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There’s nothing quite as precious as a handmade knit hat on a baby’s head. Knitting a hat for your little one or a pregnant friend is a super sweet way to show your love. Enjoy this roundup of my favorite free patterns for easy, beginner-friendly baby hats.
Knit Baby Hat Patterns
As an expectant mom, I was obsessed with finding the perfect knit hat pattern for my new baby. There’s just something so cute about a cozy, knit cap on a little head.
Knitting baby hats will always be one of my favorite projects. Not only are they adorable, but hats are so useful for keeping babies warm. When can you make something both practical and sentimental? Now, that’s a good project!
Luckily, there are tons of free knitting patterns out there for knit baby hats. In this post, I’ll share my top tips for choosing the ideal yarn, along with a roundup of my favorite free knitting patterns.
And this list isn’t totally exclusive to babies, either. In many of the patterns, you’ll also find sizes for making matching hats for children and adults as well! Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just learning, you can find a design you’ll love. Have fun picking a pattern!
Can beginners knit a baby hat?
Yes! If you’re new to knitting, the key is to choose a beginner-friendly pattern. Basic skills like casting on, binding off, knit/purl stitches, ribbing, and decreases are what you’ll need to whip up a cute hat.
Within this list, you’ll find designs that range in skill level from beginner to intermediate. A few of the easiest patterns includeTroll(#12) andMount Ambler(#17).
Supplies You’ll Need
Here are some supplies you’ll need to make your baby hat. Read through your pattern thoroughly to see if it requires any extra supplies.
- Yarn.Keep reading for tips on choosing the best yarn for baby hats.
- Knitting needles.Most patterns require circular needles and/or double-pointed needles (Check your pattern and/or yarn label to find out what size needles you’ll need. And remember to make a gauge swatch!
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring Tape
- Other notions(ribbon, cord, etc.)
What yarn is best for knitting baby hats?
For knitting baby hats, it’s essential to choose a yarn that’s soft and won’t irritate their sensitive skin. Other characteristics to look for include washability, breathability, and durability.
Washable.Superwash yarns or acrylic-wool blends are easy to care for. You can just toss these yarns in the washing machine – no handwashing required!
Breathable.Lightweight cottons or cotton blends are great for summer hats.
Acrylic yarn.While acrylic yarns are budget-friendly, they can also be pretty scratchy. So, if you’re going to go with this option, be sure to feel it yourself to make sure it’s soft enough for baby’s skin.
Popular Choices.Some of my favorite baby hat yarns include Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Lion Brand Baby Soft, Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca, and Lion Brand Coboo.
For each of the patterns listed, I’ve included the specific yarn used so you can get started on your knitting right away.
Techniques to Know for Knit Baby Hat Patterns
Read through your pattern and practice any new techniques before getting started. Techniques and stitches you might need to know for making your baby hat include:
- Making a gauge swatch
- Casting on and binding off
- Basic Stitches Knit (k) and Purl (p)
- Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and Slip, slip, knit (ssk)
- Increases: Make one (m1), knit front and back (kfb)
- Stockinette stitch (knit a row, purl a row)
- Ribbing (for example, k2, p2 rib)
- Knitting flat and in the round
- Cable knitting
- Color changes
- Knitting an i-cord
- Seaming
- Finishing touches: weaving in ends, adding pom poms, etc.
25+ Free Knit Baby Hat Patterns
Take a look at these free knit baby hat patterns for your next work in progress. Happy knitting!
1
Garter Ear Flap Hat in Plenty
Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com
This classic hat adds a little bit of extra fabric over the ears to make sure they stay toasty warm! It features a simple tassel and gentle decrease for a snug but comfortable fit. The pattern is available in six different sizes, from baby to adult large.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Plenty
2
Pom Pom Bow Hat
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This trendy design features a fold-over brim and an adorable pom pom that’s tied with a bow! It’s knit in the round on circular needles (but you will need DPNs for the decrease). It’s available in four sizes for babies and kids.
Designer: Cassandra May
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
3
Classic Cuffed Hat
Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com
This pom pom hat is such a classic! Whether you’re heading out to go sledding or taking off for a trip to the shopping mall on a cold winter day, this one is a staple you won’t want to leave behind. It’s available in baby, kid, and adult.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Worsted Twist
4
Berry Baby Hat
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
Choose your favorite berry or vegetable-themed colors for this irresistible baby hat! This design would make a perfect gift for a newborn. It features an extra deep rolled bottom for fitting securely on any size baby head.
Designer: Michele Sabatier
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece
5
Sea Glass Hat
Photo Credit:www.woolandpine.com
This colorful hat is perfect for using up scrap yarns, and it doesn’t require weaving in any ends! It’s available in 8 different sizes - from newborn to adult large, and includes video tutorials to guide you through the pattern.
Designer: Wool & Pine
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
6
Beloved Aran
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This beautiful hat features gorgeous texture made with the double seed stitch, a ribbed brim, and a big pom pom to top it all off. It’s available in baby, child, adult, and large adult.
Designer: Solenn Couix-Loarer
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: De Rerum Natura Cyrano
7
Bearly Bonnet
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This adorable pattern would make an excellent gift for a baby or toddler. This fairly easy pattern works up quickly and is available in four different baby/toddler sizes. It’s worked from the front to the back of the head and includes pictured instructions for creating the ears.
Designer: Pure Stitches
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
8
Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This Norwegian cap features cute stripes and chevron shaping. It naturally frames the baby’s face while keeping the ears covered. The gentle tie keeps the cap snugly on your baby’s head.
Designer: Gro
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
9
Luuk
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This hat is squishy and cozy and can stretch to fit just right. It’s available in many different sizes from preemie to large adult. This pattern is a good choice for comfortable beginners.
Designer: Annis Jones
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted
10
Karina Baby Turban Hat
Photo Credit:mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com
This adorable turban hat with its built-in bow would be such a special gift for a little girl! It’s available in a number of different baby sizes. Choose your favorite baby color and enjoy this pretty pattern!
Designer: Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
11
Golden Pear
Photo Credit:www.shop.sweetfiberyarns.com
This beautiful color scheme is reminiscent of a ripe, golden pear - but this precious hat would be cute in any shade! Special techniques used for this pattern include color stranding and i-cord. Follow the tutorials included if you need help!
Designer: Sweet Fiber Yarns
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sweet Fiber Cashmerino Worsted
12
Troll
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
With its pointy brim, this hat is such a cute way to keep your little troll’s head warm! It’s knitted in rounds using the stockinette stitch and is quick to make. This would be a great hat pattern for a beginner.
Designer: Gabriela Widmer-Hanke
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: KnitPicks Swish Bulky
13
Citrus Hat
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This hat is worked with decreases that look like a citrus fruit. This design creates a stretchy, accommodating hat that’s great for growing kids. It includes five different sizes, from baby to adult large.
Designer: Laura Treadway
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
14
Bear Ears Worsted Weight Hat
Photo Credit:www.foxandpinestitches.com
This bear ears hat is both cozy and so adorable! And it’s not just for babies, either. This pattern is also available for children, women, and men.
Designer: Fox and Pine Stitches
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable Tweed
15
Babbity Baby Hat
Photo Credit:mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com
This basic baby hat is made with simple stitches and finished off with a ribboned bow. It’s available in four different sizes. If you love this hat, be sure to check out the matching sweater pattern!
Designer: Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca
16
Mishka
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This precious beanie is knitted seamlessly from bottom to top. It’s available in two versions: one with the vertical cables along the back of the hat, and one without. It’s available in four sizes, for newborns to toddlers.
Designer: Emilie Luis
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine
17
Mount Ambler
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This hat has sizes for the whole family. It’s made with a simple repeated pattern, so you can easily make this one over and over! This easy-to-follow pattern would be great for beginners.
Designer: Gabriella Roberts
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios
18
A Trio of Hats
Photo Credit:www.woollywormhead.com
This cap comes with three different options for finishing off the crown: a beanie version with an i-cord top, a pixie crown, and a square top. Each option is made with a garter stitch brim, a round of eyelets, and a stocking stitch body.
Designer: Woolly Wormhead
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Wendy Merino Bliss DK
19
Små Vågor
Photo Credit:mariacarlander.blogspot.com
This two-tone pattern is available in two sizes (for baby and toddler), but is easily adjustable if you want to make a larger hat. It features fun scalloped waves that create a sporty look. This hat would be perfect to take on your next sledding, skiing, or ice skating adventure! (Scroll down for the English instructions.)
Designer: Maria Carlander
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
20
Spring Garter Bonnet
Photo Credit:www.kniftyknittings.com
This adorable bonnet is made with simple garter stitches and beautiful i-cord ties. It’s knit flat in one piece with short row shaping for the back. It’s available in 5 sizes, from newborn to toddler.
Designer: Knifty Knittings
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: We Are Knitters Pima Cotton
21
Baby Tri-Peak Hat
Photo Credit:www.woollywormhead.com
This tri-peak cap is knit from the bottom up and features a rolled stocking stitch brim. To make this pattern, you’ll need to be comfortable with casting on, binding off, knitting in the round, and working the stocking stitch.
Designer: Woolly Wormhead
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
22
Happy Bow Hat
Photo Credit:hobbii.com
This hat pattern comes in three sizes and is finished off with an endearing bow on top. This would be such a cute “mommy and me” project! It’s created primarily with the stockinette stitch.
Designer: Hobbii
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Happy Sheep Woolpower
23
Super Simple Work Sock Hat
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This classic hat is available in baby, child, adult S, and adult M/L. With its classic gray, foldover striped brim, and pom pom on top, this knit hat is a stylish way to bundle up for the cold weather.
Designer: Katie Pomper
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Estelle Yarns Worsted
24
Baby Fox
Photo Credit:www.garnstudio.com
You won’t be able to help smiling every time you glance at your little one in this clever fox cap! This precious hat pattern is available for babies and children from premie size to 4 years. This pattern would also make such a cute gift!
Designer: Garnstudio
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
25
Quick Ombre Hat
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This hat pattern uses stranded colorwork to transition from one shade to the other in a fun ombre design. It’s knit from the bottom up and is a great way to integrate two of your favorite winter shades. It’s available in a number of sizes from preemie to adult.
Designer: Emily Dormier
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers
Tips and Tricks for Knit Baby Hat Patterns
Choose the right yarn.
When it comes to choosing yarn, the two most important factors are softness and washability. Look for fibers like cotton, merino wool, alpaca, and bamboo blends that are breathable and won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin. (Remember – babies can’t necessarily pull a hat off if it’s too scratchy or hot.)
And, of course, washability is important, too – we all know how messy babies can be! Superwash and blended yarns are a must for easy care. Some popular choices include Lion Brand Baby Soft, Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca, and Lion Brand Coboo. Or check out the suggested yarn choices for each pattern below!
Measure if you can!
If possible, measure baby’s head before getting started. That way, you can choose a size that will fit.
If you’re not able to measure – or you’re between two sizes – I suggest going for the larger one. It’s okay if your hat turns out a bit big. Babies grow so very quickly!
Gauge matters
I totally understand wanting to jump right into your project, butdon’t skip making a gauge swatch! Even though it feels tedious, itis really important to get the right fit. A little error could mean your hat doesn’t fit the baby at all. Let’s not let that happen!
More Knitting Ideas
If you like to knit, you may be interested in these related posts.
- 25 Free Headband and Ear Warmer Knitting Patterns
- 25+ Free Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Baby Sweater Knitting Patterns
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Sarah Stearns Founder and Editor
Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.
