If you are looking for a raffia sun hat knitting pattern, this free design is a great place to start and fits perfectly into my collection of free hat knitting patterns. The Camp Hat is worked from the top down in the round using Premier Yarns Raffia, creating a lightweight hat with plenty of structure for sunny days outdoors.
Finding a hand-knit sun hat that is both practical and comfortable can be a challenge, especially if you spend long hours outside during the summer. This raffia sun hat knitting pattern is designed to help you create a breathable hat with a wide brim that offers shade while still feeling light enough to wear all day. I wear mine every year during our annual camp meeting revival, where we spend the entire day outdoors. This year temperatures reached 105°F on Saturday and 113°F on Sunday, and I was able to stay comfortable without getting a sunburn on my face, ear or neck. If you’ve been searching for a knitted sun hat that is actually practical for hot weather, this pattern was designed with that purpose in mind.
Whether you’re headed to church camp, a picnic, the farmers market, the beach, or simply working in your garden, this hat is designed to become a summer favorite. The lightweight raffia creates a structured fabric that helps the brim hold its shape while still remaining comfortable to wear.
The top-down construction also makes it easy to see your progress as the hat grows, giving you confidence throughout the project.
What Materials Do You Need for This Raffia Sun Hat Knitting Pattern?
The Camp Hat is knit using Premier Yarns Raffia and US Size 9 (5.5 mm) double pointed needles and a circular needle. Raffia behaves differently than traditional wool or cotton yarn, producing a firm fabric that gives the finished hat excellent shape without needing additional stiffeners.
One of my favorite things about knitting with raffia is how lightweight the finished project feels. Even though the hat provides excellent shade, it never feels bulky or overly warm. The natural-looking texture also gives the finished hat a timeless style that pairs well with almost any summer outfit.
Because raffia has very little stretch, take your time as you knit and avoid pulling your stitches too tightly. A relaxed, even tension will make the project much more enjoyable and give you a polished finished hat.
Although raffia may feel unusual if you’ve never worked with it before, it quickly becomes comfortable after a few rounds. Once you settle into the rhythm, you’ll likely find yourself thinking of other summer projects you’d like to make with it.
How Is the Camp Hat Worked?
This raffia sun hat knitting pattern is worked from the top down in the round. Beginning at the crown allows you to create a smooth, rounded top before gradually increasing to form the body of the hat and finally the wide brim.
The increases are easy to follow and create gentle shaping throughout the hat. Since you’re working continuously in the round, you’ll be able to try it on as you knit and enjoy watching the brim grow larger with every section.
Working from the top down also makes it easier to become familiar with the construction of the hat. Before long, you’ll have a finished project that’s ready for everything from summer vacations to outdoor worship services.
If this is your first time knitting with raffia, don’t rush the process. Slowing down just a bit helps maintain even stitches and creates a beautifully finished brim that will hold its shape for many summers to come.
Looking for More Free Summer Hat Knitting Patterns?
If you enjoy this Camp Hat, you may also like these other free hat patterns:
Each pattern offers a different look while remaining practical for warmer weather. Whether you enjoy lace, textured stitches, or lightweight summer fibers, you’ll find another project to keep your needles busy.
These hats also make wonderful gifts and are perfect for building a handmade wardrobe that you’ll actually reach for throughout the season.
Summer knitting doesn’t have to be limited to cotton dishcloths and lightweight tees. A handmade sun hat is a satisfying project that you’ll appreciate every time you head outside on a bright, sunny day.
Camp Hat Free Pattern
Materials Needed: 2 balls (approximately 140yds) of Premier Yarns Raffia 131y/3.5oz)
size 9 (5.5mm) dpn or circular, yarn needle, stitch markers
Gauge: 16sts x 24 rows/10cms or 4ins
Sizes (appx head circumference
ladies adult (51cms, 20ins)
Description
This hat is knit top down in the round. The yarn is VERY STIFF and does take some getting used to, but it creates a perfect straw style hat for keeping the sun off.
- CAMP HAT
Cast on 8. Join in the round.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [yo, k1] around (16sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [yo, k1] around (32sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [yo, k1] around (64sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – knit around
Round 12 – [yo, k2tog] around
Round 13 – knit around
Round 14 – knit around
Round 15 – knit around
Round 16 – [yo, k2tog] around
Round 17 – knit around
Round 18 – knit around
Round 19 – knit around
Round 20 – [yo, k2tog] around
Round 21-32 – knit around
Round 33 – [yo, k8] around (72sts)
Round 34 – [ktbl, k8] around
Round 35 – [yo, k9] around (80sts)
Round 36 – [ktbl, k9] around
Round 37 – [yo, k10] around (88sts)
Round 38 – [ktbl, k10] around
Round 39 – [yo, k11] around (96sts)
Round 40 – [ktbl, k11] around
Round 41 – [yo, k12] around (104sts)
Round 42 – [ktbl, k12] around
Round 43 – [yo, k13] around (112sts)
Round 44 – [ktbl, k13] around
Round 45 – [yo, k14] around (120sts)
Round 46 – [ktbl, k14] around
Round 47 – [yo, k15] around (128sts)
Round 48 – [ktbl, k15] around
Round 49 – [yo, k16] around (136sts)
Round 50 – [ktbl, k16] around
Round 51 – [yo, k17] around (144sts)
Round 52 – [ktbl, k17] around
Round 53 – knit around
Round 54 – knit around
Round 55 – purl around
Round 56 – knit around
Round 57 – knit around
Do NOT Bind off. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail to sew the brim of the hat (you’ll need about 3 times the circumference of the hat). Folding the brim at round 55 (the purl round) sew the stitches on your needles to round 52. Weave in ends. - Stitch Key
K – knit
p – purl
st – stitch
yo – yarn over
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
ktbl – knit into the front and the back of the stitch
Have you ever knit with raffia before, or is the Camp Hat your first raffia project? I’d love to hear where you plan to wear your finished hat—let me know in the comments below!
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The post Camp Hat: Free Raffia Sun Hat Knitting Pattern appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
