Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern (Free + Easy)

This post will show you a candy corn hat knitting pattern perfect for making for fall (and Halloween!).

This is an excellent project for anyone new to knitting as it is knit back and forth on straight needles, then seamed.

Scroll down for the free pattern, or purchase your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

A Candy Corn Hat For Fall

Autumn weather is finally here, and I am so happy about it! 

The leaves are falling, and pumpkins are everywhere. 

And if there is one thing we need in the fall, it is an adorable beanie you can make for all of the family.

The Yarn I Used

I made the hat using The Petite Wool in three colors, knit on size 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles.

This yarn is from We Are Knitters and comes in many lovely colors, including yellow, orange, and natural (white).

This yarn is warm to wear as it is 100% Peruvian wool.

Each ball is 100 GR per 140 M.

The yarn weight is bulky/chunky/12 ply.

Video Tutorial

There is a video tutorial to help you to seam up the hat.

You can view it on my YouTube channel here.

What Does The Candy Corn Symbolize?

Candycorn is a popular candy in the United States, especially during the Halloween season, and it has become associated with various symbolic meanings over time:

1. Harvest and Fall Colors: The most common interpretation is that candy corn represents the colors of autumn, with its yellow, orange, and white layers mimicking the colors of corn kernels and the changing leaves. It’s often seen as a symbol of the fall harvest season.
2. Witch’s Teeth: Some people view candy corn resembling a witch’s teeth due to its pointed shape. This association is particularly strong during Halloween when witches are a common theme.
3. Cornucopia: Candy corn is sometimes seen as a miniature representation of the cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and plenty. The cornucopia is often associated with Thanksgiving, which falls around the same time as Halloween in the United States.
4. Celebration and Fun: Like many candies, candy corn is often associated with celebration and enjoyment. It’s a sweet treat that people often share and enjoy during festive occasions.
5. Traditional Halloween Candy: Candy corn has been a traditional Halloween candy for many decades, so for some, it symbolizes the holiday itself and the joy of trick-or-treating.
6. Decorative Element: Candy corn is often used as a decorative element in fall and Halloween-themed displays, such as in centerpieces, wreaths, and other decor. In this context, it represents the visual aesthetics of the season.

It’s important to note that the symbolic meaning of candy corn can vary from person to person and from one cultural context to another.

For many, it’s simply a tasty and nostalgic treat associated with the Halloween season, while for others, it may hold deeper symbolic significance related to the themes of harvest, Halloween, or the changing seasons.

Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern

Grab your inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Notes

The hat is a quick knit, and the simple design uses basic stitches, which makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

Perfect to wear during the fall season, this whimsical hat has a few sizes to make so that the whole family can wear it!

If you like this pattern, you may also enjoy this hat pattern with the same design but knit in one color only – How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial).

You may also like this pumpkin pattern – Pumpkin Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!).

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• Only link to the pattern page if you wish to share this pattern.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern, giving pattern credit to Louise Bollanos @handylittleme.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Basic

Size Info

Adult Women’s/ Men’s Medium, Child, Toddler, Baby.

• Finished measurements for an adult-size hat;
• Height of hat lying flat and unstretched – from the cast-on edge to the top of the hat – 11 inches. Width of the hat – 8 inches.
• This unisex hat will fit a head circumference of around 22-26 inches.

The pattern is written for all sizes starting with the adult size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places, for example, 72 (adult), 64 (child), 56 (toddler), and 48 (baby).

To follow the pattern more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Gauge – 16 sts and 20 rows in 4×4 inches/10×10 cm in main body ribbing.

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

• The Petite Wool from We Are Knitters comes in three colors:
• 1 x Ochre (yellow yarn)
• 1 x Cinnamon (orange yarn)
• Scraps of around 15 g in Natural (white yarn).
• Each ball is 100 GR. Per 140 M.100% Peruvian wool.
• The yarn weight is bulky/chunky/12 ply.
• Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
• Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)

Needles

• Pair of 6mm (US 10) knitting needles.
• Please note that this hat is knitted flat (back and forth) on straight needles (you can also use circular needles to knit flat).

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle/tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK) List

• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue(ing)
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
• P – Purl
• P2tog – Purl the next 2 stitches together
• Rem – Remaining
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• WS – Wrong side

Candy Corn Hat Pattern

Yarn A = Ochre

Yarn B = Cinnamon

Yarn C = Natural

In Yarn A cast on 72 (63, 54, 48) sts

• Row 1: (RS) – P1, K2 – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 2: (WS) – P2, K1 – rep to the end of the row.

Rep rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 3 (3, 3, 2.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Knitting the main body of the hat

• Row 1: (RS) – K1, P2 – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 2: (WS) – K2, P1 – rep to the end of the row.

Rep rows 1 and 2 until you have worked a further 3 (3, 3, 2.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (total inches from CO edge = 6 (6, 6, 5).

Change color to Yarn B and cont in patt for a further 3 (2.5, 2, 2) inches.

Change clor to yarn C and cont in patt for 1 (1, 1, 1) inch. (In total, 10 (9.5, 9, 8) inches from the cast-on edge).

Decrease: (Worked in Yarn C)

• Row 1: K1, P2tog – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 2: K1, P1 – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 3: K2tog – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 4: Purl – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 5: K2tog – rep to the end of the row.
• Row 6: Purl – rep to the end of the row.

Cut/break yarn, leaving a tail of around 15 inches.

Thread through the remaining stitches and pull up tight.

Making Up

The last step is seaming the two edges of the beanie together.

I used a seaming technique called the mattress stitch. – Mattress Stitch – How To Seam Knitting

This allows you to create an invisible seam in your knitting so you don’t see where the edges meet.

To do this you:

• Place the edges together – line them up.
• Start at the top of the hat, with the right sides facing you.
• Thread your needle and secure the top of the hat first with a stitch.
• Then start to push the needle through the first stitch on one side of the fabric edge.
• Then move over to the other side and push your needle through the first stitch.
• Pull them together and continue to seam, picking up an edge stitch on one side and again on the other as you go.
• You can pick up stitches every one bar or two bars on the edges – this is up to you. I generally pick up every 2 bars.
• Just be careful what you do to one side of the knitting; it should also be done on the other side to keep them even.
• When you come to the hat’s brim, you need to turn this over – so the right sides are facing you to the seam.
• This is so you get an invisible seam on the right side of the knitted fabric.
• When you have finished seaming, secure your yarn on the wrong side and weave in any loose ends.
• Your hat is now ready to wear to any fall festivities.

Why Is Candy Corn Associated With Halloween?

Candy corn is associated with Halloween for several reasons, primarily related to its appearance, availability, and timing:

1. Seasonal Colors: Candy corn is made in the shape of triangular kernels, and its color scheme—yellow at the base, orange in the middle, and white at the tip—closely resembles the colors of corn and autumn leaves. This color scheme aligns with the fall season, making it a fitting treat for Halloween, which occurs in late October when fall is in full swing.
2. Harvest Connection: Halloween is often associated with the fall harvest season. Candy corn’s colors evoke the harvest theme, and the triangular shape may be seen as reminiscent of actual corn kernels, further reinforcing the connection to the harvest.
3. Traditional Treat: Candy corn has been manufactured and enjoyed in the United States for over a century. It was first created in the 1880s by the Wunderle Candy Company and later popularized by the Goelitz Confectionery Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company). Due to its long history and popularity, candy corn became a traditional Halloween candy.
4. Fall Festivities: Halloween is part of a series of fall festivities that include Thanksgiving and other celebrations. Candy corn’s availability in stores typically starts in late summer and continues through the fall, making it readily accessible for Halloween and other autumn events.
5. Treats and Sweets: Halloween is a holiday that revolves around sweets and treats. Candy corn, being a sweet and iconic candy, fits perfectly into the tradition of offering and consuming treats during the holiday.
6. Decorative Use: Candy corn’s vibrant colors and distinctive shape make it a popular decorative element in Halloween-themed displays, such as centerpieces, wreaths, and candy dishes. Its presence as a decoration reinforces its association with the holiday.

In summary, candy corn is associated with Halloween due to its autumnal colors, its ties to the fall harvest season, its long history as a traditional Halloween treat, its availability during the autumn months, and its role as a sweet indulgence commonly enjoyed during Halloween festivities.

Over time, it has become an iconic and nostalgic symbol of the holiday in the United States.

More Free Hat Patterns

You may also like these fall hats:

• Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern {Unisex Mariner’s Hat}
• Mariner’s hat pattern

Share your work with us…

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If you enjoyed making the sweet candy corn hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Ravelry, and Etsy for more knitting patterns.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!