Basic baby hat knitting pattern
Keep little ones cosy in this easy-to-knit striped hat by Kirstie McLeod, which comes in three sizes to fit newborns to toddlers.

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!
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
