Here’s a free, easy knitting pattern for a kid’s hat, designed for beginners using flat knitting on straight needles. This pattern is simple, with a fun and stretchy ribbed brim, perfect for keeping little heads warm!
Materials:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (about 150 yards)
- Needles: US size 8 (5mm) straight needles
- Tapestry needle (for seaming)
- Scissors
Gauge:
- 4 inches = 18 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch.
Abbreviations:
- CO = Cast on
- K = Knit
- P = Purl
- K2tog = Knit 2 together (decrease)
- P2tog = Purl 2 together (decrease)
- BO = Bind off
Instructions:
1. Cast On:
- CO 72 stitches (this will fit most kids’ heads, but you can adjust the number of stitches for a tighter or looser fit).
2. Ribbing (Brim):
- Row 1 (Right Side): K2, P2 across the row.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): K2, P2 across the row.
- Repeat these two rows until the brim measures about 2-2.5 inches long.
3. Main Body of the Hat:
- After completing the ribbing, switch to stockinette stitch (knit all stitches on the right side, purl all stitches on the wrong side).
- Continue knitting in stockinette stitch until the hat measures approximately 7-8 inches from the cast-on edge (or desired length to cover the child’s head).
4. Decreasing:
- Now we’ll decrease to shape the top of the hat:
- Row 1 (Right Side): K8, K2tog across the row. (You should have 64 stitches.)
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3 (Right Side): K7, K2tog across the row. (You should have 56 stitches.)
- Row 4 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 5 (Right Side): K6, K2tog across the row. (You should have 48 stitches.)
- Row 6 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 7 (Right Side): K5, K2tog across the row. (You should have 40 stitches.)
- Row 8 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 9 (Right Side): K4, K2tog across the row. (You should have 32 stitches.)
- Row 10 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 11 (Right Side): K3, K2tog across the row. (You should have 24 stitches.)
- Row 12 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 13 (Right Side): K2, K2tog across the row. (You should have 16 stitches.)
- Row 14 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 15 (Right Side): K1, K2tog across the row. (You should have 8 stitches.)
- Row 16 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
- Row 17 (Right Side): K2tog across the row. (You should have 4 stitches.)
5. Finish the Hat:
- Cut the yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail.
- Use a tapestry needle to thread the yarn through the remaining 4 stitches and pull tightly to close the top of the hat.
- Sew the side seam of the hat using the mattress stitch or whip stitch.
6. Weave in Ends:
- Weave in any loose ends with your tapestry needle.
Optional:
- You can add a pom-pom to the top of the hat for extra fun!
Now you’ve created a cute and cozy hat for a child, perfect for cooler weather! This simple pattern will make a great gift or addition to your little one’s wardrobe. Enjoy your knitting!