beach Jazz
This striped, beachy hat is available in two sizes, S/M and M/L. It’s worked in the round from the bottom up. This free-spirited design is the perfect fit for a day in the sand!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: DROPS Paris
Blue Ice Hat
This dreamy, felted hat is available in three different sizes. It’s worked from the bottom up using the stockinette stitch. If you haven’t felted a project before, just follow the instructions at the end of this pattern. It’s easy!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: DROPS Snow
Little Lace Bucket Hat
This delicate, lacy hat is feminine and beautiful. Its light design is perfect for warm, summer days. Use a variegated yarn to easily add lots of color.
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Yarn weight: Super fine
Suggested yarn: Filly Universal Yarn
Supplies for Knitting Bucket Hats
Here are some supplies you will need to make your bucket hat:
- Knitting needles (circular needles and DPNs are common)
- Yarn
- Other notions (stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle, safety pin, etc.)
What yarn is best for knitting bucket hats?
Consider the season when choosing yarn for your hat. If you’re envisioning a lightweight summer hat, opt for DK or worsted-weight cotton or acrylic yarns. For a warm winter hat, we recommend bulky or super bulky polyester.
Some of our favorite spring, summer, and fall yarn choices for bucket hats include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, and DROPS Paris.
For winter hats, Lion Brand Go For Faux and Go For Fleece Sherpa Yarn are fun choices!
Knitting Techniques for Bucket Hats
Not sure if you’re ready to make a bucket hat? Here are some stitches and techniques you might need to know.
- Casting on
- Knitting in the round
- Knit stitch
- Purl stitch
- Stockinette stitch
- Increasing and decreasing
- Seaming
- Binding off
Whether you’re just starting out or already a veteran knitter, take a moment to read through your pattern before diving in to ensure you’re comfortable with each step.
Tips for Knitting Bucket Hats
Before we wrap up, let’s share a few tips for knitting fantastic bucket hats:
Make a gauge swatch.
Trust me, nothing is more disappointing than finishing your hat and finding it doesn’t fit! Making a gauge swatch beforehand will help you avoid this heartache. If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern, try using larger or smaller needles.
Choose the right yarn.
To make sure that you love your bucket hat when it’s finished, you’ve got to start with the right yarn! Consider the weight, fiber content, and texture when selecting yarn for your bucket hat. Are you aiming for warmth, sun protection, washability, or matching a specific outfit? Choose your yarn accordingly.
Take accurate measurements
For the best fit, measure your head’s circumference before you start. Many bucket hat patterns are available in multiple sizes, like S, M, L, and XL. Don’t just guess – choose the size that matches your personal measurements to ensure a well-fitting hat.
And remember, you can try your hat on as you go to see how it fits and adjust accordingly. That’s the beauty of knitting your own accessories!
More Knitting Patterns
If you love to knit as much as I do, you may be interested in the following knitting articles.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 25 Free & Easy Cardigan Knitting Patterns (Beginner-Friendly!)
- 27 Free Loom Knitting Patterns for All Skill Levels
What’s Next?
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