Basic baby hat knitting pattern

Make this basic baby hat knitting pattern your go-to for new baby gifts. Our adorable hat, designed by Kirstie McLeod for Simply Knitting issue 109, is made very simply in stocking stitch, with a neat little rib stitch edging and a softly rounded crown.

As an added extra, a pompom made with the contrasting yarn will set it off beautifully. Haven’t created pompoms before? It’s easy! Learn how to make a pompom with our step-by-step guide.

We think this pattern is perfect for those exploring knitting for beginners. As you make this basic baby hat you’ll learn how to change yarns to create stripes, and how to decrease for the crown of a hat. Plus you’ll end up with the cutest little present for a new arrival! If you need something for an even smaller baby, try our premature baby hat pattern.

You will need

• Deramores, Baby DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/170m), Yarn A Snow White (001), Yarn B Blossom Pink (005)
  • For yarn stockists contact Deramores. Can’t find the yarns above? Try Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK in Snow (70101) and Lollipop (70129)
• A pair of 3¾mm knitting needles

Basic baby hat knitting pattern

Tension

18 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¾mm needles

Measurements

Check out our knitting abbreviations for all the terms used in this pattern.

Cast on 80 (88: 96) sts using 3¾mm needles and yarn A.

Row 1 Knit.

Row 2-4 (K1, P1) to end of row.

Change to Yarn B.

Row 5-6 (K1, P1) to end of row.

Change to yarn A.

Row 7-9 (K1, P1) to end of row.

Starting with a knit (RS) row, cont in st st for 4 rows.

**Change to yarn B, st st 2 rows.

Change to Yarn A, st st 4 rows, cont as set from ** rep patt until hat meas 13 (15: 17)cm from the cast on edge, ending on a WS row.

Baby hat crown

Row 1 *K8 (9: 10), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 2 and all alt rows Purl.

Row 3 *K7 (8: 9), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 5 *K6 (7: 8), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 7 *K5 (6: 7), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 9 *K4 (5: 6), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 11 *K3 (4: 5), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 13 *P2tog, P2 (3: 4); rep from * to end of row.

Row 15 *K1 (2: 3), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Row 16 *P2tog, P (- :1: 2); rep from * to end of row.

Sizes 6-12 mths & 1-2 yrs only

Row 17 *K ( –: 1), k2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Size 1-2 yrs only

Row 18 *P2tog; rep from * to end of row.

Make up the baby hat

Break yarn, thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight. With the RS facing, sew seam together, matching up the stripes. Weave in loose ends.

Download your basic baby hat pattern

Get this free baby knitting pattern as a download here: Basic baby hat knitting pattern PDF

More free baby knitting patterns

Whip up a quick little knit for a new arrival with our knitting patterns for babies.

• Baby blanket knitting pattern
• How to knit baby booties
• Free knitted baby hat pattern
• Premature baby hat knitting pattern
• Baby matinee coat pattern