Seed Stitch Hat Pattern (Free Easy + Quick Knit)

In this blog post, you will see a simple seed stitch hat pattern to make for the winter! 

This is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round.

It is an easy hat to knit that ends up with an interesting texture!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the inexpensive printer-friendly ad-free PDF here. 

A Comfy Slouchy Beanie Hat

This slouchy seed stitch beanie pattern is for advanced beginners, as knitting in the round is for those with little experience knitting.

The hat is knit in the round; therefore, you should be comfortable knitting in the round, with both knit and purl stitches.

The pattern may look daunting if you are a beginner picking up knitting needles for the first time.

What Is Seed Stitch?

The hat uses a stitch pattern called seed stitch to create the textured bumps you can see in the fabric.

The simple seed stitch is created by single knits and purls that alternate horizontally and vertically.

This forms a tremendous textured stitch and gets its name from the texture of the knitted fabric – the little purl bumps look like scattered seeds.

What Stitch Is Similar To The Seed Stitch Pattern?    

Several stitches are similar in appearance and texture to the seed stitch. 

These stitches create a bumpy or textured fabric by alternating knit and purl stitches. 

Here are a few stitches similar to the seed stitch:

1. Moss Stitch: Moss stitch, also known as double seed stitch, is very similar to seed stitch. The difference is that the moss stitch pattern usually has a larger repeat, such as (K1, P1, K1, P1), and is often repeated over more rows. This creates a more pronounced texture with larger “moss” or “bump” shapes.

2. Box Stitch: Box stitch, also called partridge eye or checkerboard stitch, alternates between blocks of knit stitches and blocks of purl stitches, typically over a multiple of four stitches. This creates a textured pattern that resembles small squares or boxes.

3. Sand Stitch: Sand stitch is created by alternating between (K1, P1) and (P1, K1) over a multiple of two stitches. It creates a texture similar to seed stitch but with a different alignment of the knit and purl stitches.

4. Double Rib Stitch: Double rib stitch alternates between (K2, P2) and (P2, K2) over a multiple of four stitches. It forms a ribbed texture with a bit more structure than a seed stitch.

5. Bamboo Stitch: Bamboo stitch is a textured pattern that alternates between (K1, P1) and (P1, K1) over a multiple of two stitches. It creates a pattern of small, textured columns that resemble bamboo shoots.

6. American Moss Stitch: The American Moss Stitch, a classic textured knitting pattern, alternates between a knit one (K1) and a purl one (P1) over a multiple of two stitches. This technique results in a fabric featuring a charmingly textured surface on both sides. Its distinctive look comprises tiny, raised bumps and recessed valleys, evoking the timeless appeal of traditional moss-covered stones in a forest, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of knitting projects.

How To Knit Seed Stitch In The Round

It is different to work seed stitch flat on two straight needles than it is to work in the round.

When working flat and knitting on two straight needles, you will work seed stitch from this pattern:

Even Seed Stitch

If you have an even number of stitches, follow this pattern;

• Row 1: K1, P1, repeat to end.
• Row 2: P1, K1, repeat to end.

Odd Seed Stitch

If you have a pattern that requires an odd number of stitches, follow this pattern:

• Row 1: K1, P1, rep to final st and K1
• Row 2: Rep the same pattern above.
• For all following rows, rep row 1.

If you are knitting seed stitch in the round, change the rows in the patterns above to rounds and follow the same stitch pattern.

What Else Can You Knit With The Seed Stitch?

The seed stitch is a versatile and attractive textured stitch pattern that can be used for a wide range of knitting projects. 

1. Scarves and Cowls: Seed stitch creates a reversible and textured fabric, making it ideal for scarves and cowls. You can use it with a single color or incorporate multiple colors for a striped effect.
2. Blankets and Throws: Seed stitch blankets are cozy and visually appealing. You can knit small baby blankets or large, cozy throws to drape over your sofa or bed.
3. Mittens and Gloves: Seed stitch adds texture and warmth to mittens and gloves. Consider adding a ribbed cuff for extra snugness.
4. Headbands and Ear Warmers: For a quick and stylish accessory, knit seed stitch headbands or ear warmers. They’re great for keeping your ears warm in chilly weather.
5. Boot Cuffs and Leg Warmers: Seed stitch boot cuffs and leg warmers are fashionable and functional. They add texture and style to your winter outfits.
6. Coasters and Dishcloths: Small, quick-to-knit items like coasters and dishcloths can be made using the seed stitch. The texture makes them effective for scrubbing dishes.
7. Baby Items: Seed stitch is a lovely choice for baby items like blankets, cardigans, and baby hats. The texture is gentle on a baby’s delicate skin.
8. Tote Bags and Purses: Create stylish tote bags or purses with seed stitch panels for added texture and visual interest.
9. Pillows: Knit or cover pillows with seed stitch for a cozy and decorative touch in your home.
10. Sweaters and Cardigans: While seed stitch can be more time-consuming for larger garments, it can be used for smaller sections, such as cuffs, collars, or borders, to add texture and contrast to your sweaters and cardigans.
11. Accessories: Seed stitch can be incorporated into various accessories, such as neck warmers, infinity scarves, and fingerless gloves.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern

This pattern is excellent for any advanced beginner knitters.

• Knitting cast-on methods.
• Knitting Lessons
• How to cast on knitting.
• How to cast off knitting.
• How to knit the garter stitch.
• How to knit the purl stitch.
• How to knit stockinette stitch.
• How to read knitting patterns.
• Knitting abbreviations and terms. 
• How to knit rib stitch.
• How to knit in the round.
• How to knit seed stitch.

More Hat Patterns

If you need a more beginner hat knitting pattern that’s super easy to make and a quick knit, check out this hat pattern here – How to knit a hat with straight needles.

This is a simple pattern, and there is a video tutorial on my YouTube channel here to help you seam the hat. 

For more free patterns, please take a look at these posts:

• Chunky Cable Hat Pattern
• Cable Knit Hat Pattern
• The Chloe Hat Pattern
• The Alexia Hat Pattern

Seed Stitch Hat Pattern

Get the ad-free, printable PDF pattern here.

Notes

This hat has been knit with medium-weight yarn in two colors with a faux fur pom pom to finish it off.

The hat knits up quickly, and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, only link to the pattern page.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Easy

Size – Medium adult

Finished measurements – laying flat and unstretched = 14-inch circumference / 8.5 inches long w/out pom.

Gauge – 16 sts and 32 rounds in 4 inches measured in seed stitch.

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

• 1 skein of Kartopu melange Wool – in Light grey (Yarn A) – MK928
• Scraps (around 20/30g) of a coordinating color for the top of the hat – Kartopu Melange Wool – in mustard (Yarn B) – K3063
• Substitute yarn suggestion – Cascade 220
• Substitute yarn suggestion – Imperial Yarn Columbia
• This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.
• Yarn weight guide

Needles

• 4 mm (US 6) 16″ circular knitting needles
• 5.5 mm (US 9) 16″ circulars
• Interchangeable set of circular needles
• Please note – you may have to change your needles for the decrease of the hat if working on the circulars becomes too tight.
• This would mean using a set of size 5.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs).
• If you do not have those, you could use a 60cm/24″ cable and use the magic loop technique.

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Other Materials

• Faux fur pom pom

Abbreviations

• Approx – Approximately
• Beg – Begin(ning)
• CO – Cast on
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
• P – Purl
• PM – Place marker
• Rem – Remaining
• Rep – Repeat
• Rnd(s) – Round(s)
• St(s) – Stitch(es)

Pattern

Yarn A – Light Grey / Yarn B – Mustard

With 4 mm (US 6) circular needles and Yarn A: CO 80 sts – join in the round and pm, careful not to twist sts.

• 1st round: K1, P1 to the end of the round.
• Rep round 1 until the work measures 2 inches from the CO edge.

Change needles to 5.5 mm (US 9) circulars.

• 1st round: K1, P1 to the end of the round.
• 2nd round – P1, K1 to the end of the round.
• Rep rounds 1 and 2 until the hat measures 7 inches from the CO edge.
• Change to Yarn B and continue to rep rounds 1 and 2 for 1.5 inches.

Decrease:

• 1st round: *K1, P1, K2tog, rep to the end of the round.
• 2nd round: *P2tog – rep to the end of the round, to the last st, and P1.
• 3rd round: *K2tog, rep to the end of the round, to the last st, K1.

Cut yarn and thread through the rem sts.

Secure and weave in any loose ends.

Secure/stitch the faux fur pom pom to the top of the hat.

Share your work with us…

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

View our Facebook page or share your work in the Facebook group here.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!