8 Baby Hat Knitting Patterns You’ll Love to Make
Looking for baby hat knitting patterns? I’ve gathered my favorites, all free on my pattern page.
When I sit down with my needles, one of the most rewarding projects I reach for are baby hat knitting patterns. They’re small, they work up quickly, and they make some of the sweetest little gifts. Whether you’re knitting for your own newborn, donating to hospitals, or creating adorable photo props, there’s a special joy in seeing a tiny hat fresh off the needles.
Today, I want to share some of my favorite baby hat knitting patterns. These are all ones I’ve designed with care, tested with different yarns, and enjoyed knitting again and again. Some are classic beanies, others are whimsical bonnets, but they all bring out the charm that only handmade hats can have.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea if you’re like me in the afternoons), settle in, and let’s talk through some wonderful baby hat knitting patterns that you’ll definitely want to add to your list.
Why I Love Baby Hat Knitting Patterns
First things first—baby hat knitting patterns are ideal for knitters of all levels. If you’re a beginner, they’re bite-sized enough to practice new stitches without the overwhelm of a large garment. If you’re more experienced, they give you a chance to try out new yarns, cables, or lace patterns without a huge time investment.
Plus, let’s be honest, they’re just ridiculously cute. There’s something about holding up a newborn-sized hat and realizing you knit it yourself that makes the craft extra special.
Cables in Cashmere Beanie
Let’s start with one of my favorite textured baby hat knitting patterns—the Cables in Cashmere Beanie. This DK weight beanie balances cables in a way that feels purposeful, polished, and fun to knit.
I knit this one using KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), which is a dreamy blend of merino and cashmere. The softness makes it an excellent option for delicate baby skin, and the stitch definition means the cables really pop.
This pattern is perfect if you want something with a touch of luxury. It’s also a great gift knit—you’ll impress everyone with those cables!
Cables in Cashmere Free Pattern
Lewis Beanie
Next up in my line of baby hat knitting patterns is the Lewis Beanie, which is knit in a fluffy worsted yarn. This one has carefully designed decreases that create a smooth crown finish—one of those small details that makes a big difference.
For this pattern, I used Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link). It’s light, warm, and has the right amount of fluff without being overwhelming. The combination of cables and the fluffy yarn makes it look sophisticated yet playful.
This is a great hat if you want something with more volume and warmth, especially for those colder months.
Chain Bonnet
If you’ve ever wanted cables without actually knitting cables, this one is for you. The Chain Bonnet is one of my most unique baby hat knitting patterns. It uses the MCDD stitch (Modified Center Double Decrease), which gives a faux-cable look. I even made a full tutorial for this stitch that you can check out right here.
I knit this bonnet with KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link), a soft and luxurious yarn that handles decreases beautifully.
This pattern is especially fun because it’s a little bit of knitting trickery—everyone assumes it’s cables, but you didn’t need to wrestle with a cable needle at all.
Jewel Pixie Bonnet
Among baby hat knitting patterns, I always love including a pixie-style option. The Jewel Pixie Bonnet has a sweet pointed back and lace details that make it stand out.
I knit this using KnitPicks City Tweed DK (affiliate link), and I can’t recommend it enough. The tweedy texture gives the lace an old-fashioned charm while still feeling modern and fresh.
If you want something that combines whimsy with timeless style, this bonnet is a great choice.
Jewel Pixie Bonnet Free Pattern
Newborn Everyday Beanie
Sometimes simple is best, and that’s why the Newborn Everyday Beanie is one of my go-to baby hat knitting patterns. With a stretchy 1×1 rib and a snug fit, it’s ideal for newborn gifts or hospital donations.
I knit mine in Bernat Softee Baby (affiliate link). This sport weight yarn is soft, affordable, and easy to find—making it a great pick if you’re planning on knitting multiple hats for donation.
This beanie is practical and quick, and I love how it looks in a variety of colors.
Newborn Everyday Beanie Free Pattern
Mary Bonnet
If you enjoy lacework, the Mary Bonnet is one of the prettiest baby hat knitting patterns you’ll come across. It features all-over lace and a delicate picot edging that makes it truly special.
I knit this bonnet with KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link). The yarn’s softness and stitch definition make the lace shine, and the picot edging blocks beautifully.
This is the kind of bonnet you’ll want to knit for special occasions—baptisms, family photos, or keepsake gifts.
Thomas Beanie
For something more traditional, the Thomas Beanie is a classic among baby hat knitting patterns. It features a four-stitch rib and four-stitch cable that come together in a timeless design.
I knit this beanie with Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link). It’s a sturdy worsted weight wool that makes for a hat that’s both warm and long-lasting.
This is the kind of beanie you’ll knit again and again, not only because it’s simple and beautiful, but also because it wears so well.
Prairie Bonnet
Last but not least in this round-up of baby hat knitting patterns is the Prairie Bonnet. This one uses wrapped stitches that almost look like cables, giving it a rustic and charming texture.
I knit mine in KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link), a fluffy worsted yarn that gives the bonnet a soft, cloud-like look.
If you’re looking for something a little different but still classic, this bonnet is a must-try.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Baby Hats
When working through these baby hat knitting patterns, yarn choice makes a huge difference. Here are a few of my quick tips:
- Softness matters most. Babies have sensitive skin, so yarns like Capra, Heatherly, or Softee Baby are perfect.
- Weight affects the look. DK weight patterns like Cables in Cashmere or Jewel Pixie Bonnet are slightly more structured, while worsted options like Lewis Beanie and Prairie Bonnet give more warmth and fluff.
- Washability is a bonus. Many parents appreciate machine-washable yarns. When gifting, it’s worth thinking about care instructions.
Why These Baby Hat Knitting Patterns Stand Out
All the baby hat knitting patterns I’ve shared here bring something special to the table. Whether it’s the luxurious cables of Cables in Cashmere, the fluffy warmth of Lewis Beanie, the trick-stitch fun of the Chain Bonnet, or the timeless simplicity of the Newborn Everyday Beanie, each one has its own character.
I love designing patterns that not only look great but are also enjoyable to knit. These hats keep your hands busy, your creativity flowing, and your heart full—especially when you see them worn by a sweet little one.
If you’ve been on the hunt for baby hat knitting patterns, I hope this list gave you some inspiration. Whether you’re knitting for keepsakes, donations, or everyday wear, these hats are both fun to make and delightful to gift.
Now it’s your turn—grab your needles, pick your favorite yarn, and cast on one of these baby hat knitting patterns. You’ll have something sweet and handmade in no time at all.
I’d love to hear from you! Which of these baby hat knitting patterns do you want to try first? Leave a comment below and let’s chat about it—I always enjoy hearing your knitting stories.
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The post 8 Baby Hat Knitting Patterns You’ll Love to Make appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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