Newborn Hat Pattern On Circular Needles (Free Printable)

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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

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.
Newborn hat

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
easy newborn hat

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.
neutral newborn hat

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!

Yield: Newborn Hat

Free Knit Baby Hat Pattern Circular Needles

easy newborn hat

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.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Difficulty Advanced Beginner
Estimated Cost $10

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

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

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

newborn hat

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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