Newborn Hat Pattern On Circular Needles (Free Printable)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.This easy newborn hat pattern on circular needles is perfect for advanced beginners and can be made in larger sizes for babies up to 24 months.
This newborn hospital hat is really easy to make and doesn’t take very long.
Knit in the round, this hat uses basic knit stitches and requires some decreasing.
Please scroll down to view the free pattern and grab your printable!
Newborn Hat Pattern
You can grab the free printable below or support my work by purchasing the ad-free PDF in my shop here.
Skill Level – Easy Knitting Project (Advanced beginners)
Notes
The instructions are written for smaller sizes.
If changes are necessary for a larger size, the instructions will be written thus ( ).
The circumference of the head is worked out like this >
0-3 months = 14-15″ / 3-6 months = 15-16″ / 6-12 months = 16-17″ / 18-24 months = 18-19″
Please measure to make sure you have the right circumference for your hat, as every baby is different and may need to go up or down a size.
Gauge – 2 sts/4 rows in 1 inch
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.
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- Two balls of Rico Essentials Cotton DK in beige (91) – knit with two strands together.
- Any medium-weight yarn/DK or worsted weight yarn knit with two strands together.
- Or a super bulky weight yarn if you want a warmer hat (knit with one strand only).
Needles
- 9 mm (US 13) 16′′ circular knitting needles
- You may also need a set of 9 (US 13) Double pointed needles for the decreases.
Notions
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Tape Measure
Abbreviations
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit the next two stitches together
- P = Purl
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
Pattern Instructions
- Cast on > 30 sts (0-3 months) / 32 sts (3-6 months) / 34 sts (6-12 months) / 36 sts (18/24 months).
- Join in rnd, placing a marker on first st.
- Knit every round until the work from beg measures 5.5″/6″/6.5″/7″.
- Size 0-3 months/3-6 months/6/12 months only: Next rnd: (K6. K2tog. K7. K2tog) twice.
- Next rnd: Knit.
- Size 18/24 mos only: Next rnd: *K4. K2tog. Rep from *around.
- Next rnd: Knit.
- Both sizes: Shape top: 1st rnd: *K3. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 2nd rnd: Knit.
- 3rd rnd: *K2. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 4th rnd: Knit.
- 5th rnd: *K1. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 6th rnd: *K2tog. Rep from * around.
- Break yarn.
- Draw the end through rem sts and fasten securely.
- Finishing: Sew in any loose ends.
Free Printable
To make this project even easier, I’ve created a free printable version of the pattern.
You can keep it handy while you work—no need to keep checking your phone or scrolling through the blog.
It’s perfect for printing out or saving to your tablet for easy access anytime.
Just click the print button below to grab your free copy!
Free Knit Baby Hat Pattern Circular Needles
Learn how to knit a soft and cozy newborn hat using circular needles with this free knit baby hat pattern.
Perfect for beginners, this simple baby beanie is worked in the round and includes step-by-step instructions, ideal for crafting a thoughtful handmade gift.
Knit with lightweight yarn, this baby hat is seamless, stretchy, and gentle on delicate skin—just right for newborns and hospital donation projects.
Materials
- Two balls of Rico Essentials Cotton DK in beige (91) – knit with two strands together.
- Any medium-weight yarn/DK or worsted weight yarn knit with two strands together.
- Or a super bulky weight yarn if you want a warmer hat (knit with one strand only).
Tools
- 9 mm (US 13) 16′′ circular knitting needles
- You may also need a set of 9 (US 13) Double pointed needles for the decreases.
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Tape Measure
Instructions
Pattern Instructions
- Cast on > 30 sts (0-3 months) / 32 sts (3-6 months) / 34 sts (6-12 months) / 36 sts (18/24 months).
- Join in rnd, placing a marker on first st.
- Knit every round until the work from beg measures 5.5″/6″/6.5″/7″.
- Size 0-3 months/3-6 months/6/12 months only: Next rnd: (K6. K2tog. K7. K2tog) twice.
- Next rnd: Knit.
- Size 18/24 mos only: Next rnd: *K4. K2tog. Rep from *around.
- Next rnd: Knit.
- Both sizes: Shape top: 1st rnd: *K3. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 2nd rnd: Knit.
- 3rd rnd: *K2. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 4th rnd: Knit.
- 5th rnd: *K1. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 6th rnd: *K2tog. Rep from * around.
- Break yarn.
- Draw the end through rem sts and fasten securely.
- Finishing: Sew in any loose ends.
Notes
Abbreviations
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit the next two stitches together
- P = Purl
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
Size Information
The instructions are written for smaller sizes. If changes are necessary for a larger size, the instructions will be written thus ( ).
The circumference of the head is worked out like this >
0-3 months = 14-15″ / 3-6 months = 15-16″ / 6-12 months = 16-17″ / 18-24 months = 18-19″
Please measure to make sure you have the right circumference for your hat, as every baby is different and may need to go up or down a size.
Gauge – 2 sts/4 rows in 1 inch
An Easy Level Knitting Pattern
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.
Using mainly knit and purl stitches, this pattern will also introduce you to decreasing and shaping.
If you have never knitted in the round before, you can watch my video tutorial here – How to join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles
Helpful Resources
This knit baby hat pattern is great for any advanced 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 join knitting in the round with circular knitting needles
More Baby Knitting Patterns
You may also be interested in these baby knits:
- Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
- Knitted Baby Cardigan (Free Knitting Pattern)
- Easy Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern
- How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
- Baby Blanket Pattern (Patchwork + 4 Stitch Patterns)
- Stuffed Bunny Pattern {With Crochet Overalls}
- Baby Slippers Knitting Pattern
- Bunny Softie Pattern (Easy To Knit)
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the newborn hat, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
Happy Knitting!
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