Looking for hat knitting patterns for beginners or intermediate knitters? You’re in the right place! In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 27 free & easy knit hat patterns that you’re sure to love.
Whether you’re looking for a simple first pattern, a unique style to wear, adult hat patterns, or knit hats for newborns, there are all kinds of ideas right here in this list. Enjoy!
Easy Knit Hat Patterns
Hats and beanies are some of the most popular knitting patterns, and it’s easy to see why. Knit hats are warm, stretchy, and easy to make. A knitted hat makes an excellent first project because of its forgiving nature and simple design.
Besides that, knit hats are so gosh-darn practical! Who doesn’t want a snug beanie when the winter chill arrives?
Even if you don’t need a new hat this winter, these free hat knitting patterns are lovely to make for friends, family, or even to sell. Many of the patterns in this list are available in multiple sizes, so you’re sure to find one you love, whether you’re knitting for an infant, child, teen, or adult.
Types of Knit Hat Patterns
Knit hats come in a variety of different shapes and designs. Some of the most popular hat styles include beanies (including cuffed, uncuffed, and slouch beanies), berets, and ear flap hats.
Construction Methods for Knit Hats
When it comes to knitting hats, there’s more than just one construction method. Common ways that knit hats are made include:
- Worked in the round. This is the most common method for knitting hats and results in a seamless hat.
- Worked flat and then seamed together. This construction method is less common, but can be easier for beginners.
- Top-down. In this method, you’ll start by knitting the crown of the hat, and then work down to the brim before binding off.
- Bottom-up. As you might expect, this construction method is the opposite of top-down and starts with knitting the brim of the hat first and then working up to the crown.
I tried to include a good variety of hats in this list – but for the most part, you’ll find beanie-type hats knit in the round with either circular or double-pointed needles.
New to knitting? You may want to start with our Learn to Knit guide, and review the basics of knit stitch and purl stitch.
27 Free Easy Knit Hat Patterns
Enjoy this collection of our favorite free and easy knit hat patterns - perfect for beginners!
Classic Ribbed Hat
This classic beanie is offered in five sizes, from baby to adult large. It can be worn cuffed or uncuffed.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cashmere Merino Bloom
Barley
Keep the whole family warm with these comfortable knit beanies. This hat can be made to fit snug or slouchy. The ribbed band keeps it securely on your head no matter what the day brings.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Sockhead Hat
This super slouchy hat is perfect for cozy days at home or venturing out in the winter cold. This pattern is available in size adult medium.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Sock
Bankhead
The Bankhead hat is available in 5 sizes and looks great on everyone. This pattern was named after a ghost town called Bankhead. Check out the pattern to read the story, and share this piece of history each time you receive compliments on your hat!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Peace Fleece Worsted Weight
Barley Light
A lighter version of the Barley hat (number 2 in this list), this pattern is great for cooler fall days or for those who simply want a lighter-weight option. It’s knit in the round from the bottom up.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: The Uncommon Thread Uncommon Everyday
Super Bulky Knit Hat
This chunky knit hat pattern is great for gift-giving or for keeping your own head warm. Add a pompom on top or keep it simple. The super bulky yarn makes it a quick and easy project.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Anker's Hat
This hat is made using a lace and fingering yarn held together, which allows it to work up similarly to a DK-weight project. It’s knit from the bottom up in ribbed segments.
Yarn weight: Lace & Fingering
Suggested yarn: Filcolana Tilia (lace) and Camilla Vad Lambswool (fingering)
Basic Beanie
This easy hat knitting pattern is great for beginners. It comes in a variety of baby and toddler sizes (as well as adult sizes), so if you’re looking for a gift for a little one, you’ve found the right pattern!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: WOOLganic Organic Merino 8 ply DK
C.C Beanie Redux
This hat is actually a handmade, copycat version of the classic C.C. beanie. There’s plenty of texture to add interest and class to this comfortable beanie, and the mostly-ribbed design makes it super comfortable.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Sweater Worsted
Bolton Pass Hat
Let your thoughts travel to the mountains as you wear this unique beanie featuring its triangle design. This seamless pattern is worked in the round.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Espace Tricot Sunday Morning DK
Graham Hat
This slouchy hat is completely reversible due to its use of the broken rib stitch and invisible decreases. This pattern comes in sizes adult medium and adult large.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Eco Alpaca by Cascade Yarns
Merry Ear Flap Hat
Keep your ears toasty warm with this bright and merry hat! The tassels, lively colors, and pompoms will help you feel celebratory and cheerful no matter how cold it gets!
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Super Soft Merino
Violet Waffles
Get ready for outdoor adventures with this sporty waffle hat! This textured hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Sandnes Garn Peer Gynt
Beloved Aran
This adorable hat is available in sizes for baby all the way up to adult large. The double seed stitch is what makes this lovely design (see pattern for instructions on this stitch).
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: De Rerum Natura Cyrano
Man Hat
Looking for a manly beanie pattern? You’ve found it! This hat is reversible and works up quickly with its bulky yarn.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Chunky
Double-Thick Cuff Hat
For those who learn best through videos, this pattern includes a free video tutorial. This hat is warm, stretchy, and so comfortable!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Capra DK
Scrappy Marl
Collect your scrap yarns for this marled hat. Variegated or speckled yarns tend to work better than solids, but feel free to choose your favorites and see how your hat turns out! This pattern is made by holding together two strands of fingering-weight yarn.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Sock
March Hat
This classy, women’s knit hat pattern is made with the seersucker stitch. It’s stylish and perfect for whatever cold-weather activities you have on your schedule!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Kelbourne Woolens Germantown
Wurm
Here’s a slouchy knit hat that’s great for men or women. It’s available in small, medium, and large.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Merino 2000 Solid/Uni
Citrus Hat
This hat got its name because, when it’s being worn, its top looks like a citrus fruit. The design is stretchy and accommodating for growing kids. This pattern is available in sizes baby through adult.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
June Hat
This unique beanie is broken up by vertical columns of slipped knit stitches. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or for a friend or family member, this striped hat is an attractive, distinctive option for anyone!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Kelbourne Woolens Germantown
July Hat
This modern hat features a triangle pattern with a bouncy pompom on top. Knit this lovely July hat in the summer and you’ll be ready and prepared when winter comes around!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Kelbourne Woolens Germantown
Falmouth Super Bulky Hat
This pattern may look complicated, but it’s actually quick and great for beginners. It’s knit in the round using super bulky yarn.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Two Chimneys Farm Southdown Babydoll Super Bulky
Salut Chéri! Beret Pattern
Enjoy knitting this classic French beret. Warmth and style can go together! This hat is knit in the round.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Novita Joki
Tin Star
The snug ribbing helps this hat to stay securely on your head, while the textured body adds interest and warmth. Don’t forget to add your pompom!
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool
Chedoke
This super bulky hat makes a quick project to keep or to give to a loved one. These hats would also be great for selling during wintertime. The texture is created by sections of stockinette stitch as well as the seed stitch.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
The Itasca Beanie
This cozy, chunky beanie will keep you toasty warm all winter long. Instructions are included for both teen/adult small and adult large sizes.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Hat Knitting Supplies
Here are some supplies that you’ll need for knitting your hats.
- Yarn. Look for soft, durable yarn that will hold up with time. Check each pattern for yarn recommendations.
- Knitting needles. Most patterns in this list require double-pointed needles and/or circular needles.
- Stitch markers. These will help you keep track of your place as you knit in the round.
- Tape measure. You’ll need this to measure your head and make sure your hat is the right size.
- Other notions, such as a yarn needle, scissors, blocking tools, pompoms, etc. Check your pattern for any specific tools and supplies required.
What’s the Difference Between DPNs and Circular Needles?
Most of the patterns call for a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs), circular needles, or both. If you’re new to knitting, you might be wondering: “What’s the difference?”
Double-pointed needles are shorter needles, typically 5-6 inches long, that have points at both ends (unlike regular knitting needles that are pointed on one end). They’re used for knitting small projects in the round, such as hats, socks, and the palms of gloves. You typically use 4 or 5 DPNs to knit with DPNs in the round.
Circular needles, on the other hand, are a set of two needles connected by a cord in the middle. Circular needles can be used to knit in the round (like DPNs) or flat (like straight needles). In fact, many knitters prefer circular needles for larger projects like sweaters and afghans.
Circular needles are available with different cord lengths for different size projects. For most hats, you’ll want to use a 16-inch circular needle or shorter.
Which do you need? As you’ll notice in many of the patterns below, knitted hats are often started on circular needles. However, when the stitch count decreases toward the top of the hat, it’s often necessary to switch to double-pointed needles in order to work with a smaller circumference.
FAQs About Knitting Hats
Here are some common questions about how to knit hats, and hat knitting patterns.
What Size Should a Knit Hat Be?
Most hat patterns specify head size in inches or centimeters. Be sure to measure your head before beginning rather than simply choosing the size that sounds best.
When finished, your knit hat’s circumference should be about 2″ less than the size of your head circumference. This is because the hat will stretch when worn, and needs to be smaller in order to stay snugly on your head. This is most commonly referred to as negative ease. A finished, unstretched hat circumference for an adult hat is approximately 18-20″.
What Types of Yarn Are Best for Hats?
Knit hats are very forgiving and can be made with various yarn types and weights. Choosing a washable, durable yarn that will hold up with time and use is best. Wool, wool blends, and acrylic yarns are excellent choices.
In addition, it is essential to check your gauge to ensure that the finished hat will fit correctly. While hats can be made of any yarn weight, from sock yarn to super bulky, your pattern will specify the suggested yarn in order to maintain gauge.
How Many Balls of Yarn Do You Need for a Hat?
Most knitted hats only require one ball of yarn. However, larger adult hats sometimes need two. Adult hats generally use 100-200 yards, while child and baby hats usually require less than 100 yards.
Is It Easier to Work With Circular Needles or DPNs?
While choosing between circular or double-pointed knitting needles really comes down to personal preference, many people find circular needles a bit easier to work with.
One reason for this is that stitches tend to stay on circular needles more easily than DPNs. Since DPNs have two points, it can be easy to drop a stitch or two if you’re not careful. In addition, when storing your project on DPNs, you’ll need to be very careful to ensure that they’re not jostled so much that stitches slip off.
Another benefit to circular needles is that you can’t lose a single circular needle since they are attached to one another.
For these reasons, many beginners find it easier to work with circular needles. However, don’t be scared away from DPNs. They’re actually pretty easy to work with once you get the hang of it!
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
- Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge, and How to Measure It
- 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
- 25 Free & Easy Knit Dishcloth Patterns
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