How To Knit A Baby Hat (Simple With Straight Needles)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see how to knit a baby hat with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
This is a basic pattern for beginners.
You will need to know how to cast on, casting off, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and decreasing through K2tog and P2tog.
This baby hat is knit flat with straight needles and later seamed to finish.
Scroll down to view the free written instructions, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
Baby Hat Knitting Pattern – Straight Needles
Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)
Notes
Get ready to knit a cozy and adorable accessory for the littlest ones with this beginner-friendly baby beanie pattern, crafted using simple ribbing techniques.
This pattern is an excellent choice for those new to knitting, offering an easy and enjoyable introduction to basic ribbing that results in a stretchy, comfortable fit perfect for baby’s delicate head.
Whether you’re creating a heartfelt gift for a new parent or making a practical piece for your own baby, this simple ribbed baby beanie pattern promises a quick and satisfying knitting experience.
The hat is knit flat on straight needles and then seamed when complete.
If you like this pattern, you may also want to make the bulky weight yarn version here that includes baby sizes and a larger size for adults – How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)
Copyright Info
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Size Information
- This pattern is to fit baby size 0-3 months / 3-6 months / 6-9 months.
- The first set of numbers applies to the small size, the second set to the medium size, and the third to the large size.
- 0-3 months = Height = 5 inches / Width seamed = 6 inches
- 3-6 months = Height = 6 inches / Width seamed = 6.5 inches
- 6-9 months = Height = 7 inches/ Width seamed = 7 inches
Gauge – 22 sts and 28 rows in 4×4 inches/10×10 cm in pattern.
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- 1 x ball or skein of yarn of DK Baby Yarn – 50g/165m/179yds.
- Any DK/Light Worsted/8-Ply yarn.
- Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
Needles
Notions
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Knitting Abbreviations
Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit the next 2 stitches together
- P = Purl
- P2tog = Purl the next two stitches together
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right side
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- St St = Stocking Stitch
- WS = Wrong side
How To Knit A Baby Hat – Pattern Instructions
Make knitted hats in three sizes to gift or donate to a local hospital plus it would also make a great baby shower gift.
The smallest size baby beanie is perfect for newborn babies to wear.
The pattern features basic knit stitches, including knit stitches and purl stitches.
Time needed: 3 hours and 30 minutes
How To Knit A Baby Hat
- The Turned Up Brim
Cast on 66 (72, 78) sts (using the long tail cast on).
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 1.5″ (2″/2″) from the cast-on edge.
- 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 7″ (8″/9″) from the cast-on edge ending with a WS row. - Decrease
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 yarn, leaving a tail of around 15 inches.
Thread through the rem sts and pull up tight. - Making Up
The last step is seaming the two edges of the baby hat together.
I used a seaming technique called the mattress stitch – The 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 on every one bar or two bars on the edges – this is up to you. I generally pick up every 2 bars.
Just be careful that what you do to one side of the knitting should also be done on the other side to keep them even. - Finishing
When you come to the brim of the hat, you need to turn this over – so the right sides are facing you to seam.
This is so you get an invisible seam on the right sides of the knitted fabric.
When you have finished seaming, secure your yarn on the wrong side and weave in any loose ends.
Your baby hat is now finished. - Turn The Brim Over
Turn the brim over and finish by weaving in any loose ends.
Grab The Ad-Free Printable PDF Pattern Here
Could you share your work with us?
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If you enjoyed learning how to knit a baby hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
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You can also check out my Facebook page here.
You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
Can You Knit A Baby Hat With Straight Needles?
Yes, you can definitely knit a baby hat with straight needles!
While circular or double-pointed needles are often used for hats to knit in the round, creating a hat with straight needles is possible and a great option for beginners who might be more comfortable starting with straight needles.
Here’s a simplified overview of how you could approach this:
Materials Needed:
- Soft, baby-friendly yarn (typically, a lightweight or DK yarn is a good choice).
- A pair of straight knitting needles (size recommended for your yarn).
- A tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
A Basic Level Knitting Pattern
If you are learning how to knit, modern baby knitting patterns are great to start with before you move on to more complicated patterns that include cables and other advanced techniques.
When you knit a newborn hat you will be able to practice basic knitting stitches and learn to shape the top of the hat with simple decreases.
The hat is knit with straight needles and is seamed to finish.
This means that it is not knit in the round with circular needles.
Related Post: How to Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Helpful Resources
This easy knit hat pattern is great for any beginner knitters.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- How to knit two stitches together – K2tog
More Baby Knitting Patterns
You may also be interested in making matching items to make a lovely handmade gift set.
- How To Knit Baby Booties (Step By Step)
- Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern (For Beginners)
- Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
- Easy Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern
- Super Easy Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern
- Knitted Baby Cardigan (Free Knitting Pattern)
- 31+ Easy Knit Baby Hat Patterns (Adorable Ideas)
- Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern (Broken Rib Stitch)
- How To Knit A Baby Blanket (Free And Easy For Beginners)
- Sheep Baby Booties Knitting Pattern
- Mommy And Me Hats (Knitting Patterns}
- 10 Free Knitted Baby Headbands (Easy Patterns)
More Patterns You May Be Interested In…
- 20 Temperature Blanket Patterns (The Ultimate Guide)
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- 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners
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Thanks for sharing your patterns. I’m a first time granny and would love baby knitting patterns. Would really appreciate it.
Hello Elizabeth,
You can see more baby knitting patterns here – https://www.handylittleme.com/baby-knitting-patterns/
I hope you enjoy the patterns!
Louise 🙂
Thank you for the pattern! After a decrease row, do you start with knitting or purling for the 3 in between rows??
Hello Zaynab,
If the decrease row you have just worked is on the right side – meaning it was a knit row, then the next row would be a purl row, because you are working in stockinette stitch.
I hope that helps!
Louise
This is my first knitting project and I loved it! Thank you!
Hello Lisa,
Thanks so much for your kind words, I’m so happy you enjoyed the pattern.
Happy knitting!
Louise
Nice and easy hat. Thank you
Hi Louise,
Are the measurements you mentioned in the instructions in CM or Inches?
Thank so much!
Hello Shira,
The measurements are given in inches – for example, Rep rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 2″ (2.5″/3″) from the cast-on edge.
This would be 2 inches (2.5 inches/3 inches)
I hope that helps!
Louise
Thank you for the lovely pattern. I’m a beginner knitter, and this was easy to follow.
Thank you for sharing
Hello Cheryl,
I’m so happy you like the pattern!
Happy knitting 🙂
Louise
I think this might be a dumb question lol, but are you using circular knitting needles? And if you are, can this pattern be knit straight as well? Thanks!
Hello Isa,
Yes, I am using circular needles to knit flat.
This hat is not knit in the round, it is knit flat and then seamed.
You can either use straight needles or circulars – but not join in the round.
This may help you – https://www.handylittleme.com/knitting-flat-with-circular-needles/
I hope that helps,
Louise
Thank you so much for sharing these patterns. They are so easy to follow and well written.
Hello Melanie,
I’m so happy you like the patterns 🙂
Happy knitting!
Louise
Is the sizing for the above instructions for a size 0-3 month? If so how many additional stitches are needed to make a 3-6 month size?
Hello Crissy,
This pattern is to fit baby sizes 0-3 months / 3-6 months / 6-9 months.
The first set of numbers applies to the small size, the second set to the medium size, and the third to the large size.
I hope that helps,
Louise
Thank you! Since the 3-6 month hat is 61 stitches, an odd number, what do you do with the last/leftover stitch on Row 3 where it is knit 2 together to the end of the row?
Hello Crissy,
If you have one stitch left on that row, you can K1 at the end of the row.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Hello 🙂
I’m just wondering if for the 3-6 month size if there should be 60st cast on instead of 61? The brim pattern just doesn’t line up the same as the other sizes or maybe there’s a trick I’m missing?
Thank you!
Hello Chrissy,
Yes that should be cast on 60 stitches for that size.
Thanks and happy knitting!
Louise
Hi there! Thank you for this wonderful pattern. I’m using it to knit my first hat. Question: when you say to “end on a WS row” for the main body of the hat before beginning the decrease, does that mean you should complete a WS wrong and then begin decrease, OR complete a RS row and then begin decrease?? Thank you!!
Hello Annie,
This means the last row you worked was a (WS) – wrong side row, so the next row you will work for the decreases will be an (RS) – right side row.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Thank you so much for answering my question! I have another one 🙂
Can you please elaborate on what to do after finishing the 6th row of purl in the decrease section? The instructions are “Thread through the rem sts and pull up tight.” but I’m not really sure what to do – any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Hello Annie,
You need to cut the length of the working yarn after that last row, thread a yarn needle/darning needle, and then thread that through the remaining stitches.
Then you pull them closed tightly and start to seam the hat to finish it off.
I hope that helps!
Louise