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Free Santa Hat Knitting Pattern (7 Sizes)

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

Looking for a Santa hat knitting pattern?

This free, chunky-knit Santa hat works up fast and brings instant holiday cheer—perfect for family photos, parties, and gifting.

Using only basic knit and purl stitches with simple shaping and decreases, it’s a beginner-friendly make with a cozy finish.

Follow the step-by-step instructions and top it with a fluffy pom-pom for classic Christmas style.

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

Free Santa hat knitting pattern with 7 sizes

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, purl stitches, knitting in the round, K2tog, and changing colors.

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

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.
Free Santa hat knitting pattern

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″
Knitted Christmas hat bulky yarn

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

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. 
Knitted Santa hat white and red yarn

Abbreviations

Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)

  • 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
Knitted Santa hat side view

Free 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.
Santa hat knitted

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.

Knitted Santa hat

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.

adult knitted Santa hat

Could you 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, 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!

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knitted santa hat in all sizes
Knitted Santa hat pattern

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