31 Free Hat Knitting Patterns (Quick Knit Projects)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.With so many free hat knitting patterns out there, you will be spoiled for choice.
One of the best things you can make for the colder months is a knitted hat!
In this post, I will share with you lots of popular hat patterns for all skill levels.
31 Free Hat Knitting Patterns
The knitted hat patterns below have been chosen with variety in mind, from woman's hats, men's hats to baby hat knitting patterns there is something for everyone.
Knitted Cat Hat - Free Knitting Pattern
In this post, you will see a knitted cat hat – free knitting pattern.
The benefit of making a knitted cat hat is that you can make one in a few hours using bulky yarn and (US 11) 8 mm knitting needles.
Even with zero knitting experience, the free pattern and making-up photo tutorial will help you to make your cat hat to enjoy wearing in October.
Irish Moss Stitch Hat Pattern
Knit a hat that’s perfect for fall with this free knitting pattern.
The hat is knitted with the Irish moss stitch, which makes it really unique.
This hat is perfect for fall or winter days walking through town and wearing it to the park when walking your dog!
Wherever you want to wear this hat, it will be sure to keep you warm and toasty, protecting you from cold winds and cool temperatures.
Knitted Santa Hat (Free Knitting Pattern + Chunky Knit)
Get into the Christmas spirit and make a great holiday accessory for visiting friends or family photographs!
This Santa hat pattern will introduce you to simple shaping and decreasing and using basic knit and purl stitches.
Knitted Elf Hat Pattern (Free Striped Christmas Hat)
This striped beanie would make a great holiday accessory for visiting friends or family photographs!
Knit on 6 mm knitting needles (US 10) circular needles.
This classic beanie is a really easy knit, knitting every round to create a stocking stitch.
This holiday hat pattern will introduce you to shaping and decreasing and using basic knit and purl stitches.
Dog Christmas Hat Pattern (Holiday Elf Hat For Dogs)
Make a matching elf hat for your dog!
This Christmas hat is a really easy knit, with a variety of sizes to choose from.
This holiday hat pattern will look great with any Christmas costumes and could be knit in white and red to make a Santa Claus hat.
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
This blog post will show you how to knit a hat with straight needles, knitting flat, back and forth.
This is a great project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
Plus, there are seven sizes available, so you can make one for the whole family.
Sizes include (newborns, babies, teens, and adults).
Mariner's Hat Pattern
Make a really easy beginner hat with this Mariner’s hat pattern.
This hat would look good knit up in any color, from neutrals to brights.
It is also unisex, so the adult size will fit both men and women.
Kids Beanie Hat Pattern {Adorable & Easy DIY}
This is one of my own designs that I added to the roundup – modeled by Grace.
Make a beanie hat for your toddler that will keep them warm and cozy!
This hat was knit with super bulky grey yarn on circular needles and a white oversized pom pom.
Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern
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 involves knitting back and forth on straight needles and then seamed.
This is a great pattern to knit for the whole family this fall.
This is a great stash buster, as you don't need a lot of yarn in each color.
How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles
This hat pattern will show you how to knit a hat with circular needles for beginners (step-by-step).
With this cozy knit hat, you won’t be scared to enter the bitterly cold weather in winter.
Knit with Lion Brand wool ease thick and quick yarn in fig; this beanie is so soft and cozy it will be sure to protect you in the coldest climate!
Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern {Unisex Mariner's Hat}
This ribbed beanie knitting pattern is a great pattern for anyone who wants to make a hat that never goes out of style!
Wear it with the brim turned up for a fitted look or not for more slouch.
This is an easy pattern for those of you who are at the advanced beginner level, and the techniques you will need to know are knit, purl, k2tog, and knitting in the round with circular needles.
How To Knit A Baby Hat {Straight Needles}
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.
Free Men's Hat Knitting Pattern
This is also one of my designs, which has proven to be very popular.
Super easy and super quick, this men's hat will keep you warm in no time at all!
It also has a matching cowl pattern.
Knit Hat Pattern | Autumn Ready
This ribbed hat pattern is a great project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round.
Not too bulky and not too light, this beanie hat is comfortable to wear on crisp days when you walk through the park!
All you need is worsted weight yarn and 4mm and 6 mm circular knitting needles.
Scottish Beret Outlander Knitting Pattern
The Scottish beret Outlander knitting pattern will allow you to create a slouchy beret in the style of the MacKenzie Clan grey berets seen worn in all seasons of the Outlander series.
This beret is knit flat – back and forth on straight needles, then seamed.
It is a great project for beginner knitters.
Chunky Knit Beanie Pattern (Super Quick Easy Hat)
This hat is a fast knit, and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable project.
A great project for all makers.
Made with super bulky weight yarn, this hat provides extra warmth.
Beret Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
This beret knitting pattern will knit up quickly, and the finished item will definitely keep you looking stylish.
I wanted to share with you an easy flat knit beret that you can make in around 2 hours. It is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
This hat is not knit in the round; it is knit flat with straight needles and then seamed.
Beret Hat Free Knitting Pattern (Fisherman's Rib)
This free slouchy beanie knitting pattern is a great project for knitters of any skill level.
If you like your hat to be super slouchy, this is perfect and a really easy pattern to follow.
Plus, the ribbed stitch adds a beautiful texture and stretchiness to your hat.
Make this beanie for you or as a gift.
Stranded Knitting Hat Pattern | The Willow
This stranded knitting hat pattern is an excellent project for anyone who wants to try knit colorwork.
This hat is perfect for the colder weather, worn with a warm coat or a chunky knit sweater.
Make one for you or as a gift.
Double Pom Pom Hat Pattern
This double pom pom hat pattern is a great advanced beginner project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round.
This hat is perfect for the colder weather, as it has been knit with super bulky yarn, in one of my favorite colors – fisherman (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick).
Make one for you in your favorite yarn color.
Easy Hat Pattern | The Alexia
This seed stitch easy hat pattern will be a great addition to your winter wardrobe.
It is a super simple project, and it's ideal for beginners
Make one for you or as a gift.
Fair Isle Hat Pattern | The Fir
This fair isle hat pattern is an excellent project for anyone who wants to try knitting with two colors in their work.
This hat is perfect for the colder weather, worn with a warm coat or a chunky knit sweater.
This hat pattern is a great project for a more experienced knitter.
Slouchy Knit Beret Pattern {The Bordeaux}
In this post, you will see a slouchy knit beret pattern.
This beret is the perfect addition to your fall/winter wardrobe!
This beret is knit flat with a fisherman’s rib stitch back and forth on straight needles.
It is then seamed using an invisible seam, the mattress stitch.
Fair Isle Hat Free Knitting Pattern (Hearts Design)
In this blog post, you will see a Fair Isle hat free knitting pattern.
This fair isle hat pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round.
This hat is perfect for colder weather, as it has been knitted with super bulky yarn.
Highlander Cable Knit Hat Pattern
The Highlander cable free hat pattern will allow you to create a cozy beanie to keep you warm in the winter months!
The main cable design on the hat is called the staghorn cable.
This hat is knit in the round on circular needles.
The perfect project for knitters who love cables.
Rikke Hat Pattern by Sarah Young
Make knitted beanie hats for all of your friends this Christmas!
This hat pattern looks like it will be great for beginners, as it uses a basic knitting stitch – garter stitch.
Grab the free PDF on Raverly.
Wickerwork Hat by Balls To The Walls Knits
This wickerwork bobble cable hat pattern has an amazingly intricate design that uses charting.
If you are new to cables or want to give them a try, this pattern will be perfect for you!
Plus, there is a video tutorial to help you along.
Northward by Tin Can Knits
This free cable knit hat pattern is a wonderful design that allows you to get to grips with cables!
It looks like such a lovely design, and those cables, once mastered, would look fantastic on sweaters or scarves.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
Swirled Ski Cap by Craft Yarn Council
Make this gorgeous, swirled ski cap and be the envy of all of your friends this year!
I think this hat would look great in grey with a mustard pom.
Knit one for you or as a gift.
Simple Slouch Hat by Robyn Devine
If any beginners want an easy project, this hat could be it!
Knit using stocking stitch; the pattern will show you how to shape through increases and decreases.
Grab the pattern PDF on Ravelry.
Free Pattern: Knit Fisherman Ribbed Hipster Hat by Classy Crochet
This cute fisherman-ribbed hipster hat with a very large pom will look good on anyone.
The pattern includes a step by step photo tutorial.
This hat can be a great gift for a loved one.
Easy Bobble Hat by Curious Handmade
Knit this incredible baby hat with this free pattern.
There are many sizes, too, so you can make one for everyone in your family!
Perfect to make for your baby or as a gift.
Free Knitting Pattern Baby Hat with Top Knot by Mack And Mabel
Make a newborn hat with a top knot using this free pattern.
This hat also looks really easy for any new knitters out there – using garter stitch (knit every row) and stocking stitch (knit 1 row/purl 1 row).
The knot on the top of the hat is super sweet too!
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
Garter Ear Flap Hat by Purl Soho
Make an awesome earflap hat in garter stitch with this pattern.
There are three sizes available, so you can make one for everyone in the family.
A great beginner-friendly pattern for all makers.
Hat Patterns For You To Make
Once you start making hats, they can get addictive, experimenting with various patterns, stitches, and colors.
The patterns in this roundup are mostly easy for beginners, with some intermediate choices with texture knit on circular knitting needles.
Basic knowledge of knitting is all that is required for you to get started.
Make A Hat To Gift Or Donate
Making hats for yourself, and loved ones, or even donating can be great projects for the cooler months.
In the fall or winter, making a chunky knit hat is just what is needed to stay warm and cozy in the cold weather.
I love to get comfy on the sofa with my free knitting pattern, and watch something on Netflix, knitting hats with a gorgeous yarn like The Petite Wool from We Are Knitters.
More Knit Hat Patterns
For a selection of easy knit hat patterns to make, take a look at my hat knitting pattern library, where all of the hat patterns are free. – Hat Patterns
There is also an option to grab the patterns from my shop I am forever thankful for all of your support!
If you are new to making hats, this rib hat tutorial with a brim is an easy project!
Take a look at this post and learn how to knit a hat To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)) – The pattern instructions are simple; you need to know how to knit, purl, decrease, and check gauge.
Free Knit Hat Patterns
Take a look at the various styles in this knit hat pattern roundup and find something you want to make.
Some hats are knit with super bulky yarn – Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick for fast one-skein projects and others are knit with worsted weight yarn like cascade yarns on straight needles.
Please remember to pin and share with all of your crafty friends!
Everything You Need To Know About Knitting A Hat
Can a beginner knit a hat?
A beginner can definitely knit a hat!
Hats are a great project for beginners because they usually involve basic stitches and simple techniques.
Starting with a pattern designed for beginners, like a basic beanie, can help you build confidence and practice your knitting skills.
Plus, hats knit up relatively quickly, offering a rewarding finished product without requiring a huge time commitment.
With a little patience and the right pattern, a beginner can successfully knit a hat.
How long does it take to knit a simple hat?
The time it takes to knit a simple hat varies depending on your knitting speed, the complexity of the pattern, and the weight of the yarn.
A basic hat using thicker yarn and larger needles can take as little as a few hours to complete.
For finer yarn and more intricate patterns, it might take a few days.
On average, a dedicated beginner can finish a simple hat on a weekend, making it a quick and satisfying project.
How do you measure for a knitted hat?
To measure for a knitted hat, you need to determine the head circumference and the desired length of the hat.
First, measure around the widest part of the head, just above the ears, to get the head circumference.
Then, decide how long you want the hat to be, measuring from the crown of the head down to the base of the ear or where you want the hat to sit.
These measurements will guide you in choosing the correct size and stitch count for your hat pattern.
What supplies do you need to knit a hat?
To knit a hat, you’ll need a few basic supplies.
First, choose the appropriate yarn based on the pattern and season, typically worsted weight for a beginner.
You’ll also need a pair of circular knitting needles, double-pointed needles, or straight needles in a size that matches your yarn.
Other essential supplies include stitch markers to keep track of your rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
Optional but helpful tools include a tape measure and a row counter to track your progress.
Knitting Lessons
If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.
How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over(yo), knit the slip stitch, how to tink, use the magic loop technique, how to decrease knitting, how to change yarn colors, and more.
Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
For helpful tips and tricks and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.
You can also find us on social media, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.
More Resources
Take a look at these free patterns and resources for more inspiration…
- 12 Simple Knitting Stitches For Beginners
- Yarn weight guide (+ conversion chart)
- Magic loop knitting | step by step
- Beginner knitters
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- Kids beanie hat pattern (Adorable & Easy DIY)
- How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles
- 30 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns To Make In 2023
- Free Cowl Patterns
