10 Best Free Hat Knitting Patterns for Beginners
If you’re hunting for the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite easy hat patterns that are fun, quick, and give that satisfying “I made this!” moment. You can find even more on my free hat knitting patterns page.
What are the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners?
The best free hat knitting patterns for beginners are the ones that teach you the basics—like ribbing, simple decreases, and working in the round—while still being something you’ll actually want to wear. I’ve knit and designed quite a few, and below are my top beginner-friendly picks.
Why start with hats?
Hats are small, portable projects that knit up fast and help you learn almost every basic knitting skill: casting on, knitting, purling, decreasing, and even sewing on a button if you feel fancy. Plus, you can use them to bust your stash or try new yarns without committing to a sweater-sized project.
The Tab Beanie
The Tab Beanie is one of the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners because it blends simple stitches with a touch of personality. It starts with a k2p2 ribbing edge, then flows into easy stockinette stitch for the body. You’ll shape the crown with simple k2tog decreases, and at the end, you’ll knit a small rectangle “tab” and sew it onto the brim with a big statement button.
It’s a little bit of flair without being complicated—and it’s a great project for gift knitting too. I knit mine in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link), which gives it the perfect mix of warmth and structure.
The Peace Beanie
If you want instant gratification, the Peace Beanie might just be your new go-to. This one uses chunky yarn, alternating k1p1 ribbing and garter stitch sections with k2tog decreases to shape the top.
It’s thick, stretchy, and works up in a single evening—perfect for last-minute gifts or cold-weather walks. I knit mine in Premier Yarns Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link), which gives it a buttery-soft feel and beautiful stitch definition.
This pattern is so approachable that even if you’ve only finished one scarf, you can absolutely tackle it next.
The Newborn Everyday Beanie
If you’ve ever wanted to knit something for a hospital or baby shower, this one’s for you. The Newborn Everyday Beanie is just k1p1 ribbing with simple k2tog and ssk decreases—that’s it!
It’s one of the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners because it’s quick, repetitive, and teaches you how ribbing transitions into shaping. I love gifting these to new moms or donating them to birthing centers.
I use Bernat Softee Baby (affiliate link), a classic acrylic yarn that’s soft, washable, and perfect for sensitive baby skin.
Newborn Everyday Beanie Free Pattern
The Michael Beanie
The Michael Beanie is a little more structured but still totally beginner-friendly. It features a wide rib that makes it stretchy enough to fit a variety of heads—perfect if you’re still working on consistent tension.
You’ll knit a few inches of ribbing, then decrease gradually for a snug top. The simplicity makes it one of my favorite best free hat knitting patterns for beginners to gift to men and teens.
My version uses KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link), which gives it a nice sheen and super soft finish.
The Everyday Beanie (Worsted)
This hat is as classic as it gets. The Everyday Beanie Worsted is a k1p1 ribbed brim, stockinette body, and k2tog/ssk decreases—simple, timeless, and fast.
It’s an excellent pattern to learn how to knit a fitted hat that looks great on everyone. I knit mine in Lion Brand Heartland (affiliate link), which adds a soft drape and a slight heathered texture.
If you’re still getting used to switching from knit to purl, this is the perfect practice project.
Everyday Beanie Worsted Free Pattern
The Everyday Beanie (Chunky)
Take the same idea as the worsted version, but make it faster and fluffier! The Everyday Beanie Chunky works up in a single afternoon, using the same k1p1 ribbing and k2tog/ssk decreases combo.
Chunky yarn makes it one of the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners because mistakes are easy to see and fix. It’s a great confidence-builder.
I use Premier Yarns Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link) for this one too—the drape and softness are unbeatable.
Everyday Beanie Chunky Free Pattern
The Elijah Slouch
If you’re ready to move beyond fitted hats, the Elijah Slouch is a gentle next step. It’s knit in a fun all-over circle stitch pattern made entirely from knits and purls, and you can easily adjust the slouch length.
This is one of my personal favorites from my collection of best free hat knitting patterns for beginners because it teaches you how texture can completely transform a hat.
I knit mine in KnitPicks Chroma (affiliate link), and the color transitions are stunning.
Elijah Slouch Hat Free Pattern
The Dathan Hat
The Dathan Hat might look complex at first glance, but it’s actually a super simple basketweave stitch made with just knits and purls. My 12-year-old daughter made it as her third project ever, which tells you how approachable it is!
It’s squishy, textured, and the kind of knit that makes people say, “You made that?”—without knowing how easy it was.
This pattern uses Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), one of my all-time favorite wool yarns for beginners.
The Damask Hat
The Damask Hat is a beautiful project for knitters who want something simple that still looks intricate. It starts with a folded brim, then moves into a textured pattern made from knits and purls that mimic cables—no cable needle required!
The top decreases smoothly, giving it a professional finish. It’s easily one of the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners who want to level up their texture skills.
I used Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) again for this one—it holds the shape perfectly and really shows off the stitches.
The Anna Beanie
The Anna Beanie is another gem from my list of best free hat knitting patterns for beginners. It features an all-over diamond stitch pattern—again, made entirely from knits and purls.
The rhythm of this pattern makes it relaxing to knit, and the texture gives it a designer look without advanced techniques.
I made mine with Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday (affiliate link), which makes it soft, washable, and perfect for everyday wear.
My favorite tools and tutorials for beginners
If you’re diving into the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners, here are a few tutorials from my blog that will help you along the way:
You can also find my full Beginner Knitting Series packed with tutorials, photos, and left-handed videos.
How do I choose which hat to start with?
If you’ve never knit a hat before, start with the Newborn Everyday Beanie or Everyday Beanie Worsted. They use the most basic stitches and have short rounds, so you’ll finish quickly and build confidence.
If you’ve already finished a scarf or dishcloth, you’ll find these patterns easy and fun. As you gain confidence, move up to the Tab Beanie or Dathan Hat to explore more textures.
How do I know what yarn to use?
When in doubt, use the yarn listed in the pattern. I always choose beginner-friendly yarns that are easy to find and affordable. Here’s a quick reference from this roundup:
- KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (affiliate link) – perfect for structured, warm hats
- Premier Yarns Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link) – soft, chunky, and ideal for quick projects
- Bernat Softee Baby (affiliate link) – washable and perfect for baby hats
- KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link) – smooth and easy to work with
- Lion Brand Heartland (affiliate link) – soft acrylic with beautiful tones
- KnitPicks Chroma (affiliate link) – soft single ply wool in ombres
- Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) – durable wool that blocks beautifully
- Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday (affiliate link) – excellent for washable everyday wear
FAQ: Best Free Hat Knitting Patterns for Beginners
Q: What’s the easiest hat to knit for an absolute beginner?
A: The Dathan Hat or Everyday Beanie Worsted are my top picks—they’re simple, quick, and teach essential skills.
Q: How long does it take to knit a beginner hat?
A: Most of the best free hat knitting patterns for beginners take 2–6 hours, depending on yarn weight and experience. But don’t be upset if it takes you longer if you’re brand new to knitting.
Q: Do I need circular needles?
A: Yes. All of the above hats are knit in the round. I would recommend double pointed needles too for when you get to the very top and have very few stitches left.
Q: What’s the best yarn for beginner hats?
A: Stick with worsted or chunky yarn. Acrylic or superwash wool blends like KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link) and Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) are forgiving and easy to handle.
Q: Where can I learn basic knitting stitches?
A: Check out my tutorials for how to knit, how to purl, how to k2tog, how to ssk, and how to cast on.
The best free hat knitting patterns for beginners are the ones that teach you something new while keeping it fun and doable. Whether you pick the Tab Beanie, Everyday Beanie, or Dathan Hat, each project helps you grow as a knitter while giving you something beautiful to wear or gift.
If you’re ready to cast on your first hat, start with one of these and check out my Free Hat Patterns page for even more inspiration.
Which one are you casting on first? Let me know in the comments below—I love hearing what everyone’s making!
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