Make a gift for your man that he will love with this free men’s hat knitting pattern.
This ribbed beanie hat and matching cowl are great projects to knit up on circular needles.
In this pattern you will need to know the following;
*Please scroll down to see the free pattern and don’t forget to pin for later!*
Advanced Beginner Hat Pattern
I wanted to make and share a hat pattern that is really easy for any advanced beginner knitters, this pattern uses basic techniques, including; knitting in the round, knit and purl stitches.
Simple to make in an easy ribbed stitch, this hat will knit up in a couple of hours.
You can make the matching cowl too, just to make sure he stays nice and cosy.
Winter Hat And Cowl Set
I made this set for my husband after he was complaining that his other (bought) hat wasn’t tight enough around his ears, letting the cold wind in.
So this hat has a tighter fit around the head and now he wears it frequently.
Made with bulky 05/chunky super-soft yarn, it has already had compliments from friends and family!
Look no further for the perfect men’s ribbed beanie and matching cowl.
Beanie Hat
This stretchy hat will fit a wide variety of head sizes and can be made in any length to create a short fitted hat or a slouchy longer beanie style.
Perfect for a brisk walk in the park with the dog or coffee with friends in town.
I made the hat using Delfino (Delfino Μοντέρνο) yarn, which I found in a local yarn shop here in Corfu, in colour-way 6260.
I knit with two strands of yarn together as this made it suitable for size 8 mm (US 11) 16″ circular needles.
Men’s Beanie Hat Pattern
You can use other yarns as a substitute, and of course, any yarns that are suitable for size 8 mm (US 11) needle will be perfect.
I knit this hat in the round, so there was no seaming involved, just a few loose ends to sew in at the end.
The hat uses basic stitches – knit and purl, to knit 2 x 2 ribbing for the main body of the hat.
For the 2 x 2 ribbed stitch you cast on in multiples of 4.
Knit Hat Patterns
If you are an advanced beginner it will also introduce you to shaping through simple decreases.
This easy hat knitting pattern is great for any beginners who are learning how to knit, as it is a great project for learning the basic knitting stitches.
The hat size can also be adapted if you want to make it smaller or larger, just measure the circumference of the recipients head and adjust the number of stitches you cast on.
If you would like to make more knitted items for men, please take a look at the other patterns in the men’s knitting pattern library.
Knitted Cowl Pattern
You can also make a matching cowl, using the same yarn and the same technique – 2 x 2 ribbing.
You can see how to knit ribbing in this video tutorial here – how to knit the rib stitch.
The cowl is unisex so can be worn by anyone!
The cowl pattern is great for any skill level as it is a mindless project for when you want to watch a movie.
Men’s Ribbed Hat And Cowl Pattern
Get the printable ad-free PDF version from my shop here.
Skill Level – Advanced beginner
Notes
This hat knits up quickly and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
You are welcome to sell items knit from this pattern, I just ask that you give pattern credit to Handy Little Me and link to www.handylittleme.com in any listings. Thank you!
For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.
Size
Men’s medium – The hat measures around 20 inches circumference and 10 inches long without the pom pom.
The cowl measures – laying flat – 14 inches long.
Gauge – 4 stitches = 1″
Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviation List
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- CO – Cast on
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
- P – Purl
- PM – Place marker
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
-
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Yarn
- Super bulky yarn or two strands of DK knit together.
- Yarn in dark grey – I used a brand called Delfino (Delfino Μοντέρνο) which I found in a local yarn shop here in Corfu, in colour-way 6260.
- I used around 2 skeins for the hat and 4 skeins for the cowl.
- I also used 2 strands of yarn knit together, so it would have a chunkier look.
- Any yarn suitable for 8mm (US 11) needles will be ok or if you use 2 strands of DK (for 4mm needles (US size 6) yarn knit together.
- A good alternative for a DK (4mm / US 6) yarn would be Rowan pure wool worsted in the colour-way Granite 111.
- A good alternative for a chunkier yarn suitable for the 8mm/US11 or 9mm/US13 needles would be Lion Brand wool ease thick and quick in Charcoal 149.
- Yarn weight guide
Needles
- Circular knitting needles 8 mm (US 11) 16″ circulars for the hat
- 24″ Circular knitting needles 8 mm (US 11) – for the cowl
Notions
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Tape measure
- Stitch markers
Other materials
- Pom pom maker Clover 2 – 1/2 inch Large.
Pattern Instructions
The Hat Pattern
- With 8 mm (US 11) circular needles and grey yarn cast on 64 sts
- Join in the round and pm, being careful not to twist the sts.
- Round 1: Knit 2, Purl 2, to the end of the round.
- Round 2: Knit 2, purl 2, to the end of the round.
- Rep rounds 1 and 2 – Cont to work in 2×2 Rib until piece measures 9 inches from the CO edge.
- Next Round: *K2tog, P2tog, Rep from * to the end of the round – decrease in rib
- Next Round: Knit to the end of the round.
- Next Round: K2tog to the end of the round.
- Cut a long tail of yarn and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight together and secure.
- Make a large pom with the pom maker out of grey yarn and stitch to the top of the hat.
The Cowl Pattern
- With 8 mm (US 11) circular needles and grey chunky yarn cast on 100 sts
- Join in the round and pm, being careful not to twist the sts.
- Row 1: Knit 2, Purl 2 to the end of the round.
- Rep row 1 – work in 2×2 Rib until piece measures 13 or 14 inches from the CO edge.
- Cast off in rib.
