Knitted Santa Hat (Free Knitting Pattern + Chunky Knit)

In this blog post, you will see a 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.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printable PDF pattern in my shop here.

How To Knit A Santa Hat

Purchase the inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Notes

Skill Level – Easy (Easy pattern for advanced beginners)

Making a hand-knitted Santa hat is a fun and festive project you can customize with your favorite colors and details for the holiday season.

This is an advanced beginner knitting pattern, and the techniques involved are casting on, knitting, and purl stitches, knitting in the round, K2tog, and changing colors.

This classic Santa hat can be knit in seven sizes: baby to adult sizes.

Wear over the festive season with a holiday outfit or give away as handmade gifts to friends and family to wear as a fun holiday accessory.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell the finished product using this pattern, giving pattern credit to Handy Little Me/Louise Bollanos.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your own listings or any online listings.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information/Head Circumference

Gauge – 14 sts/18 rows in 4×4 inches/10×10 cm in stocking stitch (using the larger needles 8 mm (US 11).

• Baby 0-3 months – 13-15″
• Baby 3-12 months – 15-18″
• 1-2 years Toddler – 18-19″
• 3-12 years Child – 19-21″
• Teen/Adult Small – 21-22″
• Adult medium – 22-24″
• Adult Large – 24-26″

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

• You will need two colors of yarn (1 ball of each color or see the estimated yards below for each size);
• Yarn A – White
• Yarn B – Red
• The yarn weight is bulky yarn/chunky/12 ply.
• I used The Petite Wool from We Are Knitters in white (natural) and red.
• Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
• Estimated yards needed for each size…
• Baby 0-3 months – 48 yds
• Baby 3-12 months – 58 yds
• 1-2 years Toddler – 60 yds
• 3-12 years Child – 70 yds
• Teen/Adult Small – 76 yds
• Adult medium – 92 yds
• Adult Large – 106 yds

Needle Size

• Set of 6 mm (US 10) 40 cm/16″ circular knitting needles.
• Set of 8 mm (US 11) 40 cm/16″ circular knitting needles.
• You may need size US 11/8 mm double-pointed needles for the decreases or use the magic loop technique with a slightly larger cable size of 50 cm/20″ or 60 cm/24″.

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle/Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker

Other Tools

• Pompom maker
• Alternatively, you could add a faux fur pom pom to the tip of the hat. 

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
• Rem – Remaining
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• WS – Wrong side

Santa Hat Knitting Pattern

*Please note you can use the long tail cast on or any stretchy cast on.

View the Santa hat patterns below in the seven sizes…

0-3 Months

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 32 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 4 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B and knit every round until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

3-12 Months

Cast on 40 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 4 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 9 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

1-2 Years Toddler

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 48 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 4 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 10 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K4* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

3-12 Years Child

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 56 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 6 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 11 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K5* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K4* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

Teen/Adult Small

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 64 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 6 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K6* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K5* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K4* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

Adult Medium

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 72 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 6 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 13 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K7* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K6* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K5* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K4* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

Adult Large

Using 6 mm (US 10) circular needles – Cast on 80 sts with Yarn A.

Join in the round and place a marker if you wish.

Round 1 – *K1, P1*, rep from *to* to the end of the round.

Continue to work in 1×1 ribbing, repeating round 1 until the piece measures 6 inches.

Using 8 mm (US 11) circular needles – Change to Yarn B until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge.

Decrease

You can change your needles to double-pointed needles if the decreases become too tight to knit or use the magic loop technique.

• *K2tog, K8* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K7* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K6* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K5* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K4* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K3* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K2* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• *K2tog, K1* repeat from * to* to the end of the round.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Cut yarn, thread a tapestry needle, and weave the end through the remaining stitches.
• Pull up tight and secure with a knot.
• Then, weave in any other loose ends.
• Make a pompom in Yarn A.
• Attach it to the endpoint of the hat (stitch it into place securely) and weave any loose ends.

Why Does Santa Wear A Red Hat?

The iconic image of Santa Claus wearing a red hat is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and popularized through various forms of media.

The modern portrayal of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund figure in a red suit with a matching hat is largely attributed to the influence of Coca-Cola’s marketing in the 1930s.

Before the widespread adoption of the red suit, Santa Claus was often depicted in different colors, including green, blue, brown, or even tan.

The red suit, however, became synonymous with Santa Claus thanks to a series of illustrations created by Haddon Sundblom for Coca-Cola’s holiday advertising campaigns.

These illustrations, starting in the 1930s, depicted Santa in a red suit with a white fur trim, and the image resonated with the public.

The choice of red for Santa’s suit is often associated with the colors traditionally associated with Christmas, particularly the red and white of candy canes and holly berries.

Additionally, the bold red color is eye-catching and festive, making it a visually appealing choice for the embodiment of holiday joy.

While the specific origin of Santa’s red hat is not explicitly documented, it is part of the overall image that has become ingrained in popular culture.

Today, the red hat is a recognizable and enduring symbol of the holiday season, representing the spirit of generosity, joy, and gift-giving associated with Santa Claus.

What Are Santa Hats Actually Called?

The traditional hat worn by Santa Claus is commonly known as a “Santa hat.”

These hats are characterized by their distinctive design, typically featuring a red fabric body, a white fur-like brim, and a white pom-pom at the tip.

The Santa hat has become a symbol of Christmas and is often worn by people during the holiday season as a festive accessory.

The style and design of Santa hats can vary, but they generally share the characteristic red and white color scheme and the conical shape with a floppy brim.

The hat is also sometimes referred to as a “Santa cap” or a “Christmas hat.”

Regardless of the name, Santa hats are widely recognized and embraced as a playful and festive element of holiday celebrations.

More Free Hat Patterns

View warm hats you can wear outside the North Pole but in a cold climate here…

• How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners
• Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern {Unisex Mariner’s Hat}
• Beret Hat Knitting Pattern {Fisherman’s Rib}
• How To Knit A Hat With Circular Needles
• Seed Stitch Hat Pattern (Free Easy + Quick Knit)

Free Knitting Patterns For Christmas

• 13 Vintage Christmas Stocking Knitting Patterns
• 30 Free Christmas Knitting Patterns
• Christmas Knitting Patterns For Kids
• 12 Christmas Sweater Knitting Patterns
• 17 One Skein Knitting Patterns {Easy + Quick}
• 35 Free Christmas Knitted Decorations Patterns!
• Knit Tree Skirt Pattern (Free And Easy Christmas DIY) 
• Knitted Elf Hat Pattern
• Dog Christmas Hat Pattern

Share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the knit Santa hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!